My Experience at Butterfly Life Fitness Center

When I was in California several years ago, I had seen a Butterfly Life Fitness Center and picked up a brochure. It sounded very interesting because it was not just a workout place, but the brochure mentioned that it included support and instruction on nutrition, fitness, psychology, yoga and fashion. I was very intrigued, so I checked to see if there was a franchise in my area. To my disappointment, there was not.

A few weeks ago, much to my surprise, I noticed a brand new Butterfly Life Fitness Center within a few miles of my home. I immediately pulled over and grabbed a brochure out of a stand on the sidewalk. I stepped inside and was greeted by a very friendly woman who offered me a free week to try it out. The fitness center was one large room, with a reception desk at the front and a seating area next to that. The colors were all very bright but somehow peaceful as well. I felt comfortable and relaxed as the woman described Butterfly Life to me. I signed up for a free week and was told I could start whenever I wanted to. The hours of the Butterfly Life Fitness Center were 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday. These hours seemed very limiting to me as I would really have to schedule these workouts on my calendar in order to arrive when the place was open.

It took about 3 weeks for me to finally show up for my first session. I was greeted in a very friendly and welcoming way and right away the trainer began to show me the equipment. The circuit training equipment was arranged in a circle facing towards the center. There were machines for upper and lower body, first about 6 upper body machines, then 6 lower body machines. There were mini trampolines in between the weight machines. The machines use weight stacks (not hydraulics like some other fitness centers may use). The weight stacks were not marked with how many pounds each plate was, but instead were numbered 1, 2, 3, etc.

There is a light on the ceiling which you are supposed to watch. When it is green, you should be lifting the weights, and when it turns red you are to stop and move on to the next machine or to the mini trampoline. You are supposed to do as many repetitions as you can while the light is green. There is music playing in the background. I found the weight machines to be challenging as I had not been lifting weights previously and I felt that there was a lot of room for increasing the resistance over time for me. I went through the circuit the recommended two times and then I was finished. I felt like I got a good workout and was fatigued about the right amount.

In addition to the weight machine circuit, there is an aerobic area where you can work out along with DVD workouts. These DVD workouts include yoga, Pilates, aerobics. The DVD's are played on a scheduled basis, but if no one is working out you may request whichever DVD you desire.

There were also clean restrooms and cubbyholes to store your purse and jacket.

As far as the cost, they told me they were running a special and would waive the orientation fee of $99, but there is a $49 nonrefundable registration fee. The monthly fee for a 1 year membership was $29 per month. They also offered a month-to-month membership at $44 per month. I thought the prices were very reasonable and there was absolutely no "hard sell" and I was not made to feel pressured at all.

I worked out 3 days during my free week, and found that I was really able to stick to it and looked forward to going each time. The other members were so friendly and supportive and I felt comfortable there. I have not yet decided whether or not to join, but am leaning towards joining perhaps on the month-to-month basis. Once you join, you will get measurements taken, and more support as far as the other lifestyle solutions they offer.