Fitness Connection

I’m not a member here yet but I’ve been going regularly with a friend that has a VIP membership for about 3 months. I’m a member of planet fitness but prefer to come here because of the classes. I love Joyce! She teaches body pump and body combat and she is very motivating! The classes are very crowded at peak times but I expect that with a gym that is $ 20/​month. Also, the front desk staff are always very friendly.

The membership manager at the gym asked me to email him and he would cancel my membership. He admitted via email that he told me that he then intentionally ignored my email. This delayed my cancellation for a month and they refused to refund my money. You have to cancel via their website. The customer service is horrible and they were rude.

Warning do not sign an agreement with this gym. Getting out of the contract is like getting a divorce. I am 750 miles away from the closest FC and they stilled charged me after a year and a half after not living in NC. You have to write a sign off letter and I had to pay $ 40 to get out of it. You can’t pay online and you have to pay over the phone. This place is a scam. Don’t sign up!

This is a great deal for a gym. It’s definitely crowded during the after work hours, but I have not had issues getting on machines. The VIP membership is an awesome value, and gives you access to a lot of amenities for only $ 20 a month. I would definitely recommend this gym.

I have been going to this gym for 6 months now. I am still a member, but I am going in to cancel it this week. Let me tell you why:
This gym gets the job done. And it cheap. Which is great for me. I can go in get my hour in, and keep it moving. It’s packed all the time. It’s not the cleanest. Weights are extremely disorganized, etc. but that’s what you get for $ 20 gym membership.
However — let me tell you about their customer service… Which is a deal-​breaker for me: I have a friend that moved to Durham last week. He is an ACSM certified Personal Trainer. He has been a group exercise teacher for Les Mills, Boot Camp, and Zumba at other gyms for over 5 years, and when I brought him in with me yesterday to workout the girl at the front desk would not allow him to utilize the 7-​day trial pass that is listed on their web-​site. Why??? Because she said he had to schedule a specific appointment time to come in and speak with someone and THEN they would give him the trial pass. She was so rude (Af​.Am. Female, long braids, wears glasses). I asked for her supervisor or the facility manager and she said she was the only one there working… SO — I had to drive him back home since he couldn’t come in and try the gym, and he went and join Lifetime Fitness today instead. I am so mad about this, that I am also going in to cancel this week and will just go to Lifetime which is a much nicer facility for an extra $ 10.

Reading some of the negative comments make me feel like they haven’t really been to this location at all. The place is clean and they have nice equipment. Sometimes is rather busy but there’s still more than enough equipment to get your workout done. Staff is nice and friendly and the people that go to the gym are very focused on working out but are nice enough to answer any questions I might have about a particular machine. I love the steam room, especially after working out… Haven’t been to any of the classes… That’s the only thing I regret. Wish the gym was 24 hrs or at least open until midnight lol

I have belonged to many area gyms in the past. But Fitness Connection (this location & the one in Cary) is where I’ve felt the most comfortable. I LOVE the classes and the instructors and there are always machines available for cardio and weights. I’ve lost 30 lbs since joining last year because I actually use the gym and I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. My favorite instructors are: Jessica, Erick, Sohayla, Denise, Roger & Dani. I’m sure the others are great also, but I’ve only taken their classes & they are wonderful and very motivating! Love it here!

For the price (~$ 10/​month), I guess it’s ok. But Unilocal’s «Meh — I’ve experienced better» mirrors my opinion so closely, I’m going with the 2-​star rating on this. This gym feels dated… the space is drab and the equipment is running ragged. I’ve never seen anyone using the pool, though I guess it might be considered a convenience perk — particularly for tri-​athletes. The basketball court is always busy. The downstairs also includes a space for racquetball and a small cycling room (to me, it feels claustrophobic).
Upstairs is where you’ll find the larger class space, machines, and free weights. As a plus, there’s a ton of cardio equipment; you’ll never have to wait your turn. Most of the treadmills are pretty slick and new, and the step mills are awesome. The free weight section is too small… since this gym is in an office park, peak times (lunch and after-​work) are crowded. There are always people using the lone squat rack and the few adjustable-​height benches. And in general, the dumbbells I want seem to always be in use; while small plates like 5s and 10s require hunting around for.
A lot of folks at my office come here for the classes, BodyPump in particular. I personally would prefer greater diversity of classes, especially during the lunch hour. Adding a true yoga class to the program would help immensely (the BodyFlow is a confused mashup of yoga and pilates). I also find it annoyingly false advertisement that they have posters throughout the gym depicting other cheesy Les Mills classes — Sh’Bam for example — that they don’t even offer at this location. I hear that the North Hills location is far newer, shinier, and superior. And though I have yet to visit, it is cool that membership gets you access to that location (and others).

TERRIBLE SERVICE. The worst staff and dirty broken machines. Save your money.

A great gym for the price. You won’t get anything special at this gym like you might the more expensive gyms but they have everything I need. I’ve been going to this gym for almost 5 years and haven’t had a complaint. They have the machines you need and a lot of choices in classes. My favorite class is BodyFlow with RPM class a close second. I also really like that there is a pool. I can train for my triathlon in the middle of winter instead of having to pay extra money at a different pool. Another plus is I am able to travel around to the different Fitness Connections in the area and not have to pay anything extra. I can still make it to my favorite classes even if I miss it at my home gym.
The only complaint I would have is that sometimes the machines aren’t all working and they are starting to run out of room in the gym for other things. Other than that I have been pretty happy with Fitness Connection.

Love this gym. Been a member since 2012. Their PT program helped me lose 30 lbs, I loved my trainer. The class space is awesome, took some classes with plenty of space and it’s a great space for use for your individual workouts when classes aren’t going on. Staff are nice and helpful, the place is clean and inviting, and the prices are very reasonable. Great place!

To get straight to the point, the only reason I’m still here is it is the only gym even somewhat close to me right now.
First amongst my complaints is a pretty universal one with all Fitness Connection gyms (and commercial gyms in general): not enough squat racks. This one is worse, because there is only one. This is incredibly frustrating when you have guys using it to do curls, and it makes me feel like a jerk when I do several sets of squats because I’m taking it up. The squat racks are also very old. The age is only concerning because the pegs are at a 45 degree angle, meaning if you are squatting to proper depth you have to walk the bar out a good 3 — 4 feet in order to clear them. When you’re getting up into heavier weight, it’s not typically a good idea to have the sort of distance to cover after doing your sets, especially because this isn’t a power rack that will save you from falling backwards should you fail.
The benches are pretty bad too. Two of them rack so far back that the bar is lined up with the top of your head. This is terrible for your shoulders. The 3^rd bench has a better set up (you should be unracking the weight just below the chin) but the bar sets so high up that it’s hard to unrack without unpacking your shoulders. I have very long arms at 6’3 so I can’t imagine anyone shorter than me would be able to easily unrack the weight. Again, not the safest when you’re finishing your last set and have to struggle to get the bar high enough to re-​rack.
There are a few members there that are pretty cool and laid back, but a large number are very rude and obnoxious. Nobody puts their weights back when they are done. Also, I can’t say that I’ve ever belonged to a gym where so many people neglect to wear deodorant. Seriously, someone is always pacing back and forth, basking everyone in their man-​stank.
The staff is very polite, so I feel bad giving a bad score because of them (though I cringe watching the form some of the trainers have their clients using… it’s just irresponsible, let alone ineffective), but the gym itself is just in bad condition and lacks proper equipment. The fact that you’re not allowed to use chalk is also absurd. This equipment is older than I am, but you don’t want chalk dust on it?
It’s frustrating to see the continuing issue of gyms favoring machines and cardio equipment over tried and true barbell stations. But that’s a rant for another day.

I am in need of a gym membership. I decided to check out this location since it’s close to my office «when I’m in the office». It looks like a gym and smells like one too. It has a pool and basketball court. I will not utilize both. All I need is a treadmill, an eliptical, and a choice of group fitness classes. The rates are pretty good. If I join, I will need a membership to use the North Hills and Cary location as well.

I agree that the gym rates are as cheap as you will get in the area or anywhere else for that matter. I should have known better that going with a low prices gym would have a catch somewhere. I found out the hard way when I tried to quit the place.
There is ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP that is charged apart from the 9.95 per month fee and when I called to cancel my membership in April this year (before any payment for the month was made) I was told that even though I am cancelling my membership, they will still go ahead and charge the annual fee for my account. Point to be noted is that they had already done that in the past year. Needless to say that an argument with the service rep on the phone about this meant that I lost 5 minutes of my life that am never getting back.
Bottom line… what this means is that even though they are aware that a customer is not going to be with them for the coming year, still going to go ahead and charge the annual fee.
In a nut shell… yes they are cheap but if you are looking for people who care about thr customers, please dont go there.

The only thing good about this gym is the classes. It’s small and sweaty to sum it up. The cost is low as well but does that matter
when it takes 2 – 3 business days for someone to call you back to cancel your membership? Wish I wouldve read the reviews on the gym before I joined. They gave me an 800# to call to cancel. The 800# gives a recording that someone will call back within 2 – 3 business days. This is really bad customer service. There was no option to even talk to someone. The best thing you can do is just get a new card number so they cant charge you anymore. I have a no contract plan so it shouldnt be this hard to cancel a membership.

The cost is pretty low — it’s one of the cheapest monthly rates that I’ve seen. Keeping that in mind, I think this gym is a really good deal. For those that like classes, these seem to be popular and enjoyed by my coworkers. I did try «Body Pump» a couple of times. Not really my style (er… I’m not rhythmic enough); but I can see how others would like it. All the classes are included except for boot camp.
I’ve done personal training here. The sessions are thirty minutes and they allow you to partner up to split the cost. My sessions have been more full-​body workout, as opposed to focusing on strength. A lot of the exercises use body weight, with some TRX influence. But this will vary by trainer.
The equipment is usually in good working condition, and there doesn’t seem to be a wait for cardio equipment like I’ve seen at other places. I’ve noticed that they recently started renovating their spin room with new equipment (I’ve never taken this class though).
You get what you pay for, but all in all, I think this place is a pretty good balance of cost and quality.

The fitness connection is very good quality! I think the machines are a little squeaky, but it is nice! The televisions are always broken and rarely ever work! The staff is horrible! The cashier lady is always on your phone and seems like she doesn’t even care about her job! She needs to get off her phone and start working!!! The staff Has very poor service! The only things that are descent in the gym are the pool and the basketball court!
Overally poor quality 2 stars

I have been a member at the facility for over 8 years (Gold’s originally and then bought out 2 years ago by Fitness Connection) nothing really changed except the name.
I don’t fool too much with the management people, so can not really comment on them. I opted to keep my old Golds Gym rate so as to not have to go through any heavy sales pitches again. (Which you will endure at any gym you sign up at… this is not just an anomaly at RTP) Although I will say it seems as though they are signing up members at a rate that they are unable to adequately accomodate, particularly during peak hours. Front desk staff are always great and welcoming.
I go to the gym to workout… so if that is what you are there to do as well, it’s cool. I mainly do the classes and free weights. So I can not comment on the machines. However, the classes are great if you are focused and willing to push yourself. Most of the instructors are great as well, and Nourma is exceptional. Nice size group exercise space with good equipment.
The free weights are good. As I mentioned earlier I’m there to work out so as long as the weight or kettle bell is the size I need it to be I’m not concerned about how the weight looks. It is oftentimes difficult to find mirror space or a spot sometimes in general to have your own space to lift during peak hours, but usually on weekends you have more space.
The locker rooms are fine. Swimming pool is a plus because not a lot of gyms in the area provide this amenity. The pool is kept up well, as well as the Sauna and Steam rooms inside the locker rooms. Now the Jacuzzi is another story… not well maintained at all.
Overall. The gym serves its purpose for the price being paid. The gym facility is not what will help you stay in shape in the end regardless… its your lifestyle and dedication to a workout routine/​schedule, etc that will make the difference.

Caveat: This is really the first and only gym I’ve ever been a member at so please take that into consideration as you read the following.
Background:
I joined about a year and a half ago. I looked at some other local gyms, but this one seemed to be the least expensive, most convenient for my commute and had a pool (not that I’m a great swimmer, but it’s nice to have the option). The other reviews about the initial sign up seems accurate from my experience, definitely some pressure and $ 10 a month is a bit of a sham; everyone pays the same eventually.
The Good:
It has a pool. 4 lanes, nothing special but nice to have access for workout variety. They have a good size basketball court (not my thing) and 2 recently renovated racquetball courts (again, not really my thing).
The front staff is really great. Didn’t take them long to recognize me (I’m a pretty average looking guy) and they knew what I typically asked for and would get it for me before I even reached the desk. For the first year or so, I went after work in the afternoons. It wasn’t too crowded at 4 there were always some machines or benches available. Got pretty busy shortly after though. Lately I’ve been going in the morning, 5 – 5:30 and there are about the same amount of people, maybe a little less. Never was REALLY crowded, but you certainly aren’t alone.
They have recently renovated, new floors on first floor, new locker rooms and tile in showers. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, but it doesn’t LOOK as dated is it did before.
They have a decent amount of equipment and a good variety of machines.
Location– for me is ideal. I live in Durham and work in Raleigh and this is a minute off 40. I knew I had to go to a gym that was convenient for my commute or I wouldn’t go at all. This fits the bill. Maybe not a priority or issue for everyone else, but it was a deciding factor for me and it worked.
The Bad:
Initial sign up experience seems consistent with the other reviews. A good bit of pressure to sign up immediately and my «free personal trainer eval» or whatever was pretty short, 15mins, and when I declined the service, he was not too happy and didn’t hide it. I got over it.
Layout is not great as another reviewer mentioned. I’m sure they’re limited by the design of the building, but it does feel cramped even when there aren’t a lot of people there.
Equipment is decent, but often is broken and under repair. It may take a week or so for a particular piece to be repaired from what I’ve noticed. Attachments with rubber handles are torn or missing, ropes are frayed, pads are ripped et al.
Locker/​toilet/​shower– not great. In fact, pretty gross. I understand there are a bunch of dudes using it and are often not careful or clean themselves appropriately. However, I go there early in the morning and it habitually reeks of mold, mildew and general body funk. I don’t know how often it gets cleaned, but would appreciate it if it were more often. I go and shower because I don’t have the time to back track home and then pass the gym again on the way to work. But if I could find a way to not use it, believe me I would.
This is perhaps the biggest Bad reason I have and what prompted me to write the review in the first place. Recently an ad was posted asking members to review the gym on Unilocal.Sounds good. Not quite:
«Review and Win. Help us achieve a 5 star rating on Unilocal and Win an iPad Mini. Rules: Winner will be selected from random from 4 & 5 star reviews on our Unilocal Page that are posted between March 4, 2013 and May 10, 2013.» (I posted a picture of the ad)
Now I don’t know if this a local management decision or if it is a corporate move, but it is entirely dishonest and unethical. It’s unfair to those who rely on Unilocal for unbiased and legitimate reviews of businesses. What’s sad is that nobody can take any 4 or 5 star reviews of this place seriously during this time period. Instead of bribing its members to do something they perhaps wouldn’t otherwise do for an iPad mini (really, just a mini??), why not actually invest in your building and equipment and make tangible and beneficial improvements? It wouldn’t necessarily have to significantly increase costs. Just CLEAN the showers once a day. I’d move up to at least three stars for that.
I have nothing (as of yet) against anyone at the gym, never had a billing issue and will continue to go here. I just have a problem with unethical and manipulative business practices. I should change, but there are no other reasonable alternatives at the moment. Still looking.

I used to go to the Fitness Connection in Pleasant Valley and complained, but after visiting this one I regret a lot of what I said about Pleasant Valley and can now say that I truly have been a member of a bad gym.
First of the facility needs some renovation. It looks like they spent all their renovation money on the locker rooms an ran out when it was time to take care of the rest of the gym. The towels are all gross and grey (although once white).
What irks me the most is the setup upstairs. Every gym I’ve ever been to has a designated mat area for stretching, the weights and equipment… well every gym except for this one. It looks like the just laid out all of the equipment with no thought. People have to find awkward corners to do their push ups, squats, or any other calisthenics.
Nothing about this place felt welcoming, to the point that I would stay home and work out although I was paying for the membership.