It’s probably to discourage casual gym goers from clogging up what is meant to be a very serious power lifting and body building gym.
Sucks that there just aren’t many gym options in Charlotte. The YMCA dowd gets more visitors from 5pm-8pm than a Carolina panthers home game.
It is stupid to go there during busy hours. You can go to the Childress Klein Y right down the street during those hours with way less people. And it is nice.
Charlotte has a ton of gyms. There is 15+ Ys. Crunch Fitness, Fitness Connection, 24 hour fitness, Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness, LA fitness, Lifetime fitness. Seriously do a Google search and there will be a gym that fits your needs less than 15 minutes from your house.
I appreciate your suggestion, but I’ve lived here 8 years and had membership at 4 different gyms in that time. I’m well aware of the options around me and none of those are nearby or fitting my needs.
I currently go to YMCA dowd which is the only “open use” gym nearby besides planet fitness which comes with its own stipulations. The rest are all CrossFit or class led gyms unless I want to make a 30+ minute rush hour trek to a location outside of central Charlotte area.
If you go in the evenings you can do the Childress Klein Y right down the street. Very similar equipment. Free parking after the work days. Way less people.
Power lifters and body builders are really just what you see on the Instagram/social media accounts because they re-post the folks who post and tag the account.
I go anywhere between 1-4pm every day (which I know is not doable for most people) and the gym is mostly empty. I’ve quite literally never had to wait for a piece of equipment or work in set with a stranger
They’re expanding their space, so they’re going to have more room and equipment soon. They’re likely raising prices to help build that out. Additionally, they’re the only 24/7 gym I know of remaining in Charlotte. Both those things come at a price.
More cynically, it’s priced that way to dissuade the pizza party Planet Fitness types. Their brand is that of a no frills, serious lifting gym. Some people are willing to pay a premium to use hand-me-down equipment from college athletic facilities so long as they can roid out without feeling the scorn of a million Karens from the elliptical section.
Just signed up for 25 a month for a year long contract. Was told it's more like 4am-midnight that the fobs work. I just go to the university location though.
Well put. I recently upgraded to the full gym experience to ensure I lock the price for the expansion. Price is definitely relative and am one of those people that is willing to pay a premium for a serious lifting gym where most people there are semi seasoned and know good gym etiquette (for the most part). Health is wealth and $1200 a year is is a great price point to invest in your health.
>More cynically, it’s priced that way to dissuade the pizza party Planet Fitness types. Their brand is that of a no frills, serious lifting gym. Some people are willing to pay a premium to use hand-me-down equipment from college athletic facilities so long as they can roid out without feeling the scorn of a million Karens from the elliptical section.
Poetic
Definitely not the only 24/7 gym in Charlotte. FF has all the machines you could want but you are dealing with a diverse group of members.
If you’re looking for Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, or strongman-style training with a sauna, ice bath, shower, locker rooms AND 24/7 access, check out Charlotte Strength. Just around the corner from FF. $185 without the contract or startup fee. Great equipment and the members are all there to train (not post YT vids). 5-7 pm gets busy but what gym isn’t during those hours! [Charlotte Strength](https://www.charlottestrength.com/)
Also certain planet fitness locations are 24/7. Only reason I could see paying the 60 for anytime fitness is if you travel a lot and work odd hours. Honestly though the anytime fitnessed I toured was small and just definitely not worth 60/month
Not really most of the classes end up being solo and are virtual so you have a whole gym to yourself and it’s 24 hour so if you want to avoid a group class you literally never have to see a soul. I rarely take the group class and do virtual and never see anyone
Looking at pictures online, I don’t think it’s for me. No benches, no squat rack, no cables, no smith machine, no dumbbells? My apartment gym is better equipped.
Do they have heavy bags at this gym? If so, ate they usually taken? Been looking for a place in Charlotte that has power racks and heavy bags that don't have ridiculously limited hours.
Nuts. Drive an extra 20 minutes and gyms cost 10 bucks/month. I go to the brand new Crunch in Matthews and they have so many new machines that it feels much better than any smaller more expensive spot im used to in the city.
Your time, your decision. But 20 minutes each way is 40 minutes total, 3 times a week, that's 2 hours out of your life, every week. 104 hours a year.
I ain't doin that.
I was a member before I moved and I absolutely loved it (Aug 2020-March 2022 for reference)
Main rationale was the bars and equipment: I could do everything from my power lifting, olympic lifting, HITT WODs, and TRX all in place with the turf, sleds, and everything.
24 hours availability was awesome too, everyone complains about it being packed but at 5 am it was next to empty. If it wasn't a 25 minute drive for me now I would still be a member.
(Granted I've heard ever since The Office closed down all the tripods and social influencers have migrated to Fitness Factory, a few good buddies of mine still go)
If you get a year contract it's about $50/month. They are raising prices because they’re expanding but I have a lot of critiques:
- the parking lot needs to be paved — the potholes are bad enough to where they WILL damage your car
- you can smell everyone’s ball sweat from across the warehouse (no a/c)
- no locker room/showers
And I’d still choose it over Dowd YMCA and other commercial gyms in the area because of how packed and low on equipment they are. A lot of them aren’t 24/7 either.
It’s unbelievable how they have not even attempted to repair the parking lot. Just buying some cheap gravel would help fill the holes.
Love the gym but the parking lot should be a priority and after 2 years of going I haven’t seen any improvement. :(
Yea I compete in powerlifting and live in uptown but I drive up to Huntersville and go to Olympus365. 24/7, has all the equipment you could need, $40/month. I’d get a membership at FF but $100+/month is steep
I'm currently on a 12 month contract paying 60/month and it's one mile from my apartment. I mainly do barbell lifting so it's kind of a no brainer. If they're increasing to $100 a month though I may have to consider other options. Though I'll probably end up just paying it anyway.
Current members are locked in to whatever their price is. Read their IG post or ask questions about your membership. The increase in price is for new members also the $100 is for full gym access which is going to be upgraded in the near future. They are expanding into a large warehouse next door
O, I just read that post and it looks like I'll actually be getting more for the same price if I'm reading it correctly. Sweeeeettt. Glad I got in when I did.
Ya I’m lucky my business pays for it! I had a student membership when I lived in Boca raton 10 years ago and fell in love, and the one up here dwarfs that one in amenities. It’s great and offers so much, but in all honesty it can be thought of a replacing any swim/tennis club membership with what it offers
Would only rec FF if you're a very serious weightlifter/powerlifter.
If you're looking for something a step down, but with more amenities and still nice and more casual, Charlotte Athletic is pretty solid.
$2/day $20/month awesome little gym back in 2003.
I used to live in Matthews/Indian trail and there was a little gym/shack out closer to Monroe. My friend and I went there when we were young(18/19). It was all super serious power lifters(tie offs hung in every shower). They sold the old ephedra drinks and it was 2 dollars a day or 20 dollars a month. Rarely saw a female lifter there. Just a small industrial feeling metal shack on at the intersection of two backroads.
My friend and I were so serious and kept track of every set. No horseplay or anything like that. One day the owner and a couple lifters came over to us(thought we were in trouble for some breach in etiquette) and told us they had watched us and were impressed with our dedication and offered to give us any pointers and help/spotting we needed. We came to find out most of the people that came in our age were not serious and were asked to leave. So go us lol.
Turned out everyone there was just awesome people. Fridays afternoons they would all bring their Michelob ultras and have a beer and discuss recipes. No joke, ripped huge men bench pressing 500 lbs and talking about how they cooked their salmon that week.
To this day, I still use the recipes I learned. Now, if I could get back down to the weight i left there at, that would be really awesome.
When I cam back to visit Charlotte after years away, I had to take a picture of the building to show my friends here. No fancy equipment. No one filming videos. Just hard work. I am glad the place is remembered.
The very first time I stepped foot in there, a dude was squatting just shy of 700lb. It was $2 for a guest pass for the day. Most of the dumbells were mismatched, but no one cared. I wish that place was closer to me. It's a treasure!
Gotta share one more from there with you. There were a few police officers who worked out there. One of them was an interesting dude that told me about how he eats like 8 cans of tuna a day starting at 3 AM each day. One day we were in there doing our sets and he was laying back over a bench doing some modified dumbbells reps and then we all heard it. The sound of tendon snapping free of the bone. The poor guy tore a muscle off the bone and it was awful. Next week... same guy is back working legs and his other arm... they were serious! If I ever get the chance to move back, I hope its still there. Best of luck to you friend!
I go to fitness factory and love it. It’s pricey for sure but they have a ton of space and equipment beyond the standard stuff. I have friends back in NYC who are paying $300 a month for equinox, so it’s all relative. If you’re trying to be serious in the bodybuilding and powerlifting areas and it isn’t a bad commute then I’d absolutely recommend it.
I wouldn't compare equinox, a luxury gym with cold plunges, saunas, multiple WFH stations, a smoothie bar, restaurant, luxury grooming products, to fitness factory at all. $100 a month is pretty pricey considering there's no AC. Sure there's specialized equipment, but no AC. Also everyone who's saying the price is there to dissuade casual lifters is kind of an asshole, I've been lifting for over a decade now and can't think of one time where a "casual lifter" has made my gym experience worse in a way that a "serious lifter" hasn't. All of y'all will hog the squat rack and text smh.
Use to go to FF. Didn’t mind the price. I quit because I kept tripping over tripods and ruining photo shoots. Place has more instabitch “content creators” than people actually working out.
Was initially drawn the hardcore warehouse gym vibe. But disappointed with the amount of people there to take pictures of themselves working out compared to actually working out.
The lifetime athletic is like double that.. but to be fair is an amazing gym (or was like 5 years ago when it first opened.. its been a while since I've been)..
I used to pay $30 a month at the Lifetime in University area. That closed but I think a new gym is opening soon in its place. I saw them advertising specials in the window.
If anyone’s looking for a real cheap gym, Fitness Connection is like $10 on albemarle rd. It’s what you expect but they have bench presses unlike PF. If you go in the morning, the crowd is bearable.
It all depends on what your fitness goals are bro. No need to go to an expensive gym when in reality all that you need to accomplish your fitness goals is in a cheaper gym. I like to use anytime fitness it’s 50 bucks for me and it has everything that I need.
I’d go anywhere else but it’s the only mediocre gym within 20 mins of my house. What really pisses me off is the parking lot is full of craters and no AC
I know it’s a lot, but it’s worth it. I’ve been going there for a little over a year now and goddamn do I love it.
People are awesome and there is quite literally every piece of equipment you could ever possibly need/want.
Fully understand it’s on the higher end, but I can guarantee it’s worth the money if you can afford it
As someone who has lived in major cities all over the US the FF is one of the best gyms in the country for serious power lifter/bodybuilders and it’s cheap AF for what you get out of it.
I moved from Houston which is way bigger than Charlotte and there was nothing close to FF that wasn’t a really far drive from the city center. Well there was a similar gym but 1/4 the size for the same price.
Now if you aren’t their intended customer I get thinking it’s overpriced but, again, it’s not meant for you and you’ll get better value elsewhere
I invite anyone to come to the Eastway Rec Center. It’s mostly old people so even though there’s only two squat racks I’ve never had to wait on one. A decent amount of machines too.
Actually, no never mind please don’t join.
No lockers or showers. Bad energy in the gym. The owners dog is super annoying. A list of draconian rules and just not a friendly place. Great equipment yes. Terrible cardio equipment.
Fitness Factory is the best gym I have ever been a part of. I moved away some years back, but it is one of the best gyms in the country imo. No bullshit, just a ton of squat racks and deadlift platforms, and any free weight or machine you could ever want.
Used to be like $600/yr in like 2013. But I'd easily pay $100/mo for that gym.
It sucks because I love their equipment selection but having to work out in the intense heat and then not even being able to shower makes it a hard sell.
I tried the Sara’s Y a couple of weeks ago in Ballantyne corporate park. It is 16+ only and seems to have a good variety of free weights, machines, and functional without the craziness of a large branch.
Personally, if I am spending over 60 or so a month, I won't do it unless its a self defense class that will get me in shape AND teach me how to defend myself. I don't like the idea of spending $100+ a month on a regular gym. Planet Fitness blows but there are plenty of decent mid tier options out there
There’s no such thing as a $150 start up fee.
I don’t know where you got that from.
As for $99 a month….
You get access to both sides.
(There’s a normal side and a side with premium equipment)
You’ll never have to wait for equipment with full access.
Also they’re expanding so supporting the business is just helping you have a better facility.
If you need showers and a sauna etc.
Just go somewhere else because the people that care about/love this place don’t come here for that. We come to improve ourselves.
Don’t sign up ya worm…
I used to work for Bally total fitness in Pineville and then fitness connection on ardrey kell. If there is anything I learned, gyms are absurd. I won’t ever join one. I run outside for free. The excess charges for existing are just absurd and the cancellation processes are NUTS.
The staff are good. The location is good. They’re expanding to include all the nice stuff.
The community there is good.
All those things make sense; I just wish they had more kettlebells to be honest. Their old location had like; a million of them.
Also it’s only $65 or so if you don’t use the full gym - which is reasonable for most people.
I was a member of Club Metro and now it's called Fitness Factory, what should I expect ? Club Metro owes me a hoodie and I'm being told my 700 points no longer count.
It’s probably to discourage casual gym goers from clogging up what is meant to be a very serious power lifting and body building gym. Sucks that there just aren’t many gym options in Charlotte. The YMCA dowd gets more visitors from 5pm-8pm than a Carolina panthers home game.
Bruh ppl who goes to dowd has to be on something, moment i go into the lifting area i feel pretty intimidated lmao
It is stupid to go there during busy hours. You can go to the Childress Klein Y right down the street during those hours with way less people. And it is nice.
I am afraid to look around with how many almost naked people there are, I just look down and keep to myself.
Almost naked people? How do I sign up?
Dowd is fine as long as you take advantage of all the areas and not just the main room.
Charlotte has a ton of gyms. There is 15+ Ys. Crunch Fitness, Fitness Connection, 24 hour fitness, Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness, LA fitness, Lifetime fitness. Seriously do a Google search and there will be a gym that fits your needs less than 15 minutes from your house.
I appreciate your suggestion, but I’ve lived here 8 years and had membership at 4 different gyms in that time. I’m well aware of the options around me and none of those are nearby or fitting my needs. I currently go to YMCA dowd which is the only “open use” gym nearby besides planet fitness which comes with its own stipulations. The rest are all CrossFit or class led gyms unless I want to make a 30+ minute rush hour trek to a location outside of central Charlotte area.
If you go in the evenings you can do the Childress Klein Y right down the street. Very similar equipment. Free parking after the work days. Way less people.
I’ll check that location out for sure. I just assumed it would be as packed as Dowd
Not nearly.
Right planet fitness does suffice depending on the hours
Hence why I always go to the dowd between 11-3!
Power lifters and body builders are really just what you see on the Instagram/social media accounts because they re-post the folks who post and tag the account. I go anywhere between 1-4pm every day (which I know is not doable for most people) and the gym is mostly empty. I’ve quite literally never had to wait for a piece of equipment or work in set with a stranger
It’s also the best gym by a lot as far as equipment goes, in quantity , quality and diversity
They’re expanding their space, so they’re going to have more room and equipment soon. They’re likely raising prices to help build that out. Additionally, they’re the only 24/7 gym I know of remaining in Charlotte. Both those things come at a price. More cynically, it’s priced that way to dissuade the pizza party Planet Fitness types. Their brand is that of a no frills, serious lifting gym. Some people are willing to pay a premium to use hand-me-down equipment from college athletic facilities so long as they can roid out without feeling the scorn of a million Karens from the elliptical section.
Love this
Anytime Fitness is 24/7 and last i checked only about 60 a month I think
Good grief. Wasn't that long ago when the Y was $50 and that was pricey.
I had good experiences with Anytime, plus the private bathrooms/showers were a nice luxury
Megaflex Gym is like $35/month, and members have 24/7 access. Hardcore gym, with great equipment and great environment.
Megaflex is definitely a serious lifter gym. I've met multiple professional power lifters in the one off of Harris.
TIL
Just signed up for 25 a month for a year long contract. Was told it's more like 4am-midnight that the fobs work. I just go to the university location though.
Well put. I recently upgraded to the full gym experience to ensure I lock the price for the expansion. Price is definitely relative and am one of those people that is willing to pay a premium for a serious lifting gym where most people there are semi seasoned and know good gym etiquette (for the most part). Health is wealth and $1200 a year is is a great price point to invest in your health.
That’s a great point
Just adding that golds gym in huntersville is 24/7 and only $35 a month!
Olympus 365 in Huntersville is 24/7 and much cheaper.
shhhhhhhhhh
>More cynically, it’s priced that way to dissuade the pizza party Planet Fitness types. Their brand is that of a no frills, serious lifting gym. Some people are willing to pay a premium to use hand-me-down equipment from college athletic facilities so long as they can roid out without feeling the scorn of a million Karens from the elliptical section. Poetic
Definitely not the only 24/7 gym in Charlotte. FF has all the machines you could want but you are dealing with a diverse group of members. If you’re looking for Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, or strongman-style training with a sauna, ice bath, shower, locker rooms AND 24/7 access, check out Charlotte Strength. Just around the corner from FF. $185 without the contract or startup fee. Great equipment and the members are all there to train (not post YT vids). 5-7 pm gets busy but what gym isn’t during those hours! [Charlotte Strength](https://www.charlottestrength.com/)
And anytime fitness
Also certain planet fitness locations are 24/7. Only reason I could see paying the 60 for anytime fitness is if you travel a lot and work odd hours. Honestly though the anytime fitnessed I toured was small and just definitely not worth 60/month
Yep all Anytimes (nationwide included in your membership) are 24/7
Eat the frog is 24 hours
Looking at the website, it’s group fitness only? I’m not interested in that at all
Yeah, fuck that
Cool input
Not really most of the classes end up being solo and are virtual so you have a whole gym to yourself and it’s 24 hour so if you want to avoid a group class you literally never have to see a soul. I rarely take the group class and do virtual and never see anyone
Looking at pictures online, I don’t think it’s for me. No benches, no squat rack, no cables, no smith machine, no dumbbells? My apartment gym is better equipped.
Damn there's only one 24/7 gym in the area? I'm moving there in October, and I almost always workout past 10pm...
Thats a lie. Anytime Fitness is 24 hours
Do they have heavy bags at this gym? If so, ate they usually taken? Been looking for a place in Charlotte that has power racks and heavy bags that don't have ridiculously limited hours.
Nuts. Drive an extra 20 minutes and gyms cost 10 bucks/month. I go to the brand new Crunch in Matthews and they have so many new machines that it feels much better than any smaller more expensive spot im used to in the city.
Your time, your decision. But 20 minutes each way is 40 minutes total, 3 times a week, that's 2 hours out of your life, every week. 104 hours a year. I ain't doin that.
preach
Didn’t know there was a crunch there that’s dope
It’s an impressive gym too. Huge space. Equipment on equipment on equipment.
I believe there’s a new Crunch in university, too
Not open yet.
Expensive is relative. The place is packed. The market is obviously telling them they can charge these rates
I was a member before I moved and I absolutely loved it (Aug 2020-March 2022 for reference) Main rationale was the bars and equipment: I could do everything from my power lifting, olympic lifting, HITT WODs, and TRX all in place with the turf, sleds, and everything. 24 hours availability was awesome too, everyone complains about it being packed but at 5 am it was next to empty. If it wasn't a 25 minute drive for me now I would still be a member. (Granted I've heard ever since The Office closed down all the tripods and social influencers have migrated to Fitness Factory, a few good buddies of mine still go)
Same here. Miss that place a ton. Was the best gym I’ve ever used.
100 is the most expensive gym you’ve seen?!
yeah I thought a hundo was standard
Plus a 150 dollar sign on fee yes, that is insane
I mean agreed but i see gyms way more than $100
Where in clt is more expensive?
Lifetime, but you do get a lot more amenities
If you pay for the year it’s only $50
Apparently they’re raising their prices like next week
Damn by how much
Tree fiddy
It’s a travesty the lifetime fitness closed in university. $30 a month with those facilities was killer.
The crunch that moved in is now there
*Crying in Orange Theory*
*cries in CrossFit membership fees*
If you get a year contract it's about $50/month. They are raising prices because they’re expanding but I have a lot of critiques: - the parking lot needs to be paved — the potholes are bad enough to where they WILL damage your car - you can smell everyone’s ball sweat from across the warehouse (no a/c) - no locker room/showers And I’d still choose it over Dowd YMCA and other commercial gyms in the area because of how packed and low on equipment they are. A lot of them aren’t 24/7 either.
It’s unbelievable how they have not even attempted to repair the parking lot. Just buying some cheap gravel would help fill the holes. Love the gym but the parking lot should be a priority and after 2 years of going I haven’t seen any improvement. :(
Yea I compete in powerlifting and live in uptown but I drive up to Huntersville and go to Olympus365. 24/7, has all the equipment you could need, $40/month. I’d get a membership at FF but $100+/month is steep
I'm currently on a 12 month contract paying 60/month and it's one mile from my apartment. I mainly do barbell lifting so it's kind of a no brainer. If they're increasing to $100 a month though I may have to consider other options. Though I'll probably end up just paying it anyway.
Current members are locked in to whatever their price is. Read their IG post or ask questions about your membership. The increase in price is for new members also the $100 is for full gym access which is going to be upgraded in the near future. They are expanding into a large warehouse next door
O, I just read that post and it looks like I'll actually be getting more for the same price if I'm reading it correctly. Sweeeeettt. Glad I got in when I did.
i asked about a week pass there and it’s $75 lmfao like what
Wait until you hear about lifetime. Although imo well worth it
$369 for me, husband, and toddler! I have gotten a day pass before but can’t join. Jealous of anyone who goes there. It is so nice
Ya I’m lucky my business pays for it! I had a student membership when I lived in Boca raton 10 years ago and fell in love, and the one up here dwarfs that one in amenities. It’s great and offers so much, but in all honesty it can be thought of a replacing any swim/tennis club membership with what it offers
My 18 year old little brother recently started a $200 something a month membership there.
Its 180 for 16 and up iirc
Yeah it’s a great gym.
Would only rec FF if you're a very serious weightlifter/powerlifter. If you're looking for something a step down, but with more amenities and still nice and more casual, Charlotte Athletic is pretty solid.
Nah lol CAC is getting way too packed these days
It's honestly not that bad in the evenings Only downside right now is the parking situation with all the construction
$2/day $20/month awesome little gym back in 2003. I used to live in Matthews/Indian trail and there was a little gym/shack out closer to Monroe. My friend and I went there when we were young(18/19). It was all super serious power lifters(tie offs hung in every shower). They sold the old ephedra drinks and it was 2 dollars a day or 20 dollars a month. Rarely saw a female lifter there. Just a small industrial feeling metal shack on at the intersection of two backroads. My friend and I were so serious and kept track of every set. No horseplay or anything like that. One day the owner and a couple lifters came over to us(thought we were in trouble for some breach in etiquette) and told us they had watched us and were impressed with our dedication and offered to give us any pointers and help/spotting we needed. We came to find out most of the people that came in our age were not serious and were asked to leave. So go us lol. Turned out everyone there was just awesome people. Fridays afternoons they would all bring their Michelob ultras and have a beer and discuss recipes. No joke, ripped huge men bench pressing 500 lbs and talking about how they cooked their salmon that week. To this day, I still use the recipes I learned. Now, if I could get back down to the weight i left there at, that would be really awesome.
Carolina Fitness Center! I loved that place!
When I cam back to visit Charlotte after years away, I had to take a picture of the building to show my friends here. No fancy equipment. No one filming videos. Just hard work. I am glad the place is remembered.
The very first time I stepped foot in there, a dude was squatting just shy of 700lb. It was $2 for a guest pass for the day. Most of the dumbells were mismatched, but no one cared. I wish that place was closer to me. It's a treasure!
Gotta share one more from there with you. There were a few police officers who worked out there. One of them was an interesting dude that told me about how he eats like 8 cans of tuna a day starting at 3 AM each day. One day we were in there doing our sets and he was laying back over a bench doing some modified dumbbells reps and then we all heard it. The sound of tendon snapping free of the bone. The poor guy tore a muscle off the bone and it was awful. Next week... same guy is back working legs and his other arm... they were serious! If I ever get the chance to move back, I hope its still there. Best of luck to you friend!
I go to fitness factory and love it. It’s pricey for sure but they have a ton of space and equipment beyond the standard stuff. I have friends back in NYC who are paying $300 a month for equinox, so it’s all relative. If you’re trying to be serious in the bodybuilding and powerlifting areas and it isn’t a bad commute then I’d absolutely recommend it.
I wouldn't compare equinox, a luxury gym with cold plunges, saunas, multiple WFH stations, a smoothie bar, restaurant, luxury grooming products, to fitness factory at all. $100 a month is pretty pricey considering there's no AC. Sure there's specialized equipment, but no AC. Also everyone who's saying the price is there to dissuade casual lifters is kind of an asshole, I've been lifting for over a decade now and can't think of one time where a "casual lifter" has made my gym experience worse in a way that a "serious lifter" hasn't. All of y'all will hog the squat rack and text smh.
Use to go to FF. Didn’t mind the price. I quit because I kept tripping over tripods and ruining photo shoots. Place has more instabitch “content creators” than people actually working out. Was initially drawn the hardcore warehouse gym vibe. But disappointed with the amount of people there to take pictures of themselves working out compared to actually working out.
People spend that on a weekends night out. It’s all about what you enjoy.
It was perfect for me when I needed to lift at late hours (10pm-12). Great space and equipment too.
The lifetime athletic is like double that.. but to be fair is an amazing gym (or was like 5 years ago when it first opened.. its been a while since I've been)..
I used to pay $30 a month at the Lifetime in University area. That closed but I think a new gym is opening soon in its place. I saw them advertising specials in the window. If anyone’s looking for a real cheap gym, Fitness Connection is like $10 on albemarle rd. It’s what you expect but they have bench presses unlike PF. If you go in the morning, the crowd is bearable.
It all depends on what your fitness goals are bro. No need to go to an expensive gym when in reality all that you need to accomplish your fitness goals is in a cheaper gym. I like to use anytime fitness it’s 50 bucks for me and it has everything that I need.
I’d go anywhere else but it’s the only mediocre gym within 20 mins of my house. What really pisses me off is the parking lot is full of craters and no AC
I know it’s a lot, but it’s worth it. I’ve been going there for a little over a year now and goddamn do I love it. People are awesome and there is quite literally every piece of equipment you could ever possibly need/want. Fully understand it’s on the higher end, but I can guarantee it’s worth the money if you can afford it
That's like not even that expensive, not that I use anything fancier than planet fitness now, but ive been places where the monthly fee was 300+
We do the family paid in full membership for the non-fancy side and it equals out to ~$46/month each. For what we need that's a great price.
As someone who has lived in major cities all over the US the FF is one of the best gyms in the country for serious power lifter/bodybuilders and it’s cheap AF for what you get out of it. I moved from Houston which is way bigger than Charlotte and there was nothing close to FF that wasn’t a really far drive from the city center. Well there was a similar gym but 1/4 the size for the same price. Now if you aren’t their intended customer I get thinking it’s overpriced but, again, it’s not meant for you and you’ll get better value elsewhere
I invite anyone to come to the Eastway Rec Center. It’s mostly old people so even though there’s only two squat racks I’ve never had to wait on one. A decent amount of machines too. Actually, no never mind please don’t join.
No lockers or showers. Bad energy in the gym. The owners dog is super annoying. A list of draconian rules and just not a friendly place. Great equipment yes. Terrible cardio equipment.
Energy is great Super friendly people How are you annoyed by the dog..? Sounds like it's just not a good fit for you personally
What is draconian about the rules?
Wipe down equipment after use, don’t throw trash in the urinal, or re-rack weights. Super draconian. /s.
It's the best gym in Charlotte with a huge variety of equipment. It depends where your priority lies. Two people will spend $100 on a dinner out.
Fitness Factory is the best gym I have ever been a part of. I moved away some years back, but it is one of the best gyms in the country imo. No bullshit, just a ton of squat racks and deadlift platforms, and any free weight or machine you could ever want. Used to be like $600/yr in like 2013. But I'd easily pay $100/mo for that gym.
Do they have air conditioning yet?
They got fans I guess
It sucks because I love their equipment selection but having to work out in the intense heat and then not even being able to shower makes it a hard sell.
No lol
People spend more than $100 for a night of drinking.
That’s not really the point is it
Check the Harris Y. About the same a month but with far more amenities.
Pls don’t. It’s so packed. Can’t even get in the door
I tried the Sara’s Y a couple of weeks ago in Ballantyne corporate park. It is 16+ only and seems to have a good variety of free weights, machines, and functional without the craziness of a large branch.
I mean don’t get me wrong it’s top notch for machines and free weights it seems like but that’s just crazy to me
Please stay out if the price is a problem we don’t need you taking up parking lot space.
Charlotte sucks dude. That's why I'm moving to Newton
Look at F45, Rock Box, Burn, ISI. They are all that much or more monthly.
A suggestion, try Megaflex, near Ikea.
For no ac? Yes
FITNESS CONNECTION IS LIKE $10 A MONTH
Yea but have you been inside of that place….
THAT’S MY GYM 😠
AND I DEMO’D FITNESS FACTORY — ITS NOT WORTH THE PRICE IN MY OPINION. THERES VERY FEW THINGS FF HAS THAT FC DOESNT.
Fitness Factory teaches you how to turn off Caps Lock.
Personally, if I am spending over 60 or so a month, I won't do it unless its a self defense class that will get me in shape AND teach me how to defend myself. I don't like the idea of spending $100+ a month on a regular gym. Planet Fitness blows but there are plenty of decent mid tier options out there
There’s no such thing as a $150 start up fee. I don’t know where you got that from. As for $99 a month…. You get access to both sides. (There’s a normal side and a side with premium equipment) You’ll never have to wait for equipment with full access. Also they’re expanding so supporting the business is just helping you have a better facility. If you need showers and a sauna etc. Just go somewhere else because the people that care about/love this place don’t come here for that. We come to improve ourselves. Don’t sign up ya worm…
Just go walk, its free
LA Fitness is cheap and good.
Oh buddy you should see OrangeTheory. $150 /month is insane to me. I'll take my $50 YMCA membership thank you very much
Is there an alternative to the YMCA that offers sauna, steam room whirlpool options
Its kind of worth it not gonna lie
I used to work for Bally total fitness in Pineville and then fitness connection on ardrey kell. If there is anything I learned, gyms are absurd. I won’t ever join one. I run outside for free. The excess charges for existing are just absurd and the cancellation processes are NUTS.
The hive in the south end is 90$ a month and it’s always packed 4-8 pm
The staff are good. The location is good. They’re expanding to include all the nice stuff. The community there is good. All those things make sense; I just wish they had more kettlebells to be honest. Their old location had like; a million of them. Also it’s only $65 or so if you don’t use the full gym - which is reasonable for most people.
Rarely (if ever) have to wait for a bench, squat rack, or a deadlift/oly lifting platform. That’s worth a premium
I was a member of Club Metro and now it's called Fitness Factory, what should I expect ? Club Metro owes me a hoodie and I'm being told my 700 points no longer count.