Houston Gym

Because this is a real gym, not a 24 hr fitness or an L.A. fitness or a damn health spa. HOUSTON GYM IS THE SHIT!

Pros: Best Gym in Houston!!!

Cons: No cons whatsoever

Posted 11/20/09

love everyone there..upbeat without the fluff or pressure of not being a size 2! Love the director of personal training.. Wes Simon!!

Pros: friendly staff

Posted 11/19/09

This place is busy, but I know why. As a new member, I feel right at home. Great place to workout with great, mostly new equipment. Got introduced to people easily and have thoroughly enjoyed a few sessions with a personal trainer named Layn. Very knowledgeable about nutrition and exercise. Looking forward to my next workout with him!

Pros: Awesome laid back atmosphere

Cons: a little busy at night

Posted 11/09/09

My 2 yr contact ended in March 2009 and now it's October 2009 and my checking account is still being charged. I've spoken to the manager several times and went in person to sign a cancellation notice. They keep saying it's their fault and they forgot to hit the save button. REDICULOUS! I did not get refunded for any of the money from March - September and the manager says I'll get October's money back...I won't hold my breath. This is HORRIBLE management and totally unacceptable when there are 2 new gyms located in the Heights area!

Cons: Keeps charging my account

Posted 10/06/09

Ive been going to this gym for a few years now and love it. They have an awesome staff that is super friendly and very helpful. I read some of the other reviews and I have never had a problem with my billing nor have my friends that have cancelled had any issues closing out their accounts, so im not sure what they were talking about. This gym has been fantastic for me! I lost 30 pounds in the first 6 months and have managed to keep it off with Wes', my trainer, help. I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking for a no frills place to workout that will get you results. Oh and check out their bootcamps, they rock.

Pros: friendly and fun staff, awesome atmosphere, free weights

Cons: parking in evenings...until i found out about other lots.

Posted 10/06/09

This guy gets it. After 3 back sugeries and a lot of years off, this guy has me feeling my 20-30's again. Pace is critical, with no apologies, but I've never felt better. The gym and Cedric specifically, rocks. All the best to them both.

Posted 06/11/09

I moved, and was assured by Tony the manager that my charges would stop--4 weeks later, I was charged again, and told that NO ONE except Tony can credit me back. The employee told me "I see where Tony cancelled your account, but he didn't press the button to stop your automatic bank draft." That kind of mistake is unacceptable.

Pros: Small and basic

Cons: Bad management

Posted 05/15/09

A few talking points in addition to my 5 star rating.

1) Houston gym is a no BS gym...
When pro bodybuilders choose to call a gym home, it says alot about the facility. It says the equipment is straight forward, to the point, and gets the job done. It also says alot about the fundamental equipment necessary to build bodies of that caliber...those bases are all covered. Oh about those bodybuilders....each and every one of them is friendly, funny, and it?s obvious they are passionate about sharing their knowledge w/ clients/members.

Also, there is no lap pool, sauna or fancy smoothie bar, and that?s exactly the point. Tanning and massage however are available....

2) Houston gym is a friendly gym w/ positive energy...
From day one I noticed a positive energy that was lacking in other gyms (been a member at Gold?s, and FIT in the past). Blame this on the motivated members and trainers, as well as the close knit environment this local gym boasts. What?s this energy I'm talking about? Ever work out at an apartment complex workout room? If so you know what a gym feels like that has NO energy...this is no good, and sure as hell no fun.

3) The trainers are excellent...
I can only speak for one (Cedric), and more on him in a moment. First, it?s obvious each trainer has a different style and intensity level, which is great for customers w/ different goals. I have never been in a gym w/ as many consistently booked training staff...again making the point that these guys know their stuff and clients get results. As far as Cedric is concerned, this guy is excellent. His workouts are direct, to the point, potent, and effective.

4) Customer Service, Billing and Parking...
Customer Service is on point.
I'm greeted w/ a hello or handshake from staff and given a good evening/morning when leaving.
Billing is on point.
I had one issue actually, and it was fixed in less than 24hrs.
Parking.
I've come at 6am, and 6pm. I've NEVER had a problem.

Pros: Location, Trainers, Ambience (Energy)

Cons: I can see this gym getting more popular, potential to get crowded, however not as of yet

Posted 05/17/08

I've been a Houston Gym member for many years and it is a excellent gym close into town. Good value for the money. Not a meat-market. Trainers are very knowledgeable and fun. Only con is small parking lot, although the gym has arranged for parking at neighboring businesses in the evenings so it's not too much of a problem. Many upgrades and new equipment in the last year or so as well. I highly recommend.

Posted 03/25/08

Worked out with owners for 12 years, and love it! Gym feels like a small neighborhood gym where people know you and help keep you going. Finest equipment, EXCELLENT Massage therapsit! Worth the trip.

Pros: great trainers, body builders in house

Cons: parking

Posted 03/25/08

Every time I come to the gym I have a great experience. Not only is the staff friendly and helpful, but the patrons are also. This is a gym where people come to get in shape. You are not left on you own, there is help when needed. I have beloned to at least 5 gyms and this is the best.

Pros: the people and equipment

Cons: none

Posted 03/25/08

Houston Gym has been the greatest thus far that I have worked out at. It has the perfect balance of atmosphere, people, equipment, and expetise with such a non-threatening fell about it! Everyone here feels right at home and COMFORTABLE to do their workout and get what they need out of stress-relief.

Posted 03/25/08

I was all excitied to join here for $19. Then I found out that it's really $45 to get the "premium" gym. For $45 a month I would expect MUCH better. There isn't enough equipment is you come during peak hours. The parking is horrible. I moved and tried to call in and get the proceedures to close out my account. I called at 10 am, they said I needed to call back and talk to a Manager between the hours of 11 - 1. I called back the manager was in a meeting. I called back the next day, mamager was still busy (left a messgae for someone to call me, never did). Called back the manager said all I needed to do was come in (why couldn't the idiot on the phone tell me that? I went in and then they said there was additional paperwork that needed to be done, so I did that and I was ESURED that I would not be charged for the next coming month, but was! This is not where you want to go for the price you pay!!

Pros: no pros

Cons: staff is stupid, poor customer service

Posted 03/06/08

This a great little neighborhood gym for the fitness minded as well as the fitness novice. The staff is very helpful and energetic. Tony is the life of the party (one of the staff) he makes everyone feel right at home! The rates are very competitive and it has the feel of a local tavern or hangout where everyone knows your name!
The hours are from 5a- 10p Monday- Friday and 8a-8p on Saturday and Sunday. The gym has a very knowledgeable training staff who is willing and able help you build a solid program. I would seriously give this place a look if you are trying to get in shape and want to do it in atmosphere that is fun light hearted.

Pros: Awesome staff, great environment!!

Cons: Parking is a challenge on Mon.- Tues.

Posted 02/27/08

I would consider Houston Gym a good value. We live in The Heights area, and there are not a lot of gyms to choose from in this area. Houston Gym has highly competitive prices, and your basic gym needs can be met. They have all the equipment basics (including free weights, cable equipment, and plenty of cardio equipment) and offer aerobics classes at convenient times. They have trainers available for you. It's safe. It's convenient. Staff are usually pretty nice. If you are looking for something fancier, fine, but expect to pay 2-4 times as much. My husband and I feel that it meets our needs and our budget! Tony is very helpful and can answer your questions. He will even let you try it for a week to see if you like it first. I would recommend to anyone to try it out, at least, for the reasons I stated above.

Pros: Great Value, your basic gym needs can be met, convenient aerobics class times

Cons: Dated equipment, small, not as "fancy" as competitors

Posted 02/20/08

This is a good "all-purpose" gym. Plenty of iron to lift, good machines with a good range of special machinery. It is a serious gym with people working out fast and furiously. Most of the clientele are there to get in and get out with a good workout behind them. It is not a glitter gym where sweating is discouraged and fashion codes are enforced. The trainers are knowledgable, but not required, and the atmosphere is friendly and chatty. The workout crowd covers all ages and experience levels, from hard, bodybuilders to soft, starters. There is no intimidating crowd hanging around the weight racks to discourage anyone from entry. Everyone is welcome here. As with all gyms, rush hour is around 5:00 PM, otherwise it is easy to get in and out at your leisure. Centrally located to the north side of the inner loop. Come on down.

Pros: Nice size, good crowd, a parking lot attendant for security

Cons: music choice

Posted 02/20/08

I have not had the same experience as the people below. I have found the gym dirty, the staff unprofessional and the equipment only works part of the time. Plus it is usually overcrowded when I am there--this is in part due to some of the machines being down at any given time. They seem more interested in selling you an expensive personal trainer package than in properly running the business. Also, the manager is only on duty during certain periods of the day so if you need help outside of those hours, you are out of luck---the sales people will tell you different things every time and while they are authorized to sign contracts and take your money, they are not authorized to do anything to help you. As soon as my contract is up, I am out of here! If I could give this place zero stars I would.

Pros: Can't think of any at the moment...

Cons: Poor service, equipment works half of the time, parking lot is overcrowded

Posted 01/20/08

I've been a member of Houston Gym for a year now, and I really love it. I live close by and walk to it, so it was a natural for me to join. It's a great small local gym that caters to weightlifting first and foremost. The equipment varies from very old to rather new, but all of it gets used quite a bit. It has a "broken in" feel to it. They do have cardio equipment, but not enough to accomodate everyone at peak times after work.

The trainers are young bodybuilders for the most part, and they are fun to work out with. Most of them are young guys, but the staff does inlcude a few more seasoned men and one or two women. Trainers are either independent or staff members of the gym, so be sure to check in to both options if you are looking for a specific type. A new membership includes 3 training sessions with one of them, and training packages are priced well enough to continue if that is what you are looking for. They do offer classes, but they have just rearranged a lot of them due to not enough attendance. A resident massage therapist offers sessions upstairs.

It definitely feels warm and welcoming, and the staff learns your name quickly. There are no amenities like a sauna or pool, and the idea is it's a stripped down place to work out. It's a great neighborhood gym and very different than the corporate chain clubs like nearby Bally's. Most of the members are fit already, so I could see it being intimidating to gym newbies. The owners attract a lot of serious weight lifters, so be ready to train with the big guys around. Oh yeah, and the women are just as fit and sometimes competitive bodybuilders too.

Pros: Neighborhood feel, serious environment, friendly staff, great place to lift weights

Cons: Cardio area full at peak times, parking can be tough, might be intimidating for newbies

Posted 01/08/08

Whether you want to lose a few pounds, take advance of group exercise programs, compete in Ms. Fitness, Figure, or Bodybuilding this gym has experienced fitness trainers who have the years of knowledge and continuing education to help you achieve your goals.

The Houston Group X-Team (HGX Team) will tap into your physical fitness abilities and guide you through the various group exercise programs this gym offers: Ab Lab, Butt N' Guts, Indoor Cycling, Interval training, Pilates, TaeBo, Yoga and Zumba.

Most importantly, the staff, owners, and every member is part of your journey as you take on your own challenges.

Pros: Experience Trainers for the novice to professional fitness levels

Posted 05/25/07

I've joined this gym in 2004 when I moved to the area and have not regretted it since. They have brand new equipment which they take immaculate care of. Everyone there is very friendly and you get to know the regulars. They do have tanning and classes if you are looking for that, but it's mainly a great place to go work out without all the "show".

Posted 04/29/07

I have worked out at Houston Gym from the beginning and it has grown tremendously from a small space on Birdsall to the present location on Durham. The owners are tops in my book. The other staff members are dynamic too. I train with the best trainer in the world Johnnie West. He is exceptional, very knowledgeable, dependable and compassionate. This is a small gym with a BIG HEART!!!! The members are all friendly and I have enjoyed my almost 10 years working out at this gym. If you want to see results then this is the gym for you

Posted 04/05/04

I joined the Houston Gym about 4 months ago after moving into the area. It is definitely no frills but perfect for a hard workout. Staff is knowledgeable and other gym-goers are friendly. 100% opposite of the huge clubs - which is refreshing! Now that the new year is here, however, this place is always SO crowded. I hope this does not continue. Owners and managers - please start limiting new memberships! Your current patrons are getting frustrated with lack of availability of machines, benches, etc!

Pros: Good value, Knowledgeable staff

Cons: Crowded in '04!

Posted 01/14/04

I joined about six months ago and haven't regretted it once. New Cybex machines, tons of free-weight, ellipticals, lifecycles--everything I need for weight training and cardio. The staff remained friendly and helpful even after I joined. This place feels like a neighborhood gym, which is a refreshing change from the attitude I've gotten at big health clubs. I feel like I got a lot for my money.

Pros: Affordable, Great equipment, Relaxed atmosphere

Posted 08/22/02

If you are looking for a laid back gym with not toom many frills then this is for you. They are beggining to offer some classes now but their primary focus are free weights and cybex machines. When I joined this gym I rerally wasn;t too shore if I would like it. But the staff, and other patrons have been very friendly and helful. This is also a great value (I pay $25 p/month) If you want a gym that's not about who you are or what you are wearing then this is for you.

Pros: great staff, friendly, good equipment

Cons: crowded at times, parking

Posted 06/20/02