Some gyms see a lot of traffic and some see very little. The LA Fitness in Northridge, CA is known to be the type where people actually show up to work out and get their money’s worth for their membership. This, of course, can go both ways. If you like to have the gym completely empty at all times so you can do your thing without interruption, then this location might be a poor match. If, however, you enjoy getting to know other fitness-minded folks it might be just your kinda place. Read the reviews below to get a full perspective.
In any case, the gym does offer the full array of services which LA Fitness is known for. This includes the child watch service, basketball courts, juice bar, racquetball courts, well-appointed locker rooms, group exercise classes, personal trainers, pool, spa, and sauna.
The list goes on and on, but probably the biggest draw which keeps members loyal is location. Situated at the heart of the Northridge area, this gym offers easy access for those who are already overworked and running short on available time with which to focus on staying in shape. The gym’s convenience factor is a huge boon in this area. While there are other LA Fitness locations in the area, they are not always easy to get to and when looking for alternatives many find that it is difficult to find a different gym that offers all that this place does.
The Kids Club child care area also is a big help as the vast majority of people who live within the vicinity of the Northridge, CA LA Fitness are part of families with kids of all ages. Outfitted with a number of learning activities, games, and a full, indoor climbing toy means that the little ones get just as much physical/mental exercise as their parents do.
As to the core training areas, the gym breaks down into three main sections. The free weight area offers a traditional workout experience that enables members to build muscle fast. Every now knows that muscle is metabolic currency and the more of it you have the more fat you’ll burn throughout the day, so free weights are not just for men looking to swell to super-human proportions. This particular location does a lot to make sure that its free weight area goes the extra mile. And example is the fact that dumbbells are offered all the way up to 125 lbs while most gyms stop at 100lbs.
Those looking for cardio training will be pleased with the wide selection of machines made available which enable LA Fitness members to boost metabolism and increase stamina and endurance, heart health and aerobic efficiency. Let’s be honest up front though, this area of the gym can get rather busy during peak hours (Mon-Thurs 4-8pm) and so its often best to plan your heart-pumping workouts at a different time to avoid having to compete for equipment.
Finally, selectech and cable machines are on hand to help those who are looking to increase strength but don’t want to learn the proper form which is required to perform such exercises safely with free weights. The machines are built in such a way as to position your body in the proper way. It allows you to isolate specific muscle groups for training and helps dodge injuries associated with poor form.
Directions to LA Fitness Northridge, CA
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From the North – head into the gym from the north by taking Roseda Blvd. south until you reach Devonshire Street. Turn right onto Devonshire and you’ll see the gym in the shopping complex on the right.
From the South – follow Roseda Blvd. north until you reach Devonshire Street onto which you’ll make a left turn. Immediately get into the right lane as you’ll quickly see the LA Fitness sign on the right.
From the East – Devonshire itself straddles the majority of the area so you can just take this street west until you pass Roseda. The gym will be on the right. If your’re further to the east you can take the Ronald Reagan Fwy west until you get to the Roseda off-ramp (Exit 38) and then take Roseda South to Devonshire, take a right on Devonshire and a right into the gym parking lot.
From the West – getting to the gym from the west is similar as the steps you’d take coming from the east. Just take Devonshire all the way down to the gym heading east. You’ll be turning left into the club parking lot and if you get to Roseda you’ve gone too far. If you’re further out you can take the Ronald Reagan Fwy East to Roseda south to Devonshire and make a right arriving at the gym.
The reviews provided below offer a full perspective on the overall quality of the experience members receive at the Northridge, CA LA Fitness location. Please feel free to write a review of your own sharing your own perspective on this club so others can know what you know about the gym without having to pay and arm and a leg for a membership to find out.
I have been a member of LA fitness for almost 10 years now, mostly because of it’s location. I have had the chance to see first hand how poorly this location is maintained. For almost 10 years I see the same equipment, in the same spot, year after year, breaking down. I only see the staff and MANAGEMENT degrading over time with increased rudeness and careless attitude. It is very difficult to find parking. Following cons listed:
-Old worn out equipment. For some equipment you can’t even choose the desired weight because the key doesn’t go in!
-Awful staff, instructors, trainers. The one instructor who KNEW what she was doing, ditched LA fitness Northridge without ANY notice.
-Very overcrowded. Be ready to wait in line for most equipment.
-Locker rooms are very unsanitary with sweat/steam on floor and in air. Urine, unflushed toilets, and unsanitary napkins in bathroom.
-Bathrooms have wide gaps when you lock the door. Can clearly see in.
-Many lockers are broken.
-High theft location, inside and outside of gym.
-Did I mention rude staff?
If you believe in giving your money to those who deserve it and your time to your needs, then this is not the location. If you’re looking for a place that will motivate you to lose weight, look good, stay fit, then steer clear. You might just gain some after the stress they will give you.
Like the initial article mentioned, you’ll lose an arm and leg here.
I’ve been a member of the Northridge LA Fitness for about six months since leaving the local Bally’s. I’m very pleased with the level of service that I receive and feel that it’s a good value for the money. Good doesn’t mean great. The facility doesn’t really “wow” you in any way and, as others will probably mention, a little more effort in the cleaning arena wouldn’t hurt.
I like the fact that they are always utilizing the newest equipment. For instance, at my old gym, they were still running the older Precor elliptical machines in the cardio area. Here they have the new EFX546i machines which are a significant improvement, have space for a water bottle, an MP3 player, and even a little gadget that keeps your place in any book or magazine you may be reading while working out.
The crowd that frequents this LA Fitness is noticeably younger than what you’d find at a typical gym. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that there is a college right around the corner. The people are nice too. Most mind their own business but others will talk to you. Most have the common sense not to try and give you workout advice when you don’t ask for it. I’d get very bothered at the old place when people would do this…which was often.
The equipment offering outside of the cardiovascular training area seem to be well stocked, but I wouldn’t really be the one to ask as I don’t train with weights hardly at all. Mostly I stick to cardio machines and group classes. That’s another good thing, all the group classes are free and the staff makes sure a wide variety of classes are penned up on the schedule.
If there was one major disadvantage that I’d have to concede about this particular LA Fitness location, I’d have to say that it has to do with the parking. Finding a parking spot after 5 pm is akin to winning the lottery. I’ve moved some things around in my schedule so that I can consistently get there earlier in the day to get my routine in, but I know that may not be possible for others so it’s definitely something to think about if hunting down parking is one of your pet peeves.