Best Gyms 2022
Dynamic Fitness
Dynamic Fitness has four gym locations in the Houston area. The gym’s management prioritizes affordable membership with add-on services such as personal training and tanning. Each membership includes a tailored nutritional plan to complement a range of group classes from Zumba and cycling to kickboxing and stretching. Dynamic Fitness facilities also feature 24-hour gym access, kids fitness programs, and executive-style locker rooms. Several employees began as members and have achieved AFAA, NASM, and ISSA certifications.
Iron Sports
Members of Iron Sports, a Houston gym that features Ninja Warrior and obstacle training, can work out individually, in a group, or with professional trainers. More than 50 Iron Sports-trained ninjas have been on American Ninja Warrior and qualified for national finals. The trainers’ experiences include sports medicine, self-defense, CrossFit, bodybuilding, yoga, and nursing. Iron Sports’ owner escaped from Cambodia as a child in the 1970s and volunteers with Houston North Gymnastics.
Power House Gym Houston
Power House Gym Houston provides weight loss and fitness programs, personalized training, and low membership fees. Teens and service agents such as police, fire, and military may be eligible for discounts. The Southeast Houston gym promotes hardcore fitness in a family-friendly environment. Available equipment includes farmer logs, atlas stones, squat racks, and barbells, for bodybuilding and weight loss programs.
Stone’s Gym
Stone’s Gym has been serving Houston and the Bay area since 1976. The fitness facility has a boxing studio, basketball half-court, nursery, indoor track, cardio theater, women-only room, dry sauna, heated whirlpool, private luxury locker rooms, and personal and group fitness trainers. Group workout sessions include spinning, kickboxing, yoga, step, toning, Triple C, Boot Camp, Zumba, and Pilates.
inSPIRE Rock
Located in Spring, inSPIRE Rock is a climbing gym that has been serving the Houston area for close to 20 years. The facility has a traditional fitness room with cardio and weightlifting equipment, yoga classes, a pro shop and cafe, and 17,000 square feet of climbing space. Climbers can access up to 43-foot lead arches, double-decker boulders, an IFSC-standard speed wall, auto-belay units, and a separate kids climbing area. Nonprofit Group rates are available.
River Oaks Gym
Founded in 2006, River Oaks Gym in Houston caps its membership to provide a quiet, clean environment for personal and group exercise. The training staff includes NSCA and NASM Certified Personal Trainers, a sports safety training specialist, and a military veteran. River Oaks Gym features luxurious locker rooms, private showers, and Quantum Strength equipment. Company-wide physical fitness evaluations and programs are available.
Memorial Athletic Club and Aquatic Center
Memorial Athletic Club and Aquatic Center (MAC) is a West Houston gym featuring programs such as Training for Warriors, Parisi Speed Control School, and TriMAC triathlon training. More than 150 classes a week include Zumba, P90X, and Spinning. Certified Personal Trainers specialize in performance enhancement, weight loss, pregnancy exercise, teen fitness, and bodybuilding. The gym opened in 1979 and has been named Best in Houston for three years in a row by Memorial Examiner readers.
Houston Gym
Houston Gym is a 15,000 square foot fitness facility providing personal training, group exercise, massage, and tanning for more than 20 years. The gym has Cybex weight training and Precore and Lifefitness cardio equipment. Personal trainers maintain NASM, ASFA, TRX, ISSA, USAW, CrossFit, and NCCPT certifications. Their diverse specializations include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue and second-degree brown belts, women’s fitness, MMA, TaeBo, yoga, HGX, bodybuilding, and fitness nutrition.
Baby Bull Gym
Baby Bull Gym is an East Downtown Houston boxing facility that provides private training, open gym access, Boxing Boot Camp, and Boxing Academies. Youth and adult programs for amateur and professional athletes are available, along with nutritional support. Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz, former unified WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO Lightweight World Champion, supports Houston schools, encouraging students to commit to discipline, respect, and education.
Costa’s Gym
Costa’s Gym opened in Northwest Houston in the 1980s and has members who have been involved for more than 30 years. The management at Costa’s Gym emphasizes affordable personal training and a fun, non-intimidating environment. Members and personal training clients have access to traditional gym equipment, nutrition plans, and a variety of exercise programs. Discounts are available for short-term visitors, students, and seniors.
Studio Fitness
Located in the Heights, Studio Fitness is a Houston gym with more than a dozen instructors and trainers providing fitness options from yoga to Boot Camp. Staff members specialize in reducing the risk of injury, Zumba, bodybuilding, marathon conditioning, and senior fitness. Several dealt with weight issues before becoming fitness professionals. The facility has childcare, open gym, and group exercise services. Studio Fitness has been voted a Top Ten Gym in Houston by the Chronicle, Houston A-List, and ABC13.
The Train Station
The Train Station is a distraction- and intimidation-free Houston gym that specializes in personal training for women. Trainers hold certifications from most major national and international fitness associations, including ISSA and NSCA, as well as degrees in physiology and kinesiology and specialization in TRX, Pilates, weight training, nutrition, aquatics, and stretching. The Train Station is among the Best Gyms of Houston as ranked by the Chronicle, Houston Health and Fitness Magazine, and several local TV stations.
Texas Rock Gym
Texas Rock Gym has 14,000 square feet of indoor climbable surfaces. The Houston climbing gym and fitness facility, open since 1996, hosts yoga, primal fitness, Tai-chi, and Kung Fu classes as well as areas set up for top roping, lead climbing, auto-belaying, and bouldering. Climbers of all ages are welcome at the low-impact Houston gym, for private lessons, youth climbing teams, and custom group events.
Washington Gym
Workout sessions at Washington Gym in Houston build strength through progressive cycles, using tools such as bodyweight movements, sleds, and barbells. The owner-coaches are Poliquin Biosignature Practitioners, with additional certifications including Bio-Reflex Analysis and NASM corrective exercise specialization. Other Washington Gym trainers have experience in competitive volleyball, kids and teen certified training, powerlifting, and gymnastics. Members receive nutritional guidance, photobooth tracking of body fat goals, and referrals for vetted massage therapists and chiropractors.
The Core
A locally owned and operated Houston gym, The Core has 27,000 square feet of space for cardio and weight training equipment as well as rooms that independent personal trainers and wellness professionals rent to serve their clients. The fitness center features a salon, daycare, cafe, pro shop, executive locker rooms, and designated parking for members. Trainer and wellness professional specialties include acupuncture, weight loss management, TRX, rehab, boxing, senior fitness, prenatal exercise, and bilingual coaching.
O Athletik
O Athletik is a gym located in Houston that offers a wide array of workout sessions, including sports performance training, barre and core classes, MMA training, kickboxing, and cardiovascular exercises. It also has a yoga studio and a weight room. Furthermore, the gym provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes and camps to children of all ages. Its 35,000 square feet facility includes additional amenities such as an in-gym cafe, sauna, steam room, swimming pool, and outdoor hill. O Athletik offers over 100 classes every week.
H-Town
H-Town is a 6,500-square-foot fitness center that serves individuals of different fitness levels in Houston and the surrounding areas. It provides various programs to its clientele, such as personal training, cardio, endurance, weightlifting, and gymnastics. It also offers over 45 class options each week, including CrossFit, open gym, and yoga. Its trainers evaluate its members' health, wellness, and fitness levels and develop a custom program for them. In addition, H-Town offers one-on-one and group nutrition services through its resident dietician.
Be Fit Gym
Be Fit Gym is a family-owned gym located in the east end of downtown Houston. It is a warehouse gym environment that offers a workout floor and equipment for members and guests. Membership includes access to spin classes, yoga classes, and full use of facilities. The gym also plays trap, house, electro, dance, and old-school hip hop music to motivate the clients while they are working out. Be Fit Gym has been operating since 2015.
Life Fit Gym
Life Fit Gym is a fitness center with two locations in Houston. The gym was built in 2011 to provide workout routines as well as create a local fitness community. The classes conducted at Life Fit Gym are suitable for different fitness levels and ages. Its group fitness sessions include warm-up exercises, cardio workouts, strength training, and cool-down exercises. After classes, patrons can take a shower in the locker rooms and grab protein shakes or water on the go.
Fitness Project Humble
Fitness Project has been offering its services and facilities to Houston residents since 2015. The business provides personal training programs for individuals who want tailored workouts and guidance for their fitness goals. Moreover, its instructors lead group classes such as yoga, Zumba, LM Core, and BodyPump. The establishment also has a cycle studio, cardio equipment, resistance machines, and a course designated for HIIT. The clients of Fitness Project can book classes and programs through its mobile application.
OAK Fitness
OAK Fitness is a gym facility that offers its services to individuals in the Houston metro and its neighboring areas. The local business offers a personal training program that can aid and guide its clients in reaching their respective health and fitness goals. In addition, the establishment conducts a range of group classes focusing on yoga, boxing, mobility, strength and conditioning, and high-intensity interval training. The team of OAK Fitness has been serving clients since 2020.
Texas Barbell Syndicate
Founded by powerlifters Mark and Mirtha Peltier, Texas Barbell Syndicate is a family-owned and family-operated gym that has been serving clients in Houston and the neighboring areas since 2016. It offers fitness, powerlifting, and barbell-based strength training programs. Its climate-controlled facility has up-to-date equipment, including deadlift platforms, powerlifting competition platforms, flat and incline benches, power cage bench stations, and multiple bars. In addition, Texas Barbell Syndicate is a USA Powerlifting Platinum Level Regional Training Center.
The Gym
The Gym is a training facility in Houston. For over 15 years, the establishment has been providing personalized lifestyle programs designed to achieve clients' health and fitness goals. Its team aids individuals new to exercising and assists those who need more guidance and coaching. The personal trainers of The Gym have a combined experience of 20 years. Alex Hernandez, one of the gym's trainers, started his career over 15 years ago when he lost 120 lbs. He is skilled in Shaolin Kung Fu and Sanda.
Commerce Street Gym
Commerce Street Gym is a locally owned fitness facility that caters to clients in Houston and the surrounding areas. It provides one-time and on-schedule regular training. In addition, bodybuilding sessions are offered, with a wide range of weights accessible for individuals regardless of age and fitness level. Day passes can also be availed by customers who are trying out new gyms. Commerce Street Gym has been in operation since 2018. Chrissy Ramirez, one of its trainers, brings over 10 years of experience in the industry.
Mekanix Gym
Mekanix Gym is a Houston-based fitness club that specializes in calisthenics and bodyweight training. Personal training, group training, nutrition coaching, and corporate wellness plans are among the program offerings. It also has a fire and ice program that involves alternating between an ice bath and sauna. Gym members receive individualized programs based on their body assessment and fitness goals. Owner and founder Justin Singer is a fitness enthusiast who has also competed in soccer, rugby, and long-distance races.
Facet Seven Heights
Facet Seven Heights is a neighborhood-style gym catering to clients in Houston and the surrounding areas. It offers one-on-one, duo, and small group training. Its functional movement screening assesses the clients' current fitness levels in each of the six core F.A.C.E.T.S. of fitness: flexibility, agility, core activation, endurance, tone, and strength. The clients can track their meals and work out through the virtual class library with a virtual coach on the Facet Seven Fitness App.
Muscleheadz Houston
Muscleheadz Houston is a fitness gym that provides its services and facilities in the metro. Its trainers assess its clients' body type, metabolism, and body mass index to create a tailored exercise regimen for them. Additionally, its team assists its customers in keeping track and staying motivated for them to reach their health and fitness goals. The business also offers its own pre-workout supplement. Muscleheadz Houston allows individuals to shop and sign up for membership through its website.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- What makes a gym?
- Should I go to the gym?
- Should I go to the gym today?
- How do I start going to the gym?
- How often should you go to the gym?
- What should I do at the gym?
- How long should you work out at the gym?
- What should I wear to the gym?
- What should I take to the gym?
- What should I eat before the gym?
- What should I eat after the gym?
- When is the gym least busy?
- How do I get over gym anxiety?
- How much is a gym membership?
- Is a gym membership worth it?
- How do I get the smell out of gym clothes?
- How do gyms clean the rubber gym floor?
- What does “PR” mean in gyms?
- What age can you go to the gym?
- Can kids go to the gym?
- Q: Introduction
- A: If you're thinking of joining a gym, you may be curious about what a gym membership can offer you. Whether you're new to fitness or need a challenge, gyms offer a wide variety of equipment, classes, and benefits.Becoming a member of your local gym opens the doors to many exercise opportunities that you don't get otherwise. Personal trainers can help you achieve your goals, and establishing a gym routine can boost your confidence, appearance, and mental health as well as your physical fitness.
- Q: What makes a gym?
- A: A gym is a center that you'll usually pay a membership to join, and it offers fitness equipment and classes designed to improve your physical health. Some gyms provide personal trainers to help set goals and show you how to use equipment safely. Members often have access to treatments, including saunas and massage therapies.
- Q: Should I go to the gym?
- A: If you're looking to improve your physical fitness, build confidence, or train for a race, then joining a gym can be a huge advantage. The gym can help you achieve those goals much easier than if you were to exercise on your own at home, for example. Going to the gym might suit someone who can't work out at home because they don't have space, feel unmotivated, or are new to fitness and need some extra help with achieving their goals.
- Q: Should I go to the gym today?
- A: If you already belong to a gym and are looking for a sign from the universe, the answer is almost certainly yes. No excuses! Unless you're not well or busy with other commitments that you can't avoid, such as work, going to the gym might be exactly what you need to boost your mood and feel amazing.
- Q: How do I start going to the gym?
- A: Once you have a gym membership, it's important to ease yourself in at a pace that suits you. Make a plan for which days you'll visit each week and the days you'll rest. Check with a friend or family member to see if they want to accompany you. Make sure you have unrestrictive, comfortable clothes and the appropriate shoes to move in then make your way to the gym for an adventure.
- Q: How often should you go to the gym?
- A: Although it's vital to incorporate daily movement to maintain good health, for most people, visiting the gym every day is unsustainable. For peak physical and mental well-being, include rest days in your fitness program and plan to work out three to four times a week. Everyone needs time for their bodies to heal. Plus, avoiding burnout will keep your motivation up.
- Q: What should I do at the gym?
- A: Do exercises that suit your goals. To build muscle mass, use weight-lifting equipment, such as a squat rack and free weights. To increase stamina, cardio equipment, such as a rowing machine or cross-trainer, would suit you better. Remember to switch things up every so often. Avoid getting bored with a monotonous routine, and instead, explore other exercises that can benefit different areas of your body.
- Q: How long should you work out at the gym?
- A: Someone new to the gym should take things slowly to avoid injury. Begin with a warmup and then 20 to 30 minutes of activity each session to get used to regular exercise. As your fitness level increases, workout sessions may get longer and more regular, too. Shorter, more consistent sessions are better than burning out by overtraining.
- Q: What should I wear to the gym?
- A: Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you feel confident and comfortable. The happier you feel in your workout clothes, the more likely you'll keep going to the gym. Aim for lightweight, breathable fabrics that fit correctly. Women should find a sports bra for extra support, and weight lifters can wear a supportive belt to prevent back injury.
- Q: What should I take to the gym?
- A: Take enough water or sports drink with you to stay hydrated during your session. If you come straight from work, pack your workout clothes plus a change of clothes for when you're done. To freshen up, bring toiletries, such as shower gel, wipes, and deodorant. For quick recovery, include a post-workout snack!
- Q: What should I eat before the gym?
- A: Carbohydrates are a great choice before exercising because they're a source of energy to fuel your workout. Even better are slow-releasing carbs, so you can keep going until the end of your session. Some snack ideas are a banana, a bowl of oats, trail mix, or a fruit smoothie.
- Q: What should I eat after the gym?
- A: Opt for foods that will aid in the recovery of your muscles and glycogen stores. Eat a mix of healthy fats and carbohydrates to maximize the benefits. Carbs include sweet potatoes, chocolate milk, or fruit, and protein could be meat, fish, or eggs. You’ll find healthy fats in nuts, nut butters, and avocado.
- Q: When is the gym least busy?
- A: During the day from Monday to Friday are the least busy times at the gym, as most people are at work. Very early in the morning and an hour before closing can also be fairly quiet times to visit. If you'd rather go during less busy times, avoid weekends.
- Q: How do I get over gym anxiety?
- A: To reduce anxious feelings, prepare yourself for what to expect. Visit the gym's website to research their facility, chat with the friendly staff, or take a tour and meet the personal trainers. Take things slowly. Don't overwhelm yourself with complicated exercises, as simpler routines can help build your confidence.
- Q: How much is a gym membership?
- A: In the U.S., the average gym membership costs $58 per month, though this will vary by state. Gyms based in the city will cost more than those in small towns as will those that include many amenities, such as classes, lounges, and health treatments.
- Q: Is a gym membership worth it?
- A: If membership holders visit the gym regularly, then it's worth the cost. Becoming a member of a gym enables people to access classes and equipment they otherwise wouldn't encounter for better physical results. Plus, the social aspect of working out with other people can boost accountability and confidence.
- Q: How do I get the smell out of gym clothes?
- A: Don't store clothes in your locker or at the bottom of your gym bag for long; air them out if you can. Washing without fabric softener stops the smell from being trapped in the fabric, and if possible, neutralize odors with a specialty detergent designed for sports clothing.
- Q: How do gyms clean the rubber gym floor?
- A: To keep gym flooring sanitary, gyms sweep dirt and debris with a broom or vacuum cleaner, then disinfect using a specialist floor cleaner designed for rubber flooring using a broom or mop. Every so often, a gym may use an industrial cleaning machine to give flooring a deep clean to keep it fresh.
- Q: What does “PR” mean in gyms?
- A: PR stands for personal record, a term often used in weightlifting and other sports. It means a person's best performance in a certain area, such as the heaviest lift, the highest number of reps, or the fastest time. You might also hear this referred to as PB, or personal best.
- Q: What age can you go to the gym?
- A: The minimum age for visiting the gym to use equipment, including the weight room, is around the age of 13 when accompanied by an adult, though this may vary by state and individual gym rules.
- Q: Can kids go to the gym?
- A: Depending on the gym's facilities, children as young as age 2 or 3 can take part in classes. These are structured around having fun and learning instead of strict form and discipline. Older children and teens can gear their exercise routines toward their favorite sports and even weight lifting.