Chicago Bally Workout 155

We’re not sure if Bally succeeded in coercing all members to sign up for electronic bill pay. The recruitment tactics virtually vanished toward the end of the month, despite the initial threats that everyone was required to comply by June 1. However, small signs on the reception desk now state that members who are delinquent on their dues will no longer be permitted in the club. Why were non-paying people ever allowed entry? Maybe they were using their Free Bally Guest Passes.

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Chicago Bally Workout 154

The South Loop Bally is offering a special discount for students. Why do students get a better deal than regular members? If Bally wants to recruit and retain suckers members, they should offer one low price for everyone. Plus, use the cheerleaders to lure enrollees.

Enjoy your workout.

Chicago Bally Workout 153

Studies indicate many African-American women don’t regularly exercise because it might mess their hairstyle. The Bally clubs actually have a pretty diverse mix of members. Yet we wonder if Bally couldn’t lure more African American women by showing greater sensitivity to their situation. The Loop Bally club is literally next door to a beauty salon that caters to African American women. Imagine the promotional possibilities if the stylists teamed up with the personal trainers, offering their services via discounted packages. Call it Bally Beautylicious or Workout & Weaves.

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Chicago Bally Workout 152

Abandoned towels are almost as common as discarded Q-tips® at Bally. You’ll see them hanging on weight-lifting machines, inside open lockers, around the pool and on the floor just about everywhere. Towels are even left in the shower area, which demonstrates an amazing absentmindedness.

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Chicago Bally Workout 151

Today we spotted a member in the men’s locker room shining his shoes. Now, that’s not exactly extraordinary, given some of the typical sights at Bally. Except the footwear in this case were Crocs. Guess he wanted to impress at the family barbecue.

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Chicago Bally Workout 150

Bally is in big trouble now. A new LA Fitness is scheduled to open in the Loop area soon, and the competitor is already recruiting members with sweet deals. Why, the place even offers towel service. Bally will probably counter by building on the current locker room laundry routines.

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Chicago Bally Workout 149

The South Loop Bally added another advertiser to its free advertising space: Doggie Bath House. We’ll bet the dog bath place is cleaner than the Bally men’s shower area.

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Chicago Bally Workout 148

The South Loop Bally will be open on Memorial Day, albeit with reduced hours. The Chicago Loop Bally, on the other hand, shut down early on Friday and will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday. Why? Are there more war veterans on the Loop staff?

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Workout 147

Why are there candy wrappers on the floor at Bally? You can’t purchase such items in the club store. Perhaps members simply prefer Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over Bally Soy Protein Bars.

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Workout 146

Today we saw a member in the men’s locker room washing his clothes in a sink. Then he draped his wet garments over hand dryers to complete the deed. At Bally, Thursdays are for Beach Body Boot Camp Workouts – and doing your laundry.

Enjoy your workout.