OT: Gym Membership Recommendations

[pDigital32Dawg]

I am considering joining a gym and looking for recommendations. Location is primarily the Jackson metro area, while the Golden Triangle would be secondary. Although I like the idea of being able to travel and have a location nearby, I wouldn't make that the main reason for selection. One other decision piece is the cheaper the better. Realistically I probably would be able to go 2 - 3 weeks a month. Main goals are to lose weight, build muscle, and have a place to go to avoid rain, elements, etc...

Any thoughts on the following? Or ones that I left off?
Planet Fitness - (looks to be the lowest price offering, yet lacks locations in the Golden Triangle)
Snap Fitness
Anytime Fitness
YMCA
Courthouse
The Club
Madison Healthplex Performance Center

//SixPack forums right?**

 

[RivaDawg]

Sanderson center.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

Not trying to be a smartass, but you'll be able to build muscle and lose weight at all of them. If you're wanting to do traditional weights and any time of the day then join a chain where you can use any location

 

[WhiteShepherd07]

Crossfit?

 

[Dogariffic]

Planet Fitness in Jackson. Has most everything I have enjoyed at other gyms for less than 1/2 the price. Only thing missing I might use is a pool and sauna....but PF has hydra bed massage tables I use almost daily and that makes up for all other short comings.

 

[patdog]

The best gym is the one you will go to. You're not going to go to the YMCA if you live in Madison. You're not going to go to Madison Healthplex if you live in Rankin Co. Pick the most convenient one that you like.

 

[msu84grad]

I'm a member of the Planet Fitness in Ridgeland but my $20 black card membership means I can also go to the PF in Deville Plaza Jackson which is right across I-55 from my office. There is also a PF in Clinton. The chain is growing fast and I'm sure they will be in the GT soon. If you are looking for a dual membership then Anytime Fitness has places that I know of in Starkville and in front of the Kroger at Jacksonian Plaza. Their price is higher though for an all-access membership, but just like PF there are a lot of those as well.

 

[pDigital32Dawg]

I've been looking at joining Planet Fitness. Can relatives use your access if you are not using it at the time?

 

[pDigital32Dawg]

Not looking to do Crossfit or any programs in general. Mainly do weights for about 30 minutes and then hop on a treadmill/stairmaster for the remaining 30 minutes.

 

[DogNSuds]

Planet Fitness

 

[LBTdawg]

I'm a member of Snap (not in Jackson, so take this fwiw) and have been pretty satisfied. It is a bit pricier than some others in town, but its the most conveniently located to me. As another poster said, that is probably one of the most important factors. Snap has a good selection of machines, free weights, and classes, if that's your thing. I also think you get access to all other Snaps nationwide.

One word of caution about Planet Fitness -- if you want to do any serious lifting with a barbell, you probably want to look elsewhere.

 

[615dawg]

We just canceled our membership to the Healthplex. Some sorry people running that place. Baptist has nothing to do with it other than in name. Its run by some company in Texas. They went back on their word and kicked my kids' swim team out after starting it up just 2 years ago.

 

[Xenomorph]

If it's not possible for the answer to be Life Time Fitness then..

..just choose the one closest to your house or along your commute route. There are some days when you'll look for any excuse not to go and an extra 5 minute drive each way will do it every time.

Pack a gym bag every night before you go to bed. Put it in your car. If possible, don't go home in the afternoon before going to the gym. Most folks.. once they get home they're toast. Especially if you have kids.

Avoid the gym between the hours of 4-7pm unless you're extremely flexible with your routines.

 

[The Peeper]

I'm not sure they would come to GT, students go to Sanderson for free, early bird discount for alums 5:00 a.m. - 11:00 is $21 including pool. They might would attract the crowd that doesn't want to deal w/ students though