Lifestart

I’ve been going to this gym about 5 days a week for 5 months now. Here are some highlights:
— if something is broken, expect it stay broken… forever
— modest early morning crowds (5:30−7) & manageable lunch time crowds (11:30−12:30); Sundays, it is usually a ghost town (ghost gym?)
— vintage machines (Nautilus from the 80’s) and rusted free weights
— lacking some basic machines that you would expect to be standard — not a huge a deal if you are resourceful/​knowledgeable
— I’ve never done classes — though they seem small in size
— front desk employees are pleasent and respectful to members
— towels are always available (98% of the time)
— indoor pool/​spa area not the nicest — but nice to have — not necessarily dirty, just old/​decrepit
— nice outdoor area on the roof — track, basketball court, tennis courts
— co-​ed steam room
— nice locker room amenities
— expect the occasional hotel guests and sometimes children at the pool
Bottom line: don’t join this gym unless you work in Lakeway Towers or live next door or have some sort of corporate membership. Or if you like non-​thrill equipment so as to avoid large crowds while trying to work out (think opposite of French Riviera). I fit all of those catagories, so it works for me, but…
Complaints: under-​budgeted. There is equipment that has been broken since I joined 5 months ago — mainly cardio, but also some machines. All the free weights were rusted over (more so than usual) after Hurricane Isaac. Mgmt refused to acknowledge this — to the point of hiding from me, not returning phone calls, and pretending to be at lunch at 3PM. (Not to worry, most of the rust has since been wiped off on my clothing/​gloves/​hands.) 1 of 2 outdoor basketball goals has been down since the Hurricane. Also, the elevator situation to get to the gym on the 8^th floor drives me crazy — you must sign in at the front desk during non-​business hours & weekends.

The pool is gross, spa is closed, and it looks as of no one has cleaned the pool area in months. Considering this is the one the hotel uses I think they should keep it up. Plus the front desk lady had the nerve to yell at my 7 year old son as I am standing there because he was going to the window in the gym to look out at the track. This place is a joke! Rust everywhere, tiles coming up all around the pool, and the mats look as if they have mold on them? And roaches at the pool?

This gym is awesome! I actually got the Groupon for 30 classes and Lifestart was among the many gyms included in the deal. It’s part of the Marriot hotel on the ninth floor. First off, I loveeee the locker rooms! They’re so clean, and they have everything you need! They offer lockers with your own key to hold on to while you’re working out there. They also provide towels for your workout. Their locker rooms are stocked with showers, hair dryers, mouthwash, and other feminine necessities. I felt so at ease the first time I came; the guy working at the front desk was so benevolent and willing to help.
Now on to the class. I decided to take the Body Sculpt class, which is a 45-​minute class. It’s a class for those looking to tone up. You won’t sweat much, but you will be sore in those places you worked on the next day. You definitely feel the burn! The instructor is very charismatic and motivating, so she definitely makes the experience great. They also play the latest hits to keep you going throughout the work out.
Other than the awesome classes, they also offer the typical work out equipment, a pool, tennis court, and track. I’ll for sure be going to this gym every week!