Omni

     In case you didn’t know; there’s a new athletic club in Greenwood and it’s pretty awesome.  Omni is located in the old GAC building and boasts some incredible changes.  If you haven’t been by to check it out, then you need to take a peak.  I was reluctant to go at first and thought it was nothing new, because I was a former member of GAC before it closed.  As I soon realized when I walked in the newly remodeled facility; Omni is very different from GAC.  I was very impressed by all the new state-of-the-art machines Omni has to offer.  When I say state-of-the-art I mean high end $5000 treadmills with personal flat screenTVs mounted on each machine.  No more plugging into that little headphone jack to watch 10 TVs up on a dusty shelf.  Each Life Fitness treadmill and elliptical offer a 10 inch high definition flat screen TV mounted on the machine at eye level.  Pretty sweet deal!  Also, instead of the treadmill and elliptical area machines facing towards the back of the building; they currently face the front door so you also have a view of the entire facility as you exercise your cardio.  There are also 50inch high def flat screen TVs mounted everywhere throughout the facility.  As I toured Omni, I was pleased with the new color schemes and machines.  Most of the right hand side of the facility is still laid out similar to the way GAC had it.  Do you remember behind the front desk used to be a set of offices, a smoothie bar, and various golf and spin rooms?  Well, all that has been gutted out!  Gone!  It’s an open area now that features even more exercise machines and also makes the facility feel gigantic.  From any stand point on the floor I was able to see throughout the facility and felt connected to all the areas by a clear sightline.    Continuing onward to the back there is still a “Ladies Only” workout room where it has always been, as well as 2 classrooms and the walking track.  One classroom is now a spin room featuring black lights and a 100inch screen showing an outdoor ride as you bike along.  The other room, on the right, is still a classroom featuring Mirrors on all side and beautiful blond hardwood floors.  Before reaching the Locker rooms, on the right, there is a Theater room.  Everyday a different movie is shown, throughout the day, for those who would like to watch a movie on the big screen while exercising.  FYI….this room is very dark, and may take your eyes a minute to adjust, but it’s very nice!  I wouldn’t mind trying it out.  The child care and locker rooms are still laid out the same and very clean and inviting.  Overall, I was very impressed with the remodel.  It feels like it has an even more open floor plan than before, while at the same time it flows very well.  I rate this facility as the BEST I’ve seen in Greenwood so far.  On the other hand, let’s talk about memberships.  When I first asked for some simple information on prices and memberships I was a little put off by the fact that they have no brochures or pamphlets I could take with me.  I was even more suspicious of the term “Individual memberships” for each member.  This led me to believe each membership is different and there is no base rate or easily understandable price guide.  So, after sitting down and discussing some basic membership facts; I think it’s pretty affordable.  I was told that if I signed a 24 month contract now, the enrollment fee of $149 would be waved and I would only pay $29 a month.  (with an annual facility maintenance fee of $49 drafted in July of each year)  Add $10 to that monthly fee if you want unlimited tanning.   All in all, not a bad price at all!  On the other hand, 2 years is a long time to commit?  Who knows where I’ll be in 2 years?  In response to this concern they offer a way to FREEZE a membership if it will be inactive for a while.  I was very tempted to join on the spot, but I need some time to mull it over.  So, to wrap it all up, go by and check out the facilities at Omni……you will be impressed.  This facility gives the Greenwood YMCA and Wellness Works something to live up to.  As much as I love it, I still don’t know if I can get over the 2 year contract?  What do you guys think???