One area where LA Fitness excels over SAC is utilization of the group aerobics room. Although SAC had a nice group aerobics room, I almost never saw it being used, even during the prime weekday evening hours. Might this deficiency have been a contributing factor to membership attrition?
In stark contrast, LA Fitness has a pretty extensive group cardio class schedule that includes spinning/cycling, step aerobics, kick-boxing, aquatic aerobics (must take place in the pool?), Yoga, Pilates, club boxing, body works and total body (with dumbbells), and hip-hop (described as hi-energy dance combinations while getting a great workout -- some clubs have a latin variation of this).
Most of the classes are held in the early morning hours and afternoon/early evening peak time slots.
They have handouts of the aerobics classes at the kiosk behind the reception desk, and a current schedule is also posted on the Southlake club's website. Not sure how often it changes.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Operating Hours
I picked up a handout of LA Fitness' Southlake location hours while I was there today:
Mon: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Tue: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Wed: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Thu: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri: 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
The kids club hours are during peak usage periods:
Weekdays: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekends: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
The main difference between LA Fitness and SAC's operating hours is that LA Fitness opens earlier, especially on Sunday. This is a good thing, since the place is so over-crowded on weekday evenings that the cardio equipment is almost impossible to use without a long wait. Those who are able to start their days earlier may want to avail themselves of the 5:00 am opening time.
These hours are subject to change without notice and may by abbreviated on holidays. Call the club or check the club's website for the most current information.
Mon: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Tue: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Wed: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Thu: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri: 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
The kids club hours are during peak usage periods:
Weekdays: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekends: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
The main difference between LA Fitness and SAC's operating hours is that LA Fitness opens earlier, especially on Sunday. This is a good thing, since the place is so over-crowded on weekday evenings that the cardio equipment is almost impossible to use without a long wait. Those who are able to start their days earlier may want to avail themselves of the 5:00 am opening time.
These hours are subject to change without notice and may by abbreviated on holidays. Call the club or check the club's website for the most current information.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Map of Area Gyms
I've set up a Google map of the area gyms I intend to evaluate as a potential permanent replacement for SAC. It consists of:
•LA Fitness, where our memberships have been transferred
•Bally's at Southlake
•Gold's Gym in Ellenwood
•Gold's Gym in Stockbridge (this one is highly rated)
•Gold's Gym in McDonough
•World Gym in Fayetteville
•World Gym on HWY 54 (due West of Fayetteville)
•World Gym in Peachtree City
•GA Tech's Campus Recreation Center
•YMCA Buckhead on Moores Mill Road
My work takes me to Fayette County and in-town Atlanta frequently each week, and I have friends in both places, so I could probably make time to frequent the gyms in Fayette County and Atlanta at least 3 or 4 times per week. I could visit the Gold's Gyms, LA Fitness and Bally's 6 or 7 times per week, as I usually did with SAC.
Click here to see the locations of these gyms on the Google map.
•LA Fitness, where our memberships have been transferred
•Bally's at Southlake
•Gold's Gym in Ellenwood
•Gold's Gym in Stockbridge (this one is highly rated)
•Gold's Gym in McDonough
•World Gym in Fayetteville
•World Gym on HWY 54 (due West of Fayetteville)
•World Gym in Peachtree City
•GA Tech's Campus Recreation Center
•YMCA Buckhead on Moores Mill Road
My work takes me to Fayette County and in-town Atlanta frequently each week, and I have friends in both places, so I could probably make time to frequent the gyms in Fayette County and Atlanta at least 3 or 4 times per week. I could visit the Gold's Gyms, LA Fitness and Bally's 6 or 7 times per week, as I usually did with SAC.
Click here to see the locations of these gyms on the Google map.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Another Internet Review of SAC
OK, so I just found another review of SAC on the internet. This review was posted by "Alvin" on the Gympost website on September 13, 2006, which was less than a year ago -- so this is another current review.
Overall: 2 out of 5 Stars
Atmosphere: 2 out of 5 Stars
Cleanliness: 3 out of 5 Stars
Crowding: 4 out of 5 Stars (a lower rating indicates higher crowding)
Equipment: 3 out of 5 Stars
Locker Rooms: 2 out of 5 Stars
Staff: 3 out of 5 Stars
Pros: Not crowded
Cons: Customer service
Comments: [The salesperson] was not forthright in explaining the contract.
Overall: 2 out of 5 Stars
Atmosphere: 2 out of 5 Stars
Cleanliness: 3 out of 5 Stars
Crowding: 4 out of 5 Stars (a lower rating indicates higher crowding)
Equipment: 3 out of 5 Stars
Locker Rooms: 2 out of 5 Stars
Staff: 3 out of 5 Stars
Pros: Not crowded
Cons: Customer service
Comments: [The salesperson] was not forthright in explaining the contract.
How Others Saw SAC -- Internet Reviews
I've spent a lot of time since Monday thinking about what went wrong with SAC and why it was forced to close. Declining membership, of course, is the bottom line -- but why was membership declining, and was the management at SAC doing anything to reverse the trend? Although I was relatively happy there, it is clear that many others weren't. What, exactly, did they not like about SAC? Was it the cost, the amenities, the hours, the equipment? Was it something else?
Here is a sampling of opinions on SAC that were posted on City Search. I take issue with some of the comments posted below, especially regarding the equipment, but I have to concede that these commenters make some good points in other areas, such as the climate control system. Note that these reviews were all posted within the last 18 months or so. These are all the reviews I've been able to find online so far, but there may be other sites where SAC has been reviewed or rated -- I will keep looking and post anything else I find.
User Reviews for Southlake Athletic Club
What Users are Saying:
Convenient hours: no
Available machines: no
Modern equipment: no
Fair memberships: no
Avoid Like Plague-Ridden In-Laws!!!!
10/18/2006 Posted by grendel125
1 out of 5 Stars
These people are not good business owners. The equipment is old, the facility is poorly ventilated and air conditioned, alot of things(machines, cardio equipment) are broke and have been that way for a while. I also know of several people who have had financial troubles with them as far as dues, mistakes being made with record-keeping, and so on. Hell, I was out somewhere the other day and saw a big, black pick-up truck with a large sticker-sign on the tailgate that said something similar to "Stay away from Southlake Athletic Club, they screwed me, they will screw you too", or words to that effect, it was in traffic, I just caught it going by me. But if people are that serious about not going there, maybe you should be, too, lest you find yourself screen-printing warnings on YOUR vehicle. Mahalo.
Pros: They have a roof, you won't get rained on
Cons: Not a good value, outdated, broken equipment
Needs to be updated!
08/20/2006 Posted by tootiefsu
3 out of 5 Stars
Much of the equipment is old, or does not work. There is not sufficient air conditioning, especially if you are upstairs..just fans. The tanning beds are a nice resource but also are old and not kept up. On a positive note, the staff is nice and going to work out there does not feel like a fashion show or meat market. I think the location is convenient and parking is sufficient. If they would just update the interior and the equipment they would be a great gym.
A Mediocre gym
11/01/2005 Posted by bigchris20
3 out of 5 Stars
I've been there for a year now and the same equipment is still broken. A swiming that I can't exercise because it full of kids with floats. No equipment change out. Very medicre. I liked RUN & SHOOT better then this place! P.S. No early gym usuage on Sunday because it doubles as a CHURCH!
Pros: Child care affordable, convenient location, Good parking
Cons: Track size, limited Machines, Pool not for fitness
Click here to see the City Search page with these SAC reviews.
Here is a sampling of opinions on SAC that were posted on City Search. I take issue with some of the comments posted below, especially regarding the equipment, but I have to concede that these commenters make some good points in other areas, such as the climate control system. Note that these reviews were all posted within the last 18 months or so. These are all the reviews I've been able to find online so far, but there may be other sites where SAC has been reviewed or rated -- I will keep looking and post anything else I find.
User Reviews for Southlake Athletic Club
What Users are Saying:
Convenient hours: no
Available machines: no
Modern equipment: no
Fair memberships: no
Avoid Like Plague-Ridden In-Laws!!!!
10/18/2006 Posted by grendel125
1 out of 5 Stars
These people are not good business owners. The equipment is old, the facility is poorly ventilated and air conditioned, alot of things(machines, cardio equipment) are broke and have been that way for a while. I also know of several people who have had financial troubles with them as far as dues, mistakes being made with record-keeping, and so on. Hell, I was out somewhere the other day and saw a big, black pick-up truck with a large sticker-sign on the tailgate that said something similar to "Stay away from Southlake Athletic Club, they screwed me, they will screw you too", or words to that effect, it was in traffic, I just caught it going by me. But if people are that serious about not going there, maybe you should be, too, lest you find yourself screen-printing warnings on YOUR vehicle. Mahalo.
Pros: They have a roof, you won't get rained on
Cons: Not a good value, outdated, broken equipment
Needs to be updated!
08/20/2006 Posted by tootiefsu
3 out of 5 Stars
Much of the equipment is old, or does not work. There is not sufficient air conditioning, especially if you are upstairs..just fans. The tanning beds are a nice resource but also are old and not kept up. On a positive note, the staff is nice and going to work out there does not feel like a fashion show or meat market. I think the location is convenient and parking is sufficient. If they would just update the interior and the equipment they would be a great gym.
A Mediocre gym
11/01/2005 Posted by bigchris20
3 out of 5 Stars
I've been there for a year now and the same equipment is still broken. A swiming that I can't exercise because it full of kids with floats. No equipment change out. Very medicre. I liked RUN & SHOOT better then this place! P.S. No early gym usuage on Sunday because it doubles as a CHURCH!
Pros: Child care affordable, convenient location, Good parking
Cons: Track size, limited Machines, Pool not for fitness
Click here to see the City Search page with these SAC reviews.
LA Fitness: First Impressions
I took a brief tour of LA Fitness on Monday July 16th, right after I found out that SAC had been closed and cleaned out my locker, but I was too disappointed with the day's developments to stay and work out, plus it was way too crowded for me on Monday. Anyway, here are my first impressions of LA Fitness:
Operating hours: similar to those at SAC. I think they close an hour or so earlier on weeknights and are open earlier on Sunday. No significant difference there, but those who like to work out early on Sunday mornings will be pleased.
Weight floor: equivalent to SAC, but there seemed to be less free weights available. I think SAC had greater variety of weight machines, and of course I never saw the weight floor at SAC as crowded as the one at LA Fitness on Monday.
Racquet courts: for the avid Racquetball fans, it looks like only about 4 or 5 courts are available at LA Fitness, all along one wall on the left as you enter. They all seemed to be in use while I was there; not sure what their utilization rate is.
Aerobic equipment: mostly treadmills and eliptical machines. I don't think I saw any stairclimbers. There are about 8 or 9 Lifecycles, most recumbent but some that have the conventional bicycle seat. The Lifecycles at LA Fitness seemed older to me than the ones at SAC. There are two Concept 2 rowing machines/ergometers on the main weight floor, which I was glad to see, but they did not seem well-maintained. One of them had a dead display; I wonder if they get used much. Most of the aerobic equipment is arranged around a balcony on the second floor that overlooks the main weight floor. EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF AEROBIC EQUIPMENT ON THE BALCONY WAS IN USE, AND THERE WERE LINES FOR SOME OF THE TREADMILLS AND ELIPTICAL MACHINES WHILE I WAS THERE. That really bears repeating: every single treadmill, eliptical and stationary bike was in use, and people were waiting to get on them. There are a few TV sets mounted from the ceiling that you can watch, but I don't think they feature wireless sound like the ones at SAC, and I'm not sure it is possible to change the stations -- you probably have to chase down an employee with a remote to do so, if they allow it at all. The TV sets are spread out in linear fashion so that it is only possible to view two or three sets from any one cardio machine, so it could suck if the first treadmill that opens up happens to be in front of a TV that is tuned into a channel or show you don't like. I didn't take notice of the type of programming the TV sets were showing.
Basketball Court: There is one indoor basketball court, but it is more confined than the one at SAC and seemed to be less suitable for tournament play with spectators. Not sure how much the court is in demand. It was in use while I was there, and they seem to have a basketball league going.
Pool: There is a narrow, indoor swimming pool with marked swimming lanes, but it is much smaller than SACs and is really only suitable for exercise and not recreational swimming. The pool is accessible through the locker rooms. Since the whole thing is indoors it is available year-round, but there are no lounge chairs or sunbathing opportunities. Those who like to exercise by swimming laps will probably prefer the pool at LA Fitness.
Whirlpool and Saunas: There is a co-ed whirlpool located in the commons area next to the swimming pool. The men's locker room has a dry, Swedish sauna, but I didn't see a steam room anywhere. The sauna looked relatively small, especially for the large membership of this facility; it was crowded while I was there.
Locker Rooms: the men's locker room seemed smaller and more confined that SAC, but there are probably equal numbers of lockers. All the lockers are the same size and are smaller than those at SAC. LA Fitness does not offer locker rentals, you must take all your belongings with you when you leave; any locks left on lockers overnight will be cut off. There is a kiosk next to the main desk in the lobby with small lock boxes for car keys, wallets, etc.
Child Care: It looked like there was a room to drop off children while you work out down a narrow hallway to the immediate left as you enter, but I didn't bother to check it out. Not sure if it has a TV or anything.
Sand Volleyball Courts and Outdoor Basketball Courts: There are none.
Tanning Booths: I didn't see any.
Parking: The lot was pretty full when I was there in the early evening.
The overall atmosphere seemed more formal and less laid back than at SAC. The place is so crowded that I think people just like to get in there and get as much done as they can and get out quick. It reminded me of the Bally's gym at Southlake, where they even had voice recordings telling you how long you had to do your reps at each weight station Big Brother-style, but LA Fitness is on a much bigger scale -- like Bally's on steriods.
I'll provide an update after my first real workout there, which will probably be Friday evening or Saturday morning or afternoon.
I miss my gym.
Operating hours: similar to those at SAC. I think they close an hour or so earlier on weeknights and are open earlier on Sunday. No significant difference there, but those who like to work out early on Sunday mornings will be pleased.
Weight floor: equivalent to SAC, but there seemed to be less free weights available. I think SAC had greater variety of weight machines, and of course I never saw the weight floor at SAC as crowded as the one at LA Fitness on Monday.
Racquet courts: for the avid Racquetball fans, it looks like only about 4 or 5 courts are available at LA Fitness, all along one wall on the left as you enter. They all seemed to be in use while I was there; not sure what their utilization rate is.
Aerobic equipment: mostly treadmills and eliptical machines. I don't think I saw any stairclimbers. There are about 8 or 9 Lifecycles, most recumbent but some that have the conventional bicycle seat. The Lifecycles at LA Fitness seemed older to me than the ones at SAC. There are two Concept 2 rowing machines/ergometers on the main weight floor, which I was glad to see, but they did not seem well-maintained. One of them had a dead display; I wonder if they get used much. Most of the aerobic equipment is arranged around a balcony on the second floor that overlooks the main weight floor. EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF AEROBIC EQUIPMENT ON THE BALCONY WAS IN USE, AND THERE WERE LINES FOR SOME OF THE TREADMILLS AND ELIPTICAL MACHINES WHILE I WAS THERE. That really bears repeating: every single treadmill, eliptical and stationary bike was in use, and people were waiting to get on them. There are a few TV sets mounted from the ceiling that you can watch, but I don't think they feature wireless sound like the ones at SAC, and I'm not sure it is possible to change the stations -- you probably have to chase down an employee with a remote to do so, if they allow it at all. The TV sets are spread out in linear fashion so that it is only possible to view two or three sets from any one cardio machine, so it could suck if the first treadmill that opens up happens to be in front of a TV that is tuned into a channel or show you don't like. I didn't take notice of the type of programming the TV sets were showing.
Basketball Court: There is one indoor basketball court, but it is more confined than the one at SAC and seemed to be less suitable for tournament play with spectators. Not sure how much the court is in demand. It was in use while I was there, and they seem to have a basketball league going.
Pool: There is a narrow, indoor swimming pool with marked swimming lanes, but it is much smaller than SACs and is really only suitable for exercise and not recreational swimming. The pool is accessible through the locker rooms. Since the whole thing is indoors it is available year-round, but there are no lounge chairs or sunbathing opportunities. Those who like to exercise by swimming laps will probably prefer the pool at LA Fitness.
Whirlpool and Saunas: There is a co-ed whirlpool located in the commons area next to the swimming pool. The men's locker room has a dry, Swedish sauna, but I didn't see a steam room anywhere. The sauna looked relatively small, especially for the large membership of this facility; it was crowded while I was there.
Locker Rooms: the men's locker room seemed smaller and more confined that SAC, but there are probably equal numbers of lockers. All the lockers are the same size and are smaller than those at SAC. LA Fitness does not offer locker rentals, you must take all your belongings with you when you leave; any locks left on lockers overnight will be cut off. There is a kiosk next to the main desk in the lobby with small lock boxes for car keys, wallets, etc.
Child Care: It looked like there was a room to drop off children while you work out down a narrow hallway to the immediate left as you enter, but I didn't bother to check it out. Not sure if it has a TV or anything.
Sand Volleyball Courts and Outdoor Basketball Courts: There are none.
Tanning Booths: I didn't see any.
Parking: The lot was pretty full when I was there in the early evening.
The overall atmosphere seemed more formal and less laid back than at SAC. The place is so crowded that I think people just like to get in there and get as much done as they can and get out quick. It reminded me of the Bally's gym at Southlake, where they even had voice recordings telling you how long you had to do your reps at each weight station Big Brother-style, but LA Fitness is on a much bigger scale -- like Bally's on steriods.
I'll provide an update after my first real workout there, which will probably be Friday evening or Saturday morning or afternoon.
I miss my gym.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Auction Announced
I drove by SAC again on the way home from work today and noticed that signs announcing the auction of the property, including the building and all of its contents, have been posted at the entrances on both sides of the parking lot. The auction will be handled by Dempsey Auctioneers, and a website and 800 number are posted. I have added a link to their website to this blog and the main website.
Those of us who miss SAC and are less than completely satisfied with LA Fitness can only hope that someone will buy the property intact with all its contents and re-open it as another independent gym or some kind of franchise gym like Golds Gym or World Gym, or even a YMCA. I've set up a poll to the right where you can register your prediction about the future of the gym formerly known as Southlake Athletic Club (and Southlake Racquet Club before that).
The auction signs read as follows:
------------------------------------
AUCTION
Thursday, August 30th 11:00 am
30,000 Square Foot Building
on 3.25 Acres
• Fitness Equipment
• Furnishings
• Office Furniture
• All Utilities
www.dempseyauction.com
1-800-DEMPSEY
Those of us who miss SAC and are less than completely satisfied with LA Fitness can only hope that someone will buy the property intact with all its contents and re-open it as another independent gym or some kind of franchise gym like Golds Gym or World Gym, or even a YMCA. I've set up a poll to the right where you can register your prediction about the future of the gym formerly known as Southlake Athletic Club (and Southlake Racquet Club before that).
The auction signs read as follows:
------------------------------------
AUCTION
Thursday, August 30th 11:00 am
30,000 Square Foot Building
on 3.25 Acres
• Fitness Equipment
• Furnishings
• Office Furniture
• All Utilities
www.dempseyauction.com
1-800-DEMPSEY
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Letter Announcing Closing of SAC
July 13, 2007
Dear Southlake Athletic Club Members:
A wise man once told me that there is a first time for everything in your life. I remember the first day that Southlake Athletic Club opened for business. I personally have owned the club since June 1992. After almost 30 years and despite the support of many great members, Southlake Athletic Club must close its doors.
In order to accomodate you, we investigated many options, including relocation, which proved to be impractical due to current land costs and rental rates in the South Atlanta area. After exhaustive research and negotiations, we have concluded that the best facility that would accomodate our members for activity, style, and quality of facility is the LA Fitness located at 7057 Mount Zion Circle, Morrow, Georgia, which is less than a few minutes from Southlake Athletic Club on Mount Zion Road.
LA Fitness has every service we have and then some: year-round aqua classes; an expanded group exercise schedule, including early morning, mid-day, and early evening classes; and longer hours of operation throughout the week.
LA Fitness is honoring every current and valid Southlake Athletic Club membership for the remainder of the term whether prepaid or monthly, at your current rate. You will be able to commence using your membership at LA Fitness effective July 16, 2007. All inquiries regarding your membership should be directed to LA Fitness at their Southlake club location. That number is (770) 960-0393.
ANY MEMBERS WITH PERSONAL TRAINING OR TANNING SESSIONS: We have not made any agreement with LA Fitness to service any outstanding training or tanning sessions so please call Lawrence Pope at (678) 362-4416 in our 1792 Mt. Zion Road, Morrow office to make arrangement concerning any sessions you may have left.
I want to personally thank all of you for the great support that you have given Southlake Athletic Club as well as the great staff and instructors that we have had some of whom have been with us since the day we opened the door. I wish you good health in pursuing your fitness and recreational goals. I am sure that LA Fitness is committed to providing you the best facility and programs available in the South Atlanta area.
Thank you for giving me the honor of getting to know so many of you and serving you and your family's needs.
Sincerely yours,
Lawrence Pope
Southlake Athletic Club
1792 Mt. Zion Road
Morrow, Georgia 30260
770-960-1792
Dear Southlake Athletic Club Members:
A wise man once told me that there is a first time for everything in your life. I remember the first day that Southlake Athletic Club opened for business. I personally have owned the club since June 1992. After almost 30 years and despite the support of many great members, Southlake Athletic Club must close its doors.
In order to accomodate you, we investigated many options, including relocation, which proved to be impractical due to current land costs and rental rates in the South Atlanta area. After exhaustive research and negotiations, we have concluded that the best facility that would accomodate our members for activity, style, and quality of facility is the LA Fitness located at 7057 Mount Zion Circle, Morrow, Georgia, which is less than a few minutes from Southlake Athletic Club on Mount Zion Road.
LA Fitness has every service we have and then some: year-round aqua classes; an expanded group exercise schedule, including early morning, mid-day, and early evening classes; and longer hours of operation throughout the week.
LA Fitness is honoring every current and valid Southlake Athletic Club membership for the remainder of the term whether prepaid or monthly, at your current rate. You will be able to commence using your membership at LA Fitness effective July 16, 2007. All inquiries regarding your membership should be directed to LA Fitness at their Southlake club location. That number is (770) 960-0393.
ANY MEMBERS WITH PERSONAL TRAINING OR TANNING SESSIONS: We have not made any agreement with LA Fitness to service any outstanding training or tanning sessions so please call Lawrence Pope at (678) 362-4416 in our 1792 Mt. Zion Road, Morrow office to make arrangement concerning any sessions you may have left.
I want to personally thank all of you for the great support that you have given Southlake Athletic Club as well as the great staff and instructors that we have had some of whom have been with us since the day we opened the door. I wish you good health in pursuing your fitness and recreational goals. I am sure that LA Fitness is committed to providing you the best facility and programs available in the South Atlanta area.
Thank you for giving me the honor of getting to know so many of you and serving you and your family's needs.
Sincerely yours,
Lawrence Pope
Southlake Athletic Club
1792 Mt. Zion Road
Morrow, Georgia 30260
770-960-1792
Monday, July 16, 2007
Closing of SAC
Hello, fellow SAC exiles. I don't know many of you by name, but I'm willing to bet that I have seen many of you around the gym and will be able to recognize you when we meet again at LA Fitness.
Like many of you who are reading this blog, I drove to SAC on Monday afternoon to work out on my way home from the office. As soon as I turned into the parking lot, I noticed the LA Fitness tent set up outside the main door, and I knew right away that something was terribly wrong. I got out of my car and approached the door, where I was greeted by some LA Fitness employees, who handed me a one-page letter from Lawrence Pope announcing the closing of the gym and the transfer of our memberships to LA Fitness.
I went inside to clean out my locker and spoke to Lawrence briefly before leaving. I think I was the last person to clean out his locker -- all the other lockers had been emptied. The whole place seemed so empty and dark. It felt like being at a funeral or a wake.
On the way home I stopped at LA Fitness to check the place out, but didn't feel like working out anymore -- especially not after seeing the huge crowd inside the LA Fitness center. I'll write about my first impressions in another entry.
So anyway, I'm still processing how I feel about all this: the loss of SAC and the involuntary transfer to LA Fitness, the abruptness of it all. I'm going to give LA Fitness a chance, I guess, but I am also going to evaluate all my other options. I will post my thoughts and findings here, along with any new developments as they occur.
I set up this blog and the corresponding website www.southlakeathletic.com so that we can all try to get organized and share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Pooling our knowledge and opinions in this way might help each of us make a more informed decision about where to go from here. In order for this to work, we have to get the word out about the website and blog -- so please spread the news to any former SAC members you know. I will be handing out cards with the website information to anyone I see at LA Fitness that I recognize from SAC.
Like many of you who are reading this blog, I drove to SAC on Monday afternoon to work out on my way home from the office. As soon as I turned into the parking lot, I noticed the LA Fitness tent set up outside the main door, and I knew right away that something was terribly wrong. I got out of my car and approached the door, where I was greeted by some LA Fitness employees, who handed me a one-page letter from Lawrence Pope announcing the closing of the gym and the transfer of our memberships to LA Fitness.
I went inside to clean out my locker and spoke to Lawrence briefly before leaving. I think I was the last person to clean out his locker -- all the other lockers had been emptied. The whole place seemed so empty and dark. It felt like being at a funeral or a wake.
On the way home I stopped at LA Fitness to check the place out, but didn't feel like working out anymore -- especially not after seeing the huge crowd inside the LA Fitness center. I'll write about my first impressions in another entry.
So anyway, I'm still processing how I feel about all this: the loss of SAC and the involuntary transfer to LA Fitness, the abruptness of it all. I'm going to give LA Fitness a chance, I guess, but I am also going to evaluate all my other options. I will post my thoughts and findings here, along with any new developments as they occur.
I set up this blog and the corresponding website www.southlakeathletic.com so that we can all try to get organized and share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Pooling our knowledge and opinions in this way might help each of us make a more informed decision about where to go from here. In order for this to work, we have to get the word out about the website and blog -- so please spread the news to any former SAC members you know. I will be handing out cards with the website information to anyone I see at LA Fitness that I recognize from SAC.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)