I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience at UFC Gym Alhambra today was frustrating from start to finish.
I came to the gym specifically to swim laps and was about to enter an open full-size lane when a swim coach abruptly told me I couldn't use it because she needed it for a lesson. When I asked why the lesson couldn't use the other available lane, she said lessons take priority. My issue isn't that lessons exist--it's that there was no signage, no reservation system, and no indication that paying members could be displaced at any time. If lessons take priority, that policy should be clearly posted.
If a trainer needed a machine for a client, would it be acceptable to walk over and tell a member already using it to move? That's how this felt.
I was forced into the smaller lane, which was too narrow for me, causing me to scrape my knuckles on the walls while swimming. While trying to finish my workout, an older man entered my lane and swam directly toward me, trapping me in a corner. It was uncomfortable and felt unsafe. I had to yell out for him to use the other lane with the male swimmers.
After finishing my laps, I went to use the jacuzzi only to find it shut down. Then I headed to the locker room, where the overall condition of the facility became even more disappointing. The restrooms and shower areas were dirty, the locker room looked poorly maintained, many stalls lacked toilet seat covers, and the sanitary trash can doors are swinging open hitting the toilets wtf??
For a facility charging premium membership rates, basic cleanliness and hygiene should be a priority.
The most disappointing part is that going to the gym is already intimidating for many overweight people. Simply walking through the door and committing to improving your health can be difficult. When you're made to feel like your access to facilities is secondary, policies aren't communicated, and the environment feels unwelcoming and poorly maintained, it makes that challenge even harder.
I committed to a membership that works out to roughly over $600 over three years because I wanted a place where I could improve my health and feel welcome. Instead, I left feeling frustrated, dismissed, and disappointed. Between the lack of communication regarding pool access, the unsafe swimming experience, the unavailable jacuzzi, the cleanliness issues, and the overall disorganization, UFC Gym Alhambra has a lot of room for improvement.
On a positive note if you have time to take a boxing class here they are very entertaining and very a good workout. read more