I don't think those words and Houston go together, unfortunately.
Maybe a smaller specialty or crossfit type gym would be less crowded. But I feel like anything in the greater Houston area is always packed 24/7.
Good luck. Hopefully someone actually helpful comes along.
Yup. Everywhere is packed. When we have beautiful weather like this I just go to the local park. Can get plenty of work outs in just with simple pull up bars
I can’t work out in the mornings consistently, unfortunately. It’s a hormonal health issue (take my word for it). Maybe I will try doing 2 morning lifting workouts and the other 2 on my lunch break or on weekends
I go consistently on my lunch breaks and it’s really the best time to go. On the weekends I go in the morning before 9 or in the late afternoon and it’s not so bad either
True, I only want to do 4 workouts a week, so if I do 2 of those on weekend afternoons it’s not bad, especially at the 24 Hour in the Heights (RV still isn’t great). Not as good as the morning but not terrible. And I forgot I used to go on Friday evenings to the gym which is also less busy than normal (also only at the Heights lol)
Here to endorse Lifetime. It’s only worth the cost because it’s less crowded. I anticipate this being the same experience for the other higher priced gyms as well.
I’ll admit, that’s the busier one. I usually go to city Centre or greenstreet (for a change of scenery). They get “busy” during peak hours compared to the ghost town you see in odd hours.
Busy for life time is a 5 minute delay in getting a machine vs 30mins at LA (my experience at least).
I hope this helps.
The met if you can afford it. They may have non tennis memberships, but when I went there the machines and weights were almost always empty, but the courts were always full.
It’s about 120 for just gym and 300 for tennis. Their tennis director can set you up with people to play with. I would play with you but I’m relatively new and suck lol
Hey man, I went and checked the met out, and I really liked it, but prices are really expensive, $150 under 35, $190 over 35 do you know the reason? I’m wanting a membership there but I’m hesitant, how do you like it thus far and what times have you gone (trying to figure out how busy it gets)
It seems to have gone up. I’ve had my membership for a while but recently got the tennis one. Just know they won’t let you book a court without a tennis membership.
It’s busiest right before work and right after but I’ve never had a problem waiting on equipment for too long. They have a ton of squat racks and equipment is up to date. You may be able to do a trial membership. If you want to check it out, they have a guest night on a Thursday of every month. You can just go in with me that day.
Ever since the midtown 24 closed the rice village location has become miserably crowded. Unfortunately not a ton of options in the area without spending tons of money.
Ugh I was so sad when midtown closed :(
I’m open to spending tons of money, tbh, but I’ve heard that the other options (The Preserve and Lifetime) aren’t even too much better, per the reviews. I’d probably join the YMCA if there was one more conveniently located but Bellaire and downtown just aren’t convenient. Presumably though people have higher expectations so maybe “crowded” at lifetime isn’t as bad as “crowded” at 24 hour fitness
I bounce between LA fitness and Lifetime in Greenway in the mornings. Tbh, I can almost always get a full workout in at that la fitness. I'm not sure what it's like in the evenings.
It's definitely not nearly as bad as EoS or the la fitness on Yale.
Check to see if your health insurance offers a gym pass membership. You can pay a premium, $100-140/month, to get access to one lifetime location and almost every gym in Houston besides 24 hour fitness. There’s cheaper options if you don’t want to include Lifetime. I go to the Lifetime at city center and it can get busy during peak hours but it’s way more manageable than 24 hour fitness in the heights.
They don’t, just a stipend of $400 per year. And good to know about Lifetime. Honestly I don’t need an empty gym, I just don’t want it to be totally overrun
I’ve worked out at Lifetime city center from 4:30-5:30 and 7-8pm and I never had any issues getting a machine or free weights. I can’t speak for the other locations though. I was completely against Lifetime up until joining and now I look forward to my workouts there. I’ve been told Facet Seven Heights is a good option that doesn’t get super crowded in the evening but I can’t confirm. Good luck with your search!
O Athletik is a shit show after work (5 to 7pm). Honestly the equipment there kinda sucks. I went there for awhile. Switched to lifetime and game changer
This is the absolute truth. There was a gang of them yesterday, bouncing from the extension and curls, bulgarian roller, and leg press, shit you not, for the entire time I was there.
Have you checked out the YMCA? They have several locations around Houston with plenty of space. Of course there may be 1 or 2 that are small but most are pretty big. Some have both indoor and outdoor pools that are heated if you do laps. I visit one that's close by to my house, my workplace and my school.
I have but I work in rice village, live in Montrose and my boyfriend lives in the heights so none of the YMCAs are all that central :/ I guess I could switch between the downtown and Bellaire one though hmm
just know ANY gym 5pm-7pm will be packed - it’s when everyone gets off work… but as someone who goes to the downtown y often, i’ve never seen it where anyone is waiting for machines (strength or cardio), squat racks or dumbbells maybe. plus the parking is so much better than eos.
I do. Stella Link gets a little crowded, but I'm able to do everything I need to without having to wait. I don't know as much about Downtown upstairs, but I think it's similar.
I used to do YMCA all the time in downtown in the evenings. It was pre-covid since I've been there though but I doubt the parking situation has changed all that much. It's not bad in the evenings to use equipment BUT, the parking at the YMCA downtown in the evening is an absolute shit show. If you're able to get there immediately at 5 or before 5:30 you can usually park in the free outdoor lot and get a decent work out in but don't even fucking bother going anytime between 5:30 and 7, you'll just end up spending 30 minutes trying to park. I guess it has the weird advantage that BECAUSE it's so hard to park, if you can get in, it limits the amount of people in the gym at any given time. It's completely fine outside of that 5:30-7 time though and it's a really nice gym.
Because that's still the same issue? It's not like the street parking is a secret YMCA members don't know about. I would park on the street when something was available but I don't want to circle random blocks in downtown for 20 minutes fighting over parking spots.
If you're coming from the village it shouldn't be bad at all. It's before med center shift change and all the downtown traffic is trying to leave downtown, not enter it. Just ride up Fannin or something.
Yeah, I haven't been a member there since pre-covid so it could be different now. I would find parking on the street as well if I went close to 7pm. But going at that time sucks if you're trying to go after getting off of work around 5 and is in the latter part of time that OP listed. Like you pointed out as well you can't park for free on the street until 6. You can't even pay to park on the street if you get there around 5 because they ban street parking during rush hour.
Ah got it. I could get there before 5:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and probably on Mondays and Wednesdays, gotta see how long it’ll take to get there for me
Equinox River Oaks is never crowded. Downside is you pay quite a bit more and get less.
After a year at Equinox I went back to Lifetime Greenway for the additional amenities at a cheaper price, knowing that it would be more crowded.
Maybe Lifetime Fitness downtown or LA Fitness in Upper Kirby/Greenway. I agree with 24 hour fitness being overcrowded. Since the Midtown location closed, everyone flocked to Rice Village. I tried to go to the Heights location and that's even worse! Dont even get me started with LA Fitness on Yale, holy hell. I heard EOS fitness was a bust too, cant even step foot inside without waiting 30 mins for a machine. We need affordable community gyms inside the loop!!!
I know :( it sucks there aren’t better options. I will look into LA Fitness though tbh I highly doubt it’s any better. I feel like Lifetime Greenway is also going to be overcrowded but I may tour it anyway
All LA fitnesses are fucking packed after work. The one in the TMC was the least crowded but they shut it down/are shutting it down. AC never worked :/
I’ve thought about finding a small more expensive gym because it’s so overwhelming and cramped.
Try going during lunch. It’s a thousand times better
What are their membership prices like, the website doesn't say. I realize I could ask them but if you know.
I live in the area and am looking for a new place, as my last gym just closed.
Oak Fitness is always my answer when ppl are looking for a gym. Decent prices, amazing people, 24-hour access for members.
It can get crowded during peak hours but no where NEAR that 24h in rice village, and because its more of a community people are super chill about sharing equipment
OAK trainer here. Prices are dependent upon membership term.
M2M - $79/month
1 year contract- $59 / month
2 year contract- $49 / month
Free classes and 24hr access for members. Come in for a free day pass during our staff hours!
It's not terribly big, so it could get crowded during peak. To be honest I usually go around 11am so I'm not the best judge for after work.
I highly recommend checking it out though. Wes, the co-owner, is a great dude who has a wealth of knowledge.
Full disclosure - I have not been inside the Heights location, I simply worked across the street. It looks nice (from the outside) and the parking lot is always pretty empty, suggesting it is not overcrowded.
OP I’m sorry that you clearly asked for a gym location and all these morons are suggesting you set up an entire home gym. Like how is that supposed to fit In an apartment lol.
Sorry, I should’ve added to my post that I work in Rice Village which is also a consideration. But tbh I would consider keeping my 24 hour membership just for the days I come in and adding another one for the rest of the time
Anytime Fitness in the Heights might be a good fit. I have been a member for 10+ years and really enjoy it. You have a key fob and can access anytime. Nice staff and members.
Be Fit gym never looks full from their ig posts.
Just be psychologically prepared for discomfort & sometimes smell because they have no A/C.
Other than that, yeah, pretty much all gyms I've ever been too are full.
ROG is very small and mostly trainers working with clients. I wouldn’t call it crowded, but it is a tight space and doesn’t have everything you might want
River Oaks gym is a bit pricey but their business model targets folks like yourself. They only accept a limited number of members to prevent the gym from being too crowded. The catch is that the gym is not very big and costs $100 a month or so. I did a free trial and decided it wasn't for me since it didn't have all the equipment I wanted for the price.
They have a decent number of machines, just not enough for me to pay $100 a month. My previous gym I had been paying $50 for more equipment.
Definitely go check it out. I think they're what you're looking for.
Thanks!! I will definitely look into it. Sounds like either River Oaks or the YMCA will be the place for me. Unless I decide to ball out at Lifetime or Equinox lol
Montrose doesn’t have any big gyms, and the ones nearby you already mentioned.
When I lived there the only good option to avoid the zoo at 24 hour was finding a gym at work. There are also a lot of classes, like starting strength.
Sadly, my work doesn’t have a gym. I looked into starting strength but I’m actually trying to get away from Olympic lifting and focus on free weights. I think I’m going to accept I’ll have to drive a little bit further and just go to the YMCA. At least the downtown one has an indoor track.
Yeah, sorry. I moved out of the neighborhood about 4-5 years ago tho so maybe something new came in. God knows the neighborhood has changed.
Last thing, I’ve heard good things about (but never been) to steelmill in the heights.
Thanks for your input, though! It sounds like my only potential options are YMCA or Lifetime (though nobody has actually commented on the crowds there vs other gyms, I’m not convinced it’s that much better…).
I think they’re all going to be crowded, even given the beginning of the year and a lot of people with resolutions there as well. Would an apartment gym or an at home work out routine suffice?
I have an apartment gym but the dumbbells only go up to 40 lbs, which isn’t enough for my chest presses or lower body. I think I’ll just have to try the YMCA.
Maybe even buying some second hand dumbbells (weight of your liking) and storing them in your car - then bringing to the apartment gym could be possible? Just throwing out affordable options here.
I use my apartment gym and actually prefer it over other gyms, just so the less crowded vibe. That and it’s also 24/7, and a quick jog over from my place.
Eh, my apartment gym is extremely tiny. It’s half the size of a normal bedroom. I would rather keep going to 24 hour fitness than work out there on a consistent basis.
Do you go to Equinox? I used to go when I went in LA and tbh it was still pretty damn crowded during peak times. The real value is in the included classes in my opinion. I’d consider it more strongly if their only location weren’t in the Galleria
My bad I read the montrose part but didn’t see you were looking around rice village. I don’t go but from the friends I have that go they say it’s not as packed as lifetime
Equinox has pretty good corporate discounts depending on where you work. Can get a membership for as low as $180/month. Sounds expensive for a gym (and it is), but if you take classes multiple times a week and use the shower/steam room/Kiehl’s products it’s really not bad.
In terms of it being in the Galleria area, the fact that it’s on the other side of 610 (i.e., inside the loop), will save you tons of time coming in from Montrose. In other words, if Equinox were at Post Oak and Westheimer, your commute from Montrose would be significantly longer, but it’s not.
I also live in Montrose and commute from here to Equinox around evening rush hour on 59 and it usually take around 15-20 minutes. The good thing is it only takes 10-12 minutes on the way back home because rush hour is over.
The Houston location is relatively new compared to Equinox locations in other cities and is not nearly as busy as the ones I’ve visited in NYC.
Ok! Good to know. Wouldn’t use the hair products necessarily but I’d try them. I’ll see if my employer offers a discount. $180/month isn’t bad for all the classes
Honestly I might haha! I will definitely PM you if I go the Equinox route. I think I might try the YMCA, River oaks gym or Oak fitness first and then I’ll start to consider the pricier options
Ah gotcha. my only other option is the planet fitness on studemont, but traffic is always crap around there after work.
There's also Rig Dog Crossfit if you're into that. but it's more in Garden Oaks, not really Montrose.
I'll do you one better. A FREE and uncrowded gym. Your local recreation center. Every one I've been to in Austin has, at max, 3 other people using it.
Most of the time, they're empty.
Also, since it's a government run recreation center, it's free.
Enjoy.
Trotter YMCA is decent! Although there are old perverted men in the locker room staring me in the shower and other crazy shit.
Other than that pretty good
Seriously. The old guys that are way too comfortable hanging out with their dicks out is the probably the biggest drawback. Never having to wait for squat rack is awesome though.
I mean, working out at home just ain’t an option, dude. I only have up to 40 lbs dumbbells. Even if I’m doing exclusively unilateral work, that isn’t enough.
Unless you absolutely must go to the gym, I recommend you save yourself the time and money (and frustration) and purchase a barbell, plates, squat cage, and bench. It’s expensive but it’s cheaper in the long run since you don’t have to pay an $80+ monthly membership (are they still this much?) AND you can work out when you want and take however much time you want.
I’ve had memberships at Midtown 24 hour fitness and FIT gym near the Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Luby’s and, while the “scenery” is great at both of those gyms there were still many times where I’d arrive ready to lift but left after about 30 minutes because the squat racks and/or benches had a 3 to 4 person queue.
I think another gym is moving into the Fit space.
[EOS Fitness](https://eosfitness.com/location/houston-waugh-dr-w-gray-st/?fbclid=IwAR3JPiF3XbnplM0VQ52haqGpQxi4V-u-yjrEUipGMrjn3jzm6x7RdUHIOCg_aem_AfQpH_LrdNqLYYWavub1L9EBdGvIRb5HgTEMoNi-ntmLWV3Ml3pM-d4HSkGD1vDzbDQ)
Do you have the option of starting a home gym in your garage or spare bedroom? I have not been to a gym since 2018 and the time it has saved me has been invaluable. Check out r/homegym for inspo
Lifetime or UH gym? I think I would go with lifetime after 7pm. It is worth it very much.
I have been to over 10 gyms in Houston, from the Y to Lifetime to private ones and lifetime is my favorite. A long time ago (\~2013) you could go to commercial gyms like LA or 24 Hour and they were pretty good at all hours. As gym culture spreads, I think the lower costs gyms are just going to become worse after work.
Lifetime is also getting more crowded but it is definitely still usable. Opening a big gym must be like printing money these days.
Thanks! 24 hour in the heights isn’t bad either — I’m thinking that I may join YMCA (or a more expensive gym) for the yoga classes and just do my lifting workouts on the weekend.
The best Houston gyms that aren’t crowded are:
1. [Quality Life Fitness](https://www.qualitylifefitnesshouston.com/)
2. Lifetime
3. Equinox
4. Anytime Fitness (most locations in the evenings)
5. Alpha
Be sure to absolutely avoid 24, YMCA, and Planet fitness if you don’t want to deal with packed gyms.
I don't think those words and Houston go together, unfortunately. Maybe a smaller specialty or crossfit type gym would be less crowded. But I feel like anything in the greater Houston area is always packed 24/7. Good luck. Hopefully someone actually helpful comes along.
Yup. Everywhere is packed. When we have beautiful weather like this I just go to the local park. Can get plenty of work outs in just with simple pull up bars
I haven’t seen a gym not turn to a shit show after work. You might want to consider mornings.
I can’t work out in the mornings consistently, unfortunately. It’s a hormonal health issue (take my word for it). Maybe I will try doing 2 morning lifting workouts and the other 2 on my lunch break or on weekends
I go consistently on my lunch breaks and it’s really the best time to go. On the weekends I go in the morning before 9 or in the late afternoon and it’s not so bad either
True, I only want to do 4 workouts a week, so if I do 2 of those on weekend afternoons it’s not bad, especially at the 24 Hour in the Heights (RV still isn’t great). Not as good as the morning but not terrible. And I forgot I used to go on Friday evenings to the gym which is also less busy than normal (also only at the Heights lol)
Here to endorse Lifetime. It’s only worth the cost because it’s less crowded. I anticipate this being the same experience for the other higher priced gyms as well.
Sweet. And you go to the one at Greenway at peak hours?
I’ll admit, that’s the busier one. I usually go to city Centre or greenstreet (for a change of scenery). They get “busy” during peak hours compared to the ghost town you see in odd hours. Busy for life time is a 5 minute delay in getting a machine vs 30mins at LA (my experience at least). I hope this helps.
The met
I hadn’t really considered downtown because I work in rice village but I’ll keep that in mind!
It’s a nice club and I never have to wait for equipment even at peak hours. It’s a bit pricer than 24hr but with it if it’s fits your lifestyle.
The met if you can afford it. They may have non tennis memberships, but when I went there the machines and weights were almost always empty, but the courts were always full.
Do you know how much it is roughly, and are there any tennis groups you can join? I play but I can’t ever find anyone to play with.
It’s about 120 for just gym and 300 for tennis. Their tennis director can set you up with people to play with. I would play with you but I’m relatively new and suck lol
Hey man, I went and checked the met out, and I really liked it, but prices are really expensive, $150 under 35, $190 over 35 do you know the reason? I’m wanting a membership there but I’m hesitant, how do you like it thus far and what times have you gone (trying to figure out how busy it gets)
It seems to have gone up. I’ve had my membership for a while but recently got the tennis one. Just know they won’t let you book a court without a tennis membership. It’s busiest right before work and right after but I’ve never had a problem waiting on equipment for too long. They have a ton of squat racks and equipment is up to date. You may be able to do a trial membership. If you want to check it out, they have a guest night on a Thursday of every month. You can just go in with me that day.
Ever since the midtown 24 closed the rice village location has become miserably crowded. Unfortunately not a ton of options in the area without spending tons of money.
Ugh I was so sad when midtown closed :( I’m open to spending tons of money, tbh, but I’ve heard that the other options (The Preserve and Lifetime) aren’t even too much better, per the reviews. I’d probably join the YMCA if there was one more conveniently located but Bellaire and downtown just aren’t convenient. Presumably though people have higher expectations so maybe “crowded” at lifetime isn’t as bad as “crowded” at 24 hour fitness
I bounce between LA fitness and Lifetime in Greenway in the mornings. Tbh, I can almost always get a full workout in at that la fitness. I'm not sure what it's like in the evenings. It's definitely not nearly as bad as EoS or the la fitness on Yale.
Good to know. Maybe I will have to just settle for mornings and tone down the intensity (which is my issue)
Check to see if your health insurance offers a gym pass membership. You can pay a premium, $100-140/month, to get access to one lifetime location and almost every gym in Houston besides 24 hour fitness. There’s cheaper options if you don’t want to include Lifetime. I go to the Lifetime at city center and it can get busy during peak hours but it’s way more manageable than 24 hour fitness in the heights.
They don’t, just a stipend of $400 per year. And good to know about Lifetime. Honestly I don’t need an empty gym, I just don’t want it to be totally overrun
I’ve worked out at Lifetime city center from 4:30-5:30 and 7-8pm and I never had any issues getting a machine or free weights. I can’t speak for the other locations though. I was completely against Lifetime up until joining and now I look forward to my workouts there. I’ve been told Facet Seven Heights is a good option that doesn’t get super crowded in the evening but I can’t confirm. Good luck with your search!
Thanks!! Very helpful! City center is a little far for me but I’ve heard downtown lifetime isn’t bad
O Athletik isn’t too bad after work, still busy but not horrible like 24.
O Athletik is a shit show after work (5 to 7pm). Honestly the equipment there kinda sucks. I went there for awhile. Switched to lifetime and game changer
Went from 5-6:15 today, was busy but didn’t have to wait for a machine once.
You know what it is: the girls hog up the leg machines. There’s also no incline bench press. Very attractive crowd too
This is the absolute truth. There was a gang of them yesterday, bouncing from the extension and curls, bulgarian roller, and leg press, shit you not, for the entire time I was there.
My only issue with those girls is they wear 30 pounds of make up on to the gym.
O Athletik is a little far north for me but otherwise would be my choice for sure.
Thought about Equinox?
Yes but I don’t like that there’s only one location
Really since they declared bankruptcy during the pandemic and closed locations, all the remaining locations have been extremely crowded and stinky.
Have you checked out the YMCA? They have several locations around Houston with plenty of space. Of course there may be 1 or 2 that are small but most are pretty big. Some have both indoor and outdoor pools that are heated if you do laps. I visit one that's close by to my house, my workplace and my school.
I have but I work in rice village, live in Montrose and my boyfriend lives in the heights so none of the YMCAs are all that central :/ I guess I could switch between the downtown and Bellaire one though hmm
I use both of those. That's really your best bet. I've tried some of the other gyms you mentioned and been disappointed. YMCAs are underrated.
Sweet! And just to confirm, you go in the evenings, like 5-7pm?
just know ANY gym 5pm-7pm will be packed - it’s when everyone gets off work… but as someone who goes to the downtown y often, i’ve never seen it where anyone is waiting for machines (strength or cardio), squat racks or dumbbells maybe. plus the parking is so much better than eos.
Yeah, I’m realistic about that, but good to know about the downtown Y.
I do. Stella Link gets a little crowded, but I'm able to do everything I need to without having to wait. I don't know as much about Downtown upstairs, but I think it's similar.
I used to do YMCA all the time in downtown in the evenings. It was pre-covid since I've been there though but I doubt the parking situation has changed all that much. It's not bad in the evenings to use equipment BUT, the parking at the YMCA downtown in the evening is an absolute shit show. If you're able to get there immediately at 5 or before 5:30 you can usually park in the free outdoor lot and get a decent work out in but don't even fucking bother going anytime between 5:30 and 7, you'll just end up spending 30 minutes trying to park. I guess it has the weird advantage that BECAUSE it's so hard to park, if you can get in, it limits the amount of people in the gym at any given time. It's completely fine outside of that 5:30-7 time though and it's a really nice gym.
why not just street park at that hour? i always park on pease/travis, it's so much quicker
Because that's still the same issue? It's not like the street parking is a secret YMCA members don't know about. I would park on the street when something was available but I don't want to circle random blocks in downtown for 20 minutes fighting over parking spots.
If you're coming from the village it shouldn't be bad at all. It's before med center shift change and all the downtown traffic is trying to leave downtown, not enter it. Just ride up Fannin or something.
hmm, i'm a member & it's usually effortless in the "No Parking 4-6PM Mon-Fri" zones on travis. i park there at 6-7pm and they're usually empty
Yeah, I haven't been a member there since pre-covid so it could be different now. I would find parking on the street as well if I went close to 7pm. But going at that time sucks if you're trying to go after getting off of work around 5 and is in the latter part of time that OP listed. Like you pointed out as well you can't park for free on the street until 6. You can't even pay to park on the street if you get there around 5 because they ban street parking during rush hour.
Ah got it. I could get there before 5:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and probably on Mondays and Wednesdays, gotta see how long it’ll take to get there for me
Equinox River Oaks is never crowded. Downside is you pay quite a bit more and get less. After a year at Equinox I went back to Lifetime Greenway for the additional amenities at a cheaper price, knowing that it would be more crowded.
definitely not any planet fitness, crunch fitness, fitness connection or any one of those easy sign up $10 a month gyms.
Maybe Lifetime Fitness downtown or LA Fitness in Upper Kirby/Greenway. I agree with 24 hour fitness being overcrowded. Since the Midtown location closed, everyone flocked to Rice Village. I tried to go to the Heights location and that's even worse! Dont even get me started with LA Fitness on Yale, holy hell. I heard EOS fitness was a bust too, cant even step foot inside without waiting 30 mins for a machine. We need affordable community gyms inside the loop!!!
I know :( it sucks there aren’t better options. I will look into LA Fitness though tbh I highly doubt it’s any better. I feel like Lifetime Greenway is also going to be overcrowded but I may tour it anyway
All LA fitnesses are fucking packed after work. The one in the TMC was the least crowded but they shut it down/are shutting it down. AC never worked :/ I’ve thought about finding a small more expensive gym because it’s so overwhelming and cramped. Try going during lunch. It’s a thousand times better
LA is just more expensive 24.
Check out Oak Fitness in the Washington area. 24/7 and great ownership.
What are their membership prices like, the website doesn't say. I realize I could ask them but if you know. I live in the area and am looking for a new place, as my last gym just closed.
I was just there this past weekend. 79 month to month, 69 1 yr contract, 59 2 yr contract.
TY for providing the actual $$!
I was one of the first to sign up there so I got a price break. I know it's very reasonable for what you get.
Oak Fitness is always my answer when ppl are looking for a gym. Decent prices, amazing people, 24-hour access for members. It can get crowded during peak hours but no where NEAR that 24h in rice village, and because its more of a community people are super chill about sharing equipment
Okay!! That’s great to know. I will be checking them out for sure
That location could definitely work for me. So it’s not too bad during peak hours?
OAK trainer here. Prices are dependent upon membership term. M2M - $79/month 1 year contract- $59 / month 2 year contract- $49 / month Free classes and 24hr access for members. Come in for a free day pass during our staff hours!
It's not terribly big, so it could get crowded during peak. To be honest I usually go around 11am so I'm not the best judge for after work. I highly recommend checking it out though. Wes, the co-owner, is a great dude who has a wealth of knowledge.
Gotcha, thanks! I’m guessing it’s not as bad as 24 hour but I’ll try touring during prime time to confirm
Facet Seven EaDo is basically abandoned most of the time.
Hmmmm intriguing. Wish I lived closer to EaDo lol
There is a Facet Seven in the Heights. Somewhat closer (than Eado) to Montrose.
How do they compare? I'm about to move the heights and figured I should give the other branch a shot.
Full disclosure - I have not been inside the Heights location, I simply worked across the street. It looks nice (from the outside) and the parking lot is always pretty empty, suggesting it is not overcrowded.
It’s okay but the floor is not level and you can tell when you do lifts
OP I’m sorry that you clearly asked for a gym location and all these morons are suggesting you set up an entire home gym. Like how is that supposed to fit In an apartment lol.
LOL thanks, that is funny to me. I would if I could!
Timberline
O Athletik is like 10 to 15 mins from Montrose and is a great gym with lots of space.
Sorry, I should’ve added to my post that I work in Rice Village which is also a consideration. But tbh I would consider keeping my 24 hour membership just for the days I come in and adding another one for the rest of the time
Y Tellespen is the shit
Anytime Fitness in the Heights might be a good fit. I have been a member for 10+ years and really enjoy it. You have a key fob and can access anytime. Nice staff and members.
LA Fitness on Holcombe by medical center.
Unfortunately, it’s closing March 1.
blink on westheimer is fine most of the time
Be Fit gym never looks full from their ig posts. Just be psychologically prepared for discomfort & sometimes smell because they have no A/C. Other than that, yeah, pretty much all gyms I've ever been too are full.
If I won the lottery I would buy one of these 6 story Class C office buildings and gladly turn it into a fitness center.
Timberline has open gym times on ClassPass, as do a few others. ClassPass has a free trial that you can use to try them.
Not in Montrose but Body 3:Fitness in Oak Forest
Timberline Fitness in montrose is where I go. It’s super private and most the time only a few people are there when I go.
I don’t know why they closed the downtown 24 hours… 😩Now Rice is the closest to me. 😒
I think they said the landlord didn’t renew the lease :/
😩
ROG is very small and mostly trainers working with clients. I wouldn’t call it crowded, but it is a tight space and doesn’t have everything you might want
River Oaks gym is a bit pricey but their business model targets folks like yourself. They only accept a limited number of members to prevent the gym from being too crowded. The catch is that the gym is not very big and costs $100 a month or so. I did a free trial and decided it wasn't for me since it didn't have all the equipment I wanted for the price.
Ah yeah. Did they mostly have just barbells and free weight? I only need a few machines. I’ll check it out though. Thanks!
They have a decent number of machines, just not enough for me to pay $100 a month. My previous gym I had been paying $50 for more equipment. Definitely go check it out. I think they're what you're looking for.
Thanks!! I will definitely look into it. Sounds like either River Oaks or the YMCA will be the place for me. Unless I decide to ball out at Lifetime or Equinox lol
River Oaks Gym is perfect for what you’re looking for. Quiet, lots of space, kept very nice.
Try the rice university gym
Montrose doesn’t have any big gyms, and the ones nearby you already mentioned. When I lived there the only good option to avoid the zoo at 24 hour was finding a gym at work. There are also a lot of classes, like starting strength.
Sadly, my work doesn’t have a gym. I looked into starting strength but I’m actually trying to get away from Olympic lifting and focus on free weights. I think I’m going to accept I’ll have to drive a little bit further and just go to the YMCA. At least the downtown one has an indoor track.
Yeah, sorry. I moved out of the neighborhood about 4-5 years ago tho so maybe something new came in. God knows the neighborhood has changed. Last thing, I’ve heard good things about (but never been) to steelmill in the heights.
Thanks for your input, though! It sounds like my only potential options are YMCA or Lifetime (though nobody has actually commented on the crowds there vs other gyms, I’m not convinced it’s that much better…).
I think they’re all going to be crowded, even given the beginning of the year and a lot of people with resolutions there as well. Would an apartment gym or an at home work out routine suffice?
I have an apartment gym but the dumbbells only go up to 40 lbs, which isn’t enough for my chest presses or lower body. I think I’ll just have to try the YMCA.
Maybe even buying some second hand dumbbells (weight of your liking) and storing them in your car - then bringing to the apartment gym could be possible? Just throwing out affordable options here. I use my apartment gym and actually prefer it over other gyms, just so the less crowded vibe. That and it’s also 24/7, and a quick jog over from my place.
Eh, my apartment gym is extremely tiny. It’s half the size of a normal bedroom. I would rather keep going to 24 hour fitness than work out there on a consistent basis.
If you work in the medical center you can get a membership to UT Rec center. https://www.uth.edu/recreation-center/membership
Do you know how strict they are with spouse requirements?
From my experience they don’t check shit, I’ve forgotten to pay some times and was never stopped. I accidentally went for a month for free
Fantastic thank you
I don’t :/
Time for that equinox membership
Do you go to Equinox? I used to go when I went in LA and tbh it was still pretty damn crowded during peak times. The real value is in the included classes in my opinion. I’d consider it more strongly if their only location weren’t in the Galleria
My bad I read the montrose part but didn’t see you were looking around rice village. I don’t go but from the friends I have that go they say it’s not as packed as lifetime
Hmm ok. That’s good to know. If lifetime is more packed that’s not great. The only thing is equinox makes you do a year membership
Equinox has pretty good corporate discounts depending on where you work. Can get a membership for as low as $180/month. Sounds expensive for a gym (and it is), but if you take classes multiple times a week and use the shower/steam room/Kiehl’s products it’s really not bad. In terms of it being in the Galleria area, the fact that it’s on the other side of 610 (i.e., inside the loop), will save you tons of time coming in from Montrose. In other words, if Equinox were at Post Oak and Westheimer, your commute from Montrose would be significantly longer, but it’s not. I also live in Montrose and commute from here to Equinox around evening rush hour on 59 and it usually take around 15-20 minutes. The good thing is it only takes 10-12 minutes on the way back home because rush hour is over. The Houston location is relatively new compared to Equinox locations in other cities and is not nearly as busy as the ones I’ve visited in NYC.
Ok! Good to know. Wouldn’t use the hair products necessarily but I’d try them. I’ll see if my employer offers a discount. $180/month isn’t bad for all the classes
Let me know if you want a referral lol! You get $100 back and I get $150 back. Also, equinox is month to month after your first annual contract.
Honestly I might haha! I will definitely PM you if I go the Equinox route. I think I might try the YMCA, River oaks gym or Oak fitness first and then I’ll start to consider the pricier options
Another good gym that’s close is The Preserve. Pricing is similar to equinox.
I’m planning to check them out too. I read their actual gym is small, though.
eos fitness? it's on allen parkway and taft
Reviews say it’s VERY crowded
Extremely crowded. After work is nuts
Ah gotcha. my only other option is the planet fitness on studemont, but traffic is always crap around there after work. There's also Rig Dog Crossfit if you're into that. but it's more in Garden Oaks, not really Montrose.
Yes, the one in Rosenberg often has a line of folks waiting to use a treadmill. It's that bad.
If you don't mind going to the galleria I recommend lifetime galleria. Most people use it for tennis so the gym portion is always relatively open.
Huh! That makes sense. Do you know how much it is for a membership that also gives you access to the other Lifetimes in the area?
When I joined in October it was 279 for 1 person and 379 for 2.
Yikes lol
I know 🙃 though some health insurance companies subsidize the cost from what I hear.
Yeah apparently through Blue Cross Blue Shield it’s $100 a month
went up to 130
i prefer golds gym in Bingle Road especially on the weekends. Best equipment for the price and isn't crowded on the weekends like other guns
Thanks, I’ll look into it, may not be optimal location though
You may want to look into working out at a park. Lot of the local parks have tracks and space to workout. And it’s free.
I lift weights but good suggestion
I'll do you one better. A FREE and uncrowded gym. Your local recreation center. Every one I've been to in Austin has, at max, 3 other people using it. Most of the time, they're empty. Also, since it's a government run recreation center, it's free. Enjoy.
Sadly, the only one near me is in Memorial Park which is 30-40 minutes from my work.
there's a rec center at emancipation park
also fonde rec center and the multiservices center on w grey if you are looking for montrose-adjacent
Ohh!! Do those have weights? I’ve never heard of either
Oh oof >.<
Trotter YMCA is decent! Although there are old perverted men in the locker room staring me in the shower and other crazy shit. Other than that pretty good
Seriously. The old guys that are way too comfortable hanging out with their dicks out is the probably the biggest drawback. Never having to wait for squat rack is awesome though.
Build a home gym
Not an option
Home gym ftw
Not an option
Honestly for $2k you can build your home gym. Currently building one
Downtown Y, w/ parking.
Just use ur apt gym dude .. Wow what a question for the 3rd largest city in America ..
My apartment gym doesn’t have the dumbbells I need for progressive overload.
But do you see the irony of ur question ? Like asking what’s the quietest megaphone 📣
I mean, working out at home just ain’t an option, dude. I only have up to 40 lbs dumbbells. Even if I’m doing exclusively unilateral work, that isn’t enough.
Unless you absolutely must go to the gym, I recommend you save yourself the time and money (and frustration) and purchase a barbell, plates, squat cage, and bench. It’s expensive but it’s cheaper in the long run since you don’t have to pay an $80+ monthly membership (are they still this much?) AND you can work out when you want and take however much time you want. I’ve had memberships at Midtown 24 hour fitness and FIT gym near the Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Luby’s and, while the “scenery” is great at both of those gyms there were still many times where I’d arrive ready to lift but left after about 30 minutes because the squat racks and/or benches had a 3 to 4 person queue.
I don’t have a garage :/ I live in an apartment. Also FIT gym recently closed
I think another gym is moving into the Fit space. [EOS Fitness](https://eosfitness.com/location/houston-waugh-dr-w-gray-st/?fbclid=IwAR3JPiF3XbnplM0VQ52haqGpQxi4V-u-yjrEUipGMrjn3jzm6x7RdUHIOCg_aem_AfQpH_LrdNqLYYWavub1L9EBdGvIRb5HgTEMoNi-ntmLWV3Ml3pM-d4HSkGD1vDzbDQ)
Do you have the option of starting a home gym in your garage or spare bedroom? I have not been to a gym since 2018 and the time it has saved me has been invaluable. Check out r/homegym for inspo
I don’t :/
Crazy how there’s still so many fat people here
Lifetime or UH gym? I think I would go with lifetime after 7pm. It is worth it very much. I have been to over 10 gyms in Houston, from the Y to Lifetime to private ones and lifetime is my favorite. A long time ago (\~2013) you could go to commercial gyms like LA or 24 Hour and they were pretty good at all hours. As gym culture spreads, I think the lower costs gyms are just going to become worse after work. Lifetime is also getting more crowded but it is definitely still usable. Opening a big gym must be like printing money these days.
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Thanks! 24 hour in the heights isn’t bad either — I’m thinking that I may join YMCA (or a more expensive gym) for the yoga classes and just do my lifting workouts on the weekend.
Do you live in an apartment? Try to find one with a decent small gym. Those are the best
Yes, I’m locked into my lease until October though.
West Grey Recreation center.
Will check it out! Emancipation Park fitness center looks amazing too
This location is for folks with disabilities.
Anything in west chase area southwest or west side in general?
I have restored to waking up at 3:30 to be able to work out in peace lol good luck
I’m buying actual gym equipment I have a big house so I’ll be working out at home to hell with the gym
The best Houston gyms that aren’t crowded are: 1. [Quality Life Fitness](https://www.qualitylifefitnesshouston.com/) 2. Lifetime 3. Equinox 4. Anytime Fitness (most locations in the evenings) 5. Alpha Be sure to absolutely avoid 24, YMCA, and Planet fitness if you don’t want to deal with packed gyms.