Will you recommend your gym?

Health ins plan encourages and may pay towards gym membership.  As an "older adult" female I am hesitant about joining; I have images of the "gym-intimidation" from the Planet Fitness ads.  Interested in cardio & weight training.  Thoughts?

Motion Fitness Millburn next to Trader Joes (above)  

Nice people, very helpful, roomy, never crowded (except I hear very early morning), very clean, nice steam room,

No intimidation  lots of regular people just doing their thing  you can go and visit and get a free week trial  

snowmom said:

Health ins plan encourages and may pay towards gym membership.  As an "older adult" female I am hesitant about joining; I have images of the "gym-intimidation" from the Planet Fitness ads.  Interested in cardio & weight training.  Thoughts?

Second for Motion Fitness, never too crowded, I am very happy there and have been going regularly for 3 years. I am also and "older adult."

Try the Connection in Summit. There are lots of "older adult" women there and I think there are many classes geared towards that demographic as well. I'm in my 30's but easily intimidated at gyms (Lifetime was terrifying to me), and if I were to join a gym it would definitely be the Connection. It's a very cozy vibe there.

I've belonged to East Side Fitness since the opened (6 years?) ... Not fancy, but a not intimidating. Nice staff and I like the folks who go there ... 

The Summit YMCA is also good.  There are a lot of members who are just trying to stay somewhat in shape as opposed to fitness fanatics.

Agree on Eastside Fitness. Not over crowded, nice staff, reasonable cost.

Check out the JCC in West Orange, where members span all ages and fitness levels. Its two pools are a big plus.

There is also the West Essex YMCA in Livingston. 

raf1 said:

Agree on Eastside Fitness. Not over crowded, nice staff, reasonable cost.

raf1 and I cannot guarantee that your personal results will be the same as ours!

third for Motion. Nice amenities and classes, never crowded, and close with easy parking. Not intimidating at all. I wish there was a pool, but if there was I'd never leave. 

I was very intimidated joining a gym but finally decided I'd better get over that, or else...

I joined YB Fitness several months ago and love it. I've realized that nobody is paying attention to what Im doing (or, not doing) and this is really all about me.

I bought a few training sessions with a very supportive trainer and I believe I got 2 free ones with the membership.

I love the place (and the hours are great...they open at 5:00).

I have been a member at Motion since 2003.   So that's a 4th for Motion.  I really like that it is rarely crowded, you don't feel intimidated, there are a variety of classes and you can get a nice hot shower with full towel service.   The fact that your insurance is willing to pay for part of it is amazing.  I have to save up each year for my gym fees.  Take a tour of some different gyms and get a feel for them.   Most will let you work out for free for a day or two or more.  

JCC Livingston is the best gym ever. Has everything

The JCC is in West Orange. Agreed that it's a good one. 

http://jccmetrowest.org

New York Sports Club in Springfield is clean, cheap, and nonintimidating.  Lots of older women.

I LOVE Lifetime gym, but understand it is a bit far away, and expensive. Saying that, there is zero gymtimidation, facilities are gorgeous, and there are lots of class options, machines, pools, etc. if the cost is subsidized, it may be worthwhile. Let me know if you'd like to join, and I think I can get you a friends and family rate.

I have been happy going to East Side Fitness. I am over 50 and am not super fit and have always felt comfortable there. Members range from high schoolers to senior citizens. Very affordable too. 

Joined East Side Fitness last year, and was also very intimidated about weight training. Worked with Keith and got a basic conditioning program to get started. I was able to transition to a new program with more free weights after a few months (with Keith's help) and really enjoy going there to work out. Great staff, members at all skill levels, and a really comfortable neighborhood vibe.