Meridian Fitness & Wellness Hazlet

I wish they would get a speed bag. That would motivate me to get there more often.

I had Maureen as a trainer - and it was the BEST MATCH EVER!!!! Because of a slight disability, she was diligent about making sure I was within my limits, and she pushed me towards new goals; my 3 month "check up" was outstanding; lost weight and inches. She's professional, friendly, concerned and loves what she does - that makes her the perfect trainer - I was BLESSED!!!!

I also wanted to respond to the "disgruntled" member... I have been a member since 2007, and have been very pleased with the new owners at Meridian Fitness and Wellness. It seems that the new owners are willing to upgrade equipment and put some money into the facility! Yay! The classe are great, with professional and fun instructors, and the Personal Trainer staff are hard working and attentive.

I decided to write because I looked at the last review and it sounded more like a disgrunted ex-employee than an actual member. It's not a fair assessment so I thought I would share my own experience.

While I can't say I've used every amenity (I don't swim, but I do know they have a pool), I did feel the gym was getting tired. It had been run down LONG before the new owners took over.

I use it every week and have seen some improvements over the last few weeks. Chris was right-some of the staff were standing around with the old owners, but I don't see them anymore so I assume they are all gone now (and only the good ones are left). They are in the midst of a reno (construction never looks great until it's all done), but I know they have new pilates and spin rooms happening and new carpet as well. Although it's not happening as fast as I'd like (I'm a princess and want new changes fast), I can at least tell things are being upgraded every week and I'm sure more are planned.

I LOVE the classes-my friends and I do the fun zumba ones together, but I also like the body pump and boot camp ones to give me a kick in the rear when I eat too many treats over the weekend :)

And there was an ad last week that had a $0 fee signup so I don't know what the issue is-there are always deals.

I'm willing to stick with them because I can see how things are getting better and frankly, it's still better than my old gym which had no personality and was filled with "meat heads".

I was a member for 4 years until March 2013. Meridian changed management in the summer of 2012. It was excellent before then. The new mgmt fired most of the trainers and have been removing workout equipment. When I tried to ask the new trainers the benefit of having less equipment to workout on, I was advised that they have Master's degrees and know better. When I spoke to the manager, he indicated the facility had to many workout machines and I should look elsewhere.

I usually worked out there 4 times a week. Frequently there were no restroom supplies.

The place used to have cleaning staff during the day but they got rid of them. It's important this place be kept very clean since they also provide physical therapy to the Meridian Hospital group and cater to those just out of the hospital who likely bring hospital bugs with them. Meridian also doesn't ask members to shower before they enter the swimming pool and whirlpool.

They don't supply towels, occassionally they provide sanitizing wipes for the limited equipment they have. The amount of trainers has been reduced and the few remaining are usually surfing the net or on a cellphone call. At $50 a month plus a joiners fee, they are high priced for the area.