GoodLife Fitness

A gym with more weights than cardio machines! If you want to grab some iron, this is the gym you want to head to. The trainers are super helpful if you’re just learning how to lift, ask any of them and they’ll walk you through the basics. If you’re coming for a run to escape the heat or cold, they have plenty of stair steppers and treadmills, even a Jacobs ladder. When you’re done, they have showers and towels for you to clean up or a hot tub to sink into to relax those muscles. If you’re feeling the winter blues, stop by for the tanning room. You’ll feel back to normal in no time!

Though Gold’s has been bought by Goodlife (at least this location and a few others in Calgary), I find the staff to still be extremely friendly and the rates to be extremely reasonable considering the prime location. It may not have a pool, but it has a whirlpool, hot yoga, and ample cardio machines. I’ve never waited for a machine here because the club is never super busy, even right now when everyone is at the gym following Christmas and New Years.
This location has day-​use lockers where you enter your own key code so you don’t need to bring a lock. This location also has towel service and ample showers. There is hot yoga, many classes, personal training, and a little juice/​food bar. I’m really happy that I chose to have a membership at this location and will continue going here as long as they let me keep my rate =)

I’ve resisted going to, let alone joining, a gym for years, because I’m not a «jock type». The people at this particular location, at least, don’t really seem to care about stereotypes, just helping with whatever problem is plaguing you. We saw a good deal on Kijiji and went for it. I have to say I really enjoy it.
This location never seems to be very crowded, and there is a lot of excellent equipment at your disposal. The staff and trainers all seem very knowledgeable and eager to help out.
Towel service means never having to bring your own towel from home. Electronic lockers means you don’t have to bring your own lock and memorize yet another combination of random numbers. There is also a jacuzzi tub, a dry sauna, and a steam room. Rounding things off, there are private showers, so you don’t have to shower with 15 other guys or girls (I assume the ladies also have private showers).
Always do your research when joining a gym. If you have to get a contract, make sure it’s one you can work with and that you will use — don’t spend money on something you won’t use four months down the road, let alone 15 months.