Fit Athletic Club

There are a lot of divisive reviews of this place, so let's get this out of the way: yes, you'll be paying more here than at 24 Hour Fitness or Bally's. The real question should be whether the price is worth it for you or not. We've worked out at several gyms in the loop, and this one is by far the best. It’s always clean, there’s machine availability during peak hours, and they’ve got plenty of classes & special programs. There’s a good mix of Beautiful People and Everyone Else with members of all demographics. It’s a laid-back environment and the staff is approachable. Plus, the locker rooms are nicer than the resort where we spent our honeymoon. The factor that keeps coming up is price. No, I’m not thrilled by the cost. We don’t make a lot of money, and I carry a coupon binder that would put most little old ladies to shame. Fit Athletic offers cheaper rates if you go during off-peak hours -- we can’t because I work two jobs. But since we both have chronic medical issues where exe... Read more

I lift weights 6 times a week or more and I'm a member at all the 24-hr gyms as well as FIT but FIT is by far the best and my favorite. It is never overcrowded, they have excellent equipment, a convenient location, very professional clientele and staff, and the facilities are immaculately clean. It is also the little things that count at FIT like the towels that are always available by the showers, the shaving cream, hair product, and disposable razors in the locker rooms, and the comfy lounge and cafe in the front. The membership dues are in the higher end but it is well worth it to be able to unwind at the end of a hard work day without dealing with the hassles of a big-box retail chain gym. The only con I could think of is that the dumbbells go up in 10 lb increments per pair (5, 10, 15, 20) instead of 5 lb per pair increments (15, 17.5, 20, 22.5). This is pretty minor especially considering that the other gyms are so crowded after work that you have to wait 5 or 10 minutes for the... Read more

Although it's not rock music they're playing and that's fine by me. I'm a former club kid, age 44, male. The awesome club music keeps me motivated. The vibe is clubby and so is the look; concrete floors, lot's of black and chrome. I love the view of downtown Houston also. The equipment is top knotch. The gym has got just enough space and the lay out is great. It's like a huge downtown loft. The smoothie lounge area is excellent with a flat screen TV on the wall, and again, a view of downtown. The Wi Fi makes it easy for me to use my lap top and a very comfortable space to hang out in. They also have two computers there to check e mail or surf the web. FIT has re-motivated me after being at LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness for years. I just joined and feel like I've been missing out. When I joined 2 months ago, they only wanted one month dues down, much less than the others who try to swindle you in to hundreds of dollars down when you walk in the door. I also have the option to gi... Read more

I have been to many gyms over the years and Fit Athletic Club has been the most exciting gym Houston may have to offer. I compliment Pete Ekstrom the General Manager for being there and listening to his members. I feel he wants your business and will prove it to you. I assure you if something is not to my satisifaction I will be the first to speak up. Since I have joined almost a year ago, what few things have not been to my satisfaction they were addressed and handled professionally and to my satisfaction. This to me is not just a gym but a health club that strives to be the best. I have always said you get what you pay for and Fit has delivered 100% to me and I think many of my friends and neighbors that live in the area that utilize this gym would agree. Fit Athletic Club strives to be the best and I am proud to say I am a member of this gym and will continue to support this business as this is a first class establishment. Steve Y

I'm really suprised to read some of those bad reivews. I have been working at at FIT for 2 years now and I have never had any problems with a lot of broken equipment, the AC not being cold enough(?), or rude staff. I agree very much with one review that said "why are you even talking to the staff if they are rude to you?" Other than the passing hello, I have not had a full conversation with a staff member since I joined two years ago. The gym has a plethora of high tech work out equipment and they are constanly getting the latest and greatest thing (especially for cardio), also it's the most convinently located gym for me. The only complaint I have ever had about FIT is that sometimes it gets really crowed after work Monday through Wednesday and there have been times when I wished they opened earlier than 8am on the weekends. But overall, I think it's a first class gym!!

I travel a lot for work, and always go to a gym in the local city to keep stress down and body in shape, so I'm able to compare FIT to say, ...

I travel a lot for work, and always go to a gym in the local city to keep stress down and body in shape, so I'm able to compare FIT to say gyms in Taipei, Melbourne, London, Denver, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Chicago, Mumbai, and so on. I also maintain a blog on good gyms worldwide. Aside from a few gyms in New York City, FIT is one of the best gyms I've been to, ever. I'm not sure where the other postings are coming from, but from my perspective, there simply isn't even another gym in Houston, in Texas, or in this part of the country that can compete with great bodybuilding equipment, clean locker rooms, location, easy tanning, plenty of cardio equipment, unlimited towels, shaving equipment, smoothies, coffee, internet lounge, and on and on. The new Gold's Dallas might... but then they don't have the amenties. It's mazing to see the combination done right. Likewise when I bring friends to FIT, they are usually shocked at how attractive all the people are, like stepping into a Men's Fi... Read more

I have been a member of FIT for 2 years and absolutely LOVE it. It's more expensive than your average 24 Hour Fitness-type gyms but you get what you pay for. The ambience, equipment, classes and friendly staff all make FIT a great place to work out. The classes range in levels of difficulty so not to worry if you are a beginner...nor if you become better and want to take more advance classes. Though it was slightly intimidating for me at first, since a lot of members are in great physical shape...it became encouraging to see what results could be for me if I kept at it. The only complaint I have is the music is not always that great (techno) but that's why I bring my IPOD! They also have a variety of primetime shows on the TVs facing the cardio equipment. Sometimes I get sucked into watching a good show and forget I?m even on the Treadmill. If you're teetering on joining....you should definitely try it out and see if it's for you. It?s close to downtown so if you work anywhere in t... Read more

OMG! The women's dressing room does not even have private, individual clothes-changing rooms. You literally have to undress in front of everybody. I felt highly degraded.

I have been a member for about 2 years and me and my fiancee absolutely love it. The staff is friendly and professional. The gym itself and the equipment is clean. The bathrooms are very clean, unfortunately that cant be said for most gyms. THERE IS PLENTY OF PARKING SPACE--you are going to the gym to workout anyways--it is not vital that the parking be found right at the front of the entrance. Fit is great for anyone who would like to workout in a trendy, CLEAN atmosphere.

I have been a member of this gym for a little over a year now. This is gym definitely has a hip, club like, feel to it. The parking is not as bad as people make it sound. It is not imperative that the parking be found in the front of the gym at peak hours, the parking lot is huge there is ample parking, just not right at the front of the gym. They are also making some minor changes to improve the gym. However the front desk and cafe girls are very unprofessional. They are always busy either texting, surfing web or reading. They could definitely use some mature people in those areas. I sometimes get a drink from the cafe and it takes them a while to realize they have a customer, if it isnt a peak hour. The gym has a great view of downtown skyline.

I have been a member for a little over a year now and am overall impressed. However, the front desk needs to figure some things out. For being front and center, there is only the one girl that I would ever ask a question to; the one with light brown hair. Some ja@kass was so rude to her a couple weeks ago, but I applaud her for being the only professional one of the bunch. My sales guy needs to be a little more proactive too. Some of the sales staff really gets in there and knows their clients. I guess I was not so lucky. I do have to say it is much better than many gyms when it comes to amenities and location. Only thing I would change are the snobby people sometimes and getting more parking lot security. I guess I will ask the girl at the desk!

This place really rocks! I love how clean they keep the place and the fresh towels that are always available at no additional cost. I have been a member here since they opened and it amazes me that they have not increased their monthly dues --ever! Yeah they had a couple of issues at the beginning of the year, but management took prompt action and once again I love hanging out here. The equipment is great, the steam room is fabulous, and I enjoy their juice bar more than going to Starbucks. Also, they have staff of personal trainers unequaled in Houston. Fit is truly a members only CLUB--not just a work out place. I would recommend this place to anyone.

I dont see why people are ranking a gym on CUSTOMER SERVICE. The only time ive talked to them is when i signed up. Ignore them if they ticked ya off. I toured the gym with a friend on a buddy pass, signed up in 2 minutes. Only say hello to the staff as they scan my tag. I go to WORKOUT not mingle with staff. Come on people! Its a gym, not starbucks. Workout, not socialize! Great gym, friendly members, i find that if im not doing a workout right, people are nice enough to correct my form. This is coming from non employees. BTW - i cant even tell who works there. Funny how people rate this entirely on "sign up / cancellation"

I love fit, it is a great gym! Alot of the people are pretty and in shape and that motivates you to work out more. All of the sales guys are nice, especially pete, and all of the front desk girls are very welcoming, especially one named Shaina. They play great music and it's alot cleaner than most gyms. I would definitely tell all of my friends about this place! :-)

In the beginning, it was great. The staff was friendly, the equipment was in working order and one could recommend Fit with a clear conscience. But no more.... All of the reasons to recommend Fit have Fizzled. Rude staff, poor maintenance and just a general lack of concern now prevails. What a shame. Ownership and management should take note, Fit needs a plan to get back into shape. Heads Up!!

This is a really great gym. The staff is nice,friendly, and very helpful. The customer service department is very easy to work with. I had and issue with my account last month and it was taken care of in a timely manner. I think that the people who claim to have had bad experiences here have probably had bad experiences everywhere they go due to their own attitudes. If you are looking for a cool hip place to work out with an awesome staff, then Fit Gym is where you need to go!

This was in an email that I wrote to their member services division rep: Their member services rep told me that she did not care if I were a member or not or for how long....The dispute came from the fact that I signed up ANOTHER MEMBER and I am being charged for their services.... There are no ?misunderstandings at all.? What I stated below is EXACTLY what you conveyed to me. Frankly, I do not appreciate you calling me a liar either! I guess this is necessary if you want to stay in good standing with your company, but your approach to my concerns and communication was horrible. I WILL NOT let you, or anybody else for that matter, talk down to me especially when it involves a premium priced service that I am paying for! ..and this exactly what you did. Our (yours and mine) conversation was the final STRAW that helped me decide to leave, most definitely NOT THE MONEY. When you have a customer service representative tell you that, ?I do not care if you are here at FIT or not,? and ?it ... Read more

I did not get my money's worth at fit athletic club. The women's locker room does not have any private rooms to change in, you literally hav...

It is so HOT in there! The air conditioner is either broken, or can't circulate properly, or SOMEthing. When you are on a cardio machine, prepare to sweat like a fiend, but in free weights, it's comfortable. I've brought this up to the manager, who tells me that it's ME that's just too hot, and that sweating is what happens when you work out. Um, DUH dude. But so hot that it's hard to breathe? They keep the AC at 76 degrees (thermostat is right next to treadmills, so you can see it), which is entirely too HOT for a gym. Meanwhile, the enclosed classes room is kept at 72, much more comfortable. And the staff is so rude, condescending, and downright apathetic. No matter what you ask them for, they give you that blank, "why are you bothering me with your meaningless question" stare. It would not surprise me at ALL if this place didn't make it. Please, do yourself a favor, and find a different gym to join....and FAST!!!

We have been members of this gym for 2 years and do NOT recommend it to anyone! It's true that the steam room never works. The membership fee is high, which we would not mind paying ... for quality service, but all they do is skimp. We had to complain when they began watering down the mouthwash! C'mon now -- how much does mouthwash cost? Other members began telling us to watch our credit card statements for charges that we may have not authorized, and sure enough--they tried to charge us for personal training and tanning services we never received. They also charge an additional $25 each year around the beginning of the year for "facility improvement", yet we've heard from an inside source that this is their way of giving themselves a Holiday Bonus without upsetting the members because the fees are already so high. If you call or e-mail their member services dept., you'll be lucky to hear back from them. We agree that the location is great, and the exterior is chic and appears exclus... Read more

Beautiful gym, super clean, hot people, great equipment, friendly staff and people who are SERIOUS about working out. Well worth the premium price (not that much higher than most). GIve Pete a call there. Great sales guy and is good about following up with his clientele to make sure they're happy.

The Gym is ok but not for the price. All the classes are very crowded. They have a lot of equipment that does not work and the staff is not very helpful. I signed a contract for two years and every year they charged me and annual fee. I had to call them and tell them that that was not in the contract. They would always say that it was, so I would have to tell them that I had the contract in front of me and it was not on it (which is true!). They refunded the money eventually both times but it was just a hassle. Like if their monthly fees were not high enough already. OK? so my two year contract ended and I called them to see what I needed to do so that they didn?t keep charging my credit card. They said to send an e-mail at an address they gave me, and then the e-mail address didn?t work. So I called back to verify the address and the girl that answered said that she?d been told a few times that the e-mail didn?t work so she took my information and said that they would call me t... Read more

The steamrooms never work at this place and when you complain about it the staff just ignores you. I walked into the men's steamroom the other day and it wasn't working (per usual). I was feeling hopeful however and I felt the steam nozzle to test if it was even warm. When I did this I got the shock of my life. Maybe the management will finally fix the men's steamroom so that it works consistently. Maybe someone will be shocked to death and put Fit Athletic out of business. Either way the men's steamroom never works. Apparantly, the women's steamroom is even worse.

This gym started out with great promise but, like so many other gyms, has fallen into disrepair. Hoping to climb on that treadmill? Sorry, it's broken. So is the one next to it. Ditto for the elliptical trainer in the next row. And even the equipment that isn't broken still has headphone jacks that are out of order. All those TV's don't do much good when you can't get any audio. One piece of equipment has been broken for well over 9 months now - and there are no signs that anyone is lifting a finger to get it fixed. There is an "sorry equipment out of service" sign on it that's been there so long that people have taken to defacing it with graffiti ("fix me!", "how much longer???"). I guess management is too busy selling memberships - they should just wall off the entire cardio area with a giant "OUT OF ORDER" sign and be done with it. They were clearly a step above the (admittedly horrible) competition several years ago. No they're just another inferior player in the dreadf... Read more

For the 2 years I have belonged here, either the steam room or the sauna in the ladies locker room is broken. I have left 5 messages for the manager to call me to cancel my membership.....after 6 weeks, no one has called. The staff is rude and it appears they only care about having fake chest and steriod muscle builders there. They have continually lied about services that they were going to offer and have not followed through on.....like a swimming pool. For the money, the don't hold a candle to the Downtown Club at the Met. Someone needs to go in there and offer a customer service 101 class to the entire staff

Fit was explained to me to be the W hotel of gyms. It is not. To be fair, it is nice. There is nothing here out of the ordinary and the classes and machines are always too crowded at peak workout times. For the price, I feel there must be better alternatives out there. The search for the best gym begins again.

Before you get a membership here, walk through the cardio area and notice the lack of circulation. If you plan on doing cardio, prepare to work out without AC. We have been going to FIT for over a year now and complained about the lack of circulation and the fact that the AC is off in the cardio area 90% of the time, while the AC seems to always be on in the free weights area. My husband and I have complained about this numerous times, but nothing is ever done. Maybe we should bring our own fans so that we do not pass out from heat exhaustion, or maybe we should stop paying a ridiculously high monthly membership fee for a gym that is supposed to be state of the art, but can't even offer a proper cooling system to their members.

I just recently moved to San Diego, and I terribly miss FIT club. :( If you live in Houston and not a member, you are seriously missing out. What I miss the most is the steam room, the spa inspired locker room and all the new equipment. I read another review that you can find this kind of equipment anywhere-yea not true whatsoever. I have not come across ONE gym that even compares to FIT in Houston or San Diego. And not to mention that it is maintained, clean and the staff is really friendly and helpful. I was clearly told what my monthly rate was, and the staff were helpful/informative every step of the way. I used to go to FIT and be so excited to work out-and I miss that feeling... :( If I ever decide to move back home to midtown, you better bet you'll see me signing up as soon as my flight lands! LOL! no, but seriously though-it's a great fitness club with all the perks.

I have been going to FIT for over a year and this is a great place to workout. The equipment is great, they have great experienced trainers (Mandy, Mike, Joe - to name a few) and everyone has been pretty friendly. They definately could spend more on better magazines, but in my experience there isn't much else wrong with the club. They fixed the tv devices on the cardio equipment so you can listen to the tv's while you're working out. Most people bring their own ipod type device, but the club's music is great if you forget to bring it. This is so much better than places like Bally's and it doesn't feel like a meat market. There are numerous classes you can take - It can get busy/crowded, but you just have to get there early to get a good spot - like every other place out there. You can tell that they have changed things because of the negative comments posted. Go to workout and you'll be glad you joined.

The customer staff is quite 3rd rate, their billing dept has a strange knack for twisting their words around and changing your contract mid-stream. I have been lied to on a few occasions there and it as just ruined my experiences for gyms as a whole. pros were that their classes are good and the equipment is alright....but you can get that anywhere. It is customer satisfaction that matters and being honest and up front with its members.

Most of the staff act like they are from Dallas. People are more worried about looking cool than working out. No thanks.

I'm there most mornings very early (b/t 5:30 and 7a.m.) and have either trained with or am familiar with the training style of Mario and Sasha. If you're interested in making lifelong changes in the way you look and feel, talk to one of them. Both are extremely down to earth, sincere, and care about seeing you achieve your fitness goals.

do not ever make the mistake of joining this gym. dirty locker rooms. their sales people are a bunch of liars. my credit card was charged wi...

Billing staff and management staff are rude. Of the desk staff, Nicole is awesome and so is Diana, but the rest are kids talking on their cell phones and acting cool. I'm over their attitude, but not that of senior staff. If they don't care about their members, they why bother giving them your money? I'm going to the Houstonian!

The gym has a dual personality. In the early weekday mornings, 5am to 7am, it is not very crowded and the people are serious about working out. In the early evening after work, 5pm to 8pm, the music is loud (too loud at times), it's very crowded, and it's a filled with unpleasant men staring at women. It's like a nightclub. The gym has the latest equipment, provides free workout towels, and is clean. The downside is that the machines and TVs sometimes take weeks to get fixed when they break down, and there are only two regular stationary bikes, which always are in use. Many reviews have said that Simone in sales is wonderful. I disagree very much. She's a high-pressure salesperson, and she discriminates. The gym has a couples rate for unmarried couples in the same household, and the rate is cheaper than paying a membership for two singles. Many salespeople give the couples rate to all unmarried couples who live together. Simone, however, has personally decided not to give the co... Read more

I have recently joined this gym and have great things to say about it. I wanted to try out some classes before making my decision and they were more than willing to show me around and let me use the facilities and take a yoga class. I also took a pilates and abs class which I thought were great. When I left there was no pressure to join and was told to think about it and come back any time. I decided to join the next day and have not regretted it.

Downtown mega-club with an emphasis on group classes: cycling, Pilates, kickboxing, self-defense and yoga.

Good points are that it has excellent Yoga classes for a health club, modern equipment and great locker facilities. The bad point is that the offering of cardio classes is very limited. Availability of these classes on weekends is virtually nil. If you are not a 9-5er, look carefully at class schedules and club hours before joining. I run on a treadmill and use elipticals in hotels all week long - a club membership should provide something different on weekends. When I realized the schedule was not going to work, the staff was not helpful at all. On top of the couple hundred dollars I paid just to join - I had to pay over 150$ to get out of the membership 6 months later. The women who handles cancellations was unwilling to compromise.

This place is so wannabe it is funny. Just spending millions on equipment and buildout doesn't give a business the excuse to staff it with kids and unprofessional cheeseballs. This comes as no surprise, though, when you talk to people around town. Apparently, the owner had his managers actually walk into KickSport and approach the instructors about working at Fit - right before and after classes on-site! I guess it is no wonder that KickSport went out of business. That kind of business practice only spills over into everything else. But, hey, the equipment is brand new (for now).

I love this club - close to home, I love my personal trainer and the other trainers there seem professional, knowledgable and friendly too, great locker room facilities, great equipment. BUT The sales staff BESIDES SIMONE (the exception to this commentary - so if you decide to check this club out see her...) think the are the hottest thing to walk the earth. Club is a great concept - going in the right direction, but really a super friendly staff speak VOLUMES over equipment and the dog and pony show.

This club has the potential to be great: superior location, nice design, good amenities, etc. However, the staff is dragging this place down. There are a few bright lights amid the duds, like Simone, the short-haired blond girl, and the door staff. The rest of them, especially the trainers, are almost hostile to anyone who isn't paying them. The cardio area is very good, when the machines are fixed, but the free weight area is too small and too crowded -- and filled with the aforementioned hostile staff. Don't even try going on a Monday or Tuesday night: too crowded, like they have oversold the memberships. The reading material pretty much sucks too. I wonder why with everyone paying at least $80 a month they can't get some good magazines in there.

I joined FIT & I am VERY pleased! The equipment is awesome & the view is remarkable! The bathrooms are immaculate. Razors, towels, q-tips, mouthwash, lotion, hair spray, deodorant, & even blow dryers & straightening/curling irons are provided! There are never any lines waiting for machines, which is convenient. The music will definitely get you pumped up for your work out. The Cafe is equipped with high speed internet, flat screen TV & chairs to relax in while enjoying a smoothie, fitness food, Starbuck's, even fresh sushi after a challenging work out with a knowledgeable & motivating trainer! If Im having a bad day, I chat with any of the front desk/cafe staff & feel better! The managers are helpful & the sales staff (especially Michael & Simone) is very friendly! The place is very inviting & I highly recommend FIT to everyone!

In theory FIT Athletic Club is an excellent model. It is trendy, hip, has new machines and centrally located. However, there sems to be tot...

I have been all over the country and a member of numerous gyms from privately owned to the bigger named ones. Overall, I REALLY enjoy working out at Fit. I am new to the Houston area and love the fact that I have a place to go and get a great workout in. Some of the staff are friendly and some of the staff are not. Some of the members park like it's their first day driving and the rest of us follow the rules. All I know is that when I'm there it's an environment where I can focus on myself, my goals and enjoy the time. It's not so much a meat market as it is a bunch of great people just going to have a good time! Oh, we can't forget the nutritionist, TANK classes, group programs, the cafe and so much more!!!

I don't usually type up reviews but after reading a couple of negative comments I had to. Fit Athletic Club is an EXCELLENT place to workout! It is cutting edge with the latest in equipment, a nice array of music, and enough food, drinks, and supplements to compete with any gym out there. Sushi at a gym? Wow! As for the staff being rude nothing could be further from the truth. I have been a member at Fit for almost two years. One of the things I look forward to is talking with the staff and feeling like I have good friends to visit. Employees like Diana who works at the smoothie bar or Spencer, Mark, & Skip who are Personal Trainers, always have a smile & conversation for me. Even the maintenance staff is friendly. Do yourself a favor and take a visit to Fit. You will be impressed!

The place is clean, machines are top of the line, and cardio classes are challenging. I have a very knowledgeable trainer who is probably one of the four people there with a sense of humor. However, the DJ manages to find remixes for everything and destroy classics. The music is so loud that you have to yell to be heard. There are broken tv's and lockers, and the quality of towels seems to have degraded. They keep hiring trainers instead of making the ones they have work more, which only takes up more machines during peak hours. If you want a friendly, sociable place, this isn't the gym for you. If you want the best and elite, you should be tipped off by the BMWs, Lexus', Porsches, and Mercedes outside. (Which are allowed to park wherever they want making it more difficult to navigate than it really should be).

The facilities rival that of the Houstonian, but you don't have the pretentiousness or the unbelievable cost. I've never engaged a trainer ...

Upon joining Fit, I was giving the best customer sevice ever in a health club. Every staff member was kind to me especially the general manager (Ken). This facility is extremely clean and offers the most state of the art equipment out there. Fit also has a great place to hang out at their cyber cafe with plasma tv and internet. I would recommend this health club to all types of personalities.

For what it costs to belong to this club, the management/service should be much better. The facility is nice but there is no attention to detail. They always run out of drinking water, cleaner to wipe down the equipment, and even towels on busy nights. The staff is unhelpful and often rude, even one of the managers. If something breaks, it takes them a long time to fix it. Two plasma tvs have had big black lines down the middle for months; several spinning bikes have been broken for weeks; many lockers in the women's locker room have been broken since I joined; there are only 2 sets of foot straps for 7 stationary bikes. It's little things like that which always leave me annoyed when I walk out; however, it is convenient and there is almost always some kind of cardio machine available.