Onelife Fitness - Fort Totten — Attraction in Washington

The management at the personal training section is horrible. After signing up for membership, I booked for a personal training session at 2pm the next day. I showed up on my appointment day and was told to go over to the personal training counter to check in. I went to the counter, and no one was there to check me in although it was already 2pm. I waited for a good 5 minutes standing in front of the counter. I noticed a guy with a long hair and with a “coach” t-shirt a few feet away from me talking to the other member. He noticed me several times, but didn’t bother asking or saying anything. And so, I kept standing there and waiting. When he finished talking to the other member, he came over to the counter and asked me in an unfriendly manner “Can I help you?”. I gave him a smile and told him I was waiting to check in for my personal training session. He looked up my name and told me that the trainer responsible for my session had just left. He then pointed at a chair and said, “Go sit over there while I see if someone else can take you.” The tone was harsh and not friendly. He then went on talking to the previous member while I had to wait for another 4 or 5 minutes. Then he came over and said, “We might have to reschedule you for another day.” I told him I cancelled another plan because I had already booked for a session today. And how it would have been nice if they informed me in advance that the trainer I was supposed to meet with had left. He then said he could take me today, but the session would be cut short. There was no apology. No gesture or tone that indicated that he was sorry for the situation and that my time had been wasted.

Afterwards, I went to the front desk and expressed my disappointment regarding the situation and the way it was handled. I asked if they could provide an extra session or something similar as a compensation. The front desk person brought a middle-aged lady who seemed like the head of personal training department. Along with her, the guy who rescheduled me and a few other staffs arrived and suddenly, I was talking to the people from personal training department again. (They were all crowded in front of me in a way that I found a bit intimidating. It also made it looked like I was a difficult customer or causing troubles or making a scene whereas all I wanted was to provide feedback on the service and how the situation was handled.) The lady had a scorn on her face and asked me “So what’s your question?” in a tone that indicated that she was annoyed to talk to a customer. I told her it wasn’t a question, but feedback on the service. I explained the situation all over again while the person who rescheduled me was staring at me. The lady said that the person probably left because the computer system might have had an error and he probably didn’t see my appointment which I didn’t think was a good excuse. I explained how I was told my appointment was cancelled only after I’ve arrived with no ‘sorry’ or no ‘we promise it won’t happen again’. She then superficially said, “Well, I’m sorry.” And that was it. No genuine care and respect for customers and their time. I have to say that the man with earrings at the front desk do care about the customers. But people at the personal training department are just bad. (The guy with the earrings gave me a t-shirt with the gym logo which was a nice gesture. But I also have tons of t-shirt and I don’t think I would wear one with a huge brand logo. Respect and appreciation for customers are what I would love to see.)

This is a great gym facility-wise. Stick to the basic plan if you want to become a member so that you don’t have to deal with people at personal training counter much. I will update the review once they show appreciation and respect towards...

I have been a member for a year. Here is what you need to know if considering this gym (or if you are in management):

Good Rather clean overall Machines are almost always working properly and in good condition Not overly crowded Professional staff (could do better at greeting upon entry and especially exit) Generally respectful members that are there to workout Great variety of equipment. Pretty much everything you could need or want. Nice amenities like the pool Really good rates Overall great value Good upper level management. I had a situation where I needed to cancel for relocation and I was last minute with putting in the request and he shot of an email to corporate admin and they allowed me to cancel early. Then my plans changed they reinstated me with no sign up fees. That type of flexibility and service goes a long way with me!!

Areas for Improvement: Cleanliness: I know this is somewhat contradictory but the cleaning company doesn’t use the best cleaning tools and methods and therefore just move dirt around on the floor and does not properly remove it. I see them lightly graze those old fashioned rag mops (microbial magnets and least effective instrument to clean a floor) over the floor and over dirt and hair. The hair is of course still there when they are done just wet and stuck to the floor. They don’t get the dust bunnies and grime that accumulates at the base of the equipment. Also, as others pointed out, members rarely wipe down equipment and staff does not communicate that members should be doing so (no signs, no verbal reminders). Upkeep: Bathroom stalls are always out of toilet paper even first thing in the morning. Knowledge/Effectiveness of Group Class trainers: I only took 1 class because it was such a waste of time. He was more interested in socializing and being funny than giving a quality workout. Maybe he thought he was catering to his older/less fit students but it was not at all a worth while class. He also was having us do weird moves that are not standard exercises. Maybe the other trainers are better. Class offerings are limited.

Sorry I only have photos of the issues I have observed! It is overall a good gym and I do recommend it over a...

This gym is really nice and is clean. The staff are very sweet and friendly, always be greeting you when you come in. However, I would say this gym is a bit strict when it comes to their rules unlike other Onelife locations I’ve been to. I was told to leave the gym as I was about to stretch and start my workout because I wore crocs to the gym — which hasn’t been a problem at other locations I’ve been to. It’s a big no no for them and part of their rules. I’m just a bit confused how people can workout/lift with just their socks; but I was told they have shoes which is why they can stay… But wouldn’t just wearing socks be the same as wearing crocs? Whenever I do see people just wearing socks to workout, the staff doesn’t tell them nothing about putting their shoes back; when I asked the guy who told me to leave, he said (completely sweet by the way) they gotta have shoes on at all times. At least keep it consistent about who got shoes on or what shoes they got on… I think you should be allowed to wear crocs at least on sports mode, I know so many other gyms, not just Onelife that allow its members to wear crocs and workout in it. If people can wear socks to workout/life then I think crocs should be allowed as well — in sports mode of course. Parking sometimes can be a problem even though they do validate your ticket; there are times when the machine don’t work. The staff can’t do anything about it and you will likely meet a mean worker at the parking garage that will make you pay the amount; it which was a bit frustrating when this happened to me. The gym is a decent size but when it’s busy, there’s barely spots to do alternative workouts. I think I may start going to the other Onelife locations, instead of this one even though it was closer to my house, I feel restricted as a member to do my workouts comfortably. This isn’t a bad gym, but it didn’t fit how I...