Uptown Athletic

Bottom line up front, I’ve checked out several gyms in town and for those that want to actually workout, there is no better place. The new owner has made some great improvements and both staff and fellow members are friendly and welcoming.
WEIGHTS
There is anything you would possibly want or need at this gym. The dumbbells go up well over 100 lbs (I don’t need anything that heavy, so I don’t know the exact weight), there are bumper plates for Olympics lifts, and I’m not sure if there is any type of weight machine they don’t have. Plus, they have a CrossFit typ set-​up in the main room, so it’s easy to mix up your workouts. I believe CrossFit classes are included with the membership, though I have yet to partake.
The only negative I’d give with the weight set-​up is that they recently moved the dumbbells to a wall with only a few mirrors, so if you like mirrors when you work out, you may be disappointed.
CARDIO
The gym recently brought in a bunch of new treadmills with individual TVs, which is awesome. They also have a variety of elliptical, rowing machines, bikes, and stair climbers. For the non-​treadmills, there is a bank of televisions for those out there like me that try to distract themselves from the pain.
LOCKER ROOMS
The new owner has really done a great job in cleaning up the locker rooms. Towels are provided and the cleaning staff keeps things in great shape.
Overall, if you’re serious about exercising, there isn’t a better place in town.

Okay, if you are looking for a gym that offers OPEN space and turf flooring– this is it. I’ve been sampling around some gyms in the town but do not sign anything until you see this place. Everything is brand new and so clean. I mean for Hercules’ sake they even have a fireplace! It is somehow clean, cozy, and modern. I am Deaf myself – and my interaction with their staff has been nothing but wonderful experience. They are friendly, approachable, and clearly fit ;) And to find a gym that comes with protein shake bar along with them quest bars– who can one-​up that? I can’t wait to make Uptown a frequent spot for me.

I used to belong to this gym but gave up my membership after the new owner John told me that they were not interested in ramping up the group fitness classes to the amount that had previously been conducted at the gym and continuing with Les Mills classes because he did not want to pay the fee to have the Les Mills license. I only do group fitness classes, and have never once been on any of the machines, don’t use the shower facilities and would never use those tanning beds. I adore the Zumba instructor there and decided I could get a punch card for the nights I wanted to dance with him. I had asked John if that was possible and he assured me it would not be a problem and it would be cost effective as well.
Imagine my surprise when I went to the gym tonight to do Zumba and was told a one hour class would cost $ 18.00! Now mind you the class is held in a dungeon like back room with a ghetto floor and no window.(I could pay $ 18.00 for maybe a Zumba class on the beach or in a state– of –art modern area with a kick ass sound system and refreshments afterwards). When I heard that I told the nice man at the counter that could not be correct but he assured me it was. He even called over one of the other owners who was in the sitting area and he did verify that $ 18.00 was correct because they had to — are you ready for –PAY FOR THE NEW MACHINES IN THE GYM.
So a regular drop in rate for Zumba in this town is $ 7.00 or $ 8.00. Not sure if Uptown just didn’t want me there or if they don’t want drop ins.

I am really digging this gym. I used to come here when it was under the previous owners and its old name, and it was severely lacking in… pretty much everything. I had let my membership lapse and then showed up under the new UA and took advantage of their $ 30 trial month. Am I glad that I tried it out!
The new owners and revamped image of UA makes me want to squat till my pants split. Chug protein shakes till I can tear phone books with my thighs. Utkatasana till I namaste all over my yoga mat. Use some dumbbells and leave my weights lying aroun– NO! NEVER! I’d NEVER do *that.*
I am so pleased with how this gym has transformed. They’re actually funneling money into remodeling and ordering new equipment. There are SO many new machines, racks, weights, classes, everything! They’ve torn open the old offices to make room for more stuff and there’s always some fun class to try. Even the staff is a tremendous upgrade — good lord, they make a carafe of flavored, fruit-​infused water. People are nice. The place is clean. There’s such a variety of classes. There’s so many fancy machines. Everything is shiny and chrome and you’ll surely be on your way to Valhalla with all the sweet workin out you can do here.
There’s no contract, no set-​up fee, and $ 55 a month is extremely reasonable. I only wish they were open later or have after-​hours key swipe and if they would offer some really early classes (like 5:30am), but that’s just greedy of me to ask that right now.

This gym is legit. From beginners looking to lose weight, to seasoned health-​seekers, to veteran powerlifters, all types are welcome. The gym is very clean and the equipment is diverse and practically new. Uptown Athletic definitely exceeded my expectations. It’s a complete gym offering everything except a pool. Great close-​to-​downtown location. Ample parking. You should seriously check it out.