This is a trainer gym, as in trainers use this gym to train their clients for one on one training -- hence the name one to one training center.
Individuals (without trainers) are of course welcomed to join as I was when I walked in on a calm Saturday afternoon.
The fees are more than reasonable with no snake oil salesmanship type of contracts or other ways to force your hand. Simple month to month membership is probably best for most folks. You can cancel any time. Guest fee is 10 dollars I believe! Go check it out if you wanna try before you buy.
When you sign up they will ask if you need a trainer. But they will NEVER ever pressure you like the other commercial gyms do.
The gym is a nice size, lower level is free weights and machines, upper level is cardio.
I usually go after 6-7pm weekdays and Saturday afternoons. The reason I picked this gym is I needed a little peace and quiet away from LA fitness and its unending rush hour crowds of amateurs who seem to show up to text at the gym and take endless selfies of their butts in the mirror while occupying multiple exercise stations. No one does anything like that at this gym. The few folk that work out after 6-7pm are friendly, professional folks who are clearly passionate about fitness and bodybuilding. We smile, we nod, we leave each other alone. Here, I keep my head down and work. And I love that.
The Pros:
1- They have multiple versions of most standard equipment you will find any gym for resistance training.
2- They have equipment you will usually not find in most commercial gyms. and some equipment you won't know what the hell it is for -- ask someone they're friendly they will tell you.
3- The gym is clean, the equipment is clean, no sweat stains on benches an. No sweat period cause the AC is running incredibly well -- I joined during the hottest time in late August. Between the fans they have running in the ceiling and on the floor and there is always cool breeze. They provide wet wipes to wipe down equipment in multiple parts of the gym in giant dispensers. A nice Touch!
4- The clientele is focused, serious, courteous and kind. There is an air of professionalism. These people are here for business and it shows. Respect their space and their workouts and you will get along just fine!
5- Not crowded. Definitely not crowded after 7PM. Most nights it's me and 2 others working out in the entire gym.
6- Plenty of machines, plenty of weights, no one has to bother anyone, no one breathes down my neck.
7- None of the trainers have approached me. I kind of respect and appreciate that. I thought they would badger me into training with them etc. Nada. Nope. They are watching me briefly time to time from a distance -- probably my bad form or choice of exercises as we all do at the gym with others. It's good to know that if I need them I have a pool of knowledgeable pros to choose from.
Now the negatives -- only mild ones, and I am writing them cause my followers know I am a picky prick who will always have something negative to say:
1- This is not equinox, it's a basement type gym (except it is above ground with plenty of natural light). (I love it, you may not!)
2- The weights are old school iron plates with no easy grip holes, nor any plastic covering. You are training with iron here!
3- Some of the machines are so close to each other sometimes it feels like I am playing twister -- especially while loading unloading leg machines. (only a mild annoyance -- I got over it)
4- This is not a spa, don't expect to find towel service, soap in the showers etc, they have showers and a very clean restroom, bring your own supplies if you must shower.
5- I wish they were open later on the weekends. Saturday they close at 7pm, Sundays they close at 5 (this is the one that hurts the most)
6- The neighborhood is "up and coming" and currently "a bit sketchy" at night. I have never seen anything unsafe but one definitely feels they're in an "urban" setting in this part of town.
Bonus, the Thai restaurant next door is truly happening and very good Thai food! #bulknosulk read more
