Staff are helpful and friendly, gym is clean with plenty of equipment and I really enjoy the classesread more

Short version: I don't like it. Long version: If this is the…read moredirection in which GoodLife is going to lead all the former Nubody's locations, I may have to re-think my membership. I presume this is what GoodLife clubs are like in other cities. I am not a fan. My gym needs are pretty basic: I want to exercise. But a lot of factors affect the enjoyment of my workout. And there are many negative factors here. While I may still use this club occasionally, it will never by my first choice. I gave it three different tries and here is what I found. What I can't judge: I didn't use all the services available. I didn't tan or take any classes or receive personal training (Odd note: they only seem to have men as trainers at this location). They do also have Jump, which is babysitting. I hear it is quite a busy place but I go to the gym during off-hours so I can't confirm. Here's what I liked: Tons of equipment! Seriously, the first floor is almost entirely dedicated to cardio equipment. Circuit training; GL has some branded name for their circuit equipment but I appreciated that they had more than one set of equipment since it's so popular. Massage chairs; I didn't even use them but I liked that they were an option. Bright & shiny; if this is what they want GL clubs to look like, I'm on board! Wheelchair accessibility; I really noticed this with at least one piece of cardio equipment for arms and an elevator to second floor. Here's where I felt neutral: Music; I'd look around and see white, middle- to upper-class 40/50somethings and think, "Should we really be listening to Hot Urban Hits? And today it's House music? That doesn't seem right." Personal Training Area; I think it's great that they have a designated area. However, the three times I was there, I never saw it being used once, despite witnessing multiple personal training sessions. I also think it might be a bit better if it were sectioned off with a full wall. Water fountains; great that you have the special spout for fill water bottles but only one fountain for the entire cardio floor? The math on that doesn't add up. Here's what I didn't like (and this is the longest): GoodLife = a cult. Do we need to have quotes from GL founder everywhere? I can accept that everything is branded. I can accept motivational posters. But every quote being from him? Odd. Paper towel to clean equipment? I was so happy when Nubodys switched to alcohol wipes. They work because you know you're getting the equipment clean and you can use it for multiple pieces of equipment. This location has paper towel and spray bottles. It just feels like a step backward. I'm also not convinced they're more hygienic. TVs; if you have 12 televisions, you should be showing more than three channels. No other club I've been to has this problem. I also found it frustrating that on the suggestion board, someone asked for them to activate closed captioning so you don't have to use earbuds. The reply that they'll "try to figure it out" was clearly just to mollify the person because none of the TV have CC. One day satellite signals were down not basic cable. Nonetheless, I was there for 1.5 hours and 11 of the TVs simply showed the error message that the satellite signal was down. Showers; the water pressure shouldn't dip when someone flushes. The angle of the flooring is a wee bit too steep. I don't think I'm going to fall but I do feel like I work on my posture the entire time. Stretching area; Really? No designated stretching area? I told a friend of this and he looked at me, aghast. I agree. Maybe it's there. Somewhere. Hidden. Bike racks; they don't have any. Maybe they will when the weather turns nicer. But I wouldn't bet on it. Hand dryers; despite wasting tons of paper towel on wiping down equipment, they decided to use hand dryers in the bathroom. That sound like a small jet engine. Not a relaxing sound while you're having a shower just a few feet away. Lockers; All the lockers are half-lockers without a shelf. Maybe these work somewhere that doesn't endure winter for (what feels like) the majority of the year but when all your stuff is crammed together, I don't want to put my wet, dripping, salty shoes in there. It'll just make a mess. Studio space; as I mentioned, there's no designated stretching area. So I thought I'd use the studio. It's huge! And there's only one. And there was a class. So I couldn't use that. I guess if you're not doing weights, cardio or a class, you're really not expected to even be here. Hours; the club opens Monday morning at 5 a.m. and stay open until Friday night at 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday they're open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. So apparently they expect more business on a Wednesday morning at 3 a.m. than on a Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. So I can't recommend this club but I will use it in a pinch.

Since my first 'trial-run' of Core Essentials, I'm happy to report that I've picked up my first…read moreten-pack and am fully addicted to their TRX Camps. I know, right? Me, the anti-gym bunny, actually looks forward to fitness classes now. What is this world even coming to? The TRX Camps take only 45 minutes out of my day and pass without making me ever feel like I can't keep up or that I'm failing which is key in keeping me motivated...I'm not the kind of guy who likes to get screamed at by overenthusiastic trainers while trying to get my fitness on. I like the kind of people who can look me in the eye, understand that what they're telling me to do isn't as fun as eating cookies, but convince me that I'll thank them later. And that's pretty much what happens. Even though I don't feel completely wrecked during the workout, by the time I make it out to my car afterward every muscle in my body is shaking. Helps me feel like my super focused workout is getting me more bang for my buck than trying to figure out my own free-weight program and routinely giving up halfway through. The classes are typically led by Laurissa, the owner, with about four or five other people which makes for a friendly, welcoming, and personalized experience. I can tell Laurissa where my weak points are and she can customize the workout to make sure I still get the benefits without putting my body at risk. I've completely drank the Kool-aid!

I have been going to Core Essentials for about a year and half and I am in love with this place…read more I've done personal training one-on-one with a trainer, with my partner, and have had the unlimited class pass for about year and it is totally worth it. The classes are small and you are able to workout at your own pace in a positive environment. The trainers are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. You definitely should try; There are often monthly deals so check the website for promotions to try out Core Essentials. Take a

Great classes! So much fun and very challenging. Sonny is amazing instructor and will push you to…read moreyour limits. I love the kickboxing classes as it is both physical and mentally demanding in a good way. The staff and other members are supportive and friendly.

From the owner: We are the perfect combination of group fitness classes and personal training, as well as small…read moregroups, sports teams and corporate team building! With group classes such as Kickboxing, Kettlebell, TRX Suspension Trainer, Bootcamp Circuits, Strength Circuits, Mobility, Barre, Yoga and more, you'll have plenty of different style classes to choose from! Variety is good for the body!

They have a lot of enthusiasm and try to create a team atmosphere, but lack the true knowledge and…read moreprofessionalism I've seen at other gyms. They also talk a lot about eating "clean". I'm not sure how that relates to the fake eyelashes, fake nails, dyed hair and fake boobs........is all that healthy? Their own website reviews are biased with comments from their husbands and family members. There is a reason why it offers the "lowest" rates. You get what you pay for.

From the owner: Balance Fitness is a private exclusive members only fitness club that specializes in fat loss and…read morelifestyle change. -Personal training -Group Fitness Training (Bootcamp and Conditioning) -Meal and Workout programs -Biweekly Coaching Support (Progress assessment) -Open Gym Memberships

Great fitness club in Purdy's Wharf Towers by the waterfront in the heart of Downtown Halifax…read more Clean, intimate setting, with new fitness equipment. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. I loved participating in their "Mission I'm Possible" challenge and it really pushed my limits!

From the owner: General Fitness- Fully equipped cardio and strength area, Group Fitness, showers…read morePersonal Training, Pilates, Yoga, HIIT, TRX, Barre Boxing, Core Conditioning, Group Cycling, Bootcamp, Women Only programs