1 stars

hikrdude 12/13/2011

Charlotte's Worst Health Club

Provided by Citysearch

I only gave them a single star because it doesn't appear as if I could give no stars. The spin room is terrible, the music played bad and the instructors are more than a touch ignorant in what they are trying to teach. The cardio movie room is terrible. You can't hear the movie because of bad acoustics, also partially what is wrong with the spin room. Ally, the financial manager (?) never returns a call. The billing was all wrong, I actually had to cancel my credit card, this was the only way I could get them to stop my monthly billing. This is one club that is open for one reason, to make money. If you are looking for personal attention from people that see more than dollar signs when they look at you look no further than the Y. I can't believe U.A. is spending money to open up a SouthPark branch. With customer service such as they have it will all be money down the drain. Don't sign a contact with this place, it will not be open for very much longer, but I guarantee you, they will still bill you.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

1 stars

bigb52A 11/13/2011

Too Many Trainers

Provided by Citysearch

I was offered a job here as a trainer. I noticed there would be 10 or so trainers on the floor at one time. There are a ton of them. I couldn't find out what my salary would be unless I signed a contract. And there is no base pay. There probably is no member in that gym who hasn't been approached by a trainer at some point and the trainers boast about how successful they are. I talked with a manager at a local gym near there and she said there is a high turnover rate. She said also that they are shady with members. Not sure why Jonathan wanted to hire me he already had like 15-20 trainers and the 3 days I was there visiting I met new trainers each time. They were friendly to me and told me I would be a good fit and would be successful. I almost fell for it until I learned about their BBB rating (F) and found this site. How could Jonathan not know what my salary might be until he sent my contract and resume to headquarters in Kentucky? He also said I would set my own hours. Not sure why he needs me. I don't think he was straight with me. Stay away if you want to be in the fitness industry. It's actually really tough right now. A trainer I know who has 20 years experience says her business is steady but not great. I'm new to the industry and not sure why the staff told me I would be a success there. A lot of trainers standing around at one time.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

1 stars

TommyAmbrosekno… 11/01/2011

The gym is nice but watch out for…

The gym is nice but watch out for Ambrose Leburu and Trey!!! The personal trainers are aggressive and only out for sales. They are unreliable and con members for their money, that is why when you go for a tour they immediately try to pair you with the head trainer. Amborse is very aggressive and unreliable. He is out for money and pushes the trainers to try to make him look good for corporate. He tells them he needs a 7 series BMW and to make money to take his mom to S Africa. He threatens them w work at Ruby Tuesday. What do you expect w a guy who won't take care of his unborn baby. Ambrose stole Tommy's money!!! Thief!!!! Amborse threatened Tommy in front of members. What a coward. Trey is another guy to watch out for. He is Amborose's monkey puppet. He is a spineless jellyfish. He hits on women in the gym and still doesn't score. All members know this. Be careful with this gym!!!!!! Ask for a member name Tommy to explain.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

3 stars

mcpitt28 09/27/2011

It Is What It Is

Provided by Citysearch

I give Urban Active a 3 star rating. Why 3 instead of 2? Well here is why. To the people complaining about how other members are comical, well apparently it's comical that it gets to you so bad where you come on a website and hide behind a computer screen to say it. The bottom line is, any modern day health club you go to is going to have people who are down to earth and genuinely there for all the right reasons, you're going to have the perverts there just trying to socialize, you're going to have meat heads, etc. You get my drift right? Just block it out and if you're like me, go mid morning when there is hardly anyone there and you have the gym to yourself. I can make any gym work because my workout approach is fairly simple and I don't care to talk to anyone to be quiet honest. I don't know you, you don't know me. I do try and talk to the staff and build a quality relationship with.\r \r Now the Personal Trainers! Yes, I concur w/ everyone raising h*** about them. They are annoying, prideful and just so self-centered, it makes you want to puke. They are all about hitting on women, the men are and the women, are all about being seen by men. That is your definition of the Insecurity All Star Team :) They lose a star off their rating because of this, but then again, they have a job to do, they have to pay bills, feed a family, etc., just like the rest of us and they are just trying to find a way to make money, but please just go about it w/ more character for crying out loud.\r \r The reason for the other star lost is simple. I consistently only see 1 of their staff members go around the gym to make sure everything looks organized and well put. As a former GM of a health club(s), my number one rule of thumb was to have the place looking neat all day and organized and professional. They expect the members to do everything with keeping the weights straightened out, but you're going to have members who don't do that, so you get a paycheck in this tough society. so get your tale up and do something if you have nothing to do.\r \r MP

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

2 stars

tshie 06/27/2011

Urban Active Ballantyne - A Free day at the Zoo!

Provided by Citysearch

I'm a regular user of Urban Active and facility wise, it is pretty good, offers a lot. Yes, the trainers are an annoying pain in the nuts when you first sign up. If ya don't want, stand tall and firm, and say no, no, NO! But now I could start writing a book on all the patronage that is beginning to fill up in the place. Seriously, the place is filling up with clowns and zoo animals! Srsly! It is getting amusing. The other day I was watching this one douche with large earrings popping up and down on his feet as if standing on a bed of hot coals while spotting for his buddy. Srsly, dude, you a monkey or what? Then there is this other guy whom moans aloud while lifting and then begins to chant aloud to the music on his ipod. Then he removes his shirt inside the facility to ensure all observe his average bland body as he walks out. Ha!! Then this other guy does some tribal chant of his own while intensifying his workout. Yes, aloud as well, so as all can hear him. Urban Active Ballantyne, free interaction with the great creatures and critters that walks the Earth!! Come see us now!

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

1 stars

Tommy111 06/15/2011

I have been a happy member of Urban…

I have been a happy member of Urban Active since late 2010 in Charlotte, NC. I have enjoyed the facilities and have referred several new members since then. Unfortunately the last two months I have had a bad experience and the staff has failed to resolve it. Early March I was pursued by the head trainer in your gym, Ambrose Leburu. He used aggressive tactics to enroll me in the personal training program. I told him I’ve had concerns about signing up and did not want to have a bad experience or be disappointed. Ambrose swore to me and my wife that would not be the case here. He stated that he prides himself on customer service and truly believes in helping people. Against my better judgement, I signed up. I signed up for four days a week for six months at 7pm. Once the papers were signed, Ambrose started working with me. I noticed everyone had a consistent trainer. Ambrose said he doesn’t train people but he would work with me. After a week he placed me with a trainer named Troy. That lasted one day. The next day at 7pm T… was working with another client. No one helped me. At 7:16pm after waiting I left. My wife noticed how upset I was and went to Ambrose, even though she was in a training session herself. Ambrose chased me outside and apologized. He swore this would never happen again and said we would make up the session the next day. He said he would put me with a consistent trainer. Still against my better judgement I accepted. Over the next week I could tell Ambrose wasn’t into helping me out. He talked about opening his own training facility, moving up to “the big time” in the company, how to spend all his money, and speaking to other girls while supposedly focusing on me. Less than a week after reaffirming to me that he was sorry, he placed me with another trainer Justin. Next day Ambrose trained me. The following sessions were with three other trainers: K.., A.., and another trainer. Several other trainers came up to me and asked me if I requested to workout like this. I said no, Ambrose is doing this. I wanted a consistent trainer. Other members in the gym would also ask me this after a workout. I felt very embarrassed. All the other clients have a consistent trainer. Why not me. During all these other workouts Ambrose would just sit at the desk and laugh and flirt with other women.

• Was this helpful? Yes (1) No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

1 stars

NickHexum 06/05/2011

No sales staff on hand to give a tour???!!! wtf?!

Provided by Citysearch

I was at the Ballantyne location this morning 6/6/11 at 9:15am. to take a tour and sign up. I was told that the sales staff wouldn't arrive until around 10am. I left my information with the front desk as was told someone will call me when they arrive. Every other gym in Charlotte has sales staff on hand at no later than 9am on weekdays, most by 8am. Since no one has call me back, I went to the Harris YMCA who was happy to give me a tour and take my money.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

1 stars

52junebug 06/02/2011

Run, dont't walk from this place!!!

Provided by Citysearch

I recieved in the mail a coupon for a free 30 day trial membership. I went in to take advantage of the offer thinking that it would give me the chance to find out if I would like to join. It is a very nice facility and I was excited to try it for 30 days. The employee gave me a tour of the facilty and after the tour he immediately sat me down and started with the aggressive sales pitch. I decided to go ahead and sign up for the month to month option for $34.99 per month which seemed like a good deal at the time because there was no sign up fee and you could quit at anytime. He even said that if I changed my mind I could cancel the membership after 3 days for a full refund. I gave him my credit card and preceeded with the membership. After we were finished he immediately had the personal trainer come give his long annoying and aggressive sales pitch for personal training. I politely listened to him and told him that I was not ready to sign up for personal training and that I needed to leave and go to an appointment. He told me to atleast come back the next day for a free, no obligation, personal training session to try it out. After going home that evening I started searching the internet for reviews on Urban Active which has terrible reviews. I also found out that they have a rating of a F with the BBB. The BBB has recieved numerous complaints about this company. I still went in the next morning to work out and I told him that I would not be signing up for any personal training. He continued with his aggressive sales pitch and told to atleast try a session and if I did not like it that there was no obligation. I worked out with a trainer for about 30 minutes which was very unimpressive. She turned me back over to the aggressive trainer and I again told him I was not ready to sign up. He told me he had already signed me up and had charged my credit card for $399.00 dollars. I told him that I had never signed any thing that indicated that I wanted to sign up for training. He said he was sorry and that we must have had some type of miscommunication breakdown. I told him to credit my credit card. He said he could not because the card had already been charged and that I would need to write to the corporate office within tree days to recieve my money back. I wrote the corporate office and I did recieve my money back after about 10 days in the form of a check. I also canceled the month to month membership. It is unfortunate that this company has such shady employees because the facility is very nice.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

3 stars

styngyn 06/01/2011

Excellent Facility, but annoying sales people, phony members

Provided by Citysearch

The facility is top notch, no doubt. Modern and up to date equipment. Nice pool, raquetball courts, movie theater, etc. More crowded now than it was when I first joined (at the grand opening), but still, you can usually get on something during your routine. When you first enter to sign up, be prepared for someone to try and sell the shirt off your back when it comes to getting you to enlist with a personal trainer. I repeatedly told them not interested, not interested, not interested...they don't take no for an answer very well. And that was on two separate occasions, one, when I first joined, and two, when the place officially opened and I had to go through a facility orientation by the staff. I SAID NO THE FIRST TIME!! I dunno if it is because the place is located in Ballantyne or what, but the members are a bunch of phony, trendy superficial wanna-be's with no personality. The women must have a separate wardrobe for each new day they go in there. The men, especially the weightlifters, yes, do the same. It's all about being seen at urban active. Comical. If you are a guy and wanna be 'IN', don't forget to take up all kinds of space in the men's locker room mixing your useless protein shakes! And don't forget your gallon jug of water to take in the weightroom with ya to chug with the other brutes and apes and stay hydrated! But if you are there just to be faithful to your routine, it is very good and offers a lot, just phase out those around you.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

2 stars

Mleeunderwood 04/21/2011

Nice gym, awful employees

Provided by Citysearch

I had to re-write my review after i read some of these. They are hilarious and almost all are surprisingly accurate. The gym itself is very nice and modern, a little crowded at times, but not horrible. This Trey fellow is a total tool. He does walk around hitting on women, it's appalling and I'm embarrassed for him. What a moron! I can't help but laugh at him every time I see this guy there.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

1 stars

starzstuff 03/26/2011

Research first?

Provided by Citysearch

Wow after reading some poor reviews on this gym (I was considering joining) I went to the BBB and found 10 complaints and an F (the worst) rating. Then I saw a listing that this place is already for sale by the owners. All the ratings were for billing and contract issues. I guess my wife and I will be staying away from here.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

1 stars

cityuser12 03/08/2011

Great facility, but horrible sales people.

Provided by Citysearch

I referred my friend with a promise of 7 day pass for her to try the place out. She came in to take a look and get her pass. The sales person was pressing so hard ""to sign up right now and forget the pass"" that she left embarrassed in tears since she was submitted to an interrogation why she would not sign right away. She explained it to him 3 times to no avail!!! He did not even listen to her answers. The only satisfactory answer for him was: Yes, I will sign whatever. As a result, she will never step her foot there, and I will think twice before referring anyone. Just a warning: you have to have strong stomach when you talk to their sales staff, they are train to sell like pit-bulls...

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

1 stars

vasilisamikulic… 03/08/2011

Scared away

Provided by Citysearch

Be prepared for a pressure of a Timeshare Presentation when you are going to talk to Urban Active salesperson.

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response

5 stars

CLT Explorer 09/01/2010

This Gym is legit!

Provided by Citysearch

After my first full week of here….its pretty safe to say this is the best gym I’ve ever belonged to. It starts right when you walk in with a full smoothie bar, swimming pool, and awesome locker rooms with plenty of space. I especially like the lounge area with leather couches and a large flat screen TV that has ESPN playing almost round the clock. The icing on the cake are the TV’s behind the mirrors over the sinks…perfect for early workouts grabbin some news. \r \r Now the workout experience; most fitness equipment is located on the second floor of a very open (warehouse style) floor plan. Obviously being a newly constructed facility all the treadmills, free-weights, machines are brand new. Even so, these machines are very high quality, most treadmills and bikes having flat screen TV’s built in, and machines that are body weight lifting (not sure what they’re called). \r \r The 3 floor has an indoor track that wraps around the entire club and a cardio movie theatre! Really badass! Quick points…racquetball, tons of personal trainers and specific equipment, spinning room. It’s so new there is still construction on the 2nd floor so I’ll have to come back and update. \r \r Insider tip…I was told towel service coming soon & currently not too crowded but probably is going to fill up soon. \r

• Was this helpful? Yes No
• Flag abuse
• Add a Business Response