After using the PNC YMCA's facilities for nearly two years, I decided to switch gyms due to price and location, and that's the very same reason I'm still at LA Fitness South Side to this day. \n\nWhen the gym first opened, it was decent. Clean, friendly staff, brand new equipment; however, overtime things have gone down hill at this location. First of all, the place smells. It's like the air is just dead and flat and there is no circulation. I've asked several employees why on some days it's so muggy and they say that they have no control over the temperature of the building - it's corporate's decision. Now, speaking of the unsettling atmosphere, the maintenance is very minimal. Almost any time I go the paper towel dispensers they are empty and the garbage cans are full (and this includes in the locker rooms as well!). It also doesn't make sense to me that there are only a few dispensers and anti-bacterial wipes around the gym. I shouldn't have to wander around the gym looking for one only to find it's empty. \n\nNow onto the equipment... this is one of the positives about this location. Everything is fairly new and they do a good job at fixing things as soon as it breaks or begins to wear. I've been to many gyms and LA Fitness definitely has the best equipment, which is what saved this review from having three stars rather than two. Only problem is because the gym isn't that big, the place is unbearable from about 4 PM to around 9 PM, making it hard to workout because of the crowd. Their free weights section is probably the biggest of all of LA Fitness locations in the city that I've been to, however it's always crowded. If you're lucky to get a bench... guard it! A little more on the typical crowd... it's very, well... douchy. 20-30 year-old frat boys (or former frat boys) who can bench press their body weight but forget what comes after \"D\" in the ABCs. It's common to see the milk jug of water and the constant animal mating noises while in between their reps. It's very pro-body building so if this makes you uncomfortable I would try another gym.\n\nLastly, the staff is touch and go. There are a few select workers who are very pleasant and eager to help, while others are lazy and act like scanning somebody's ID is possibly going to kill them. You're supposed to get your parking validated when you first come in, but how is that so when the front desk is completely empty. But here's the best part... you get scolded by the employee on your way out when you ask her to validate it. \"You're supposed to do it first.\" SMH...\n\nThe only reason I stay here is because of price and location. I also like that I can visit other LA Fitness around the area (I suggest the awesome McKnight road location!!). However, if a new gym opened up in South Side, I would most likely consider switching memberships.
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