Recommended gym for Victoria BC

[darin]

Hi Everyone, this is my first post :). I've been working out at home for the last year and have outgrown my equipment and my wife's patience. Too much noise for her clang, clang, clang. Does anyone have a recommendation for Victoria area gyms? I want a place that doesn't mind me grunting a bit during a set and has people really trying to exercise (not just stand around and talk :nonono).

15 years ago (yes, I'm old) I used to workout at Odyssey Fitness and it was ok, but they were changing and trying to get more mainstream people in. Not sure what it's like now, but their advertising says they let Olympic Lifters and Powerlifters in.

I was also thinking about taking a look at Club Phoenix.

Does anyone have any opinion about these or other gyms in Victoria? Thanks for your help.

[ubcpower]

Ive been to UVIC gym and Phoenix, both are ok

[japh]

I worked out at uvic for years...its a nice gym with no attitude and everything you need. You can let out the odd grunt and lift as heavy as you want. They leave you alone. its rare for gyms to have deadlifting platforms. its huge and wide open. Its not a commercial gym. I hate any gym that tries to get me into a contract. You just pay for 4 months at a time or thats what I did. I would reccommend it.

If you are into pretty commercial gyms where its OK to be an obvious juicer then go to phoenix....its fine too.

[west]

What area of Victoria are you living in

[CallmeB]

I rock out the YMCA.. mainly because its only $40/month and there is no contract. You just pay month to month.
You find every type of person there.. Old, Young, Over weight under weight, Juiced, athletic.. its a very balanced gym.
I like it because you get access to the squash and BBall courts.. as well as the swimming pool. Plus there is parking.
My buddy just signed up at anytime fitness.. he loves it.. they have 2 location.. one in Bay center, and one accross the bridge in Vic West.. he tried to get me to switch.. but.. once your at your gym.. its like home! I cant leave!

[darin]

I live in Cedar Hill. I'd like to stay in the Victoria area and don't really want to travel out to Langford to work out. I've signed up for a 1 month trial membership at Odyssey, but I'm not overly thrilled with their 24 hour access. They actually staff only to 8:00 pm on weekdays and 1:00 pm on weekends. Anytime after that the legal liability of their contract kicks in. That is, you're not supposed to lift weights over your head. No lifting beyond your capabilities (e.g., no forced reps etc). No squats... Kinda defeats the purpose of 24 hour access. The good part of the gym is that they have heavy dumbells up to 150 lb dumbells, which I need for rowing. Lat pulldown stacks are 300 lb which is also something that I'm looking for (I'm not quite at that level yet, but hope to hit it some day).

[CallmeB]

I Did the trial membership to that gym as well.. and I didnt like it one bit. the equipment is old, and they are WAY over priced. Although it does seem to be the Meca for people who compete.. There is also a gym on Johnson.. Steve Nash's something or other.. may wana check that one out too.. they offer free week trial as well..

[darin]

I might take a look at Goodlife on Tyee Road (I think that you mentioned it was anytime fitness by mistake) my wife has some associates that go there. Haven't looked at UVIC. I'm an alumnus so it could be reasonably priced.