Bally Total Fitness-Middlebury

Limited options. It' s still crowded (machines are on top of each other and it's not easy to move around). It could use a fresh coat of paint. The music could be better. I can tolerate all of that. What isn't tolerable are the responses I have received from two attendants the last couple of days. Early on Friday morning I reported that one of the machines was misaligned and needed to be adjusted (the left arm on the rear deltoid machine extended into the cables). The attendent told me he would "take care of it". The next morning I went to use the machine and saw that nothing had been done to correct the misalignment and no sign was on the machine to indicate that it was "out of order". I again reported the situation to an attendent and he told me that the mechanic would be in tomorrow (Easter Sunday) to take care of it - unlikely but I guess possible. I returned the next day only to find the same situation. This time when I reported it to the attendent (a helpful woman in a rather cool high hat with rabbit ears) a sign was finally placed on the machine and she indicated that she would file a report. Why did it take three reports about a machine needing repair before it was taken out of commission?

This has not been the only incident of lack of responsiveness by attendents. When spray bottles have been missing I was told, "I filled it this morning. It should be there". No attempt was made by the attendent to find the bottle, leaving me to search the facility for it.

I don't need pampering from the attendents. Just a reasonable response. I have been a member at other facilities - this is the first time I have ever found it necessary to make a complaint.…

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