I'm thinking about joining a gym because of the construction going on at the Rec and how ridiculously crowded it has become. Any recommendations? Cheaper costs is probably better.

The Bryan Golds is very rarely crowded and the rates are good. The CS one can get very crowded during mornings and after work.

I use the Bryan Golds after work and it's rarely crowded.

I switched from the Rec to the Villa Maria Aerofit about a year ago for the same reasons and have loved it. It's a little pricier than Golds but it's worth it if you go several times a week. They had a good New Years discount going that I took advantage of. It's around $40 a month

My daughter goes to Bryan Aerofit and loves it. Not crowded at all.

There are so many choices now in town. Depending on where you live and what you want/need.
Aggieland Fitness Dome
MPower Fitness (Wellborn, new)
Anytime Fitness
BCS Fitness
Planet Fitness
Innovative Fitness

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Cheaper costs is probably better.

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PlanetFitness is $10/month

I've thought about the Gold's in College Station. They have the stuff I want and they apparently offer student discounts with zero contracts. I graduate in May so signing a contract would be pointless.

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There are so many choices now in town. Depending on where you live and what you want/need.
Aggieland Fitness Dome
MPower Fitness (Wellborn, new)
Anytime Fitness
BCS Fitness
Planet Fitness
Innovative Fitness

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If you like free weights, check out Brazos Valley Barbell.

I recently switched sides of the Brazosplex for work, anyone here a member of Aggieland Fitness Dome? Is it just unbearable in the after work hours?

When I moved to the area (about 7 years ago) I tried out the then 3 major options. Aerofit, Gold's, and Aggieland Fitness Dome.

I cannot, under any circumstance, recommend Gold's Gym. Perhaps one of the worst transactions I have ever made. The gyms, themselves, are fine and have good equipment. I needed to get out of the contract, and the contract that I signed said that my situation was grounds for cancellation. They happily agreed... then proceeded to charge my credit card. This went on for MONTHS. I would call, they would pretend it was all a big mistake (your check for the for the past x unapproved months is in the mail!) and they would continue to charge. Eventually, I had to get my credit card company to intervene. I was lucky I did not give them my SSN, because they had debt collectors calling me for a couple of years thereafter. Stay away.

Aerofit is a good gym. At the time, they only had one location. It was far from me and the facility was older. Still high quality and really the only option I know of if you want a good pool. Now that they have multiple locations, I would re-consider Aerofit if I wasn't so comfortable at the Aggieland Fitness Dome.

I really, really like Aggieland Fitness Dome. I've been there about 5 years. The facility and equipment is very modern and there is a lot of space. They added a basketball/volleyball court a few years back. I personally don't use them, but they seem awfully popular. As of late, it's been really sparse. I, of course, enjoy that, but I am a little worried about their business these days. I know they had a change in management and many of the trainers have gone elsewhere, which I would think brings in lots of folks.

+1 for Aggieland Fitness Dome. I worked out there a number of years and loved it but had to drop my membership last year when work location changed. Locals can get a complimentary pass to try it; also had no trouble terminating when needed.

Depends on where you live. Anytime Fitness by HEB in Tower Point doesn't seem to be overly crowded.

I personally finally learned not to join gyms. I was not dedicated enough to get a decent ROI. Personal training worked better for me.

I love the Dome! Been a loyal member 4 plus years. Yes, change in management, yes less people, however I still love it. I like not waiting for a piece of equipment, love the variety of group classes, most importantly friendly atmosphere.
Try them all see where you feel most comfortable that is what really matters. They all should offer a free visit.

I'm looking for pickup basketball games. Is the Dome worth it for this? When do most people go play and is it easy to join games?

Would recommend Golds up until recently.
Have had issues with billing with changing cards and late fees. It's been a nightmare getting my husbands membership cancelled, despite the fact that he only signed a one year commitment. I am dreading the day I have to cancel mine because they make everything impossible. It's a huge turn off for me.

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I'm looking for pickup basketball games. Is the Dome worth it for this? When do most people go play and is it easy to join games?

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Personally, I wouldn't pay $40/mo for pickup basketball, but I don't want to inflict anyone with my basketball "skills" either :P. Suffice it to say, no sure if anyone is going to be able to answer that but you.

I will say that volleyball folks sometimes ask for me to join in. I doubt anyone would mind working you into their games. Front desk could probably hook you up with folks as well.

Do keep in mind that both volleyball and boot camp share the court with basketball. Usually there is a 1/2 court game going with the other 1/2 being used for something else. I routinely see full court games on the weekend, though.

Does it cost $40 a month for Aggieland Fitness Dome?

Yes with tax I was paying $43 and change a month. That was 2 years ago. They don't offer discounts - corporate or otherwise. Childcare is good and their equipment is usually clean and in working order. When I chose the dome, I was really only paying a few bucks more a month than golds. It was $36/mo at golds and both golds locations would not negotiate I suspect because I was female. My husband was able to get an awesome deal for himself which is why I say that and I'm usually a better negotiator.

If you like boot camps and working with a trainer, innovative fitness is my recommendation. This is by far the best boot camp I've been to. But it can be costly.

I go to golds and don't have any issues but I've been a member at one time or another for almost 20 years. The way to avoid payment issues is to pay annually. My work has an awesome corporate membership discount which is why I'm there now and not at the dome.

Yep. Still $43/mo. You can probably do a little cheaper if that's your aim.

II like Planet Fitness. Affordable ($10/month) and no problems with equipment. No group workouts, but that's cool with me.

After visiting with Aerofit I really enjoyed what they had to offer. The only issue is that they want me to sign a 12-month contract but I'm graduating in May. Apparently someone can take over my contract after I leave and I wouldn't have to pay their cancellation fee.

I like Aerofit (Rock Prairie) but I would not do that unless you already know someone who will take over your membership in May.

There is a transfer fee. I'm sure they told you that.

If money is an issue, I'd probably do Planet Fitness ($10/month, no contract) for a few months. Then switch back to the Rec when construction is finished and the New Years resolutioners stop showing up.