Facility is old. The air vents have inches of dust and grime on them. After I quit, they still charged me an annual fee. Avoid this place!

When it comes to gyms, you get what you pay for. And all we wanted to pay for was a gym that was just above a no-frills gym, and Fitness Connection fit that bill. Compared to the other gyms in the area, Fitness Connection offered the right combination of low rate, group classes, and a pool, and they had location near both my office and my husband's office. We visit both the Pleasant Valley location (Glenwood) and this location (RTP). This location has a more crowded workout floor (people and equipment wise), but has a pool and racquetball. No free wi-fi (although a member of the staff claims it's just "acting up") and most of the TVs are broken on the equipment, so cardio workouts can get boring fast. Luckily the group classes are good, and there are several of them to try. Overall the entire workout floor just needs some repairs and care, but like I said at the beginning of this post, you get what you pay for. read more

I started working out after long time. It is a great location which is near to everything. There are many classes to choose from and schedules are great. I signed up for personal training. My trainer Melissa is great, she really understood that I started after long time. So gave me the time when I needed and the boost to keep me going on. She listens my fears and comes up with wonderful answers. Overall, so happy that I started and will continue doing so. read more

I really don't understand what the beef's are with these folks. They have really helped me with my recovery after knee replacement surgery. Thad really helps me every tome I come in, working with me to lessen pain. When I first came here, I had a different trainer who worked really well with me. The staff has been nothing but kind towards me and the progress has really made a difference in my life. I move much better than I did when I first started. I trust these folks a lot and they care about my wife and me. My personal trainer, Thad, is great! He has extensive knowledge about my situation. Chris was the same way. I have never had an issue with them. HIGHLY recommended! read more

Member at RTP location. Staff are very friendly and professional. Lots of classes for all fitness levels. Highly recommend this gym and especially this location. read more

This is a somewhat iffy gym for the reasons others have mentioned- cleanliness, staff issues, small/dirty pool. *However* it's a few bucks cheaper than other options, and it helps me stay consistent. Personally I try to go to the cycling classes, and I just go to them, work out, and leave. It's not really a place to stay, hang out, and enjoy. For what I pay, it's nice to have the option of doing those classes as often as I choose. They've replaced the bikes (which is *huge*, the old ones were actually rusty!) and revamped the sound system, so the cycling classes are just like everywhere else. In general there are many, many other places I would prefer to work out, but the best exercise is the one you actually do, right? (not just beat yourself up about it because you can't find motivation...) Therefore, this is a good fit for me. read more

I agree that you need to be careful when they push the personal training. Just be sure you read the contract you sign. It is quite clear. The training is a hard sell but the trainers are good and try to work in a workout that most people can feel comfortable with. I've been having panic attacks while working out and they are trying to find ways around it. Anyone I'm now experiencing financial troubles and we have agreed on a workable solution. I find that the elliptical and treadmills are in good working order and clean. The also have range of motion machines which I find unique. I disagree with the upstairs not being clean and there are plenty of mats for stretching in the class room although i guess it would not work if there was a class going on. read more

Hot and dirty are the best descriptions for this gym. The only reason I keep my membership is because of the convenience of location. My normal workout time is Monday-Friday during peak hours 5:00-6:30 pm. I concur with another reviewer when he said, "... they are signing up members at a rate that they are unable to adequately accommodate, particularly during peak hours". You will experience either long waits for equipment or frustration to the point where you just give up and go home. Classes are overflowing. The gym no matter when you go is dirty. Locker rooms are moldy and odorous. Equipment has layers of dirt and grime on them. Members do not wipe down equipment after use. Trainers don't even remind their clients to wipe down equipment. But above all I wish they would put some money into the heating and cooling system. No matter what time of year it is the temperature is always way too warm. Get a workout done to the best that you can with the equipment that is available then take a sterilizing shower the moment you get home. That's the best I can say. read more

Reading some of the negative comments make me feel like they haven't really been to this location at all. The place is clean and they have nice equipment. Sometimes is rather busy but there's still more than enough equipment to get your workout done. Staff is nice and friendly and the people that go to the gym are very focused on working out but are nice enough to answer any questions I might have about a particular machine. I love the steam room, especially after working out... Haven't been to any of the classes... That's the only thing I regret. Wish the gym was 24 hrs or at least open until midnight lol read more

Poor management, they sucks your money after you terminate your membership. We can't trust management .anytime they deduct money form your account. Customer service worst. Do not visit that gym. read more

This place is awesome! Everyone is super Friendly and helpful. Everyone feels like family there. I really enjoy going there and definitely recommend anyone to join. Price is very reasonable. read more

Our car was broken into while we were exercising. The staff was outstanding in helping us deal with it- use of phone, getting a Uber ride home to start calling credit card companies, helping clean glass off seat, etc. read more

I use to visit the Raleigh Location in Pleasant Valley. I left a while ago when they switched to fitness connections and wouldn't bring me from paying $40 a month to their $10 a month at the door new membership. It took some time, but I decided to give the RTP one a shot since it was near my house. I remember when walking through the place, they kept telling me about all the upgrades, and new equipment that was coming. It actually got me thinking, that new ownership may be spending some money here, and it would be worth it. I signed on and have been here for about a month now. The place is packed, so you know their making money. Well sadly to say, every machine I see vacant doesn't work. There are a lot of machines that constantly don't work. It's very frustrating to pay money, want to work out and have such a lazy gym. The staff is really not that accommodating either. I remember when customer service at gyms was top notch; they wanted their business and offered a superior product. Now it's a hole in the wall, and they brush you off as they did me several times when I had a few questions. If something else pops into RTP and makes splash, this place may vanish. Otherwise, maybe they will turn it around. For now, they are low on my ratings, which is tough. read more

Poor quality. Pool closed permanently. Dirty. I recommend you visit other locations in Raleigh. This is the worse one. Staff are not responsive. read more

These folks are crooks and liars. Pool heater has been out for months. When I finally decided to join it was on the word that the heater was fixed. It was a lie. Joined Saturday night on line on good faith the pool was fixed. Sunday go to swim and pool is not fixed. Asked for a full refund. Still have not received refund. When I call to ask, I am told that processing feed will be deducted. I will NOT get a refund although I will not have to pay them any more money. I NEVER used the facility. I joined on a lie. They are crooks and liars. I would love to start a class action suit for any folks that have been scammed by this place. Please contact the AG's office of NC. We can put these liars and thieves out of business. read more

I am in need of a gym membership. I decided to check out this location since it's close to my office "when I'm in the office". It looks like a gym and smells like one too. It has a pool and basketball court. I will not utilize both. All I need is a treadmill, an eliptical, and a choice of group fitness classes. The rates are pretty good. If I join, I will need a membership to use the North Hills and Cary location as well. read more

Please do yourself a favor and read and consider any and ALL reviews regarding this company. Someone elses BAD EXPERIENCE could save you money and time. Before I joined in January, I was looking for a gym close to where I live and one that offered a great rate. This one seem to have what I was looking for but, OMG. These folks are skilled at conniving there members with unreasonable behind the scene fees that they take right out of your bank account and cause you additional headache fees with your bank. And once you realize the unauthorized fees the gym has taken, caused your bank account to spiral out of control, you have a big mess to clean up regarding you're finances and investment. Oh yeah, and be prepared to pay an "Annual Member Fee" right after you join!!! They don't tell you that because it makes no sense to a new member not even there a year yet. I joined on the 25th of the month, of which I was under the impression they would prorate my monthly membership fee since starting 5 days before months end, but they didn't prorate. Anyway, I joined. Not told any differently, I was under the impression I would be debited on the 25th for my next payment. You know. Since that was the day I began my membership, and since they did not prorate, this made sense to me, However, I was wrong. They expected another full payment on the 15th of the month with no credit for the 10 days I've already paid for. The account I gave them permission to debit upon signing up, money was available after the 18th of ever month, so if I was technically charged when I started on the 25th, my account would not have been compromised by these SCAM ARTISTS. Okay, that's one part, the other part is, they charged my account on the 15th of the month, remember my money isn't available until after the 18th, but before the 21st. They were charging my account $20 late fee on top of my monthly membership fee. Caused me out of control fees with my bank. Also, these jerks charged me an annual membership fee after being a member for 3 months. I have never been pre charged an annual membership fee before being a member for a year. BOGUS. They have NO CUSTOMER SERVICE in place, just representatives who were trained to finagle you to sign up, but not trained to assist you in handling unauthorized charges to your account. Also, you can't just easily end your account. No no honey, you go into the gym to sign up, but you can't go in to sign out. THIS IS BY FAR THE SADDEST company I've seen. They will be going out of business soon, trust me. And do yourself a favor, read the other reviews posted. Skip over the ones they persuaded folks to write when they give them a free shake, or class. read more

Been a member here for 4 years now since they went by Golds Gym. The pluses are definitely the location. Near I 40 and 540 so smack dab in the middle of Raleigh/Durham. Has a little bit of everything. Pool, racquet courts, basketball courts. The 2nd floor where the weights are is very congested between the many weight and cardio apparatuses. Definitely plan accordingly. During my day workouts, it's not as big of an issue, but late afternoon/nights get pretty congested, and if there is a class going on, there isn't much space to do floor exercises. The equipment itself is ok. Not the newest stuff, just enough to get a total workout, unless they are being used by "campers". I never set foot in the locker room, but from other reviews, I haven't been encouraged to. As with many gyms they want to up sell to their personal training. Nothing new there. Over a it's your pretty average gym, but has a great location, and front desk staff is always courteous. You'll get what you are paying for. read more

I'm not a member here yet but I've been going regularly with a friend that has a VIP membership for about 3 months. I'm a member of planet fitness but prefer to come here because of the classes. I love Joyce! She teaches body pump and body combat and she is very motivating! The classes are very crowded at peak times but I expect that with a gym that is $20/month. Also, the front desk staff are always very friendly. read more

Member 2.5 years. Never had an issue with auto payments from credit card. did not get the high pressure sales pitch others mention when I joined. The bads..... This is 9th or 10th gym I've used over 33 years of lifting and is probably the worst when it comes to gym etiquette of other members and trainers. A heads up for the trainers at Fitness Connection.....it's part of your job to teach people gym etiquette, unload equipment and put weights back where they belong when finished with them. Don't monopolize equipment and allow others to work in with you if requested......doesn't hurt to offer to let someone work in without being asked either! Wipe your nasty sweat off equipment when your done as well. For Gods sake, they give you a free towel, use it. I go to this location 4-5 days a week and see the lack of concern each time. The locker rooms, showers and saunas are nasty. Seldom, if ever, cleaned and mold growing on the tiles in the showers. It's dark enough in the steam sauna that there's no way to tell what might be growing in there. Attitude of the trainers sucks. I've never been to a gym where the trainers will actually attempt to pick a fight with members on the training floor. Maybe backing of on the steroids would help. Frequently broken equipment is also a problem. Weights and mats laying all over the place so watch where your going or your going to get tripped up. Management may or may not care about any of this stuff as it's an ongoing problem. The goods.... Location, monthly fee, multiple locations, hours. I am currently looking at other gyms to move to. Once Retro Fitness opens in Durham I'll probably move there. A bit more $$ but hopefully a better experience. read more

These folks cannot explain to me why they are charging me exorbitant late fees, and cannot explain exactly why they are charging me multiple times in the same month. Apparently their billing system is entirely opaque even to them, and they do not offer an option other than direct draft from your credit or debit card. I'd like to keep my membership, but since I can't be sure what will be coming out of my account in any given month ($19.95, $29.95, $40.90, $59.95 in the last several months), I can't stay a member. Make your own decision, of course, but if I had it to do over again, I would never have trusted these folks with my card number. read more

Great gym -- It has exactly what I need for my workouts. Price is great too. Staff is very friendly and very helpful.

This is the worst gym I've ever attended! They continued to bill me for 7 months after I took advantage of one of their specials and I never realized it until my card number changed and they contacted me saying I owed them for that month. And it had increased from $20 to $39! Now it's up to $159 and I haven't been to the gym in a year A scam! It's sad but be careful when dealing with people who rely on commission because they will do anything to get it! read more

The price is unbeatable. For 10 bucks a month I receive unlimited classes, spin which is great because of the instructors and the sauna and steam room are great amenities which keep me coming back for a long time. read more

The cycling instructors are fantastic. The cycling room is horrible, especially in the summer. There is no air circulation and the management has ordered the teachers to keep the door closed. So, what little circulation there was is now gone. It is actually becoming a dangerous situation and I know of several people that have actually left class early because they felt faint (they have been going to cycling for long time and are in good shape). There are some times where you can actually see the steam coming off the floor. read more

This gym fits all my needs at a really affordable price!

Definitely gets the job done, Wish the dumbells were a little higher . This gym is cheap and their equipment is old and it would be a miracle if they replaced anything. Very convenient but super crowded at the convenient hours. read more

Lots of new equipment and never a wait to use it. The workout area is spacious and comfortable. This gym is steadily striving to make Fitness Connection the gym of choice for RTP. I recommend joining based on value, location and equipment. read more

SCAM! SUBVERSIVE/SNEAKY SALES TACTICS! COVERT THEFT! This is probably the worse place of business I have ever been to. The employees get a commission for membership so they are using every single underhanded use of language, and complete omission of information , to get people to sign up for their falsified "trial". I spoke to several employees and none of them relayed the messages to the manager. I spoke with a manager approximately 5 weeks of calling and leaving messages with staff. Corporate isn't any better and I will be filing a civil action suit against them. I don't care if nothing happens, or I never receive the $200 back. If anyone wants to submit their complaint to me, I will be glad to include you on the complaint notice. This company has inconvenienced and deceived many people, it is time for it to stop. They need to revise their sales policies and make honest efforts to compensate the people they have abused! read more

I called the gym to cancel my membership due to my moving to an hour away. They told me exactly what to do, I followed the instructions to the letter on April 15th. I have the reply email they sent me saying they received my request for cancellation. I knew that it took 30 days and they would take my $410 (personal training and monthly fee) for May and that would be the end of it. WRONG! I am again, should have learned my lesson the first time, having to fight, kick and scratch to get them to stop taking my money! I have sent several emails to that particular gym and supposedly their corporate office. I have called the gym numerous times and left messages with Mike and he has, to this day, not returned my calls. I am at a loss. I can't stand being ripped off and that is exactly what this gym does! read more

I like the gym. The staff is friendly, but I rarely see the staff show new patrons how to use equipment properly. I have been a member of many gyms and I don't see this type of assistance. If the equipment is down/broken they need to put a sign on the machine. I hope to see these changes in the coming year. read more

Terrible gym, they charged me double for months then would not give me a refund. Canceling your membership is a nightmare.

The Employees at the RTP location are very rude and disrespectful. We will be leaving the gym. After telling my husband and I that we have no membership and telling us to bring in bank statements they denied us access to the gym that we frequently come to and pay for monthly for 5 years. Beware of the ignorant employees at the desk who don't even know how to spell Michael......Seriously...guys get some educated employees who know how to use your computer system. read more

When we signed up for fitness connection we really liked it. After about 4 months they accidentally took $1,890.00 out of our checking account two days before we left for vacation. When we discovered this massive mistake I spent hours on the phone. Called the gym, they said call corporate, called corporate, I was told they didn't know and to leave a message for a supervisor, supervisor called back, said to call the gym, called the gym and the person didn't know how to help. I spent an entire day just looking for someone to explain why almost two grand was missing from my checking account and nothing. I went in at 6pm and the training manager helped me and finally my money was credited back. The manager of the facility ignored me while I sat there waiting for an explanation when he was the one who took down our new debit card information the day before the charge was posted. This is a breach of our contract on their end. We agreed to be members and pay for personal training services for one year and they agreed to charge $230/ month directly out of our account. We are now trying to cancel our membership which is apparently another massive hoop to jump through. Called the gym and they said to call customer service. I call customer service and I'm told I have to buy out the remainder of the year on my contract at 50% totaling over $700. I explain that the contract was breached by the gym and that's why we are canceling. The guy on the phone got angry with me and said to talk to the gym. I call the gym and nobody can help me. I have never dealt with such horrible customer service in my life. Do not join this gym and do not give them access to your bank account! read more

UPDATE: Few months after cancellation, I started getting billed again. Right after the first charge, I called their customer service to inquire. The lady on the phone was so rude and told me I will see a credit in a few days. She made no apologies for the incorrect charge and hastily hung up on me. Next month, I saw the credit and a new charge. When I called back, I told the lady about the charge again. She kept insisting that its the same charge and that the bank is showing a different date....once again in a very rude tone. When I said I see two separate charges, she yelled that I should send the copy of the statement to her. When I calmly said that I was just inuring about the charge, and that her tone was sounding rude, she said "that is your personal opinion"!! I kept my tone calm and told her that my inquiry did not warrant her rude tone, and she said "that is your personal opinion" multiple times. First of all, it is their ERROR to charge me after I already cancelled the membership...Not only did they not accept it was their MISTAKE, but were extremely rude every time I called. I don't know how this business is still open with such POOR customer service reps. read more

I cancelled today and here was my feedback to the Fitness Connection that I will provide here as well. I find the gym at RTP highly unsatisfactory. 1. The weight room is completely unorganized to a level I have never seen at any gym (even extremely cheap ones) anywhere; the weights are scattered everywhere, which is highly frustrating and very time consuming, there is a lot of cardio equipment but at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the equipment does not work properly, squeaks loudly or has some other part broken 2. The gym overall lacks cleanliness; it smells quite bad. 3. It is overcrowded and unusable at peak hours. The staff at fitness connection in general is friendly; however, I feel that they do not care to keep the place up. I am in general very economical about things, which is why I chose this place, but a gym is a place that I start my day every day, and I truly dread going to Fitness Connection. Therefore, I am willing to join UNC wellness center, which has none of these fatal flaws and pay over 3x the amount ~60/mo. read more

I've been going to this for about 4 years now gym since it was Gold's. I will say, with the name change came a management change, and some physical improvements. They did clean up the locker rooms, though they still don't clean the steam room often enough. The equipment is decent, even though there are almost always a few broken ellipticals and treadmills. Also, they've been signing up people left and right, so now at peak times, the gym really cannot accomodate everyone. The front desk staff is usually nice and welcoming, but the male trainers are not friendly at all. Some of them come across as racist, only being willing to acknowledge your existence if your skin color matches theirs, or unless you have big boobs. They won't ever just say hi or offer a spot, and when they train people, they are usually talking to their friends in the gym or playing with their phones. I guess this doesn't really affect me since I just want to get in and do my workout and get out, but having a bit more a friendly atmosphere wouldn't hurt. The only reason I continue to go is because it's the most convenient to my house. read more

This is a review to warn everyone NOT to join this gym and to closely watch your bank account. My husband and my last straw was yesterday when the gym took almost $6,000 out of our account!! They took out $2,900 for each of us (which is set up to come out of the same account). We had to call our bank to get the money refunded. Prior to this happening, we re-sgned up with the gym so we could get the new going rate of 19.99. We were previously a member of Gold's Gym and still paying $35.00 per month each. Once we went through the sign up process, and confirmed numerous time with the person we were working with that we would be charged correctly, both my account and my husbands account was charged the old rate AND the new rate. We went to them to get a refund. I got my refund after a month....my husband still has not gotten his refund after 3 months!! The "management" is terrible. We have called over 20 times and can never talk to an actual "manager". The couple times we have, he says he will look into it and call us back....and NEVER calls us back. This is the worst managed gym I have ever been to. We finally went in to cancel after having the $6,000 taken out of our account. While in there they barely showed any remoarse and acted like it was No Big Deal! Taking $6,000 out of someones account incorrectly is not a big deal? And this was the actual manager we spoke with (for once). This is my frist Yelp review and i am only doing it to warn people about this gym and that at some point you WILL get over charged and it will be a Huge pain to get your refund. When we went in to cancel, they already warned us that next month we may still get charged (even though we cannot go any longer after July 31st) and we will need to show proof and bring it into the gym to get our refund (which again will probably take atleast a month). This gym's customer service, financial system and corporate management is terrible and really should not be allowed to remain open in my opinion. read more

Although this gym is nice, I strongly advise against joining, at least on the month to month basis. I was given a two month membership as a gift. Upon first visit, I was not given any literature or signed any documents, but verbally explained to by the director that as a month to month member, we could cancel as long as notification was given before the end of the month. At the end of my two months, I decided to cancel but was told then I had to give a thirty day notice to cancel. So I did give notice on that very day, and received a confirmation email stating my month to month subscription would be canceled. But four months later, my gift giver is still being charged. When you call the number provided in the cancellation email, it just puts in a voice mail loop, with no one answering ever. When I call my location, I am told that all managers are busy, if I would be so kind to leave my number someone will get back to me........ Still waiting. read more

PLEASE READ: I'm not a person who takes to social networks to air out disputes but at this time Fitness Connection has left me with no other alternative. This dispute has been on going for 5 months, in that time I have made 40 plus phone calls and sent countless emails with no response (To corporate and RTP addresses) to date. Let me explain further, I terminated my membership Mid April with my last billing date to be on 5/1/2013. Since then I have been informed that my previous months bills had not been paid, after I sent bank records highlighted stating that they had been drafted from my account the club did further research finding out that the associate had linked my credit card number to someone else's account. Any other company would attempt tirelessly to correct this error not only for my sake but also to find and correct the other customers account. FITNESS CONNECTION has done the complete opposite. Despite my due diligence to rectify the matter I have gotten zero response from Fitness Connection, in addition they have charged my credit card 19.95 for the last 4 months. Four months dues for a club I have not visited in almost 6 months with zero communications on how to refund the wrongfully drafted dues. I advise you to please be careful with the information you give Fitness Connection so you may not end up in my situation. I will continue to contact in hopes of a response soon. read more