This budget gym trims the fat off its patrons at streamlined facilities.

by Contributor

The Scene
Most Ballys stick to the basics for their design. Televisions broadcast silently above multiple rows of cardio machines; mirrored walls act as the primary decorative components. But thanks to high-energy television ads and low-impact membership premiums, this national fitness chain has steadily attracted a clientele bent on saving money while losing weight or gaining muscle.

The Workout
Using fairly standard strength-training equipment and/or racks well-stocked with free weights, the best of the trainers here, who are classified at four different levels, can be as skillful as those found at costlier gyms. For group classes, signature exercise options include Spinning and Powerflex, as well as a number of patented routines inspired by Tae Kwon Do.

01/22/06

Machines break constantly!

by emswal

I joined Bally's for the bargain, but got more trouble than it was worth! The machines here break down more than at any other gym I've tried. Even the functioning ones are OLD and far-from-perfect. Free weights are constistently off the racks and scattered around the facility (not that there are many to begin with). The floor in the classroom has been unstable and taped off in sections for months now. DON'T JOIN!!!

11/06/03

Any other gym would be better

by nikkikaplan

Be careful when you sign a membership agreement for this gym!! They'll do anything to rope you into signing a three year contract. This gym has no amenities (no towels, hair dryer, etc) and the class instructors (during the one or two classes that they do offer) are horrible--always late and many times condescending and rude. At busy times you have to wait in line to stretch. Finally, I have found the clientel to be rude and obnoxious.

Unless this gym is right next door to your apartment, look elsewhere. The equipment's fine, but everything else is a huge hassel.

• Pros: lots of machines, big weight room
• Cons: small stretch area, too few classes, no amenities