Mountainside Fitness Carefree — Local services in Phoenix

EDITING in a couple more things after reflecting a bit more. I see they did respond but respectfully I won't be changing my review to a 5-star as I want to be honest about what ultimately made me want to leave. I changed it from 3 to 4 though just because part of my issue was with other gym members rather than the place specifically and so I don't think that should count:

It's alright. You gotta love the big gym style to like it here. My biggest issue with big gyms versus small is the accountability between staff and members. You're more of a number than a person. A couple examples: After my gym had to close because of COVID, I was looking for something else. My boyfriend kept suggesting mountainside and convinced me to go. Mountainside says they run a referral promo so I mentioned that when signing up. However, the reward never came after discussing it twice with them. They offered to give me a consultation with a trainer at the start. I figured I might as well because I like getting some help since I'm not an expert and like to learn from others. I could only afford maybe one session every week or two (another con to big gyms is personalized training is way more expensive). Most of the times for it were doing work hours so I just went with the one evening time that was available. I had another commitment later that night but wanted to squeeze it in considering I'd have to wait longer to find another time. I arrived at the desk, a few minutes early, and other people were in front of me so I figured no worries I am early I can wait. However, I ended up standing there for 13 minutes after our meet time (about 17 total). The last person in front of me wanted to sign up for some sort of training from what I could hear. The whole time I was standing there though I got no acknowledgement. I get it, better to close the deal with someone who is for sure spending money, than with someone who only might. After those 13 minutes though I only had about 25 minutes for the consultation so figured I would just leave because they were too busy and I wouldn't have enough time to go through things properly with them. Never received any follow up message asking if I was the one waiting or what happened.

And then lastly as a random point, I don't understand why you have to come in to cancel membership. I was told it was to sign papers but all I did was click a button on the little card holder. Kinda sucks to make a trip out there just for that when we can cancel pretty much anything else online.

EDIT: I do really respect what the Mountainside owner did to stand up for gyms during covid though. It kills me that all kinds of gyms are shutting down because of the way things were handled. The person who signed me up was very nice and the front desk staff were always friendly. But like I said there just isn't follow-up or accountability, and for me that makes a difference. They can afford to ignore people or just forget about them when they have large numbers of members. I ended up finding another small, local gym so I rather sacrifice the sauna and variety of equipment for the respect and follow-through among...

Mountainside Fitness Google Review of dislocated hip on 2.2.22 On 10.29.21 I had right hip replacement surgery. On 2.2.22 I had dislocated my right hip on the leg press machine at the Carefree Mountainside gym. I had performed that same weight twice before and was attempting my third set when I dislocated that right hip. Many gym members came to my rescue and started removing the weight from the machine. I was crushed against the backboard and in immense pain. It took 4 guys to lift me from the machine into the chair. I was helpless. The fire department was called and a member of the gym just happened to be there from that particular Station that was called. He was helpful in facilitating that call. My special thanks to Reid Merrill (Fitness Manager) who was my constant companion during this painful time. He had placed his hand on my shoulder with constant reassurance that he was there for me. I could tell I was going into shock before Fire arrived as I was shaking like a leaf. Zack (Personal Trainer) was also there for me. Thank you to the General Manager, Sean, for his 2 follow-up calls to my wife checking on me. I’ve returned to Mountainside Gym and my hip is back in place. You can bet I’m avoiding that leg press...

This Mountainside Fitness gym has been a great place for me to come and work on my fitness goals for 3+ years now. In particular I like the friendly staff when you enter the gym, the vast range of equipment from free weights, benches, racks and machines - meaning even when you choose to go at a busier hour of the day there is always an option for your workout goals that day! In addition the cardio equipment is well maintained, widely available and has good tech options with TV/workout tracking/streaming etc.

When I joined I also decided to try a Personal Trainer for the first time, to push me each week outside of solo workouts, learn the best options to achieve my goals plus stay motivated & accountable. Zack has been fantastic throughout - each session is focused and challenging, where he listens to my questions or what I've been doing on my own and also provides recommendations or positive reinforcement. He is also personable and fun to spend time with, which definitely helps with motivation and staying committed over the longer term. I look forward to being a customer and repeat visitor for more years to come and will keep working with Zack all the time he is a trainer at this gym - keep up...