I’ve gone to University Fitness (45th and Roosevelt) for nearly a year now. After noticing that they hadn’t charged me for my February membership, I asked the owner’s wife about it on Monday. She told me that she already knew about the issue and it was just a glitch in the system–one that they would soon fix.
Stopping off at the gym yesterday for a workout, I found it empty, the doors locked, lights off and a notice taped to the door essentially stating, “We went bankrupt. Sorry.”
The notice did include a recommendation for American Athlete at Green Lake (7203 Woodlawn Ave NE), as the fitness center is offering an exclusive offer for former members of University Fitness: 90 days for $90.
Minutes after reading the notice, an employee of Experience Fitness (4730 University Way NE) actually rushed over from the parking lot to greet me, equipped with ready-made flyers. They’re also advertising a deal for former U-Fitness patrons: sign up today, and they’ll waive your $49 processing fee. And, according to their handouts: “Just present your old membership card and we’ll gladly cut it up for you.”
If you’re a now-former member of U-Fitness, what are your thoughts? Had you heard word of bankruptcy before the notices went up? Was your membership fee for February also waived, or were you charged? Any recommendations for other local gyms?
Other area gyms (but, certainly not all of them!) :
- Fuerte Fitness (1225 North 45th St) (See an old Wallyhood story on Fuerte, now a Wallyhood sponsor)
- YMCA (5003 12th Ave NE)
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Another reminder, we need a gym in Wallingford!!!
I’m really happy with Sound Mind & Body — not technically in Wallingford, but just west of the Fremont bridge, on the canal, so the view is fantastic and constantly changing, while one is doing otherwise repetitive stuff. Staff and general feeling is also really friendly but unobtrusive. Lots of classes, if you’re into that. Downside: it’s on the expensive side. But the incredible view of water, birds, and boats helps me show up even when I’m not in the mood, which makes it worth the splurge.
A gym sounds like a good use for the old Office Max space.
I moved to Wallingford a few months back, and became a member of University Fitness in November. This gym was fairly inexpensive and free parking was a plus. I do feel very sorry for the owners/members that have to face this unfortunate scenario. However, with that said, I also believe that the staff fell short of friendly customer service and the facility lacked cleanliness. I was very rarely greeted with a hello/goodbye, I never once saw staff members replace the grimy towels used to clean the machines, one of the women’s bathroom stalls had a broken lock, paper towels were always scarce, and at least one of the machines had been broken since we joined (when they closed I think there were 5 broken machines). I don’t mean to rant too much, but I personally would have been more apt to recommend this gym had I seen this facility improve over time. I don’t know the story behind the bankruptcy, but in a service industry such as this, your attitude and wiliness to help members/guests is of high importance. Charlie, I’m with you, a new/inexpensive gym would be very ideal!!
I am a member of the University YMCA and I love it!
I mentioned this new place last week, but since people seem to be looking for a gym in Wallingford, I figure it might be worth mentioning again in case people missed it.
Challenge Multisport is a new, very small fitness center on 50th, just across from the tennis courts. It doesn’t even have a sign up yet, but it’s there. Go to http://www.challengemultisport for the address and class info.
What I like about going there is the personal attention and the new Computrainers. The downside is that they’re just finishing up construction, so the weight room is still being set up, but it should be done soon. The center specializes in triathlon training, but Nadine, the co-owner, treats me (a recovering sofa jockey) like I’m a champion. I came in thinking that maybe I could get into good enough shape to be able to make it a mile without having to stop every third step. Now I see a way clear to train for a real triathlon. I can’t tell you what a game changer that is for me. I actually want to do this. I know that might not impress those who are actually in shape, but those folks get different coaching than I do from her. She’s one of only three level 2 USA certified cycling coaches in Seattle (one of the most advanced registered cycling coaches in the state), and has trained with 2 Olympic coaches.
Quite a lot of firepower for a chubby slob like me, but I’m not planning on staying that way.
Challenge Multisport isn’t for everybody, but check it out and see if it’s for you.