â??Where your future takes shapeâ?¦.and your moneyâ??.
After living in Federal Hill for the past 6 years, I have seen the many changes that Merritt has had and have really held off on voicing my opinion. In my 6 years I have had a membership covering two
periods. I first canceled after a few years when my dues had risen over 40% from what I signed up for. After a year or so without a membership, their marketing suckered me in again with a nice deal on a month to month basis. The dues have again risen to over 40% of what I signed up for.
Honestly I don’t have a problem with paying a lot for memberships so long as I feel like there is value in it. Unfortunately, Merritt has a pretty big presence in Baltimore so there aren’t many alternatives to compete with. Most of my observations have been at the Fort Ave Location but there are a few things that make me question what I’m paying for.
For quite a while at least half of the cardio machines with TVs just didn’t work so you are stuck watching whatever channel it was on. Sorry but running is boring enough, no need for an hour of Lifetime/Hallmark channel in my face.
Pool is great during the summer, but don’t use it as a selling point when it’s accessible for a little over 3 months during the year.
Although I haven’t been to many classes, they are definitely good so I have no complaints there. Friends of mine swear by them.
Don’t bother trying to get in a quick run at 9:30. Too often have employees tried to remind me that they close at 10:00 as if someone can’t run for a half hour.
Seems like no one remembers to inflate the exercise balls
Beyond Merritt’s control but worth mentioning: Peak times are a borderline fire hazard, typical with a popular gym.
The gym uniform is Under Armor apparel …make sure you wear it in matching colors of course.
All in all, the place would be better if the rates weren’t constantly going up. I agree with others that the reps don’t care if you leave; they’re going to get the most out of you that that can no matter what. I once was offered a special “package” that “locked” me in at $78/mo. for three years. Thanks but no thanks.…
