A Review: Bally Total Fitness
May 21, 2009 by Tisha Tolar
Filed under Need To Know
We’ve all seen the Bally Total Fitness ads on television, and read some reviews on their advertising great membership prices and just short of a 
guarantee that you too can look as good as the people in the advertisement if you sign up now. But in the age of economic worries, many recommend canceling such memberships in favor of working out on your own, at home. But many die-hard fitness fans are still inspired by working out in bigger gyms that have top-of the line exercise equipment and personal training options. Is it still worth it to join Bally’s Total Fitness?
Here is some background information on Bally’s Total Fitness:
Bally’s Total Fitness has been operating health clubs since the mid-1960′s and is one of the most popular fitness chains in the America. To date, there are over 4 million active members in the world with over three hundred locations in the country and eighty-plus in other areas of the world. Bally’s has been know for the variety of services they offer to their members, some of which is supplementary to its membership, including personalized training, nutritionists, physical rehabilitation, and even organized fitness classes, such as yoga and dance.
Some Negative Press
Over the years, Bally Total Fitness has been the subject of negative criticism concerning its membership options, accounting procedures, and has even experienced issues with bankruptcy. Many members contested the way the membership was set up and their overall level of satisfaction. Essentially, members can opt to join a club on a singular basis or purchases a membership that admits them worldwide to any Bally’s club.
Not All Are Alike
Since Bally’s has so many clubs in operation, not all will rate the same as the others. Individual locations may offer and provide services that vary in quality. One of the popular negative concerns about the club is that due to its popularity, the workout areas are often crowded, making it hard to access equipment and space at times. There is also the aspect of the highly commercialized environment in which the club sells products and additional services relevant to fitness that can be quie pricey.
While membership does afford you the most up-to-date exercise equipment technologies, unless you are avid and active member of the club, the high price of membership might be unnecessary for you. There has also been concern with the contractual obligations for membership, in that you must keep paying even if you quit going. If you do go regularly, you will benefit for th some clubs additional amendments such as the swimming pools, tennis courts, and even running tracks that are at certain locations.
If you are interested in becoming a member of your local Bally Total Fitness club, be sure you first go and take a tour of the facility. You want to know what options you will have before signing up. Be sure to discuss the membership plans and sign up only for the one you can afford. Do not let a inspired salesperson talk you into services you don’t necessarily want or need. You also may want to consider joining with a friend to stay motivated about your exercise routine. Special membership offers may be available if you bring a friend. If you have any questions or concerns, ask a representative before signing up for a paid membership.
(Author’s Aside: Several years ago, I joined a Bally Total Fitness in Philadelphia, PA. My intention was to use the exercise equipment but my main objective was to have access to the swimming pool year-round. Within a month or two of my membership commitment, the gym moved to a different location. That location happened to be a historic landmark that would not allow a swimming pool to be constructed at the new location. I fought to get out of the contract and initially lost, even though per the terms of there contract, they did not provide exact facilities after the move. Eventually, I was able to get out of my contract because I moved to a location that did not have a Bally’s within 50 miles of my new home.)
© 2009, FIT FOR EVER. All rights reserved.
I hate Bally’s. They will NEVER let ou out of a contract for any reason. My wife was pregnant and on bed rest and even a note from the doctor didn’t help. We had to pay them out through the end of the contract. Even now they still send us the “We want you back” mail. Avoid Bally’s.