Phoenix Fitness - Hamilton

Hamiltonians sure are lucky. We have alot of choice when it comes to choosing a gym membership. Today I was fortunate to visit two locations of Phoenix Fitness One is in Ancaster and the other is in Stoney Creek.

According to my research Phoenix Fitness was established in 1984. This is the only gym I have visited in two years that was completely up front about their fees right from the start. They're even posted on their web site! I found a couple web sites for Phoenix Fitness, both seem to have the same information.

The facility in Ancaster is quite small, however; the gym was bright and airy. The equipment was well maintained and the gym and changeroom areas were very clean.

The facility in Stoney Creek was about 4 times larger, was also bright and airy and very clean and well maintained.

Customer Service

I received excellent and friendly service at both locations. The staff at the front desk were both very knowledgeable about they gym, the various services and explained briefly the fee schedule.

Staff

At the Ancaster location I saw only one staff member at 7:30am this morning. He was incredibly friendly and helpful and was very enthusiastic about Phoenix Fitness. In Stoney Creek there was one woman at the front desk who was also very enthusiastic and helpful.

Changerooms

The changerooms are very basic. Members are provided with showers and lockers. Again I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the changeroom. 

Classes

I was given a class schedule at both locations. They were easily available right at the front desk and also are online. The variety of classes is pretty impressive. For me, its like looking at a buffet table; I will probably have to sample a bit of each one before I can decide which one(s) I like best.  

Personal Trainers

I did not see any PT's however I was at these locations pretty darn early. I did ask about personal trainers and was told that there were several available. You could book single sessions or purchase packages of 12 or more sessions. 

Hours & Parking

The Ancaster location is open:

Mon - Thurs Fri Sat Sun

5:30am - 10pm 5am - 9pm 7am - 6pm 7am - 5pm

Parking is shared at this location Staples and a few other stores in the plaza.

The Stoney Creek location is open: 

Mon - Thurs Fri Sat Sun

5:30am - 9:30pm 5:30am - 9pm 7am - 6pm 7am - 5pm

Parking here is also shared with other stores in the plaza. The only suggestion I have for this location is to get a more prominent sign that can be seen on Hwy 20. The building is actually behind several taller establishments and cannot been seen very well from the road.

 

Special Features

Phoenix Fitness does not have any "fancy" features like saunas and lap pools or running tracks. However, my first impression of this club is that they're emphasis is on making sure the members are happy with the gym and happy with their workouts. That, I would say, is a special feature. They also have a boxing area, which is very cool.

In addition, child care is included in the cost of membership, members have access to all three locations (Dundas, Ancaster and Stoney Creek). Memberships are pay-as-you-go, which means no contracts. Another cool thing they offer, is they will pause your membership if you are out of town or unable to use the gym for whatever reason. During the "pause" you are not charged fees. Very nice!

Overall

Overall, my first impression of both locations is favourable. I was unable to actually workout today, but I plan to go in on the weekend and try out the equipment. I suppose some people prefer a larger gym establishment just like they might prefer a "big box" store. While others prefer a smaller gym, a local establishment. These people often prefer to support local companies and small businesses. There are pro's and con's to both. So you would have to try it out to see whether you like it or not. It costs nothing to "try it on".  

As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas

don't sweat the small stuff

Todays Work-Out update

So as mentioned, I've been a gym guru now for about 2 years. I started with 30mins of boxing activities and exercises, and this winter I've added 20mins of weight machines and 30-40mins of cardio on the treadmill.

I've been doing the cardio for about 5 weeks now and I really expected to see more results than what I see. My belly is still jelly. Not happy about that. Maybe it takes longer?? I dunno really. I'm going to do some internet research later today and post my findings. Maybe theres something I'm missing.

I'm also considering booking more personal training sessions to kick-start my new work-out routine. The idea being that a professional will probably know what I need to do to get the results I want. I will let you know how that works out, when I decided to take this step.

So today I went to the Upper Wentworth Premier gym. I wanted to try out their boxing studio as I have not done this previously. I got the key at the front desk. It was attached to a 3 foot wooden plank, a 1X6 I think would be the term. LOL!!

I dragged it upstairs and got access to the studio. The studio is packed with lots of bags, all various sizes. They had a generous supply of gloves, I have my own so I didn't need to use theirs. In the center back of the studio is a small boxing ring, kinda cool, but not something I would use. I could never actually hit anyone, I just like the feeling of tension release when hitting the bag during a workout. One thing missing was a speed bag.

After about 20mins in the boxing studio, I locked up and brought the planked key back to the desk. I decided to try an eliptical. I'd never tried these before. I spent 5 mins on this. I found it felt odd to have my arms moving strangely while my feet were seeming to climb upwards. I could really feel my upper thighs start to burn so I kept it to a modest 5 min trial.

After the eliptical, I went over to the treadmills and did my usual 30mins.

One thing I've noticed since going to the gym, is that only a small percentage of members warm down or stretch after their workout. As I was a competitive figure skater in my youth, I was taught early on the importance of a proper warm down and stretch after each training session. Stretching after a workout is especially good, because the muscles are warm and will respond to a nice slow stretch. This lengthens the muscle and when you cool down, you don't feel knotted and sore. I usually spend a good 10 mins stretching my arms, legs and back after my workout.

Tomorrow,  I may check out another gym and post my findings here for you.

Until then, don't sweat the small stuff!

Premier Fitness/PhysioMed Upper James Hamilton

I visited the Upper James facility on Friday last week. Again I was there around 8am.  Click here to view a map of the facilities

Please note this map indicates a pool, in actuality the area shown as the pool is the womens only and aerobics area.

Customer Service

When I arrived I noticed no one was attending the front desk. Again, this desk is quite expansive. I used the card scanner for my card and when thru the gate.

Staff

There was a staff member in the womens changeroom. She was cleaning and said good morning to me as I entered. When I went upstairs to the main gym I found three personal trainers busy with sessions. I checked again on the front desk, and now there were two staff members attending. Overall, everyone seemed very happy to be there.  

Changerooms

The changerooms at this location are very cool. Although I didn't like the lockers themselves as they were outdated, many were dented and in need of repainting. The changeroom itself was really nice. Lots of mirrors. Lots of privacy with the locker areas divided into nooks. The washroom facilities were totally cool! Each was its own room with sink and toilet. The showers had a public-type area, similar to most other gyms I've been in, but there were also about 4 private shower rooms. Each room had a sink, toilet and shower. This type of setup allows for total privacy. For those of you who are shy about changing and showering in a public facility, this type of setup is ideal. Overall, the changerooms were quite clean.   

Classes

The aerobic studio is part of the womens only area and is adjacent to the womens changeroom. I used this area to warm up. I found the floor in the studio was a bit gritty, the floor itself needed a re-finishing done to it. There was not a class running while I was there and I did not see any schedules posted. 

Personal Trainers

As mentioned earlier, there were 3 PT at this gym at 8am on a Friday. Kudos to them!! They seemed to have a good repoire with their clients and were totally focused on their job.

Hours & Parking

This location is open:

Mon - Thurs Fri Sat Sun

5am - 11pm 5am - 10pm 8am - 6pm 8am - 6pm

Parking is shared at this location. I could see the building from Upper James street, it is inset quite a ways back from United Furniture Warehouse and Eastside Marios. You will need to enter at the Furniture Warehouse entrance and follow the driveway all the way to the back to find the building and parking. There is also parking further behind the building.

Special Features

I did not see any unique features at this location, no pool and no boxing studio. However, the changerooms did have individual sauna rooms. Another feature which I have only seen at this location thus far is that the aerobic machines; treadmills and elipticals are high-end equipment each sporting its own TV screen which you can watch programs or listen to music. There was a place to plug in headphones if desired. Some members will probably appreciate this type of added feature. I might be weird in that I actually like to look around a bit while I'm on the treadmill, and found the screens were in the way. But thats just me!   

Overall

Overall, my first impression of this location was favourable. I felt the gym was well kept and provided some unique and personal features that would appeal to many members. The equipment seemed to be well maintained, something that I am finding many gyms are not so good at. The atmosphere was bright and airy. Again the large windows at the front of the building are great for allowing in natural light and giving the gym a bright glow.

I would definitely go back to this gym again. 

As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas

don't sweat the small stuff

Premier Fitness/PhysioMed Fitness Upper Wentworth Hamilton

As most of you have already heard or read, Premier Fitness/Physiomed Fitness is currently undergoing some structural problems. However that being said, its not my purpose to comment on the organizations but rather on the services they provide.

As a member of this club I have been able to experience many aspects of their services.

Here is a quick run-down of this particular facility which is located on Upper Wentworth Street Hamilton. Click here to view a map of the facilities

Customer Service

My first visit to this location was about three weeks ago. There was one person at the front desk who greeted me and helped me scan my new bar coded member card. On my second visit, I asked about the boxing studio. She advised me that I would need a key to use the studio and I could get the key here at the front desk. She was friendly and helpful.

Staff

After three weeks of visiting this location, I have not seen alot of staff. At most, there have been two people at the very large and expansive front desk. Inside the gym, I saw two trainers. I usually visit early in the morning, between 8am and 10am. I saw one class in session on one of the days I was there. Oddly, much unlike the Brant Street location, this facility did not have any literature at the front desk.

Changerooms

The changerooms are large and well lit. The overall appearance is one of a more upscale styling. The washroom stalls have large wooden doors. The shower area needs some TLC. One of the stalls has been noted out of order for some time now. I tried to use the neighbouring stall but was unable to get any hot water at all. My second choice had hot water but needed a good scrubbing. The saunas looked nice, but I have not seen anyone use them yet.  

Classes

The aerobic studio is upstairs adjacent to the main gym. Its very nice in appearance. Well lit and somewhat clean. It seems to be under utilized as I have only seen one class in session in the morning during the three weeks I have been going to this location. The main gym has no specified stretch area and I've noticed many members use the empty aerobic studio for this purpose.

Personal Trainers

Again, I have only seen a couple personal trainers in the main gym. They do not stand out from the other gym members on first glance.

Hours & Parking

This location is open:

24 hrs 7 days per week

Parking is not shared at this location, they have their own lot for members. My early morning visits always find plenty of spaces available.

Special Features

Just beyond the vast front desk, there is a lap pool at this location. The pool seems nice, has two lanes and I have seen a few members using this feature. The women's only area, which is located directly off of the women's changeroom is very small, very dark, and very crowded with machines. The ceiling is low and gives the appearance of working out in your basement. I choose not to use this part of the gym. The main gym is very bright, and has a nice window filling the entire front wall of the building. The boxing studio has a boxing ring; mini-sized. Overall, the studio is small and seems packed with way too many bags. Unfortunately, this location keeps the boxing studio locked so its virtually inaccessible unless you've asked for the key at the front desk upon arrival. 

Overall

Overall, I really like the atmosphere in the main gym area at this location. There are plenty of treadmills and ellipticals available and a wide variety of weight machines. Maybe a bit more staff presence in the gym would be helpful to members. And a bit more cleanliness in the changerooms/showers.  

As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas

don't sweat the small stuff

Premier Fitness/Physiomed Fitness Brant Street

As most of you have already heard or read, Premier Fitness/Physiomed Fitness is currently undergoing some structural problems. However that being said, its not my purpose to comment on the organizations but rather on the services they provide.

As a member of this club I have been able to experience many aspects of their services.

Here is a quick run-down of this particular facility which is located on Brant street in Burlington Ontario. Click here to view a map of the facilities

Customer Service

My experience with this club has been that the customer service is very good. There is always someone available to answer questions and they do so in a friendly manner. A possible improvement would be to have a few more staff on hand at the front desk and office who are knowledgeable in all of the programs and services as sometimes you are asked to wait for someone to return from lunch.

Staff

The staff at this location are all very friendly and helpful. Its not difficult to find a staff member and often if they are unsure of what you are asking, they will find someone who can help you. Staff members seem to be happy to be there, which in my opinion, really adds to the atmosphere of the entire club.

Changerooms

I obviously cannot comment on the mens changerooms, however the womens changerooms are moderately sized and reasonably clean. The changeroom and shower facilities have been upgraded this past fall and the new facelift they received was very well done. Lockers are clean and plenty-full, although if you visit after 6pm, the place is quite busy and sometimes you have to look for awhile to find an open locker.

Classes

I personally have not attended a class here yet. I will update this portion when I have experienced a class. However, I have noted that class schedules are posted and handouts of these are available at the front desk. I have also noted that the classes appear quite popular for members and are well attended.

Personal Trainers

Again, I have to say that the staff at this location are A+. They are well trained and knowledgeable. I've gone into a personal training session and asked for a specific workout, for example: butt and gut. And let me tell you, I got what I asked for!!!!! Myself, I have a small issue with one knee and when I told the trainer, he was able to tailor the workout so that I was still working all muscle groups but in a manner that did not put stress on my knees. My only suggestion would be to have more trainers available at more times throughout the day. I found trying to schedule an early morning session was very difficult.

Hours & Parking

This location is open:

Mon - Thurs Fri Sat Sun

5am - 11pm 5am - 9pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm

The parking is shared with other retailers, including a Silvercity theatre. Depending on the time you arrive, sometimes you have to park fairly far away. Which honestly shouldn't be a problem considering you are going to work out.

Special Features

Brant Street has an awesome boxing studio. It is very large, bright and clean. There is room for up to 6 bags, including a speed bag. Classes are available in boxing, kickboxing and Brazilian Ju Jitsu. I like the mezzanine setup for the ellipticals and treadmills; which overlook the main gym area. The women's only area is large, bright, clean and well maintained.

Overall

Overall I have been quite happy with the services provided at this gym. I know that my experience has not been shared by all members. However, as someone with 10 years in customer service, I also know that some customers cannot be satisfied no matter what you say or do for them. In addition, I am unable to comment on membership fees. Like most services, fees vary depending on the location, type of service and special promotions offered. Lastly, I don't like numerical ratings, they really don't tell you anything useful, so I won't be providing that type of system here on my blog.

As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas

don't sweat the small stuff

Welcome to the GTA Fitness Reviewer

Did you know that there are literally hundreds of fitness clubs and fitness franchises in Ontario? And did you know that there is very little good, reliable, unbiased reviews available?? Likely if you've ended up here, you have discovered that!

As a fairly new health and fitness enthusiast, I would like to share with you, through this blog, my real life experiences and humble opinions and ideas on fitness clubs in the GTA and Hamilton Niagara area.

Each day that I go to a gym, I will post my workout experience from that day. My intention is NOT to diss any gym or franchise, but rather to express my honest experiences and my impressions and ideas.

Please visit my About Me page to read more about, well......me!!
I welcome all comments, questions and opinions. Speak freely and speak often.
Together, we can help improve the fitness industry which in turn will improve our quality of life.

Always remember; don't sweat the small stuff!!