An additional 40lbs later and it's finally time to get my butt back in gear. Six months have passed since I let the stress and trials of buying a house distract me and it's time to quit ignoring that all my fitness goals have essentially reversed themselves. No more excuses.
University Lifetime is a bronze level club, it's nowhere near as fancy as the location in South Charlotte, but it is also much cheaper per month. I believe I'm paying $30/month for everything at the club. Amenities include child-care, a huge cardio deck, free weights, machine weights, group fitness classes (as well as TEAM fitness, more focused and intense sessions that requires payment), and from my experience so far a friendly staff. The locker rooms are well kept and the showers are very clean (the water gets super hot as well!). They have a dry sauna for you to relax after killing that elliptical for an hour (or just to unwind, you do you).
So far my only big complaint is that the A/C has been broken since my day-one. While you would think sweating a bit more would be ideal for weight loss, when I do cardio I go long & hard. My HR is up in the 165-170 range for 45min to an hour and the extra heat takes a huge toll. The staff's mention that it should be fixed by the weekend unfortunately didn't happen, I'll update when fixed.
Other than that, some of the equipment is a little older but nothing in dis-repair. They're supposedly going to replace their carpeted areas with hardwood soon and get a few more of their in-demand cardio machines soon. Free weights are also expected to be replaced soon. Again, will update when I see the l goods!
They open at 5am and I would suggest getting there early. Weekday afternoons the number of members are well over 100.
Overall, pretty happy with the gym. Thanks Barrett and everyone at the University Lifetime for a great (yet hot) first week!