LA Fitness — Attraction in Alpharetta

I got a free pass to try out the L.A. Fitness in Alpharetta. I had never been to an L.A Fitness and wanted to see if it would work for me. I will not be signing a contract with them.

Here was my workout plan.

squats shoulder presses deadlifts maybe some dumbbell bench presses pullups

There was one squat rack that I could even do squats on. Luckily, most people don't do squats, so it was unoccupied. The rack guards didn't look like they'd support the weight if I failed a squat set, and the bar wasn't quite wide enough so that I kept having trouble re-racking the weight. It was a Monday evening, and the place was packed, but that's when I want to work out, so I figured that was the best time to test it. Other people were always getting in the way when I tried to change weights. Worse, some of the time when I went to do a set, someone had arrived to occupy the area I was going to squat in. The weights themselves were all over the place. The top bar over the top of the squat rack was low enough that it prevented me from doing shoulder presses. There were two other racks that I could have done shoulder presses on (but not squats), but they were occupied. I ended up doing dumbbell presses. The dumbbells were all over the place, almost never in the right spot, and I had trouble just finding some open ground to do them. There were I think only 2 water fountains, and I had to weave my way in and out of equipment and people to get to them. The place has a lot of gear, but at a point, it's becomes a problem. For deadlifts, again, I had limited options. Loading and unloading weight was again a problem with people and equipment in the way (and I was in the corner!). Humorously, at one point to remove the squat guards, I had to pull them out and almost became too personal with another patron. I wanted to do dumbbell bench presses, but it was too much trouble to find an empty bench. I moved on to pullups. For these, there were at least enough machines that I didn't have any logistical issues. Then I wanted to work my lower back on a reverse situp machine. Then it occurred to me: I hadn't seen any spray bottles and towels. I asked one of the attendants, and he pointed me to the one spray bottle next to the paper towel dispenser. I'd have missed it. Since apparently no one who works there goes around to put the weights in order at the end of a night, I'm guessing they don't do much of a job of cleaning surfaces. I'd expect to be sick a lot going to that gym.

I realize my workout regimen isn't typical. Maybe if your goal is cardio, some classes, machine weights, and talking with other patrons, everything would be great (except for the spray bottles and towels). For me, it was inefficient at best, and at worst, dangerous.

The good: Lots of cardio machines, racquetball courts, swim pool seemed ok, classes, and the showers had nice water pressure

The could be better: No towel dispenser No bathing suit dryer Not enough drinking fountains

The awful: No spray bottles with towels Way too many machines (12 bench press stations) except if you want some barbell training, in which case you're mostly out of luck Way too many people in the cramped free weight area, to the point of...

Appalling Experience - Avoid LA Fitness Membership!

I had an absolutely appalling experience at LA Fitness recently that forced me to cancel my membership immediately. My brother, cousin, and I visited the gym around 9:00 PM, intending to have a quick workout session. However, what transpired was beyond belief.

Around 9:55 PM, just before closing time, we headed to the restroom to freshen up before leaving. To our horror, we were met with hostility from one of the janitors. Instead of a welcoming atmosphere, we were subjected to a barrage of racial slurs and threats.

The janitor who was an African American male not only directed derogatory terms like “Chicos” at me, my brother, and my cousin (we aren’t even Hispanic) but also targeted a group of Hispanic individuals directly who happened to be freshening up separately. He then proceeded to verbally assault and threaten physical violence against all of us, using explicit language and profanities throughout.

Feeling deeply shaken and humiliated, we attempted to leave peacefully, but the janitor continued his tirade, leaving us feeling even more vulnerable. This level of aggression and bigotry is utterly unacceptable, especially from someone representing a business.

In response to this horrifying incident, I canceled my membership that same night. No one should have to endure such treatment, let alone at a place where they are paying to be a member.

If you’re considering joining LA Fitness, I strongly urge you to reconsider. Based on my experience, I cannot in good conscience recommend this establishment to anyone. Your safety and dignity should never be compromised, regardless of where you are.

In conclusion, steer clear of LA Fitness if you value your well-being and respect. Seek out a gym where you’ll be treated with the professionalism and decency...

I started going to this LA Fitness after my job moved and the Sandy Springs Crossing location wasn’t convenient anymore. I frequent the gym a lot and I would go to this gym 3 times a week and my local gym in Camp Creek on the weekends. So I’ve been to my fair share of LA Fitnesses in the Atlanta area and this one was night and day. The gym looks super nice at first, but after a week of early morning workouts, I have to say this LAF might be up there with the worst.

The women’s showers are disgusting. Every morning between 5:30–7:30am, there were clumps of hair EVERYWHERE like someone was giving out free haircuts??? And it wasn’t just once it was every single day. At that hour, it’s clear no one’s cleaned. A few strands are expected, but this literally made me want to throw up.

The locker room vibe is also a bit much. Let’s say “openness” seems to be the norm. 😂 Not the end of the world, but definitely something to know going in.

It also gets very crowded in the mornings, and the member vibe (not staff) felt kind of entitled. Between the filth, the crowd, and the early morning cheek parade, I ended up joining the Y down the street in the interim. It’s not as big as I’d like, but at least it’s clean! and that makes a big difference.

If you’re someone who just works out and then goes home then this might be a good place for you, unfortunately morning workouts work best for me and with my commute time… I just don’t have that luxury.

That said, I’m still looking for a more permanent gym to go to bc even though I’m on a discounted rate, paying extra $ just to go to the Y in addition to paying my current LAF membership is sure to catch up to me. So I’m torn between ending my LA Fitness membership altogether bc of this or just thugging it out and making that trek from Sandy Springs...