Fit4life Health Clubs - Clayton — Attraction in Clayton

Long post but heartfelt.

I joined Fit4Life in Jan of 2022. When I joined, I was overweight and I was determined to get control of my health so I signed up for personal training. I always had issues with sticking with going to the gym and losing weight. I wanted to in my mind and heart, but I just didn't have the discipline to actually do it. Now, when I signed up for PT, I'll admit, I wasn't happy that I had to make a commitment for 12 months. But, honestly, it ended up being the best decision I ever made. I needed the discipline and I needed the accountability so I did a step down training plan, which I'd recommend for everyone who needs help developing discipline. I started with 5 days for 3 months, then 4 days for three months, then 3 days per week for 3 months, and finished with 6 sessions per month for the final 3 months. After the year, I continued to do the 6 sessions per month for a few more months. Yes, it was expensive, but it was completely worth it. And if you think about it......would you rather spend the money with doctors and big pharma because you didn't take care of yourself or on your health so you can live longer and be a happier person? Because you're gonna spend that money anyways....whether it be for your health or for "sick" care.

During that year, for one reason or another.....you know......because life happens, I was able to roll my trainings over to the next month so when I was able to get back to it each time, I was really able to train at least 3-4 days each week for the remainder of the year when I didn't have to be out.

Now, I'll admit, I've had some hiccups with my trainers in the beginning. I think I went through about 3 or 4 trainers before I got with Ivoree, due to one reason or another. And I had my frustrations with it as well as I'd get to know one trainer and then they'd leave....that was the most frustrating part and it was like I had to start over with a new trainer so I felt like it put me behind a little each time. I did, however learn a lot from each trainer that I am able to utilize now. So, I guess it wasn't all that bad. Lol. But I expressed my frustrations with Braxton and he was understanding and we always came to an agreement.

During the course of that year.....2022, I learned the art of discipline and nutrition. Not to give up....I couldn't.....I was paying for personal training so I couldn't quit ...I HAD to do it! Best decision of my life because I got a hold of my health and fitness! That year laid the foundation to where I am now. The last trainer I had, Ivoree, really propelled me forward in my fitness and health journey. I'm the type that needs someone pushing me and telling me what to do....or at least I was when I started training. I put the work in (which you gotta be willing to do) and with Ivoree....he pushed me and I got a lot stronger and started to actually develop muscle and lose fat. (And no, I don't look like a man because I have muscle. Lol) While I trained with him, I was also working on my nutrition because if you wanna lose weight, you gotta change your food habits. To get me started on my health journey, I did the 5 and 1 program for about 4 months developed portion control. Then I switched over to Flex Pro meals which helped me lose more weight. I still do these for my lunches at work.

From when I started working with Ivoree in November of 2022 to the about April of 2023, I lost about 20 lbs. And I really owe it to all of the trainers I had during my PT year as to where I am today. I was able to lose another 20 lbs once I stopped training with Ivoree because I had learned the art of discipline and was able to continue on my journey. I've lost a total of 40 lbs now and I'm working on losing another 20 lbs, which I will because of the knowledge I gained over that year. Thank you to my past trainers and mostly Ivoree for helping me to lay the foundation for my health and wellness. And my mental health as well as physical health have greatly improved as well. I'm much happier and not in pain like I used to be when I...

I would give less than 1 star if I could. Has cost me $370 so far when I only used the gym 2 times and asked to cancel after 1 week. So hard to cancel and they don't care about you at all.

The people seemed nice at first when I came to sign up. I was interested in their childcare and fitness classes. However, they didn't tell me upfront that childcare is strictly limited to 1 hour 15 minutes and on my first day coming to take a fitness class they scheduled me for a PT assessment directly after, so I was there for almost 2 hours. The staff got mad at me for using the childcare too long and acted resentful and hostile as they informed me of their rule for the first time. I told them I didn't know and asked why had they scheduled me for almost 2 hours at the gym when they knew there was a limit for the childcare. On my second visit to the gym, I did not overuse the childcare, but they again reminded me of their childcare limit as if they expected me to abuse it - they never informed me initially and I did not know until the first time they told me, so it's not like I was trying to overuse it. These interactions made me very uncomfortable and wary of coming to the gym or using the childcare.

I had also wanted to try out a class before signing up and the day I came to sign up I arrived 30 minutes before one of their classes. The sign up process took about an hour though and I missed the class, so I never got to try one out before signing up.

Additionally, I took a spin class and the stationary bikes are old, cheap, and in disrepair. I sat on one bike, which had a seat too tall, so I tried to adjust the seat, but the controls were jammed and it wouldn't budge. Tried on two other bikes which also had jammed seat adjustment. Finally I got a fourth bike's seat to move down and was able to use it, but it was missing a digital monitor so I wasn't able to keep track of any stats, speed, distance or anything while riding. The spin workout was okay, but the difficulties with the machines made it less enjoyable. I tried some other fitness classes, but since I am postpartum and breastfeeding, I can't jump or jog so the dance-style workouts weren't a great fit for me.

After 1 week I decided the gym was not a good fit for me and I asked to cancel my membership. The gym staff referred me to their third party payment company and said I have to go through them. The payment company informed me that if I wanted to cancel I'd have to do so within 3 days of signing up, which I missed, so now I can't. They require 60 days notice of cancellation, which starts the day you pay their hefty $150 cancellation fee, and the contract is not terminated during that notice period, so they continue to charge any monthly fees and facility improvement fees during that time. To sign up they required I pay a $70 sign up fee. On 12/30 they charged me $40 for monthly fee. On 1/3/2024 I paid the $150 cancellation fee. On 1/17/2023 they charged me $70 facility improvement fee. And they plan to charge me $40 again on 1/30.2024. So all in all I will be out $370 from this for going to the gym only 2 times and being treated rudely.

I begged the payment company and the gym to let me out of the contract and let me cancel immediately since it was not a good fit for me, but they will not budge. The contract does not even mention the buyout or $150 fee and does not state explicitly that monthly fees and the facility improvement fee must be paid during the cancellation notice. I suppose that is just interpretation on their part and supposed to be inferred. They do not care one ounce about the people they deal with and will nickel and dime you as much as possible. A friendly warning - stay away!

I wanted to get back in shape, but going to this gym is the biggest mistake...

Looking for a Gym in Clayton that’s 24/7? Look no further as Fit4Life is your only option. This establishment, formerly Gold's Gym, ceased operations following the pandemic, not directly due to Covid but due to the urgent need for renovations. Fit4Life subsequently acquired the gym, and although the initial promise seemed high from the brochures, the reality has fallen short. Priced at $40 per month, it lacks updates, amenities such as tanning or sauna, massage chairs, and falls behind in terms of overall quality compared to similarly priced or even lower-priced gyms in the area. The hope is for a substantial remodel, improved facilities, and a more competitive pricing strategy to align with the community's expectations for a modern fitness facility in Clayton.

However, there are notable issues – small and unsanitary bathrooms with persistent supply shortages, broken and worn-down lockers, and subpar shower conditions that could pose health risks. The only positive aspect is the 24/7 accessibility and redlight feature, but the additional $15 charge for it seems unreasonable when other gyms offer it as a standard inclusion.

Furthermore, the gym falls short on several standard amenities commonly found in fitness facilities. Original outdated equipment from the previous gym persists, lacking modern features such as a smoothie bar, essential proteins, health supplements, and specific muscle-targeting machines like seated bicep and tricep machines, as well as seated or upright stationary bikes. While they do provide childcare services, I cannot comment on that aspect.

There are over 30 TV monitors from 2006 for entertainment, reflecting a dated approach. The gym offers a small open group fitness area for older individuals or Zumba enthusiasts, along with a cramped cycling room in the back. Notably, the only impeccably clean restrooms are two private bathrooms designated for employees, contrasting with the less-maintained ones provided for members who pay a premium for facility access.

Change is anticipated with the influx of new residents from Raleigh, yet it seems that meaningful improvements may hinge on addressing concerns about the town's leadership and their seemingly backward approach. Until there's a shift in mindset towards encouraging amenities and sustaining growth, Fit4Life's current practices may persist. A competitive market, possibly introduced by another gym, could drive the necessary changes or potentially lead to closure if improvements aren't...