Bea R.
Yelp
Unfortunately, I'm not God's favorite... so I have to work out to maintain my figure... which brings me to my 8 year rollercoaster of a relationship with 24 Hour Fitness.
I first joined in 2018 and it's sad to see how downhill the corporation has gone. The glory days ended shortly after the COVID pandemic. Since then, they've closed over 7 NJ locations, cut down opening hours, cut down on group classes, removed towel service, and have limited sauna and pool hours. I understand that it took time for gyms to recover and get back into full swing. But it's 2025 now. There's way too much competition in the fitness industry for 24 to be operating the way it is.
I switch between the Paramus and Englewood Cliffs location, but I prefer this one since it's much bigger and has later hours. My biggest ick? The gym is not maintained well at all. Machines, equipment, hand dryers, and bathroom sinks are broken down for months. Dumbbells and plates are scattered everywhere, which is not 100% the employees' fault. There's a constant foul smell in certain areas, most likely due to broken pipes. The entire facility needs a deep cleaning from head to toe. What are we paying a maintenance fee for? Come on...
Putting the negatives aside, there are some positives.
*The Paramus location is spacious and has two floors.
*The floor has all of your basic equipment: treadmills, bikes, stairmasters, squat racks, barbells, benches, dumbbells, kettlebells, TRX, cables, and machines. I can recommend this gym for beginner to intermediate lifters. It's not a bodybuilder or powerlifting gym.
*Their Zumba classes are SO MUCH FUN. Don't judge a book by its cover... get in there!!! Take Lucia, Lynn, or Melissa's classes. Check the website for the full class schedule.
*There's a basketball court, pickle ball games, and a racquetball court.
*They have a sauna, steam room, pool, and showers with limited hours. I only use the sauna and it's relaxing when it's not super crowded.
*My membership allows me to have access to other regional locations as well as bringing guests.
Pricing is a bit all over the place. It all depends on when you join, what kind of membership you have, and what sales/promotions are going on. Some members pay $24 or $34 a month, while others are paying $54. It's best to ask the front desk what the lowest rate is.
Overall, it's not the worst gym in the world. It gets the job done for my fitness routine. I just wish the maintenance was a lot better and that they would have later hours. Honestly, I've been thinking about finding another gym. If it weren't for the friends and community I've made and my lower price rate, I would have left awhile ago. I'm willing to spend more $$$ on a membership for a much better experience.