LA Fitness — Attraction in Crofton

As a member for many years, I am disappointed with the service I recently received at the LA Fitness in Crofton today.

Every time I enter the gym and an employee by the name of Gabrielle (Gabby) is working the front desk, I am racially profiled and harassed about taking a profile picture. This is now the second time I was being threatened by Gabrielle to lose my membership if I don’t take a picture. Today, there were 3 members (white) that walked in at the same time as me. I noticed that 2 out of 3 members didn’t have a photo attached to their profile, as I glanced over at the desktop screen when they scanned their membership card and I was talking to another receptionist about my equipment. Gabrielle didn’t stop neither of them, but told them both to have a great workout. As a black person, entering the gym and wearing a hoody today, Gabrielle decided to ask me to take a profile picture. I politely declined, but said thank you and walked away. But, that wasn’t enough. Gabrielle decided to harass me by walking away from her desk and following me as I walked toward the locker room and her yelling “Excuse me sir! Get back here! It’s not an option!” I reminded her that it’s against the law to force someone to take a picture for a gym membership and also reminding her that this is not the first time she has done this to me. Her response was, “Oh, it’s you again”. I asked her to be more professional and give me some respect, but she was adamant about making sure I take the profile picture. I then told her that she is racial profiling and harassing me at this point. Gabrielle then asked her male black coworker if he has ever seen her be racist toward him, as if it justifies her current behavior, but he didn’t respond. I then asked her why didn’t she stop the other gentleman that didn’t have a photo, but she wouldn’t respond. The last time this occurred, one of her coworkers (male) had to step in and apologize for her behavior telling me that she shouldn’t force you to take a picture, she can only recommend that you take one. Unfortunately, her behavior continues. As Gabrielle continued to make a hostile scene in front of all the members in the gym, a new coworker (male) stepped in to defuse the situation, which was embarrassing for me. This male coworker asked me to step into a room with him so he can have a conversation with me. I didn’t understand why he didn’t pull her to the side instead of me. He apologized for her behavior, just as another coworker did in the past. When I asked for her name, he asked me not to report her because he said it will bring a lot of unnecessary attention. I told him that this must be reported, because I refuse to go through this again and I can only imagine how many more people has experienced this behavior… simply because I said “No, thank you” to a profile picture.

Please check camera to validate inappropriate behavior.

I recommend finding someone more suitable for the leadership position and getting her trained as soon as possible.

We go to the gym to relieve stress, not to add stress. I am very...

I’ve been going to this location for the last 3 years 5-7 days a week (and on/off before that during college when I wasn’t at the Towson location or Pasadena location). Overall, it’s very clean and people are respectful. Disclaimer, I’ve never done a training program through their location.

One of the reasons I like this location more than others is that generally people put everything back where it belongs. It’s not a mess and disorganized. 9/10 times all of the machines work and if they don’t, they’re generally fixed pretty quick. With Covid, there have been delays in getting people to come and make repairs as a whole across the country. That’s not the gym or management’s fault.

There’s always spray bottles and paper towels to wipe down machines. The cleaning staff are always seen wiping down machines when not in use or cleaning the bathrooms. The gym equipment is pretty basic, so if you’re looking for something intense with platforms for deadlifting, etc., you might wanna look elsewhere. Personally, I like the style of equipment and the softer coated weights because I’m prone to injuring and bruising myself. Some people may prefer other types of weights. Free weight section is good, not crazy vast or anything. I do wish there were 17.5 lb dumbbells like they have at Towson.

But, the best part about this location is the people - both the people who work there and the people who regularly frequent the gym. It is literally the highlight of my day most days walking into the building. The staff who manage the front desk are always friendly and chat with me. Some of the trainers I’ve met, but don’t train with, always smile and wave and say hello. I have to shout out their sales guys, Anthony, who is the bomb!! I signed up long before he started here so I didn’t sign up through him, BUT, he always hypes me up and is a really kind and positive person.

I’ve made some best friends through this gym. Overall, I value the respectful and uplifting environment. I go in the evenings and it’s generally some younger people mixed in with middle age to older folks, which I appreciate. Before I went frequently I had gym intimidation, but the setting of this LA and support from the people here made it less scary over time. I’d definitely recommend this gym if you aren’t a “gym person” and want a good starting place. While it’s not perfect, and I doubt there really ever is a perfect gym, the vibes are good.

Well, except maybe for the DJ some nights. It’s a little random and too loud but...

Editing my review - nothing against the people noted in my original post though. I reduced to a single star due to my frustration over an instructor change for the Wednesday, 6:00pm Aquafit class and the lack of response from the person I was instructed to contact regarding my disappointment. The instructor whose class I had attended for over a year (Denise) and absolutely LOVED, was suddenly permanently replaced after a scheduled 6 week leave the day she was supposed to return. I have tried the new instructor twice now and find the class to be unengaging, unenergetic, and just very boring. LA Fitness already has a low impact aqua fit class on Tuesdays that is an option for those wanting that type of workout. Denise's class was motivating, high energy, and fun to attend. As a person who really hates any kind of exercise, it is extremely important for me to enjoy the class to be motivated to attend. Additionally, the water is always so cold that a person needs the high energy of Denise's class to warm up and be able to tolerate the cold water. With the new instructor that wasn't possible for me. A huge reason I joined the gym was specifically due to my positive experience when I tried out Denise's class. I am now looking for alternatives at different locations. I just wish they would bring back Denise. An actual response to my emails would have also been nice. They just don't care what the customers want. Everyone I spoke with who I used to attend class with feels the same way.

Consulted with Brian and Anthony tonight about personal training. They were both very knowledgeable and provided great information. Would highly recommend talking with them if you are interested in working with a...