425 FITNESS BOTHELL — Local services in North Creek

I’m unsure why this gym has created an atmosphere where assault is allowed, but I just want to make sure people know what type of environment they are getting themselves into and what is considered acceptable in this location.

I hope to hear from the owner, or management regarding the following incident that happened Friday 9/22/2024.

I got assaulted at this location by one of the gym members who proceeded to aggressively choke me against the functional trainer machine after an altercation that he started.

Here’s the over simplified scenario: I was using the functional trainer machine to do pull-ups, lateral raises and pushups, this guy randomly came towards me with an Olympic bar and without saying a word proceeded to try to force the bar into the T-row bar base while I was there (about to do pushups). I looked at him and let him know I was using that area, but instead of acting like a normal human and asking how much time I have left or if he could work in in between sets he got aggressive and told me that he was going to use that and that I could do push ups somewhere else. Confused, because of the audacity and entitlement of this guy I told him that no he wasn’t because I was there. After I asked him what his problem was, he lost it and used both hands to choke me while pushing me against the machine for a second or two. After he let go I stared at him like a parent looking at their toddler after the toddler lashed out for no logical reason, and even though I was LIVID. I got my things and walked to the front desk while thinking to myself “did this guy really just assault me because he couldn’t communicate and didn’t get his way? Why was he comfortable enough to do that here?”.

After talking to the front desk about the altercation, the employee proceeded to say “it’s more common here than it should be” and then something along the lines of “he’s usually not like this, he’s not himself because he’s preparing for his competition next week”. I then told her “that’s not my problem, that doesn’t justify assault.”

After the front desk employee was showing bias towards the aggressor I proceeded to ask the employee if we could fill out an incident report so I could get a copy of the video of the incident.

The cops were also called and a report was filed with them and of course legal action will be taken.

Note: There were multiple witnesses at the time of the incident that were just as surprised as I was.

I’ll keep everyone updated with all the details of the incident after I speak with the Sheriff’s Office and the Manager or Owner...

This is the best gym I've been a member of, I worked out here for about 4 years and unfortunately had to move out of the area. If you're wanting to lift weights, this is the place to go.

The signup/sales process is what you should expect at any gym, and if you're ready for it you can make sure you get a good deal. Regardless, it was less expensive to work out here than most other gyms I've gone to, and they had better hours and more equipment.

Lots of weight equipment, from a good variety of machines to 5 bench press stations, 2 incline benches, 1 decline bench, 2 squat racks and 1 power rack, 1 seated shoulder press rack, 2 smith machines, plenty of floor space and flatbenches for dumbbell and other barbell movements. Even during peak hours, I hardly ever had to wait for something I wanted to use. If I did, it wasn't a long wait.

Gym is clean, lots of cardio options, and tons of regulars. I'd see the same people there all the time, even though I hardly spoke to anyone it was cool to lift in a place where you felt like you were part of the family. Never saw any fights or arguing, and most people were happy to give you a spot, or ask for a spot if they needed. Just an all around friendly atmosphere and I looked forward to going there on my workout days.

The only real downside was the parking lot, it sometimes would completely fill up during peak hours. It wasn't too often, but a few times I would have to circle the lot and wait for a spot to open, which could be a pain. But I guess that's what happens when you have a good gym with good prices and equipment; people will want to go there. Equipment would break on rare occasion, but always seemed to be fixed quickly, definitely faster than repairs at other gyms I've been to.

Cancelling was also a breeze, other gyms (including another Gold's location that is not affiliated with this Gold's) hassle you to not cancel, or make you send something via certified mail somewhere to stop your payments or some other BS. All I had to do here was talk to someone at the front desk, fill out a quick form, and that was it. Simple, hassle-free, and respectful. I am totally bummed that I'm not able to go to this gym anymore, I hope that I'll be back in the area and will be...

I have been a member at this gym for over 15 years, and this gym has really gone down hill over the years. I think most of it has to do with poor ownership decisions. They spent a ton of money on a climbing rock, and then when no one used it, they packed a bunch of equipment around it so that it can't be used at all. They got rid of all spin classes, and a whole bunch of other classes as well. They got rid of their towel service, and their childcare. If you want to clean up your equipment, they expect you to grab one of the totally disgusting towels that are hanging around the gym and are filled with strangers' sweat. But that's okay, because they never really enforce any of the gym rules anyway. Then they spent money making up a movie room with treadmills in it to replace the childcare room. The equipment is often broken, and when you notify them about it, they put a sign on it, and it stays there for several weeks, and then the sign gets removed, but oftentimes the equipment is not fixed. The owner, John Hamilton, seems like a decent guy, but I have not seen him at the gym for years. Maybe this is the problem. He also owns two other gyms in the area, and they are much nicer. This is obviously the runt of the litter and it shows. They also really are known for their high pressure sales tactics. The manager is a complete jerk. When my daughter grew old enough, I wanted to quit paying for the childcare and switch her to our membership. The cost should have significantly less, but it wasn't. They also charged me $110 for the paperwork. This, after I have been a customer there for so long. Parking is also a huge problem. During busy times, there are often staff that park in the fire lanes, which is illegal. They also have ensured that their parking spaces are extremely small and difficult to get in and out of. The only reason that I go here is because it is so close...