Topshelf Fitness Center & Supplement Store — Local services in Rockaway

Editing my review because the owner seems to miss the entire point of my complaint...

I am not upset about being charged $34.99, or being charged at all even. I have absolutely no issue with paying a membership. I would even have been happy to pay my membership during the lockdown if I was given the option, but the gym chose to freeze memberships. My issue is that there has been zero communication with members not currently going to the gym, and when I did call to ask about procedures for freezing, etc. (after specifically being told that a notice would go out explaining everything), I got yelled at and talked to disrespectfully by the owner. I didnt call to complain about being charged, I simply called to ask if they were planning on sending out the notification, that I was previously told would get sent out, with all the information needed. The owner compared the membership to rent, saying that its my responsibility to pay my rent on time, but if you want to use that comparison, landlords dont just increase rent without notice or any communication. Maybe I am the only person that wrote a bad review, but I am for sure not the only person unhappy with how I was treated. If you are disappointed in me for not showing compassion, maybe you should think about showing me that same compassion you expect. You are not the only people affected by this pandemic.

The lack of respect and communication at this gym is awful. I was told by the owner (on 2 different occasions) that an email will be sent to members once they plan on unfreezing memberships, explaining what the process would be to keep it frozen, etc. No email or notice was sent out, except for a few videos on their Instagram story (that goes away after 24 hours). So if you are not currently going to the gym, or have social media, you had no idea that they were going to a) increase the membership fee and b) start charging memberships again.

Once I got charged, I called to ask about the notice going out and was told its my responsibility to know how their business works and that I should be grateful to them for not charging me in October, or throughout the rest of the year when gyms were closed. I was talked to in a very unprofessional manner, and even yelled at, while I simply asked why no notice was sent out to explain their procedures. I was also told that they dont have access to members emails, and is therefore not responsible to notify me in any way and that I should have gone to the gym to see that they put notices up throughout the gym. I am very disappointed in the way I was treated over the phone, and at the complete lack of communication and responsibility, and I will not be renewing my...

I like this gym a lot. I don’t want to put a bad word on my previous gym, but the business hours were extremely limited. The hours didn’t accommodate me. I’m a nurse, and I need a 24-hour facility to get my workout. This one is perfect honestly, and the people, staff, and management are so welcoming and personable. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a close-niche community. It’s nice to see that, especially since the pandemic. It was a depressing year for everyone, so it’s awesome to see everyone smiling and helping each other out. I like to also mention... that the women’s bathroom is immaculate. I like walking in, and smelling the freshness in the air. They provide sprays for you too, which is convenient. As far as the equipment goes, I like how they have many for you to choose from, and my favorite is their long turf. I love that the gym has plenty of room to move around. I don’t like being overcrowded haha. The ONLY CON I really have are the treadmills. I like to do my HIIT’s on the treadmill, but most of their incline/ramp features are broken. I addressed it with the front desk, but it hasn’t been resolved yet. Otherwise, I highly...

Bait and switch tactics: The website advertises $34.99 a month membership with no qualifiers required. I call to confirm that and am told that the $34.99 monthly rate is accessible after putting down $299. I understand that down payments are somewhat normal, however I expect that behavior from chains. There is also a yearly upkeep fee, which I would have hoped to be included in the membership. I wish the website was more transparent.

Gym itself: There is great equipment in the Rockaway location. The men's locker room is tiny, but sufficient. Bring your own lock. The layout is disjointed and confusing.

Edit to respond to owner: After you spend $300, you can access three locations for $34.99 a month. However there is also a yearly $40 upkeep fee. You only become aware of this when signing up.

Nowhere on the website is a mention of the enrollment fee nor is there a mention of the yearly upkeep charge. There is only a line stating $34.99 a month. How is not bait and switch?

You also threaten to remove me as a member until I change the review. I don't agree with that type of behavior and is far from the family feel you...