Anytime Fitness

The owner was very condescending and rude to me. I called in a great mood excited to hear more about the gym I saw online and he was just a customer service nightmare. He even said the gym has a great Google rating (which he could create by doing a review every week himself) and that he doesn’t need anymore business. Maybe he should read Jim Collins «How the Mighty Fall».
I could give more details, but needless to say I think it is worth driving a bit farther to a gym with a good atmosphere, run by welcoming people, and enduring business model, and not a prissy spoilt brat who assumes so much about a stranger on the phone «interested in ‘His Club’». He exaggerated so much! And sees a phone call as a bother and not a potential new customer or friend. Maybe he could delegate answering the phone to some of his more people friendly staff members. Or is there a high staff turn over because it is hard to work for such a personality.

I began my membership at the Anytime Fitness in Blacksburg, Virginia. At the end of the summer, I came back to the Warrenton area and was excited to see that Anytime Fitness was not too far! Unfortunately the manager — I never got his name, so I assume it is the infamous Charlie I read about — was extremely rude.
My friend from Blacksburg who also has a membership came for the weekend. She did not have her key with her. I opened the door for the both of us and of course was told that that was not allowed and that we would have to leave — even though I had my key and am paying for a membership as well. I asked him to look her account up, but he continued to be rude.
When I went into his office to ask about cancelling my membership — where his desk had Reese’s, some processed food, and soda… very healthy for a gym manager Charlie — he continued to stare at the screen and ignore my questions. I was also told I would have to drive all the way back to Blacksburg to cancel my membership.
Refuse to go back to the Gainesville location. I will try out Bristow!
Charlie either needs 1) to be fired and/​or 2) to get laid!

I figured I needed to update my review seeing all of the past problems that have occurred.
Here on Unilocal there is a «$ 50 for $ 75» offer for this location. Seeing how this was a great deal I jumped right on it, bought it, and when I went in to redeem it for my renewal I was told they weren’t accepting that deal. I asked how it couldn’t be accepted since it’s specifically for this gym and was told there was nothing he could do for me even though I had already spent the $ 50 on it. He finally gets the manager on the phone who doesn’t know what’s going on either and they decide that they’ll be so gracious as to accept it and then tried to make me pay all of my fees again (had only been with the gym for 6 months). I told them that it was only a «one time registration» at my first sign up, which they said didn’t matter and it’s now yearly. Finally got them to take it off and yet it still cost $ 20 more than the first time I signed up AND it included the $ 50 for $ 75! Somehow they scammed me out of $ 45.
In March of 2014 I tried to cancel my membership since I was moving somewhere that I would not have an Anytime Fitness to transfer to. Apparently in fine print if you are canceling your membership you must pay a fee (at the time it was $ 159). My monthly dues was less than that so I had to just ride out my membership, lost my money, and ended up very unhappy with this establishment. My previous review was when Charlie was still working there. The new guy had no idea what to do.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
I’ve never had a bad experience with this gym. Everyone has been polite as well as helpful, whether for small problems like needing help getting a strap back on the foot pegs of the bike or for asking for a guest pass so my husband could use the gym for a week. There is a towel service here for everyone’s use as well as private bathrooms to even take a shower in. There are plenty of machines (ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, leg press, rowing, chest press, etc.) for everyone to use without waiting and a well-​stocked weight-​lifting area. I’ve always been smiled, waved at, and said «hello» to by the manager. I have never seen anyone thrown out of this establishment nor have I heard it through the grapevine. In fact, everyone I have encountered there has been kind to me with at least a smile as I walk past them. I encourage people to come to this gym. It’s a great price as far as gyms go and you’ll get many great options for how you spend your gym time.
I do know they’re going through a renovation at this time, but I know the finished product will be wonderful and more productive than the last setup.

The manager, Charlie, at this facilityis an absolute idiot when it comes to customer service. I work out seven days a week. There are certain days that I use this facility depending upon what body part I’m training that day. I usually go very late at night, (1−3am), because a female friend would get off work after 2am and lived down the street from this facility. Out of my concern for her safety, I would meet her at this gym and leave shortly thereafter. On two occasions, I let her in the gym, not allowing her to touch any equipment, while she waited for me to complete my workout. She discussed her interest in joining the gym since I was there. We were going to come and speak with Charlie about getting her a membership that weekend. Unfortunately, Charlie called to tell me that letting my friend in was against club policy. I acknowledge his concern on the phone and expressed to him her interest in joining the facility, but he seemed annoyed, so I chose to address the issue in person. Before I saw Charlie, I made my friend aware of his annoyance of her presence and that it appeared as though receiving a new membership wasn’t his concern, she changed her mind on getting a membership. The following day, I believe, I saw Charlie and simply inquired about canceling my membership. He played naïve to what the separation cost would be, and at first dismissed my inquiry. I was leaving the gym to go to work, and as I got to the door, Charlie called me back and asked was my inquiry due to him calling me. I said «yes, but I’ll have to address it later.» He began to become annoyed again and wanted to further discuss the issue, but because I didn’t wanna be late for work and his attitude was starting to anger me, I told him «it would be best to leave the conversation where it is for professional reasons.» He then became somewhat verbally aggressive, and asked, «what is that supposed to mean, David?» I then said «I was crystal clear… it means if you wanna insure that I cancel my contract, continue behaving in this manner», and turned to walk away so I could proceed to work. On the way out, his last, CHILDISH remark was «fine David…» If this facility has lost and continues to lose customers, I’m sure it would be due to the lack of professionalism on the part of the current manager, Charlie. I have chosen to retain my membership, thus far, because of the professionalism of the Bristow Manager, Moe. Charlie could stand to learn a few things from this man.

After moving back into the area, and having previously been a long time member like Dustin, I went over one night to ask about reactivating my membership. Sure enough, I ran into the neighborhood’s least favorite manager, and was kicked out money in hand. I decided to let it go and try talking to the supposed «real» manager the next day about signing up again. I ended up being told that being able to sign up was unlikely, due to the fact that Charlie has poor anger management skills, and doesn’t seem to get along with me. They also tried to justify their rude response by comparing the situation to me walking into their home at 9:30pm to talk to them. The reality is, it’s not your home, it’s a 24 hour gym. If you’re sitting in your office with the door open and a customer walks in, do your job, moron. Don’t go straight to yelling, especially after being asked to change your tone politely.
My suggestion to the owner, find another manager that doesn’t require heavy medication or a safety helmet, and do a better job when it comes to helping your members in the future. Also, try picking a name that will better describe your business. I’d suggest «Anytime Incompetence».
Taking my business to Bristow.
— - — In response to the owner’s comment below:
John, I have never trespassed at an Anytime Fitness. Having been a member long enough to understand that entering without a fob to workout is grounds for being kicked out, I decided to immediately seek out the club manager instead (whom I felt I knew well enough personally) to:
1. Ask to use the backdoor that connects facilities so that I could enter my family’s own business next door (we are fellow tenants, I thought I grabbed the wrong key).
2. Ask about my previous membership status, simple enough.
Both seemed reasonable requests, but were immediately missed by the manager, who at the time was acting completely incoherent. I would have left sooner had I believed he knew who I was, or that he understood what I was trying to convey to him. After being treated with extreme rudeness, I came to the conclusion he was unable to be verbally reasoned with, and replied with an obvious rude hand gesture. Had I known previously that this would be the only thing he would be able to understand, I would have brushed up on my sign language beforehand.
I sought to reconcile any differences the next day, and again was met with yelling by both you, and the manager. Contradicting your statement, the primary reason I was given as to why I wouldn’t be allowed to return as a member was, in paraphrase, «‘Charlie’s brain’ is not wired to reason well, and is still mad you flicked him off».
The point that several reviewers including myself have tried to point out to you:
Please try exercising your obviously keen psychiatric diagnostic ability to appropriately deal with the manager continuously causing your business trouble.

Absolutely horrible management here, Manager Charlie has no concept of customer service. My advice for anyone that encounters this location, this is not how Anytime fitness operates, The Bristow location is perfectly run with great management who welcome all its member and doesn’t throw them out. The best thing for this location would be to have the owner sell it and have that new owner fire Charlie, if not, it will be sure to close down as it loses members. Don’t let this location create a bad image for Anytime Fitness due to poor management. The key any membership is to create an expeience of inclusion and welcoming, that you are part of something cool. Not that you are a tresspasser because you think all people are crooks and that you should leave, that was my experience and I will never go to this location again, however, I will remain a member due to the Bristow location being what I believe is the Anytime fitness I joined.

I’ve been a member here for the past couple of years and my experience has been fantastic! The gym is always clean and kept in good shape. When something breaks they are quick to fix it and let members know the status of the repair. If you are looking for a nice clean gym in Gainesville that has a friendly staff this is the gym for you! Definitely worth checking out.
and its open ²⁴⁄₇!

Great gym! The 24 hour access is perfect to accommodate anyone’s schedule. It may be a smaller gym then some are used to, however, the etiquette and attitude is top notch and equipment is clean and treated well. I’ve tried other big name gyms in the area over my 4 year membership and was never impressed enough to leave.

I’ve not been happy with my membership at this gym. I’ve given feedback regarding most of the items listed below, and they never were addressed. I tried to cancel my membership, but was told I would have to pay a cancellation fee that was never mentioned or shown in print when I first joined the gym. Membership looks enticing for this gym because of the $ 29 a month fee, but it’s not worth it.
Here’s a list of things I found wrong with this gym:
–Mold/​Mildew in women’s shower
–Hairballs in the women’s shower
–Stains in the women’s toilet
–Stains in the women’s sink
–Hair on the floor of the women’s bathroom
–Foul smell in the women’s bathroom from a dry drain
–Dust on the equipment
–Malfunctioning equipment (i.e. buttons don’t work)
–Broken equipment lying around
–Cobwebs in throughout the gym
–Owner overheard talking to members about his debt and collectors that call him
The owner is reportedly trying to sell the gym, but can’t find a buyer (I was told he asking price is way too high.) I’ve tried discussing some of the aforementioned items with him and found it very frustrating. He is pompous and condescending.
In response to owners comment:
Mr. Kennedy,
We met while I was at the gym working out and have spoken briefly on numerous occasions. As a consumer I’m displeased with the way I was treated despite months of loyal membership in which I always paid my monthly dues on time and treated your facility and its equipment with care. I left feedback on the clipboard provided and in the little black box located near the offices. I spoke to Charlie directly when I found equipment broken. When I talked to you about ending my membership you acted unprofessionally by speaking to me in a condescending manner. You acted pompous and were very difficult to communicate with. You also made no effort to resolve my concerns or complaints. I’m unhappy with my membership due to the condition of the gym and the way in which you treated me.

I went here for about a year and a half before finally leaving. The gym feels super small because of the cramped layout and the cardio equipment is outdated. The weight machines are dusty and some have rips repaired with duct tape.
The one benefit to this gym is its convenient location to those who live on the Gainesville/​Warrenton boundary. Other than that, it’s definitely not worth joining.

I signed up for a year at Anytime Fitness — every time I came in to use the treadmills, at least one was offline for maintenance issues. And given that there are only a few treadmills — this was a problem. And the flat screen TVs on the treadmills rarely worked. And the ones that did have working TVs — the video quality was terrible.
I canceled my membership and now go elsewhere for my gym time.

I love my gym. It’s clean, the equipment is modern and I can go anytime I want. My only criticism is that there is conistently one treadmill broken and they need more industrial size fans in the cardio area (Elipticals and Treadmills). But when the equipment gets used this much, I’m sure it’s tough.
I would also like to mention Donna Parker who is my personal trainer. She is amazing. She is positive, encouraging and keenly focused on just me during our sessions. I have never had a trainer that really paid attention to me as I went through each move and coached me on how to improve. If you have the cash, and you want a trainer, there is no one better than Donna. No One.

Great gym, good amount of equipment and space. Like the open 24 hour concept. Clean and in order. Never had an issue with being able to get my workout in since there’s no overcrowding.
Really enjoy the new AB machine, great ab workout. Dumbells are stacked and kept orderly.
Only complaint is lack of shower– very disappointing, especially for this area– shower room needs redo!