Chronicles of E-burg
Review: The Gyms of E-burg
Walter J. Zalis
July 15, 2005

If you read my last article (and it would be to your benefit if you read all of them- of course), you may remember some text going on about the fad that health has become in modern society. Being fit and healthy is in- really, really in. This has always been the case, but the emphasis on physically fitness is at an intensity unlike any other time before. And Eldersburg is the perfect place to be fit! Right in your own backyard are those five gyms I had mentioned one column ago: Merritt, Athens, Triangle, Curves and Bodyshapes. Unfortunately, I will not be able to offer my comments on Curves or Bodyshapes, because I’m on the opposite side of the gender spectrum. However, I’m sure they’re both superb facilities.

I have had the pleasure of working out at the other three establishments, and have noticed what kind of gym each of these is. I have a few methods of judging each gym:
Music- Atmosphere- Employees- Equipment- Luxuries- Price.

Merritt Atheletic Club
Let’s start with the one major chain out of the three,
Price- Obviously, this is the largest and most luxurious gym of the three. This clearly shows why it is the most expensive of the trio. The costs vary according to age, student status, and other things. However, membership includes a down payment of around $100, and memberships can cost up towards $80 a month.

Luxuries and equipment -This is a gym where you get so much more than equipment. There’s that giant pool of course, a large kid care area, the largest locker rooms of any of the gyms, racquetball and basketball courts, and even a physical therapy office. The equipment is decent too. There are plenty of machines, cardio-vascular equipment, free weights and dumbbells that go up high enough for serious lifters. Classes there are also well taught, and don’t forget about the salon right next to the entrance.
Employees and Music- The employees are pretty friendly, but there are a decent amount of kids who work there. After all, Liberty High is right across the street. The music there is average, with techno and pop beats generally playing, along with music videos of the weight room televisions (the music never matches the video however).

Atmosphere- The atmosphere of Merritt can be one of its strong points, or one of its flaws. Because of the pool and advanced kiddy area, this makes this gym a prevalent spot for families. I’ve even noticed some parents drop off their kids to work out, and then come back to pick them up later. It almost operates like a day care at times in this respect. The basketball court and pool definitely contribute to the appeal for younger kids and teenagers.

Not only does Merritt work well for families and younger children, but also for senior members of Eldersburg. All the amenities that this fitness facility has to offer fits well with senior citizens. Merritt is called an Athletic Club because it does operate in a similar fashion to a social club. People go there to talk with friends and relax and exercise after a day of work. It fits best with families, but is not ideal for serious lifers, or training athletes.

Triange Fitness
Next up is Triangle Fitness, a neighborhood gym that has been established here for 10 years. Oddly enough, Merritt built its gym just yards away from Triangle.

Price- This is the least expensive of the gyms. There is no down payment, and students can pay as little as $28 a month. Other contract memberships are inexpensive as well. It also has the least amount of options of the three local gyms, but it has served the area for a decade.

Luxuries and equipment- Recently, the gym halted classes and took over the classroom area with machines built for intermediate lifters. This is probably a turn-off people who enjoyed the classes, but at the same time these gym goers may appreciate the separate area where machines they are more likely to use are located. The front area includes mostly free weights, but some of the equipment is aging. Some new ones were brought in recently, but some dumbbells are other free weights are fading. The cardio area is decent, it has a variety of machines, but none that are very new. The one luxury of Triangle is the free tanning that comes with membership. Unfortunately it is one tanning bed, with lights that lack much power. There is also a kid area, but it is rather small.

Employees and Music- The gym is now family owned really, and the owner Joe and his son work there the most often. Generally, there is only one employee on at a time, so you have to know what you’re doing when you work out there. The music is what lacks most at Triangle. It is supplied by one of two radio stations, either The Bay or 98 Rock. Dealing with commercials and 70’s rock ballads may appeal to some, but not all.

Atmosphere- This is a lifters gym. There is no fancy fru-fru to it, just you and some weights. It is ideal for students who don’t have much in the bank, but want to train for sports of just to be in shape. Also, there aren’t many people in the way (such as children), so serious lifters can go on without hassle. This is not the best place for families.

Athens Health Club
While Triangle is a more serious lifting gym, and Merrit is more club oriented, Athens falls somewhere in the middle. It is the newest gym of the bunch, opening this past December, which does give it some advantages.
Price- Athens also falls in the middle when it comes to price. While it is much cheaper than Merritt, it is more expensive than Triangle. There is a $50 sign-up fee, and monthly membership for a student is $40 a month, and a bit higher for non-students. There is also a tanning salon at this gym, but it costs an extra $13 or so a month. There are three beds though, all pretty new and powerful.

Luxuries and Equipment- Once again, Athens falls in the middle. They have the tanning beds, a massage therapist, some decent locker rooms, an ok place for kids, and their strongest asset, personal training. Nearly all the employees there are personal trainers it seems, and they offer help to gym members and clients alike. Since the gym is so new, the equipment is as well. The dumbbells also go up to 150lbs., for serious gym rats. While the equipment is new and shiny, they are missing some pieces. There is no fly machine, behind neck press, or slanted T-bar for example. It still has every thing necessary for working out the entire body. Some machines does so in new advanced ways. The classes there are pretty great for it being a neighborhood gym. They offer classes such as BodyPump and Spinning, something you don’t catch at many locally owned gyms.

Employees and Music- As stated before, many employees there are also personal trainers. They know what they’re talking about and they are always willing to help out beginners, or give advanced lifters a spot. I’ve also noticed that the people who work there are the friendliest of the three gyms. Even the owner Tom asks how I’m doing every day I’m in there. Music is also a very strong point for Athens. It is non-stop music without commercial interruption, and there are songs for people of all sorts. There are the usual pop songs, but Carroll County folk will appreciate the country tune that plays on occasion. Members such as myself enjoy any Korn, Metallica, or Rage Against the Machine that comes on.
Atmosphere- This is a lifters gym, but with a friendly touch. Everyone there is all about getting in better shape, but it has a social feel to it. It mixes the social part of Merritt with the hardcore lifting of Triangle.
Well, there it is, my first review. As one can see, each gym has something to offer. There is a fit for anyone in E-burg, and that’s probably why these gyms can co-exist in such a small area. If you don’t belong to a gym- you should probably join. Chances are, you’ll see half the people you know at one.

Previous Chronicles of E-Burg Columns by Walter Zalis
July 29, 2005 - The Restaurant Customers Guide to Etiquette
July 22, 2005 - Ms. Carol's Denny's Nite Club
July 15, 2005 - Review: The Gyms of E-burg
July 8, 2005 - Eldersburg falls in line with Popular Society
July 1, 2005 - The Challenge of Carrolltown Center
June 23, 2005 - The Streets of E-town: Is there a Drug Problem?
June 17, 2005 - Graduation? Senior Week
June 9, 2005 - Not Your Granny's Town Anymore

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