Whoever came up with the business model of this gym is a genius. How this works and stays in business is a mystery to me - and I've been a member for over a year now. Yes the first year you need to pay an initiation fee. I have the $20 / month option which allows me to bring my wife there - and any other friend when someone else wants to join me. Effectively, first year I paid $16.95 / person taxes in. Second year there's a lower annual maintenance fee and I now pay $13.18 / month / person taxes in. Amazing.
As stated in earlier reviews somehow this gym doesn't get overly busy. I've seen busier Goodlifes while paying $65 / month. Equipment is fairly good, the gym is clean and staff has been consistently friendly to me.
I would definitely recommend this gym and drop your current one. After all if you don't like it, you've already saved money after being here for few months and you can go back. I doubt you will.