Fitness World and options

[magicmystery]

A friend handed me a brochure from Fitness World. I noticed that besides a regular gym they also offer personal training and group classes. I've tried joining a gym before but I get bored in few days and quit. I am guessing a personal trainer will help me stick to a routine. Right now (some of you have already made fun of this): I do Yoga and I pay like $100/month for that. This is for Yoga only.

FitnessWorld deal is
1. $110 a month for 12 months including 12 personal training sessions (I see myself using them up in 6 weeks).

Or
2. I could opt for 36 personal training sessions (should last me 4 months) and pay $210/month for 12 months contract ($1800 for personal trainer spread over 12 months + $60 a month).

On top of this, I could also do Yoga thrice a week for additional $30 a month. Or do some other group class for free (like Aquafit, Step, etc.)

Basically, the personal training sessions work out to be about $50/session. In Toronto, I remember the sessions were about $40/session (if you bought 10 of them at a time).

Is Fitness World overpriced or is it the regular rate here in Vancouver? Also, is it a better idea to just join the gym and get an external personal trainer? Would that be cheaper? For me, motivational-skills of a personal-trainer trumps all other skills.

 

[kalel]

as a long time member of fitness world, i can tell you that their basic membership is not over priced, especially since you get multiple locations to train at. what is over priced is their completely useless training staff and service centres. if anybody who works for FW is reading this i dare you to prove me wrong.

the trainers are basically BCRPA minimum certified tools who aren't the least bit motivated to help you, just to help themselves to your hard earned cash. and so is the easy zone program they sell.

i know it sounds cynical especially for somebody who lives and breathes bodybuilding, and if they were qualified i would say so. i've just seen so many people lose their money and not get the results they wanted.

with that said, there are a good trainers in the whole FW organization. if you want to know which ones and what locations just pm me.

cheers

 

[magicmystery]

with that said, there are a good trainers in the whole FW organization. if you want to know which ones and what locations just pm me.
cheers

Yep. I want to know.

Other than FW: what are my options? I'd prefer something close to Metrotown area.

 

[Pornholio]

I belive Location is one of the more important things to start. Based on making sure you will go. Taking away excuses is of utmost importance,as if say I dont want to work out today because traffic is too heavy, or the bridge will be bad, is so easy to do. Make it close to home or work. Something that is on your commute, with good hours.

If you find a place like that. that makes sure you go, things generally fall into place. Once you are addicted again at working out, then venture to a better gym.

I'm currently addicted again to working out, so I am commited to driving out of my way for a good workout, but I wasnt always like that.

I also find that if you pay for your personal training sessions seperate from them being built into your monthly fee, is better due to the fact that if you no show your workout not only are you just hurting your self, but also financially speaking you still pay for it. Also a dedicated training partner can have the same effect (don't let them down by no-show, they push you for a couple extra pounds or reps)

I know you didnt say motivation was a factor for you, so sorry if I went off in that direction, just IMHO that whats important.

As for gyms I am a strong advocate of paying for a good facility. Not that you have to pay to much, but if the fee is enough to keep the riff raff out it can help with gym ettiquette thus making it a better experience. Community centers are ok if thats all that can be afforded for some (rather work out and be healthy for everyone) but I find it can be packed to novice of a cliental, like high school kids; or others who have no idea what they are doing, doing it wrong-and you copy them thinking it is right; and lots of people who wont help you, or put away there own weights. Its like living in a higher rent building vs co-op etc.

I have been working out for many years and have been competitive in the past. When I lived champlain heights I didnt like any of the gyms in the area so I would drive to Richmond at fitness unlimited (part of my commute) so I cant recomend a gym around Metrotown sorry, and have limited experience training at fitness worlds. I have just made the switch to Golds in Richmond, love there equipment-most amazing; and have checked out Steve Nash's and the oval aswell!

HOPEFULLY I havent muddied the waters for you, just fitness and being active is a big part of my life, so I wanted to share my $.02

 

[magicmystery]

I know you didnt say motivation was a factor for you, so sorry if I went off in that direction, just IMHO that whats important.

Actually, I did say that motivational skills of the trainer trumps over everything else. I quit gym in the past because a) got bored b) not motivated enough

So, yes, you are right. To minimize chances of quitting-gym again, I need to
a. reduce excuses I can make. So proximity to work/home is very important
b. get a trainer or a training buddy or both to keep myself motivated
c. think about all the girls that'd look at me a little different once I've a 6-pack, athletic body (lol)

I live close to Metrotown. So, for me, FW-Burnaby is easy. But there is a Gold's in Burnaby and it's also not very far from where I live (about 5 kms). I am going to check them out tomorrow morning to see what they have to offer.

 

[jackcb]

maybe...one should ask why you get bored? I had the same problem before, lifting weights and running on a treadmill is not my thing. So i got a pass this year to a gym that contained a proper swimming pool, ball courts and adequate weight room. I mix my workout up so that every day is not the same and I can enjoy doing what i want to do. Plus the lifeguards are cute

 

[magicmystery]

maybe...one should ask why you get bored? I had the same problem before, lifting weights and running on a treadmill is not my thing. So i got a pass this year to a gym that contained a proper swimming pool, ball courts and adequate weight room. I mix my workout up so that every day is not the same and I can enjoy doing what i want to do. Plus the lifeguards are cute

Honestly, I get bored because I am a geek/nerd. All I can think about is getting back to my computer. I've tried to break out of this shell unsuccessfully in the past. But I am not giving-up on this. I like the idea of doing variety of things and I've been thinking the same - workout, join some activity (kickboxing, yoga etc.), learn to swim (yes, I don't know how to swim lol).

 

[devastator]

its not overpriced..it just sucks. like the mcdonalds of gyms

do not pay to be trained by a place that advertises "no experience necessary" when posting ads for trainers.

 

[Pornholio]

See if the Golds near you is still a Golds. They seem to have taken away most of the franchises from the old Golds and are building brand new ones. Langley=40,000sq.ft w/pool. Richmond 27k w/basketball court (old grizzlies court) http://www.goldsgymbc.ca/

 

[kalel]

it is still a gold's. burnaby gold's is better than anything the new franchise owner, victor, can build.

 

[magicmystery]

it is still a gold's. burnaby gold's is better than anything the new franchise owner, victor, can build.

If they have a pool, basketball court, it is definitely better than FW. I mean, I could swim, play (learn) basketball too. It'd be less boring than simply lifting weights.

Also, I hear their personal training sessions are $30/half an hour. Which is enough. I can do cardio pre and post weight lifting myself. I don't need trainer for that. In fact, if I bike to Gold's (Burnaby), it'd be like a cardio itself.

 

[magicmystery]

Thanks guys for all your tips. Glad I posted this here. FW wanted me to sign-up today (they said promotion ends tomorrow, price would go up and so on). I knew they were just trying to pressurize me and I am glad I didn't give in. Gold's isn't very far from Metrotown. I am going to check them out tomorrow morning and then decide. FW is pretty much a nay now.

 

[Harmony-bc]

I had a personal trainer at FW a few years ago. I really liked her, but I would never actually get a membership there. If I lived in Burnaby, I would go to Bonsor's. They have a pretty good gym, pool, etc. Cheap too, and they could probably hook you up with a personal trainer.

 

[Harmony-bc]

Gold's, World, Y.M.C.A, or your neighborhood fitness center before Fitness World (fitness world last resort, lol). The only convenient thing about FW is the one down town is 24 hrs, but who wants to lift weights drunk?

 

[dipitydoo]

Ocean

I hear there's this incredibly hot personal trainer in Vancouver...

check her out! (it's not in Metrotown though)

http://www.oceanbloom.com/fan/site.php?level1=1&level2=39&level3=39


vavavoom!

 

[Jerika]

FW staff were not to my liking either. The facilities were great and convenient.

Ocean Bloom looks great! Looks like her muscles, before, were more intense. Its cool to see the transition from body-builder to fitness pro.

 

[CaraClementine]

Fitness World/Trainers

Fitness world wouldn't be my choice of gyms... as they are mostly far too crowded for my liking, and the training I do is specialized. I prefer to do boxing/martial arts specific training. Group classes are a good reason to sign up.
Have you thought about boot camp? It is an excellent way to to all the components of fitness in. (unless you are looking for body building training.)

I can see why many join though, given that they have so many locations. They also have a wide range of equipment. (you should try to stay away from machines for the most part though, and do more functional weight training.)

Trainers: Stay away from FW trainers... in fact the majority of trainers that work in these big gyms are just getting their start in the industry, and are low paid. They lack experience. You want to hire a trainer who has at least 2 years experience! A trainers personality, and ability to motivate you is important.. however so is their knowledge and experience. This will help you break out of plateaus later on.

New trainers haven't developed their skills yet.. in areas of client communication, creativity, and program design. Often, they will use cookie-cutter methods. (which may be fine if you have never done any weight training before.) The type of training you will need, will be based on your goals, preferences, and body.

How motivated do you think someone who earns $12/hr. is going to be? You may pay the big bucks.. but the trainer will not see much of that. For many chain gym trainers, these gyms are just a stepping stone.

Go with an outside trainer... but be aware of the fact that a lot of these big gyms will NOT allow in outside trainers. You have more to lose than just money here.... your time. Time and effort... wasted if your trainer is incompetant, and you lose motivation, or the program design is ineffective.

 

[TheSilkenBadger]

If you are just looking for a gym to train at but don't care about the trainers (because you have your own routine) then find a gym that has at a basic level people that have BCRPA fitness levels. Find a gym that is in a convenient location for you with hours that suit your needs. Just take out a basic membership and go from there.

However, If the gym you are thinking of going to has a basic membership and everything else is an up sell ( new equipment etc) avoid them like the plague. I have never really liked Fitness World because of that. There are other better gyms with better training available out there.

With Fitness World be aware of bait and switch tactics, Up sales, contract lengths etc cause the fine print is guaranteed to screw you. (been there done that and will never go back. I guess I was 19 and neive back then.)

Most high level training gyms have - Personal trainers on staff. Most have just basic stuff BCRPA, and in house training. The industry standard in BCRPA. You need to have it to work in the industry. The industry needs to be better regulated than it is.

Seriously look for people in the industry that have CSCS or NSCA designations. Most of them will also have degrees in B- Phed (physical education or B H-Kin Human kinetics Or a BSC in Kin (kinesiology).

These are the people that have to stay current on their information because this is their career. It is a requirement to stay "Certified in the profession!"

Having the proper people on staff is essential to help lead you and help you reach your goals, by placing you on proper programs that you actually like doing.

Go check out a number of different gyms, go at different times try to avoid 5-9 pm as those are generally the absolute worst time, or go and see just how busy it is. Everybody is there. See what each gym has to offer. If the first place they show you is the sales office.. walk out its just as simple as that.

Just like buying a car etc... Have a ton of questions ready.

1) length of term, will I be billed extra if I cancel my contract (ie membership) with the gym (Fitness world used to be famous for that one).

2) What standard are the trainers trained to just BCRPA, or do they have CSCS, NCSA designations. Does any one on staff have a degree in Human Kinetics, Kinesiology or physical education. Especially if you are entrusting your hard earned dollars to a trainer. You have a right to know certification levels of staff.

3) Hours of operation. What are their peak hours? When should I avoid coming into the gym?

4) Are there different levels of membership, Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum what are the differences in service. What do I get for my dollar$$ I spend. If I use this piece of new equipment do I have to pay more. If I sign up for this class is it inclusive or do I have to pay more for it. Spinning etc. Beware of the UP SELL!!!

 

[magicmystery]

I went to checkout Gold's Burnaby today. They don't have pool or basketball court. But the gym looked good. So, I signed up. Due to corporate rates, it's costing me $79(one-time)+$22/bi-weekly. Since it's bi-weekly, it will be 26 payments. So, it works out to be roughly $50 a month.

I've 10 days to cancel so I will check-out other places too in the meanwhile. But Gold's is about 4-5 KMs from my place. So, it's not bad. After a couple of months of treadmill, I should be able to run to on gym alternate days

Gold's has given me 2 free training sessions. So, I am going to see how they go. If it's okay, then I'll continue with their trainer. Personal training roughly works out to $25 per half hour. So, I might go with this. I plan on seeing a personal trainer 3-times a week for first 2 months. And twice a week after that for one month. And then once a week for remainder of my term.

At the level I am (zero or negative), I don't really care too much about experience-level of the trainer. I care more about trainer's ability to keep me motivated and to keep pushing me. If I don't click with Gold's trainer, I'd get an external trainer (from all the recommendations given to me). Only thing with an external-trainers tend to be expensive or they tend to not offer shorter (half hour) sessions. So I may not be able to see a trainer as often as I'd like to. From thrice a week, I might have to go down to twice a week.

Once I get habitual to going to a gym and working out (with the help of a personal trainer) I could venture out to further locations to see quality trainers. For now, something close-by with affordable and motivational (this is key for me) personal-trainer should be okay. I can cancel Gold's membership anytime for $99.

 

[aznboi9]

This may be a little late; but every gym I've ever been to allowed me to try it out as a guest for a week. I would have done that before signing up as it gives you a chance to get a feel for the place and see if it's right for you.