Bally Total Fitness

10/12/09

It works, most of the time

by Santamonican at Citysearch

After seeing so many negative reviews on Ballys Culver City I thought I should come to their defense just a bit. This gym was a beauty when it first opened about 10 years ago. It's definitely due for a remodel and most of the equipment would be better off replaced rather than constantly, emphasize constantly, being repaired. If you come between 10am-4pm the crowds and parking are fine. Rush hour is rush hour in LA, and this includes the gym. What's this about cognitive deficiencies in the staff? Chill....as long as you don't ask cognitively questionable questions yourself your good. Contact corporate and try to get a membership through them, at least a quote. Accounting issues...corporate, not enough dumbbells...corporate, smells...corporate. Think of the gym as a dealership, you get the picture? As long as their meeting quotas and getting paid your issues are trivial, sorry you're in LA and working with a poorly supervised cash cow in the city, think. You shouldn't be paying more that $250 per year, just mention 24 hour fitness in Marina del Rey with a costco offer. Lastly, keep in mind that this is the last gym on the westside until you get to downtown. Meaning the corridor between Venice and Jefferson Blvds. from Overland to Hoover (yes that's after Vermont) does not have a gym to serve these areas. Also keep in mind that many folks use this gym to shower, like for the day, perhaps the week, because their trailer doesn't have a working shower. I'm not joking. Next time you drive up and down Venice Blvd. notice the house-trailers (RVs). Where do you think they shower? And they may decide to go for a jog on the treadmill before they do. Hint: take a machine between two unquestionable people. But your happy paying under $300 a year for your membership, huh? They are too. Live with it, it's all good. Most of the people there are fine. Relax, and quite making excuses.

• Pros: Big, bright, lots of windows
• Cons: gettin, lookin, and smellin old, few roughnecks

08/18/09

WORST GYM IVE EVER BEEN TO!!!

by dextermorgan at Citysearch

went in 2 weeks ago to try and work out a one week membership and try and see if the gym was right for me. the manager brought his friend along and talked about the gym for a while as he showed me around, then he showed me to an office, and gave me a speech for 30 mins about the gym and insisted i join right that minute. i walked out and was simply disgusted with this place. i will never ever use a bally's, as this experience has shown me how ridiculous this gym is. the employees are rude and condescending and their one week membership that they offer is nothing more than a sham to try and get you in the door.

• Pros: NOTHING AT ALL JUST TERRIBLE
• Cons: EVERYTHING, DONT EVEN WASTE YOUR TIME

04/06/09

Ick

by gsabean at Citysearch

I walked in on a Monday afternoon at 11:00am, and was out by 11:01am. After opening the doors to this place, you're immediately assaulted by the smell - much, much more disgusting than any other chain gym I've ever been to - and then you see the people. ALL of them, in one sweaty stampede, running on the treadmills. There were so many more people there than I expected for a weekday afternoon. I'm BEYOND glad that I didn't sign up, no matter how low the cost. Now the only thing I have to do is find another gym in Culver City!