FITNESS WORKS

The gym is ok but small. Many machines are perpetually undergoing maintenance. I paid extra for the group training classes and some were good but others were not worth the money. It definitely depends on the teacher. Ultimately I cancelled to work with another gym's group training classes. I was told that I needed to come into the gym to cancel the membership. When I did, I was told that this would cancel after two more billing cycles. I clarified with the gym employee that two more billing cycles did not mean two more months but was two more 2 week cycles. I am usually billed twice a month and pay $37.50 during one billing cycle and $12.50 during the second billing cycle each month. On 3/5/14 I was billed $37.50 and I expected to pay $12.50 on 3/19/14 and then the membership would be cancelled. However I was again billed $37.50 on 3/19/14. When I contacted the gym, no one bothered to follow up with me. I feel that they were dishonest with me regarding their cancellation policy and unprofessional by not following up and explaining this to me.

Received a bank debit for two weeks of training dated 8/9/2013 for two weeks forward from 8/19 under the old contract. The new contract started on 8/9/2013 for the same period. Double billing. When brought to their attention, were told the billing for the old contract happened on 8/9/2013 and therefore could not be cancelled. We asked for a refund and were told no, but they would give additional "sessions". The manager swore the old contract was cancelled immediately on 8/19 and put it in writing, but non the less a charge showed up later for a period that was cancelled. I was concerned because last year, we went through a similar experience and smooth talk made it look like it was an honest mistake. THIS IS NO MISTAKE. It he way they do business. Promise one thing and do another... bait and switch. We unfortunately have a contract for another year, but after that we will not do business with people like this. I would warn anyone considering signing a contract with these people to use EXTREME caution.

This gym is terrible. The equipment is always broken, and the staff is dishonest. The childcare is breaking the law. They always have way too many kids for the number of adults, and the childcare staff sits around and talks rather than doing their jobs.

They are an honest gym. Cara Williams is a phenomenal trainer. When I started using her I could hardly stand up straight and now I can. The gym itself is very polite, person-oriented, and a great place. It is clean and the equipment is up to date. They have very nice people that work there.

Lesson #1: Never sign a gym contract without trying them out for at least a week even if they are minutes from home Lesson #2: Don't presume that because a place is crowded it's good. Fitness Works is by far the worst gym I have belonged to in the Phoenix area. And, unfortunately, they make it impossible to get out of a contract. My complaints include equipment is always broken. And, if it is working, they are not of high quality. You don't have much of a variety either, in the cardio area. The pool area is depressing, which is probably why it is always empty. The classes are packed. I hear they are good, but they always seem so crowded and at inconvenient hours. My kids like the people in the childcare but they get bored. The staff care more about talking to each other than you. The mini TVs on the cardio are terrible. If they work, they are fuzzy and if you find one with the headphones working you are lucky. I can't wait until our contract runs out or they go out of business like the rest of the mediocre gyms have around this area. Read reviews on the internet...I am not the only one.

I still retain my membership although I wish they had more gentle attitudes about the classes. They believe in a philosophy of lockstep routines, very much choreographed to be like a music video. I found the step aerobics classes using overly complex and injury-prone practices and I do not attend them. I only use the workout equipment although they have a lovely pool and a day spa which I will try soon.