Zone Health and Fitness — Attraction in Ocala

This gym has a lot of potential filled with a lot of great members and workers. However the child center at this gym is terrible. For a gym that prides itself on community, my 3 year old was kicked out of the blast zone indefinitely. They said she was aggressive and didn’t behave without hardly any other explanation. I have never been told from anyone else that my 3 year old is aggressive. So as any mom should, I began to ask questions. I asked how my kid was being aggressive, what led up to the moment she had an outburst and the workers could never tell me what happened exactly. I was ridiculed for asking questions , I was told I could watch her myself through the one way window. There were no cameras for me to see and understand what happened. I worked for Zone health and fitness as a personal trainer. I couldn’t watch her through the window myself if I was working helping clients and members of the gym. Once they kicked my 3 year old out I put my 2 weeks in immediately and went to Golds Gym to work and let my kids be apart of their community. Golds has been over the top accepting. I explained my situation to Golds and they still gave my 3 year old a shot. Not only did they give her a shot, she is flourishing and able to get the appropriate attention from the workers since there is an appropriate ratio of workers to children. The child center at golds is big with a playground and many activities for them to do. The workers at Golds Gym also can tell me what my kids do during their time there. My kids are excited to show up and play where my 3 year old dreaded going into the blast zone. When I worked at Zone I was not the only parent to be called up to the blast zone with issues - it was everyday I heard the front desk call parents up to the blast zone for issues. I’ve been at golds for about a month now and have not heard one parent get called up to the child care center. The Golds Gym says my 3 year old is so sweet and they love her where as the Zone said she was aggressive and kicked her out. I waited to make this review until I saw how my daughter acted at Golds Gym. Mama’s please listen to your gut about your child. You know your child more than anyone else. Don’t leave them in a toxic environment if you get that hunch. There are other gyms with child care centers that have the appropriate workers ratio to child allowing appropriate supervision. I also would like to note that Tracy told me my daughter couldn’t be there cause she always needed a worker with her to make sure she didn’t get aggressive and that they didn’t have enough workers for that. Every time I went to check on my daughter there was never a worker hovering over her, in fact the blast zone hires mothers and allows them to bring their babies with them, most of the blast zone workers are actually too busy holding their own babies not allowing them to interact and focus on the members and other workers kids. Note: Tiana the blast zone manager told me she’s never had to kick a child out of the blast zone in the 10 years of working at zone. My daughter was the first one.

ALSO - I think it’s worth noting that Zone Health and Fitness pays its employees to post and create positive google and facebook reviews. Ethically and morally not genuine. I’m sad this gym didn’t turn out to be what I...

I want to preface my review with a few words that will help you understand my perspective. I have been around the gym scene in Ocala for many years, dating back to the Fitness Factory that was next to the old Winn Dixie on SE 36 Avenue and Maricamp. I have worked out at the old World Gym that was next to Publix on E 40, and pretty much all of the currently open gyms.

On-the-job injuries and age caught up with me and I quit working out about 15 years ago. This past August I decided to make a change and I walked into Zone East. Picture this, an obese older guy walks in and says, "Yeah, I used to work out." I was expecting to get laughed out of the building. On the contrary, the staff I met with were amazing, understanding, and SUPPORTIVE. Over the past few months I have interacted with most of the staff and every single one of them has shown a genuine interest and caring approach to both mental and physical fitness and well-being.

The equipment is great and rarely are any of them broken, however, it happens. What is most amazing is the quick turnaround time that broken equipment is fixed. They take it seriously and nothing seems to be ignored. They offer a wet and dry sauna as well as a cold plunge pool. The locker room (mens obviously) is always clean. This includes the sinks, showers, toilets, etc. I utilize the locker room and showers after almost every workout and have not had a single issue.

Overall, Zone is without a doubt the best gym and fitness center I have been a member of. While cleanliness and good equipment are vital, the people who work there make all the difference. I am not sure that I would have stuck with getting back in shape had it not been for the easily approachable and...

I can’t praise Zone fitness enough. I am writing this review both as a fitness professional (I am an independent fitness trainer) as well as a member. My review may be lengthy, but when choosing a fitness facility, one should do their research and pick what fitness club will best suit their needs. For me, the most important factors I seek when choosing a health club is equipment, cleanliness, professionalism of staff, overall vibe, and while I may not need the support of staff because I am a certified fitness trainer myself, I know the importance of having helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive trainers who genuinely care about their members. Well, I must say, Zone not only has met all of my expectations, but succeeded them. Not only are their facilities (they currently have two locations now) kept clean and are aesthetically appealing, but their vibe is exceptional. Their vision, which is evident on any given day, is creating a family-like environment, where staff and members interact comfortably with one another and are very supportive of one another. This enhances one’s exercise experiences and goals. Motivation is crucial to the success of one’s fitness achievements and I am so grateful to finally have found a facility that goes beyond my expectations. I am from New York City, have been to many gyms there, and regardless of their “name fame” and expensive membership prices, I have to say, none of them compare to Zone. The owner Ben clearly knows what he is doing. Anyone can own a gym. Not anyone can truly operate one effectively. (And the prices??? I’d pay double! But maybe I shouldn’t let them know...