This budget gym trims the fat off its patrons at streamlined facilities.

by Contributor

The Scene
Most Ballys stick to the basics for their design. Televisions broadcast silently above multiple rows of cardio machines; mirrored walls act as the primary decorative components. But thanks to high-energy television ads and low-impact membership premiums, this national fitness chain has steadily attracted a clientele bent on saving money while losing weight or gaining muscle.

The Workout
Using fairly standard strength-training equipment and/or racks well-stocked with free weights, the best of the trainers here, who are classified at four different levels, can be as skillful as those found at costlier gyms. For group classes, signature exercise options include Spinning and Powerflex, as well as a number of patented routines inspired by Tae Kwon Do.

04/30/07

Dirty/Unfriendly Staff/Crime

by pittsburghchica0982

I have belonged here for about 8 months and I am sad to say, I have another 2 years in my contract. The rates are good, thats it. There is TONS of crime here. People have had their keys stolen only to find out that other people that belong there go out and take stuff out of your car. The place is DIRTY. I'm talking TOTAL filth. Most of the time there are no paper towels to clean off the equipment when you use it and no disinfectant. I dont think the pool has ever been cleaned, there are giant clumps of hair floating around in it. The staff is rude. They dont make an effort to say hello to anyone and the manager's priority is getting the 15 year old workers there to think that she is cool. I have never seen so many out of shape people WORK in a gym. Typically the marketing strategy of a gym is to get people to join based on the premise that they will LOOK GOOD, not like the overweight and flabby "trainers". When the "train" you, they sit you on a machine and read the instructions to you...thanks but i can read myself. This is not a place to join if you are serious about getting in or staying in shape.

• Pros: Cheap
• Cons: You get what you pay for...