Meridian Sports Club Century City

I’ve been a member of Meridian Century City and Meridian Park La Brea for over a year now. I was a member of the Century City Equinox for a year or so since I work near there but the exorbitant membership fees encouraged me to switch.
The Meridian Century City is on multiple levels of what seems like an old office building. While the Park La Brea location is smaller, it seems slightly better maintained. I had been working out irregularly for about 6 months before I discovered that the Century City Meridian had a great Kung Fu class.

You’ll notice that all of the decent reviews occurred prior to the renovations and that’s because all the renovations did was jack prices, not solve problems. They did replace some weight machines with new equipment, but the locker rooms are miniscule and the rest of the place is a pit.

What can I say… it’s convenient that’s why I go. It’s so close to work and I am comfortable with the people here. HOWEVER make sure you DON’T LEAVE YOUR valuables in your car or your locker!!! They offer a safe if you have to! They are pricey and the ventilation leaves a lot to be desired… IOW — other people’s Body Odor can be a problem… when you are working out. I have had to move levels because of it. The only redeeming factor are the trainers there.

I was a member for 1 yr then the gym was bought by another company. They got rid of almost an entire floor of equipment for the AAA office, the entire staff was replaced, and the construction has been going on for 6 months. They gave very little warning about these changes and its frustrating to work out while sniffing paint. Also the AAA office now shares the parking lot and its harder to find a space.

I have been a member for a little under a year and I joined due to convenience. Here’s my take:
Pros:
— convenient. I work across the street.
— easy to get machines
— John C’s spinning class
— clean
— towel service
Cons:
— I have found the front desk staff to be rude and unfriendly. A few days ago, i was standing in front of the desk and the woman would NOT assist me. She just would not look at me. She was too busy talking to her friend. Finally, someone came from the office and helped me. COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE! This is not an unusual occurrence.
— The training is expensive and not that good. I trained w/​2 trainers. The first was a trial session… he gave me a workout that was obviously not suited for me. I explained that i was experiencing pain and was told not to quit. Two weeks after this work out, I still was not able to lift my arm without a sharp pain and I am not a novice when it comes to exercise. I ended up going with another trainer who was rude on a regular basis. Basically, I wasted $ 1,700 on training. I did not enjoy the sessions and ended up GAINING weight. I yielded to the «experts» advice and regret it. I was doing better BEFORE i started the training! And to make matters worse, they over billed my account, so check your bank account!
— The remodeling is never done. Since i have been there, one of the TV’s has never worked. I was told they were getting new TV’s. Please explain to me why it takes 12 months to get a tv! COME ON! Give me the money and i will go get you a freakin’ TV!
Bottom line: This gym serves the purpose of a place to workout that’s convenient. I pay $ 64/​month which is the discounted rate thru my company. I feel this is too much for what i get, but I’m willing to pay this for clean and convenient. That’s what your money pays for here.

David Barton’s slow motion remodeling of the Century City Bodies In Motion is grinding painfully and fitfully to a hiatus. The largely cosmetic redo has made a formerly mediocre facility truly ugly and dis-​functional. The red-​lit, black-​tiled men’s locker room remains poorly ventilated and desperately overcrowded. The spin room features decrepit bikes and is always either too hot or too cold. David, haven’t you heard of Goldilocks?
The weight room is modestly improved over it’s truly terrible predecessor, but the yoga room is tiny and seems misplaced opposite the door to the men’s locker room. And there’s still no place to stretch without being underfoot someone’s out of control weight routine.
This remodel was motivated and to a degree doomed by the Auto club’s reclaiming of most of the first floor space, which eliminated kickboxing and half of the cardio space, but the designer’s choices resulted in an overall degradation of the facility. And for this, we now pay more. Thanks for coming to town, David.

Finally management reimbursed me for many of the items they lost.
However, a few days later, I received a poorly written form letter from «David Barton,» which was forwarded to me because it was mis-​addressed (not sent to my billing or home address). The letter claims I will be entitled to new services and offerings. This is a surprise because as you can see from my prior review, practically all the services and offerings that I have been paying for dissolved since David Barton took this gym over. So far, nobody at the gym has mentioned any new services or offerings.
In fact, I was told my monthly personal training sessions that are specified in my contract will be reduced to quarterly after David Barton took over. Also, under this structure, there is no general manager, only assistant general manager (s), so that is probably why everything is messed up and nobody is accountable.
Either way, the letter went on to claim that the locker facilities were «unparalleled,» that the bathrooms were «luxurious,» and the weight floor was inspired by the «classic Roman-​Grecco gymnasium.» I haven’t noticed any changes in the weight room and the changes to the locker facilities and bathrooms were downgrades from my perspective (no more executive locker room or sauna). The letter boasted that the group exercise classes were designed to challenge me. That much is true, I love the group exercise classes at this gym. BUT, they aren’t new! They are the same ones as before, just like the weight room.
I don’t know what Barton meant by stating, «It has remained our goal to only modify the membership dues pricing, until we reached the point where becoming a DavidBartonGym became our reality.»
He also said that the «transition is complete,» which means that I can’t really expect more improvements from this point.
Of course the point of the letter was to notify us that the gym is increasing my dues by $ 20 a month, so now I will be paying $ 160/​month for much less than I had before under the Meridian Bodies in Motion brand.
I am not happy about this, but the gym is conveniently located and the group instructors (from Bodies in Motion) are great, so I will continue to pay for my membership.

Convenient Covenient Covenient!
I first went into this gym because its right across the street from work. They are in a middle of a remodel… so some of the construction can be a distraction. But its only temporary. The front desk people are always friendly… My sales person very nice, very encouraging and motivating.
THe think I love about this locaiton is that the gym is not crowded. I am able to get off of work, get across the street and the cardio equipment is free! The club has a variety of Group Classes, the only ones I have tried is the Indoor Cycling Classes, which is my favorite! And the one thing I absolutely adore… is hte towel service! I recommend this gym!

Fraudulent practices. I decided to take a three month hiatus from Equinox to see if I could benefit from a cheaper gym. I specifically told the membership rep that I wanted a membership I could cancel in three months, and she said no problem. The gym was not what I was looking for, is lacking basic equipment like a leg press machine, a cable machine, and a decent stretching area with props. Not to mention it looks like a dump and I don’t feel like I want to be there. So I decided I’m going back to Equinox.
But apparently I got tricked into a 12 month contract. I’d say be careful and read the fine print, but there is I could have made it out of this contract, especially when the rep said I’d have no problem cancelling my membership. They are frauds, pure and simple. Best not to deal with them if you have any other options. I cancelled my credit card so they can no longer charge it, and I plan on taking my case to small claims court.

Recently rebranded as David Barton. The new facilities are a vast improvement to the aging equipment they had here. The old building (by century city standards) needed a major redo. The décor they chose is cheesy. It is basically low-​budget boutique hotel meets Ed Hardy. But it’s still super clean, towel service, parking and all of the other stuff that I have liked about this place since the beginning. One other negative — some of the trainers are jerks. They walk around like they own the place and act tough. Not sure they realize that they are EMPLOYEES of this gym and not owners. There is one particular trainer that walks around and barks orders at people (regular members, not clients!). I hope that he doesn’t make it through the régime change. I am sure that a lot of them are great at their jobs, but a few of them really damper the experience of being at a premium gym.

1÷11÷2012
Bodies in Motion Century City has been a huge disappointment. I have been a member of the Encino location for a number of years and felt the staff there was professional and responsive. When I got a new job and tried to add the Century City location to my membership, it took nearly two months to get pricing and then when I did fill out my paperwork, it was lost and I had to do it again. In the meantime, I was using a guest pass that the manager who left for greener pastures, had given me.
The first week in November, renovations began on the gym and they moved the women’s locker rooms to the executive lockers rooms. They were smaller and there was less space but we were told it would only take about 10 days to complete and we’d be back in no time.
It’s now January 11 and we’re still not in the «amazing» new locker rooms that we’ve been promised. We’ve heard every excuse in the book including the contractor didn’t order the tile and we’re waiting on a permit. Many of us who get ready there every morning have called corporate and IF you get a call back, you’re told something to the effect of, «freeze your membership or don’t work out as often.»
No one at the gym knows what’s happening. A reasonable person expects construction delays. We’ve been incredibly patient, even while the toilets and showers are often closed because of back-​ups (that we’re blamed for). We’re talking sweage backing up in the showers and overflowing into the locker room. Health code?
The front desk never knows what’s happening so they get the wrath of all of us. We’ve all tried out other gyms that are in the vicinity but nothing is as convenient as this location for many people. Some have already fled for other chains, like the deals being offered by 24 Hour Fitness, Equinox and others right now.
I’m shocked that this contractor hasn’t been fired. Even the 405 freeway Carmageddon contractor had an incentive to finish early or on time. No one can answer when we ask who is in charge of the project. I like the people at the gym, like the location and believe when it’s done it will be a much better experience.
This is my last resort to try to get some answers from anyone at Bodies in Motion, Meridian or David Barton. You’ve got a locker room full of people who really want to remain members but you aren’t making it very easy for us! OVER-​COMMUNICATE! And stop lying to us. PR101, own the mistakes and tell the people honestly what you’re doing to make it right.
The only voice I have left is to complain on Unilocal to warn others NOT TO JOIN, contact the media and eventually cancel my membership.

To say this place is a «dump» is an insult to dumps. I’ve been a member there for a year and it has been awful. The only reason I joined is because it was across the street from my office.
The building looks like it was unearthed from a late 80s time capsule. The building is run down and smelly. The ladies locker rooms are cluttered, dirty and in disrepair. Ceiling tiles missing, old office equipment strewn about the halls. It’s a mess.
The equipment is often broken as well. Some of the teachers were habitually late for class. When I brought this up to the management, they were not too interested in the issue.
Add to this the construction that has been going on for months. Construction equipment everywhere, women crammed into a super small locker room with no place for people to get ready and a door that opens to the hall where anyone walking by can see girls in their undies or less. They even made the parking spaces incredibly small so that no one can get in or out of their cars without bumping the car next to them.
I would think with the months and months of construction would warrant a refund of some of the fees we paid, but we gots nothin’! I’m changing gyms immediately. I would rather jog in place in my living room than go to this hole.

I am a big fan of this gym. The facility is just fine, and the equipment is on par with other gyms. What set this gym apart is the attitude and knowledge of the staff.
The GM, Anastasia, will happily come find you and tune up your ab workout… she did wonders for mine. I never thought pilates would kick my ass!
Questions about carb cycling — ask Mateo. He’s a former Mr. Italy, and he can help you.
Need a stretch for your piriformis or you just want to geek out over proteins – ask Marcus. He knows EVERYTHING.
The list goes on and on.
This is the only gym that I have used where I have learned so much on a regular basis from the staff and trainers. As a result my workouts, my fitness levels, and my physique have DRAMATICALLY improved.
Oh, it’s rarely crowded, so finding a machine or weight is never an issue.
The members are low-​key – parking is in the attached lot – lots of showers – towels are provided.

Do not want to give them any stars, but Unilocal doesn’t allow that.
Worst management. Worst membership services and support.
So glad I never have to go back here. Your best to try one of the other facilities in the area.

I love what you won’t find here: ticket lines to use a machine, people dropping their dumbells inches away from your feet, idiots sprinting to mirrors to flex their biceps after each set, similar idiots grunting and snarling like their a wrestling superstar. That’s my experience from my years w. Bally’s and 24hr gyms, more like a circus if you ask me.
So yep fellers ya won’t get that here. This location is rarely crowded if ever. You may at times find the parking lot full but when you walk in your wondering where everyone is, the answer to that is that the building is 4 stories tall and management perfected the layouts allowing for the spacious feel.
All the personal trainers here rock, I have trained specifically with Julius and Nanette. I guarantee you’ll be a happier person after training with them, you’ll be in prime shape, have a better lifestyle and in the end gain two great friends.
I’d ask for Mike if you have questions or plan to join, he’ll be straight with you and will never hound you like a salesman.

Yes– another gym I have tried! ha! YES I like to try them all! What can I say– its a HUGE part of my life! Work out is crucial!
The place is decent– very small– its like 10 floors or something (I dont remember) but there is a lot of stair climbing– which is actually good its a PRE workout warm up and a POST workout cool down. Anyways if you wanted to take the elevator thats not really an option unless you want to waste 15minutes trying to go up and 15 minutes trying to go back down… locker rooms are in the basement!
The staff was pretty nice– sometimes a little inattentive– but overall pretty good!
The place is relatively clean– it was always smelling pretty fresh and they always had staff cleaning.
The classes were good– overall good… ehh I mean I liked some of them but I want something a little more hardcore. There was a dance cardio class that was pretty enjoyable.
Prices– there was a initiation fee of 150 or something (i forget) sorry– and it perhaps may have changed but it was 150 and then it was about a 100 a month.
Not Bad! Its fine if your close and have to walk somewhere.

My hubby and I just joined this gym. We paid our entire membership fee up front. Over a 14-​month period, with all the perks & pluses we bargained for as a bonus for joining (training sessions, massages, etc) it evens out to about $ 80 for the two of us, each month. It’s a bit more than what we were paying before (I was paying $ 20 for my 24-​hr fitness membership, and he was paying $ 25 for LA fitness). But I think it’s definitley worth it.
First, I haven’t had any of the billing problems that the other reviewers mentioned, but that’s probably because we paid lump sum up front.
Second, the parking is great. I always get here after work, M thru F between 5:15 and 5:45. I’ve never had to park in the overflow lot. There’s always parking available in the main lot. Parking is free (even in the overflow lot) and it’s really close to the gym.
The staff are all really friendly and willing to help — none of the pretentiousness that I always assumed went hand-​in-​hand with LA gyms. :P
The building itself is always clean and smells nice (unlike 24 hour fitness!) There’s an abundance of towels and mats and such. The showers are well-​stocked and the locker rooms, though cramped, are always clean.
I’ve taken the cycling classes and they’re all great. My favorite instructor is John C. I need to start taking the other classes they offer, they all look really fun and interesting.
I don’t really have a lot of complaints about this place, but that may be due to the fact that I’m coming from the crappy 24-​hour fitness on Pico… anyone who’s been there would consider Bodies in Motion to be heaven!

Cheap, Convenient and Towel-​ey.
If you work in Century City and are using Unilocal (I am guessing people who can afford the equinox down the street don’t), this is probably your best bet for a great before/​after/​during work or weekend workout.
Been a member for 3 years. Always lockers, always machines, have only had to wait for a bike a couple times (despite only having 2 that aren’t in the classrooom), and rarely have to wait for a weight machine.
Parking is the only downside. I usually hoof it from work, but this downside is balanced out by the towel service.
Meridian gets the job done!

If you work in the area, I think this place is a great alternative to the overpriced Equinox… Instead of paying $ 220 /​month, pay ~$ 50 month. I think you can get an even better rate right now given that the economy isn’t doing that well. It seems like the place is always offering a new promotion.
I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t work down the street since I could probably go to a better gym with better facilities for a similar price.
There are 4 floors… the basement has the changing rooms /​restrooms, the first floor has a couple of machines with a classroom for kickboxing /​boxing classes, the second floor has the weight machines and the third floor has the treadmills and ellipticals as well as classrooms for cycling and pilates /​yoga /​step. The classes aren’t overcrowded unlike the the meridians in other locations (which are nicer and newer though). I think this is because 1) the place is catered to professionals in the area and 2) the classrooms are bigger. The yoga class is always packed, even the personal trainers take it.
I wish that there were restaurants on other floors too.
The classes are pretty good and there is a good variety.
It’s hard to find parking around 5:30−7pm on Mondays thru Thursdays (ppl don’t work out much on Friday or the weekend) in the garage so I would go straight to parking lot next door and get validation. It’s literally only a 1 minute walk.

They have some pretty good deals running for new members, and the initiation fee is quite manageable. It’s not Equinox/​Sports Club LA, but I agree with Lauren B. that this gym is very adequate and, most importantly, it is clean and has an exclusive vibe because not that many people seem to know about it and the clientele is relatively laid back. There are some light concessions in the lobby area, and a Coffee Bean right next door, if you’re the type of person who needs a pre/​post-​work out caffeine fix.
I really like this gym because the staff is very approachable, and there are plenty of (kick)boxing, cycling, yoga and cardio classes and they are not overcrowded at all. The staff has been super helpful and there was no sales pitch or pressure when I came in to use my 3-​day complimentary pass.
My AM cycling classes never seem to have more than 8 people, and even during the peak hours the weight room is still manageable. I also like it because so far I have not been hit on or made to feel uncomfortable — everybody seems to mind their own business and is there to work out rather than socialize.
There are 4 levels: locker rooms on the bottom level, (kick)boxing studio and overflow cardio machines on the lobby level, weight room on the 3^rd level, and on the 4^th level there are more cardio machines, pilates area, a cycling room, and another multi-​use studio for classes.
The ladies locker room is sufficient. Always clean, plenty of shampoo/​conditioner in the shower, ample hot water, lots of lockers, and the sauna is immaculate.
Areas for improvement:
— The complimentary hair dryers could really stand an upgrade. The ones on the lefthand counter are especially weak — my hair isn’t that long but I swear that by the time my hair is styled my clothes are going to be out of style.
— The weight room is pretty diverse, but I can never find a matching set of 12lb dumb bells. Also, some of the machines are so old that the instructions have worn off. This is a safety hazard and I’m sure it’s not that hard to print/​laminate new ones.
— The cycling studio is good but it can get quite hot in there sometimes, even with only a handful of people. It would be great if they could calibrate the AC to be even cooler specifically during class hours?