I considered joining the new AFF at Short Pump. Before visiting, I called to get information about rates. After being on hold for 5 min, someone answered who started asking questions rather than answering any. The only thing she would discuss is when I could schedule a visit. She was unwilling to discuss anything by phone (similar to a used car lot). I thought it was pretty rude to waste my time.
Against my better judgment, I visited anyway. The new facility is ok. I had higher expectations based on what I saw in marketing materials (online, short pump kiosk). I sat through a 20 min tour and learned nothing. The facility is OK but I already knew what they had to offer . . . I just wanted to know if the price was something I was willing to pay.
We finally go to the options:
Option #1 - contract at $60/month with $90 initiation . . . I didn't want more than a 1 year contract or more than $40-45/month. I have some machines at home and a gym at work. I'd mainly use the gym on the weekend and once or twice during the week. That brings us to
Option #2 - 3 year contract at $37/month for a restricted membership to go ONLY 10 am - 4 pm and 10 pm - 4 am (basically not before/after work) and ONLY weekdays
This brought the price to the range I asked for but it was still for 3 years and I couldn't go on weekends. I don't need a gym in the middle of the workday since I'm at work and have a gym there. The rep tried to find someone else to talk to me but luckily couldn't find anyone
Bottomline:
The gym is OK but don't visit unless you know you'll get a rate you're willing to pay. I'm not sure why it was worth wasting 30 min of my time and hers. If I knew the price upfront, I would have known it wasn't worth the time.
Note - they offer a discount if you are a member of Golds or YMCA; they offer discounts for preferred employers (but not mine - the largest employer in RIC); a friend from a preferred employer pays $43/mo for 1 year
Pros: facility, hours
Cons: location (mall traffic), staff, sales tactics, price
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