Epicenter

If the owners cowardly behavior to choose to keep members in the dark about a planned closure in Bellevue wasn't enough, they also continued to have their employees (who were also in the dark) take in new members (along with their money) up until the last day open, knowing that these members would never get to use the Bellevue facility. Employees learned that they had lost their jobs only on the last night open, and even then, it was a select few who were notified by email. Many found out from a co-worker or when they showed up for work and the doors were closed. Neither the owners or the management informed them. They didn't even have the guts to explain to anyone and would not answer calls. Piss poor business practice. It's no wonder the Bellevue location closed. Should you be considering becoming a member or employee of the Seattle location, I would highly recommend staying away. These people have clearly proven that they do not value their members or employees.

I had a one-year contract with this center in Bellevue. I did not get any notice when it was closed. I never renewed my membership with them. Now I am getting calls from LA Fitness, asking for membership dues because Epicenter transferred my name to LA Fitness. I cannot get them to drop my name and quit harassing me. I regret ever became a member of this lousy fitness center to begin with. Their facility in Bellevue was always in need of repair and management nonexistent . I caution anybody who wants to become a member of this fitness center. Don't waste your energy and money.

I was a loyal Bellevue member for two years and when they closed the location (of which we were given no notice) Merle would not transfer my membership to the default club nearby or refund my prepaid dues simply because I registered at the Seattle rather than the Belleuve location. If he treats his customers this way then I question the integrity of the organization. I would consider other options first as you never know when they will close this location with no notice and you will also be left out in the cold.

Sold out Bellevue location, didn't inform members or employees till the day before the permanent closing of Epicenter Bellevue. Members and employees were passed off to equally crappy gym LA Fitness.

This gym is run by Merle and X-NFL'r Sam Adams. Don't know why one would give up their hard earned cash to let a moron run a business. Merle doesn't give a hoot about the employees (unless they are just as heartless as he is) or the members.

Makes no sense, the members are the ones that pay your salary. This is surely a short term money making strategy, the guy is ultimately clueless.

BTW they love to ding you with excessive "fees" and like to tack on services which were never agreed to.

Read the fine print, and monitor your bank accounts. Or make it easy for yourself and go to a gym that respects its members and doesn't dilly-dally around trying to get every last cent from you. There are plenty of better gyms in this city, take your choosing. But don't be taken advantage of!!!

For the price it just can't be beat! Lot's of equipment, clean club. As far the staff, I actually have had many great experiences with them. Don Pak, Rob Isom, and Jerome have made me feel very comfortable and approachable with any questions I have. One of the best gyms I have been a part of!!! Plus TV's and dvd players on their cardio machines....that is nice! :)

I was ripped off . . . and beleive I was not the first. However, the gym is great place to workout (trainers are very good) and the facility has lots to offer.

PROS: Fore warned is fore armed
CONS: Not sure that the managment gives a hoot about this problem

the facility decided to distribute wet towels. a complaint to the president Merle Gregg (which the club policy clearly states to do... no complaining to the staff directly, only by email) resulted with Mr. Gregg not addressing the issue of health/safety/hygene, nor with me getting what I paid for (a clean, dry, sanitary towel 100% of the time). He didn't even give me a clear promise to "correct" the problem (how hard is it to say, "no towels, the machine is broken, here a free juice or something from the bar for the inconvience). Instead, he pretty much said "get over it, it was only a towel, the machine was broken" . Almost as if he doesn't care about communicable diseases or good customer service. My advice to you, be careful about this place. I'm joining a new gym.

PROS: good place to get wet towels, only wet with what?!?!?
CONS: find another gym which believes in good sanitation, seattle has many

i joined this place a couple of months ago and i love it here. i like the fact that you dont have to pay a lot to go to the gym. their staff are very well trained and willing to help you work out.they have nice facilities and a nice atmosphere.their customer service is excellent and i will be here for a long time.

I joined this gym right before it opened in January. It's not like other gyms I've been members of in the past. The classes are great. They offer a range of classes from pilates to turbo kickboxing, from cycling to hip hop. The facilities are hi-tech and BRAND new. This gym offers great rates for new members since it's still new. Join and you will NOT regret it!

Wow I had looked all over town for a decent gym near my apartment, and for a decent price. I tried to use a trial memberships at another gym to check them out (All-Star Fitness) and the pressure to sign up right away was terrible, and I left feeling yucky. I then took a tour of Epicenter and was very impressed - I got free yoga and various other classes, brand new equipment with video screens & cd/dvd players to entertain you, at only $29 a month. Also it was hands down the cleanest and nicest gym i've been in so far in Seattle. And it's downtown - I love that I can pop pver there after work.

PROS: Clean, inexpensive, new equipment, great classes, right downtown
CONS: No cons I can think of, I love it!

I have been a member for 2 months, and so far absolutely no complaints at all. They have an odd dues structure, that seems somewhat scammy and amateurish, but since I am only paying $29 a month for a downtown gym with no contract, I cannot complain. the equiptment is new, and I especially like the Fast Fitness Room; made by nautilus it is a 12 station circuit that gets you in and out in 24 minutes. Like Curves (so I am told), but without the cheesy music!

I dont get Cable at home, so the fact that there are LCD's at each station with limited cable means that I can get my fill of VH1 and Jackass while working out! Up until today, I never noticed congestion at the machines, but as the weather was por, it got quite crowded...we will see how it is this winter.

First, they overcharged me and it took several months, multiple phone calls, and several emails to get my account corrected. Don Pak, the General Manager, is totally rude and unhelpful. Finally, I emailed the President, Merle, and told her I would be filing a Better Business Bureau complaint if they didn't credit my account- she admitted they were wrong, then CANCELLED MY ACCOUNT because of the complaint. In any case, the locker room is disgusting and I've NEVER seen anyone cleaning it. Plus, the instructors have a high turnover rate (I'd quit too if I worked for them) so classes are unexpectedly cancelled ALL THE TIME. It's ridiculous. STAY AWAY!!

Management is unprofessional and childish. If you present a problem, they will start pointing fingers and blame the problem on you. It did not use to be like this until Ivy Thao and other children were brought on board.

Employee retention sucks so don't be surprised when your favorite trainers go missing or the front desk no longer greats you by name.

People aren't friendly here anymore, they've adopted predatory business practices and overall this place is no longer what it used to be.

Epicenter is a little gym that acts and treats its members like a conglomerate chain. Stick with the little ones, but don't choose Epicenter.

I have been in and out of gyms for nearly 15 years and I have never found better personal training. I recommend Dan Arvidson. Now I'm avidly working out due to his great coaching and fitness wisdom.The facility is very clean and to the point; work out and get fit, no fuss. They have a huge variety of equiptment and Dan always has a new machine and a new move to show me and he never leaves my side. Plus, it's very affordable especially considering what you get; a healthy mind and body with lasting education. Ask for Dan.

PROS: Personal training, the best equiptment, clean
CONS: Membership rates increase regularly so get in now