I only go to this gym during the day on my lunch hour (it's right next to my work) so I am not sure about the after work crowds but during the day it is never over crowded. I love this particular LA fitness because the treadmills have TV's built in (vs. the LA Fitness by my house which just has over head hanging TV's pre-set on different channels)
The locker rooms are clean and since I have yet to buy a lock I always leave my clothes, etc. in an open locker and have never had any problems with theft or tampering. The best part is the personal trainers have never approached me about purchasing training, etc.
in my book clean + personal TV's + open machines & uninterrupted workouts is everything I need in my gym experience!