Ripped Off At Lifestyle Fitness

Holy Cow! I never swear, and this is the reason I am using the old batman show connotation for my opening. It’s corny and stupid, but it garners attention. My wife and I have been members of Lifestyle Fitness, located in Apex since we moved here in Oct. 2009. We initially tried out another local gym for two weeks, but canceled our membership because the fitness director was a know-it-all, and extremely condescending when it came to the members. When I requested to have a heavy bag installed at the small, but adequate gym, he scolded me that it had been mulled over long before my request, and that there was no adequate area to hang it. Since I boxed professionally for ten years and was part owner/ instructor at my own boxing gym, I had already scoped out five different locations where a bag could be safely hung for members’ use. The next day we were out of there, and his boss lost out $145 per month membership.

Cindy and I immediately checked out the Lifestyle facility which was spacious and more affordable. Our salesperson told us the membership for 2 was $69.98 and we could only use the gym in Apex. That was fine by us since this gym had triple the equipment and space, as compared to the latter. What he failed to explain to us was that there was another plan for a mere $20 a person, in which group classes, tanning bed, and personal training was not included. Since we weren’t interested in any of this, the sales guy (who no longer works there) failed to mention such.

I only learned of this because the Lifestyle Health Club was recently acquired by Life Time Fitness and another gym member mentioned that he was paying the $20-per-month fee and was concerned the new owner might raise the rates. This prompted me to question other members and friends who agreed that I had been snickered, suckered, deceived, ripped off, or whatever you might want to call it. One esteemed member only learned of the $20 deal after his daughter signed up (much later) and mentioned the cheaper option that an honest salesperson disclosed to her.

This is the first time I’ve been ripped off by a gym. I’ve met the best and worst of individuals at the health club and now I know to be wary of the sales people. The only positive is that it was cheaper than being scammed by a used car dealer or a government official. Do your due diligence when you join a health club, so you won’t be labeled a sucker like “The Fighting Fireman.”

Yours in health,
Coach Reilly

Original N.Y. Pizza Inspires The Fighting Fireman In Cary

Although I’m ten months away from 60 and riddled with arthritis, I plan my gym workouts the same as when I was 17. The politician is to lying as to what I am to fitness discipline. My exercise has evolved over the years, but I continue to work all the muscle groups with constantly changing exercise variations. I’m planning the next workout while in the process of completing the current one.

Though I may dread what I have in store for myself the same way Congressman Weiner must have hated having to fess up for his unsavory language and lewd photo tweeting, there are ways I can push myself to fulfill my health and fitness obligations. When I am desperately sucking wind and feel like capitulating, I think about the special lunch waiting for me at N.Y. Pizza off of Highway 55 and Highhouse Road in Cary, N.C.

The photos of Yankee greats, the Sopranos, the Broadway Subway, and Marlon Brando bring back fantastic memories, while the clean, cool atmosphere and spacious tables surrounding the big screen T.V. keeps me occupied for the short wait before devouring the best pizza in town.

I normally show for the lunch special thrice a week (two slices with toppings and a soft drink for $5.60), but I must warn you to call ahead on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings for your pizza because the wait is long, but worth it.

When gym members question me where I go to eat, they are stunned when I recommend N.Y. Pizza. They couldn’t be more misinformed. The fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and perfectly cooked dough replenishes my muscle cells and provides me the incentive to exercise intensely so I can enjoy it more. I’ll take it over a lean grilled chicken breast with a protein shake any time. I feel my best after a great workout and my lunch at N.Y. Pizza. Don’t ever doubt me.

Yours in Health,
The Fighting Fireman

Express Oil Change & Service Center – Apex

They’re the real deal!!

If you’re looking for a good, honest mechanic, we highly recommend Express Oil Change & Service Center – 901 E. Williams Street, Apex, NC. Phone: 919-387-8570.

Steve Shields – Manager

I recently lived in South Florida for six years and went back & forth with auto machanics and service centers. Like politicians, you can never believe a word they say. If you are unfamiliar with the machinations of autos, you are stymied because you can’t survive without a car. You bring your sick car in and they explain how they will take care of you and your car. They mean that in a bad way for you and some extra cash for them. In 2009, I moved to Cary, North Carolina and had the same problems with the first three repair centers I took my car to. One luxury I have is to confer with my brother, Pat, in N.Y.C. where he is a heavy equipment mechanic and car restoration provider. He is able to inform me if I have been ripped off and is privy to all the deception that goes on in this world. Most times I know it’s a scam, flim-flam, whatever else you may call it; but you are at the smiling station manager’s mercy.

This was my sad reality until we were referred to Matt of Express Oil Change and Service Center in Apex. They are friendly, courteous, and provide prompt response. There has been no wait time when my wife and I bring our vehicles in for an oil change and tune-up. However, this is not why we go there. The local bozo will be kind and courteous as he robs you blind, and an oil change is not that difficult. We might receive a smile, but not a phony political one. This station is out of our way. I must pass about ten between my home and their establishment, but I’ve found them to be honest, forthright, and their ace mechanic, Matt, is exceptional. The manager, Steve Shields, is sincere and forthright. Steve and his family moved from Utah to North Carolina a few years ago to pursue his dream of one day owning his own auto mechanic shop. Today he’s living that dream.

My wife told her cousin about Express Oil Change – Apex. She was having a hard time finding a good, honest mechanic in her area, so she drove to Apex. She was so impressed with the service she received, she now travels from Greenville, NC for her automobile maintenance.

Cindy will tell you, I’m hard to please. I’ve also entered the ring to spar with Evander Holyfield, so I know the “Real Deal” when I see it. Try Express Oil Change and Service Center – Apex. “If you don’t like their work, they’ll clean your house for a week.”

Dennis with Evander Holyfield