(Bear, DE LA Fitness)
I have been a member of LA Fitness for approximately eight years, and during that time I have generally had positive experiences with the staff. I have even encouraged members of my family to join. However, over the past two years, I have noticed a significant decline in the overall atmosphere, professionalism, and customer service at this particular location.
I have made a conscious effort to extend grace and refrain from writing a negative review, but my experience today was disappointing enough that I feel compelled to address it.
One concern I have consistently noticed is the lack of professionalism and basic courtesy displayed by management. Charles Strickland, the manager, frequently walks through the facility without acknowledging members, including failing to offer something as simple as a "good morning." While a greeting may seem minor, basic courtesy contributes significantly to the overall environment of a business, particularly one where members are paying for a service.
More recently, I have also experienced concerns involving a trainer, Mekhi. On multiple occasions, I have felt that my use of common workout space was treated as though it were less important than a personal training session. Today, for example, I was already working out in a room when Mekhi entered with a client and asked me to move so that he could use the space for his training session. This was particularly frustrating because the room is a shared area available to members, and there was ample space elsewhere in the facility to conduct a training session.
Additionally, when Mekhi entered the room, he adjusted the fan toward himself without first asking whether I or another member was using it. Again, while seemingly minor, these interactions collectively create the impression that certain members are being given preferential consideration while others are expected to accommodate them.
I want to be clear that I have no issue with personal trainers working with their clients. My concern is the manner in which shared gym space is being handled and the apparent lack of consideration for other paying members. I should not have to interrupt my workout or relocate simply because a trainer has decided that a particular room is more convenient for his client, especially when the facility has other available areas.
I also want to emphasize that I am not at this gym every day, so there are plenty of occasions when the trainer could utilize the space without interfering with my workout. For that reason, being asked to move when I am already using a shared room was particularly frustrating.
I was raised to understand that treating people with basic courtesy and respect costs nothing. As a paying member who has remained loyal to LA Fitness for eight years, I expect to receive the same consideration and respect as any other member.
I sincerely hope management takes this feedback seriously and addresses the concerns surrounding shared spaces, communication, and consistent treatment of members. I would prefer to resolve this professionally rather than escalate the matter further, but I will document any continued incidents of what I perceive to be unfair or inconsistent treatment and pursue the appropriate channels if necessary.
I have supported this gym for many years, which is precisely why it is disappointing to feel that the level of professionalism and member service has declined. I hope management will take the opportunity to correct these issues and restore the welcoming, respectful environment that initially made me comfortable being a member for so long.
I would also like to express my experience with Kelly Stout, the District Manager. Unfortunately, my interaction with her was even more disappointing.
I previously had a face-to-face conversation with Kelly regarding my concerns about the conduct and customer service I had experienced from members of her management team. Rather than feeling that my concerns were heard and taken seriously, I found her approach to be condescending and dismissive. read more
