OK, I know Fremont isn't Wallingford, but what's a few blocks between friends? Sound Mind & Body is a big, clean, well-managed and reasonably-priced gym located right on the Burke Gilman trail... More

OK, I know Fremont isn't Wallingford, but what's a few blocks between friends? Sound Mind & Body is a big, clean, well-managed and reasonably-priced gym located right on the Burke Gilman trail (just a 5-minute ride or 15-minute jog from anywhere in Wallingford). In addition to the usual gym features (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, free weights, weight machines, etc.), they have several different workout spaces devoted to different kinds of classes (step aerobics, yoga, etc.). The standout offering - at least in terms of local buzz - is the ski conditioning class. My wife and I took the class our first winter in Seattle and it more than lived up to its billing (I'm pretty dedicated about my fitness, and I hadn't worked out that hard since college). So if crossing the border into Fremont doesn't give you the heebie-jeebies, SMB is your best bet.
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. . . the woman who runs it is a bit of a lunatic. she tried suing the fremont market (and lost) because they blocked access to one of three entrances. for some reason she made it very public... More

. . . the woman who runs it is a bit of a lunatic. she tried suing the fremont market (and lost) because they blocked access to one of three entrances. for some reason she made it very public several years ago. i used to work out there and while it is a very nice gym (great ski conditioning classes) with an awesome view of the water while working out, they tend to really nickel and dime you there for things like towels, etc. for around the same price, i found other gyms to offer much more.
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SMBG is a great gym. It's spacious, the staff is friendly and I've never had to wait for machines. I tend not to be a class-taker so I can't comment on that, but I like the openness and the feel of... More

SMBG is a great gym. It's spacious, the staff is friendly and I've never had to wait for machines. I tend not to be a class-taker so I can't comment on that, but I like the openness and the feel of the place. The towel charge is a little annoying, but minor compared to the rest of what you can get. The weight room downstairs is well equipped and has multiple stations for each body type which means, once again, that waiting is minimized. Parking is easy and its near the PCC for yummy eats after workouts or people watching at the Fremont Market on Sundays.
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Sound Mind and Body (in Fremont) is well laid out and has all the equipment you would expect to find in a good gym. It isn't cheap but they have different membership options, such as a punch card... More

Sound Mind and Body (in Fremont) is well laid out and has all the equipment you would expect to find in a good gym. It isn't cheap but they have different membership options, such as a punch card if you aren't sure how often you are going to use it. One floor is full of treadmills and exercise bikes and that type of thing, another floor has the free weights and nautilus machines, and then they have the mat room and aerobics studio. They also offer classes of different types, like yoga, aerobics, etc., and they have a big basketball court.
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Poor management; aloof and unfriendly. They could use some genuine warmth! They charge for towels and even temprorary use of a bike lock! If the staff attitude improved I'd consider re-joining but... More

Poor management; aloof and unfriendly. They could use some genuine warmth! They charge for towels and even temprorary use of a bike lock! If the staff attitude improved I'd consider re-joining but I'll take my membership elsewhere. Pros: great view of canal Cons: negative service
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This gym is sleek, modern, clean, and very "cool". Exactly the sort of gym I would escape to if I had a cheap babysitter to leave the kids with at home. Unfortunately, this gym has NO child... More

This gym is sleek, modern, clean, and very "cool". Exactly the sort of gym I would escape to if I had a cheap babysitter to leave the kids with at home. Unfortunately, this gym has NO child minding at all, so bringing them with you isn't an option. Towels are 50 cents, and bring your own lock.
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I've always avoided the big gyms (24 hr fitness,gold's etc) because they reminded me of high school/college in the worst of ways. I also prefer a clean, pretty facility with classes that are... More

I've always avoided the big gyms (24 hr fitness,gold's etc) because they reminded me of high school/college in the worst of ways. I also prefer a clean, pretty facility with classes that are relevant to my lifestyle. Sound, Mind and Body offers all of that- and I only buy a punch card so that I can enjoy the outdoors and only work out indoors when rain falls too hard for a run. The pilates classes are surprisingly good and the instructors are extremely professional. Give it a shot.
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For being such an expensive fascility, you would expect a friendly professional environment. But you'll see otherwise upon checking in. You'll be greeted by silent customer service people acting... More

For being such an expensive fascility, you would expect a friendly professional environment. But you'll see otherwise upon checking in. You'll be greeted by silent customer service people acting like airport customs. Try to join any of their programs and you'll be lucky if they call you back. They don't care if you're able to get in. But they're happy to charge you double the rates of a typical workout gym. And if you're coming during peak times, take the bus because their parking lot is very small. Their gym is supplied with worn out flat basketballs and the floor is rarely swept. You're better off going to a Rec Center. Lifting and exercise equiptment is acceptable but dated and some are worn. Pros: Nice View of Water Cons: , Unresponsive to Calls, Poor Maintenance
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This is a great gym, with a really soothing view. Equipment is well maintained, clean and updated often. Good selection of free weights with small increments. Trainers are great, although the... More

This is a great gym, with a really soothing view. Equipment is well maintained, clean and updated often. Good selection of free weights with small increments. Trainers are great, although the management need customer service bootcamp! Pros: Location/view, Equipment, Trainers Cons: Customer service
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I use the Fremont gym, and it's so NOT the standard gym scene -- just people serious about getting fit. It's clean, spacious, and the view and equipment can't be beat. I work out mid-morning so... More

I use the Fremont gym, and it's so NOT the standard gym scene -- just people serious about getting fit. It's clean, spacious, and the view and equipment can't be beat. I work out mid-morning so can't attest to evening crowds, but even on weekends have never had to wait for a machine. Pricey, yes, and they could use a pool/whirlpool, but well worth it.
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