Meridian Fitness & Wellness Center at Hazlet

Address:	1420 NJ-36, Hazlet, NJ 07730, USA
Phone:	+1 732-335-4200
Site:	meridianfitnessandwellness.com
Rating:	3.8
Working:	5AM–11PM 5AM–11PM 5AM–11PM 5AM–11PM 5AM–11PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM

Location

Photos 9

Reviews 7

Gunnison Undercover

As a former employee and member of 2 other gyms in the area let me say this. I was employed there for several years between 2014 & 2016. fellow employees were great to work with. Gar Simers was a great manager. However, he was up against a wall. The gym is old looking and not modern compared to local competition. Tilton Gyms seemed like they didnt support him. It took forever to get things fixed or replaced. They blamed Gar for the drop in membership when the real reason is competition. They fired Gar right befor Xmas. They hired another mgr who tried to make a difference and she quit 3 months later. Meridian sells contracts not memberships and the dues can change from person to person. You cant go online or call to find out how much a membership is. With the competition you can. Meridian employs sales people who are under pressure to produce and thus there is a large turnover of sales reps and members who were talked into signing up. Meridian Fitness is not cheap! People arent stupid they know 10lbs weighs the same no matter where you go. You pay a higher dues you have a higher expectation of services. As an employer corporate Meridian/Tilton Gyms in my opinion does not care about its employees. They dont mistreat you but theres no feeling of appreciation from corporate office. It is a health based business which offers no health benefits to part time employees and that offered to full timers is too expensive to afford when you make $9.00hr. Part timers do not accrue any sick pay. Employees do not receive extra pay for working holidays. There is no such thing as a raise. After two years, I was told by new management "what you get is what you get." But then they hire a new person at a higher rate (who eventually quits a month later)? The employee turnover rate is high, especially at the front desk and with personal trainers. When you ask those who have worked there for extended period of time they will all tell you the same and so will I, "I stay because I like the members." I can tell you when member complaints came in, management would roll their eyes privately, not because they dont care, but because in many cases theres nothing they can do to correct the problem. Everything that has a price tag attached to it is controlled thru corporate office. Outside of giving you a free month and listening to your complaint, theres little management can do. The only thing that motivates change is drop in memberships. BTW I am not a disgruntled employee. I did my time there and it was time to leave. I have many fond memories of Meridian. The reality is its a $9.00hr job with no benefits and thus you tolerance for corporate nonsense is not the same as that of a job that pays more.

Nicole W

I decided to write because I looked at the last review and it sounded more like a disgrunted ex-employee than an actual member. Its not a fair assessment so I thought I would share my own experience. While I cant say Ive used every amenity (I dont swim, but I do know they have a pool), I did feel the gym was getting tired. It had been run down LONG before the new owners took over. I use it every week and have seen some improvements over the last few weeks. Chris was right-some of the staff were standing around with the old owners, but I dont see them anymore so I assume they are all gone now (and only the good ones are left). They are in the midst of a reno (construction never looks great until its all done), but I know they have new pilates and spin rooms happening and new carpet as well. Although its not happening as fast as Id like (Im a princess and want new changes fast), I can at least tell things are being upgraded every week and Im sure more are planned. I LOVE the classes-my friends and I do the fun zumba ones together, but I also like the body pump and boot camp ones to give me a kick in the rear when I eat too many treats over the weekend :) And there was an ad last week that had a $0 fee signup so I dont know what the issue is-there are always deals. Im willing to stick with them because I can see how things are getting better and frankly, its still better than my old gym which had no personality and was filled with "meat heads".

Rob S

I was a member for 4 years until March 2013. Meridian changed management in the summer of 2012. It was excellent before then. The new mgmt fired most of the trainers and have been removing workout equipment. When I tried to ask the new trainers the benefit of having less equipment to workout on, I was advised that they have Masters degrees and know better. When I spoke to the manager, he indicated the facility had to many workout machines and I should look elsewhere. I usually worked out there 4 times a week. Frequently there were no restroom supplies. The place used to have cleaning staff during the day but they got rid of them. Its important this place be kept very clean since they also provide physical therapy to the Meridian Hospital group and cater to those just out of the hospital who likely bring hospital bugs with them. Meridian also doesnt ask members to shower before they enter the swimming pool and whirlpool. They dont supply towels, occassionally they provide sanitizing wipes for the limited equipment they have. The amount of trainers has been reduced and the few remaining are usually surfing the net or on a cellphone call. At $50 a month plus a joiners fee, they are high priced for the area.

Kerri Miano

I also wanted to respond to the "disgruntled" member... I have been a member since 2007, and have been very pleased with the new owners at Meridian Fitness and Wellness. It seems that the new owners are willing to upgrade equipment and put some money into the facility! Yay! The classe are great, with professional and fun instructors, and the Personal Trainer staff are hard working and attentive.

carol ruby

I had Maureen as a trainer - and it was the BEST MATCH EVER!!!! Because of a slight disability, she was diligent about making sure I was within my limits, and she pushed me towards new goals; my 3 month "check up" was outstanding; lost weight and inches. Shes professional, friendly, concerned and loves what she does - that makes her the perfect trainer - I was BLESSED!!!!

Dave Finnerty

Pool, Cardio, Weight Training, Classes, Training, Full Staff, and friendly staff. Great Gym. Lots of people working on weight loss and physical therapy

Dave Johnson

I wish they would get a speed bag. That would motivate me to get there more often.