Anytime Fitness

I am someone who has never enjoyed working out. After having kids and getting older I decided I needed to switch to a healthier lifestyle. I was lucky enough to have found James Taylor right out of the gate. I am the first one to quit and fall back into my old ways. James has kept me motivated to continue not only from the results I’m getting but because he is fun, super positive, and full of energy! He is definitely an asset to this place.

I was practically escorted out immediately after meeting the manager because I told him I might not sign today due to being a single mother and needing to make sure I’ll have someone to watch my son so the money does not go to waste. He immediately rushed me out the door after saying “oh so really you aren’t looking for a health club you’re looking for day care”. As a new single mom my child is two weeks old I was so offended. I worked out 6 days a week in pregnancy. It’s not like I am not dedicated

Danny Gustin is an amazing trainer who has a complete understanding of the physiology behind exercise, pushes you in all the right ways, and is truly a super caring, nice person. The gym itself is never crowded; even though it is a smaller space, it’s just right. And it’s always spotless and very well maintained.

I moved away and did not realize the auto bill was still hitting my credit card. I called to cancel the membership and was told by Mike that I had to come in personally or send US mail. (!!) This chain makes it very difficult to end your membership. Mike did not like what I was saying and could not send me a copy of my agreement. He seemed confused and without any paperwork. His response was to say I was "raising my voice" and he hung up. I was speaking almost in a whisper. He just didn't like what I was saying.

Mike from Anytime Fitness was extremely friendly, with a rapid response time. He wanted to help me in anyway he was able to. He sponsored a child in our foster care program with a very generous heart. Children in foster care almost never get people in the community to support them. His generosity will be forever appreciated.

I have been an Anytime Fitness member for a little over 3 years. I wanted to take some time to process before posting this review. This is specific to manager Mike Starck and his club at 1271 Rickert Dr. in Naperville. I rarely leave negative reviews. I am posting so hopefully nobody else has to go through what I did. Unfortunately, after reading numerous other reviews, it appears this is not the first time Mike Starck acted so irrational and unprofessional. After reading the experience of others combined with mine, this is what became apparent to me:1. Mike Starck is without question the most unprofessional person I have ever encountered.2. Mike Starck goes out of his way to target non-home club members. Home members are treated vastly different.3. You are no more than a dollar sign to him.4. Mike Starck blantaly lies. He deflects, and attempts to invent your narrative. There are many examples of him slandering the character or misrepresenting others position to “win” the argument should anyone leave a negative review of his club.Here’s my experience:I recently reserved a time to workout at the Anytime location on Rickert Dr. in Naperville, IL. It is not my home club, but was accepting reservations. The following day, I received a phone call from owner Mike Starck. Mike accused me of not wearing a mask upon entry into the club after reviewing video footage. Caught off guard, I assured him I had my mask on the entirety of my time, including upon entry. Mike continued to insist that I was not wearing my mask. The conversation then turned to me not changing my shoes upon entry. He followed up by telling me my Blue Cross Blue Shield WellOnTarget membership only payed his club a few dollars per visit, and would be going away soon. Now upset and essentially being told I’m a liar, I asked Mike “What the (blank) is the point of this call?” I told him it’s clear I am not wanted at his club. He didn’t stop there. He continued on, inferring I was a bad person and he doesn’t want people like me at his club anyway. I had to hang up at this point because the conversation was going no where.Feeling so poorly treated, I took time out of my busy schedule to go to the club and ask to review the video with Mike of me not wearing the mask. I thought Mike would maybe act professionally and apologize for his made up story.After waiting patiently for Mike to finish business at his desk, he stood up to greet me. Ironically, he was not wearing a mask until he stood up to address me. As soon as I introduced myself and asked if he would be willing to review the video footage with me, he became defensive. He brought up the shoes. As this is not my home club, I acknowledged I made an honest mistake and did not change my shoes immediately. It is not a rule I was used to during summer months at almost every other gym I had been to. I apologized, but eventually did change them once I realized it is his club’s rule. I asked again if he’d be willingly to show me the video of me not wearing a mask. It was at this point he began recording me with his camera phone, and told me I was trespassing and asked me to leave. He repeatedly kept saying “I’m asking you to leave sir, you are trespassing,” all while recording. Continuing to talk over me anytime I tried to speak, he claimed I went on a profanity tirade over the phone. My demeanor remained calm and non confrontational throughout. I never became disrespectful. Mike did. Mike made a scene in his own gym. He never showed me the footage of me being maskless because it does not exist. I left.A week later and I am still in shock over how this man acted and treated me. He claims to promote a “positive club culture.” Is this type of treatment towards others part of your culture? I reached out to Self Esteem Brands, Anytime Fitness’ parent company. Their contact info can be found with a Google search.

Michael Stark is by far one of the most unprofessional individuals I've spoken to. Prior to reserving a time slot online, I read the COVID information and FAQs. After using the gym, Michael left an insolent voicemail that my access to the gym had been revoked. When I called for an explanation, Michael first pointed out that I had a home membership at a different gym. Then, he said "I didn't change my shoes as listed by the front door." I informed him club specific information was not listed on the website. When asked how I was supposed to know,Michael becames snarky and hung up the phone. You would expect someone to provide a warning or educate and confirm future compliance. I feel targeted because I don't have a home membership, but I can't deny wondering if race also played a part in his dismissive and curt attitude.

I have a great experience; all the equipment I need, very clean, other members friendly and I have gotten very positive results working with my fitness coach, Danny. Mike, the owner, always makes time to say hi and keep a positive atmosphere.

I did not enjoy my experience at this Gym, I thought it was a place that promoted health and fitness through the holidays. But not this one. I have been to many other Anytime Fitness locations around the country, I have never had a bad experience until going here. They make it very hard to sign in guests during the holidays, something I would look into, considering many people travel for the holidays.

Great workout experience with a friendly environment and helpful staff. Most of the negative reviews come from people who did not want to follow Mike's rules despite the fact that the rules make sense and create a better experience for everyone. Personally, I have broken rules in the past but Mike is understanding if you apologize and don't make the same mistake twice. No complaints.