Ames Raquet and Fitness

**RayShimley** · 01-04-2010, 05:27 PM

Anyone a current or past member here? Wife and I are finally thinking of graduating from the Rec center and have heard some good things about this place. I'd appreciate any info, especially if you've used the West side location.. Also, if you are willing to share any info on memership costs I'd appreciate it. You can PM me if you'd prefer.

**burn587** · 01-04-2010, 05:44 PM

The west side location is complete crap and full of old equipment. Southside is pretty good, the building is obviously old but they've got decent equipment and a hammerstrength room which is a plus. The northside location is where all the money goes and it really shows. New cardio equipment all with individual tvs, a small pool, the only minus is a lack of a good weight equipment

**Ms3r4ISU** · 01-05-2010, 09:00 AM

I thought the north location was going to be expanded in the area directly north of the building, but the last time I drove by that sign was covered over with a city notice. Is expansion still planned, or something else going in there?

**cyfan964** · 01-05-2010, 09:09 AM

If you want to play tennis, use the pool, or do anything other than lift weights expect to drop a lot of money monthly.

**hiltonisheaven** · 01-05-2010, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by RayShimley

Anyone a current or past member here? Wife and I are finally thinking of graduating from the Rec center and have heard some good things about this place. I'd appreciate any info, especially if you've used the West side location.. Also, if you are willing to share any info on memership costs I'd appreciate it. You can PM me if you'd prefer.

I was an Ames R&F member before I moved away from Ames. I used to go to the South side location over lunch every day and I miss it. The place was always clean and the employees are competent and remember your name. Don't remember the cost but I think it was decent.

**tejasclone** · 01-05-2010, 09:14 AM

I used to use the West Side location all the time, and the South Side location occasionally. Both places were always packed at peak hours. I always found it best to go late at night (after 8 pm) or late morning (between 10 am and noon) if I could manage it. But it's been a good 3 years since I had a membership.

**chuckd4735** · 01-05-2010, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by burn587

The west side location is complete crap and full of old equipment. Southside is pretty good, the building is obviously old but they've got decent equipment and a hammerstrength room which is a plus. The northside location is where all the money goes and it really shows. New cardio equipment all with individual tvs, a small pool, the only minus is a lack of a good weight equipment

What do you consider old? There is one piece of equipment in there that is older than 5 years.

I get a free membership through rent, so I don't have anything bad to say about them. Never had a problem. All 3 locations get very busy this time of year, especially between 5 and 7 PM. North location is by far the nicest!

**blando** · 01-05-2010, 09:00 PM

Does Brett still work at the south location? He hooked me up a couple years ago. He always called me by name, and seemed to be very well informed. If I remember correctly, they had different prices depending on if you want to work out at all locations, if you want racquetball, etc.

**CycloneErik** · 01-05-2010, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by blando

Does Brett still work at the south location? He hooked me up a couple years ago. He always called me by name, and seemed to be very well informed. If I remember correctly, they had different prices depending on if you want to work out at all locations, if you want racquetball, etc.

Brett is the man. If revkah makes it in without me, he makes sure to ask how I'm doing. He's a really good guy for this sort of business.

**dukeebear** · 01-05-2010, 09:09 PM

It's about $60/ month for a couple. That includes everything but personal training. Left the REC about a year ago, it costs more, but in my mind it's worth it.

**m1trLG2** · 02-01-2010, 09:03 PM

It's pretty good except if you want to do anything with a Raquet. That will cost you a lot extra. I used to play Rball but they charge like 15 bucks a month per person. So I can't say, "Sure I'll pay the 15 bucks a month and bring a friend" nope, they charge you the money for the person with out the Raquet membership. It's very annoying.

**CyCrazy** · 02-01-2010, 09:06 PM

I love Ames Raquet and fitness, always good to me. I use the south one everyday.

**Clonebydesign** · 02-03-2010, 04:23 PM

I use the North one everyday and love it. Great machines and weight equipment. Pool is a nice option and the place is kept clean except for when people wear outside shoes inside to work out (hate the little gravel pieces)

**Tre4ISU** · 02-03-2010, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by CycloneErik

Brett is the man. If revkah makes it in without me, he makes sure to ask how I'm doing. He's a really good guy for this sort of business.

Not touching this but I really want to.

**josh777** · 02-05-2010, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by RayShimley

Anyone a current or past member here? Wife and I are finally thinking of graduating from the Rec center and have heard some good things about this place. I'd appreciate any info, especially if you've used the West side location.. Also, if you are willing to share any info on memership costs I'd appreciate it. You can PM me if you'd prefer.

Are you an employee of ISU? If so, I don't know why you would leave the rec to pay the prices of a fitness center. It costs $58 a semester for a faculty member to use the rec and it is huge with lots of options. I guess the cons of the rec could be you (we/us) keep getting older while the students stay the same age.

And, it gets very crowded in the afternoon. I go in the morning when it first opens and there is hardly anyone there. Also, over lunch period is not bad.

Just my two cents.