Brown's is absolutely the best gym in the area. I bounced around to several gyms before Brown's and they aren't on the same level as Brown's is. The clientele ranges from beginners just trying to get in shape to bodybuilders who can be (and are) fitness models. Everyone can feel welcomed here, yet you don't have to sacrifice quality for this attitude like you do at places like Planet Fitness. I have yet to meet anyone who was not courteous and even helpful to beginners.
I see myself as being moderately experienced when it comes to working out, I'm not a bodybuilder but I'm not new to the sport either. Brown's has everything that I could possibly want. There are fitness classes ranging from step aerobics to high intensity interval training (HIIT). There is a cycling room with spin classes tailored to all levels of experience. Brown's has recently installed a cross fit area with classes a few times a week. There are plenty of treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers and cross trainers in the cardio area and I've never had a problem getting on any type of machine.
Most importantly to me, however, is the weight area. This takes up almost half of the main floor and has top quality equipment. Nothing ever seems to be broken due to a great preventative maintenance plan and if something does happen to break, it's almost always fixed by the next day.
The gym is kept very clean and tidy. Most people are good about wiping down the cardio equipment when finished. Not as good at wiping down the weightlifting equipment, but this doesn't really bother me and is typical at most gyms. Locker room facilities are expansive and have plenty of lockers for everyone to store their stuff in. You can rent a locker for a nominal fee for the year or just use one for the day at no cost as long as you remove your lock when finished. There is a dry sauna and a steam room in both the men's and women's locker. Cleanliness is sometimes questionable in both these areas but all-in-all its not too bad.
The real gem of Brown's are the owners, Jim and his wife Janel. Jim is a champion powerlifter and one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He's always walking through the gym with a smile or working out and is ALWAYS helpful. I've seen him stop mid workout to help someone who was performing an exercise wrong or just to say hi to a member. Janel is also a champion powerlifter and shares the same attitude as her husband. What a great team!
If you're serious about working out and looking for a great, friendly place that has everything, look to Brown's! read more