Bally's Total Fitness closing in Indy--GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

[Michael R.]

Apparently, Bally's just closed its doors to their Greenwood and I believe Lafayette, In. locations. This is great news for would-be health club goers who might've considered Bally's. It is, without a doubt, the most poorly run health club company in the world. I say that with no reservations. I worked in the health and fitness industry years ago and I've also been an avid gym-goer for a long time so I know all too well just how shady their business practices are. I've heard the horror stories first hand. I remember working at a small independent gym as a sales associate a few years ago and there were times when an ex-Bally's member would come in and they would absolutely not sign any kind of contract because of how Bally's screwed them over. It was quite telling. As far as I'm concerned, the entire company can bite the bullet. What's funny is, they are trying to save face by offering 'No long term contracts'. The nerve.

If you are seeking out a health club, try a well-run independent one. Stay away from chains if you can help it.

To learn more about the the total ineptitude that is Bally's Total FRAUD-ness, see below:

http://blogs.courant.com/george_gombossy/2009/02/quitting-ballys-he...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bally_Total_Fitness

[Michael R.]

I didn't realize I was being combative. Have a nice day.

[Brandon Sobotka]

I understand. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I was simply giving you mine from the inside of several different major companies. I could find people with bad comments about every fitness club. You seem very interested...I'd be more than happy to discuss it with you sometime if you'd like.

[Michael R.]

I actually just wanted to get some opinions on Bally's from the folks on Smaller Indiana. Thank you for your participation.

[Kirk Booher]

There is a lot of competetion in Indy now... that is a good thing from my point of view...a few less locations....I dont understand why you need to sign a contract at a gym...not like they are giving you anything upfront...the Y works for us because of the all the family / kids stuff particularly. FYI...Mr. R...does seem like you have an axe to grind with Bally;s and looking for negative opinions, but hey...so what?

[Michael R.]

I love the Y overall and have worked out there on and off for many years (not currently a member). No, Kirk, I have no axe to grind with Bally's. I just believe they do bad business based on my own personal experiences with them, hearing in-person stories from past members, and now the testimonials in this thread. I'm not looking for negative opinions but rather any stories/comments people on SI want to share on the matter.

[Jeff Zuber]

I really didn't have much of an experiance at Bally's. I went there once or twice and didn't care for the staff. However I recently joined Lifestyle Family Fitness and love it! There are other gyms that I could have gone to but the people at LFF in Fishers are great and very knowledgeablee. Nathan Brown my trainer has gone out of his way to help me and not look down on my "Body like a bowling pin" build. I would recomend Lifestyle in Fishers and Nathan to anyone.

[Michael R.]

That's great to hear, Jeff. I've heard good things about LFF myself, actually. I've never been in their facilities but I may have to give it a try here soon. Nice to hear you have a good trainer who is genuine about helping you with your health and fitness needs.

[Gregory A. Dewey]

Amen Brother!! I will never sign a contract with anyone. I had problems with them also and am glad they are closing. Any suggestions on where to go though? I only want to pay by the month. I had my identity stolen once before and it will never happen again.

[Michael R.]

Well, Gregory, to be honest, I'm kind of out of the loop in regard to the "best" health clubs out there. Lots of new ones have sprung up over the past few years but I don't have any personal experiences with them. The gym I used to go to--Greenbriar Athletic Club--closed down a year or so ago and I haven't sought out a new gym to join. What side of town are you on, Gregory? Do you have a preference location for the gym you would like to go to?

[Gregory A. Dewey]

I live down south close to Greenwood.

[Jack Shepler]

Sing it with me now.

Y M C A

[Michael R.]

Which one do you go to, Jack, if you don't mind me asking?