Gainesville Health & Fitness

Charged a young man entering the military an astronomical cancelation fee ($ 300) when it was time for him to report tothemilitaryfor boot camp. I would rate negative stars if possible. Way to support those that serve our country and preserve your freedom. Would be very simple to make an executive decision to do the right thing. Karma is a…

«I’ve traveled all over the country and have not found a health club close to GHFC in amenities and quality.» The staff is always there to assist you. At other clubs if you make eye contact with an employee they take off, at GHFC they ask if there is something they can do to help you.

Let me start by saying that there are some very great features of this gym, but my experience with their customer service department is what has been a problem. For this reason, I am planning on dropping the membership. Please read.
I have been a member of the gym for the past year. During that time, they have sent me countless (ok, 6) emails asking me to review one thing or another. Each time I fill it out, I note their shortcomings and strengths. Cleanliness is almost always something I note, but I really don’t see the group exercise rooms getting cleaner. I have yet to note a problem that they have fixed or even, in most cases, responded in an appropriate manner.
For example, I have a major issue with the fact that the group fitness rooms have a huge bank of windows for everybody in the exercise facility to watch you through. Furthermore, they are watching your backside. For a gym to be encouraging people of all shapes, sizes, etc, you have to have some sort of concept of who you are serving. Women tend not to want their rears stared at while they are exercising and to have the group fitness like that makes us feel like we are on display. Hang some red lights up in there and you will have that nice Amsterdam feeling that you seem to be gunning for. Furthermore, people who are challenging themselves do not want to be made fun of while we goof up, while our fat or boobs shake, while we can do the latest zumba step, etc.
Bottomline, EVERY woman that I have ever spoken to, including some of the instructors all felt that this is a very intimidating and humiliating environment for women. I have repeatedly noted this on the surveys. It is an easy fix… just put frosting on the bottom of the glass, it could even be frosted decals! Despite this, the have yet to sort this and respond to me that they have not heard that this is a problem from other members.
Seriously, stop listening to the people who want to be eye candy or see eye candy and listen to the majority who just want to go work out, get fit, and go home.

My husband & I are members here almost two years now. The owner is a cool business person & most staffing are nice & friendly.

They seem to make no effort to deal with inconsiderate members. Today, a female member laid out a matt, gym bag, towel and water bottle directly in front the dumbbell rack, blocking about ¹⁄₃ of it, while she did kettle bell workouts. Yes, she was swinging the kettle bell directly in front of the rack. Then, she left all of her stuff blocking the rack as she socialized for about twenty minutes. She didn’t make an effort to move anything until I walked across her towel to get to the dumbbells I needed. Now before you think I’m being overly critical, please understand that I did 5 sets of 6 different exercises during the time she was blocking the rack. That’s 30 – 45 minutes.
Like I the staff seems to make no effort to deal with inconsiderate members. They also seem to make no effort to organize the gym. I always, ALWAYS, have to unload someone else’s weights when I want to use the Smith machine. And the dumbbell rack is always unorganized. I went to the main gym one morning about 3, and it was obvious nobody had lifted a finger to organize anything. Every bench, every machine had weights on it, dumbbells were scattered everywhere, and the leg press had 1000 pounds of free weights on it. That was three zeros, as in one thousand pounds. Some inconsiderate member left it, and nobody from the gym did anything about it, or anything else during the hour I was there.
Very poorly run gym, IMO. For $ 60 a month members should not have to unload weights before they use a machine or bench, and we should not have to spend time looking for dumbbells.

This is, hands down, one of the best gyms in the US. I’ve been to many many gyms and the main center could rival any gym anywhere. I was even in the fanciest gyms in Vegas, and the main center has them all beat! State of the art weight machines, a diverse array of classes, but mostly the people make this place great! I’ve been a member since 2000 and wish I’d have joined sooner. You get what you pay for. You want cheap, go to Planet Fitness. There is not even a remote comparison there. Joe C. is AMAZING and gets my respect for putting together this haven for all to enjoy. If you need some quiet time to just work out and get in your own head, you can jump on any machine and escape. You will be left alone and given privacy. If you want the social aspect, there are plenty of people with which to interact. Over the years I can say that I have not encountered any rudeness and if I did, I’d let Joe know. I feel the training these kids get is top notch. If you want the best gym ever, do yourself a favor and join, it’s the BEST!

I’ve been a GHFC member since the beginning of 2010. Over the past five years I have pretty much experienced everything they have to offer… personal training, group exercise classes, the line (machines where team members assist you), use of the kids club and use of all the machines/​weights on the floor.
It’s overall been a positive experience. Like some other reviewers have said, the parking lot can get very busy, but with that said, plan accordingly. The main center is open 24 hours (except on holidays), so there is plenty of time to work out without it being mayhem.
Spin classes, yoga and pilates reformer ($ 20/​class for reformer classes) are my favorite group exercise classes, but some instructors are better than others, in my opinion. It might take a few different classes to find your niche, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I’ve worked out at all three locations. Tioga is the newest and definitely the cleanest, but I’ve been happy with all of them.
The reason I knocked them down a star is for personal training. I know Gainesville is a transient town, but I had three different trainers who moved away! As soon as I got into a good routine, they moved away. I gave up on training and I just do my own thing now. The personal training is very pricey as well.
Free babysitting in the kids club for up to 2 hours a day, but they won’t change diapers. They will come find you to do the dirty work!
Overall, good gym and good value with the basic membership.

I’ve been a member at GHFC for a year now and I don’t regret that decision at all!
They habe plenty of treadmills, bikes and weights. It’s rare to ever see a machine not working because there’s always staff that go and fix anything immediately. Whatever your fitness goal is, GHFC can help you succeed! The staff is very friendly and open to help you or just a quick convo.
They have a lap pool, jacuzzi, dry and wet sauna, cold plunge and warm pool. Joimts hurt? They have plenty of classes for you to get a workout in the pool and soothe those joints!
Speaking of classes, they have an immense number of classes from boot camp, HIIT, cycling and dance classes. Whatever interests you, they’ll have something! IF they dont, you can leave a suggestion and theyll read whatever you say to help them improve!
They have a personal training area and can join a group or have a 1 on 1 personal routine. I havemt tried this so I’m not sure how well they are. There is also a physixal therapy area that they can help you with!
The only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 stars is the amount of members. You’re going to need to figure out what times are good for you and not a lot of people. If its crowded, good luck trying to get a decent workout … Try to avoid after 4 or 5pm on weekdays when everyone gets off work; also avoid nights when they have a dance classes, like Zumba, because it will be packed. I find weekends tend to have less people, Sunday especially! Also, it’s a bit pricey so if they have what you need/​want, then it’ll be worth it. (I psrsonally like the dry sauna so it’s worth it to me!)
Overall great gym and will comtimue my regiments here at GHFC!

Probably the best health club in the world. They always have the latest and greatest, they’re always improving, and the staff is truly first-​rate.

I have been a member of Gainesville Health and Fitness since September of 2014 and have been tremendously impressed with the facility and its staff. Like most gyms, the core emphasis is on machine weights, free weights, and classes, however, they have a very good swimming pool, a sauna, a whirlpool, a warm pool and a cold-​plunge pool, the latter being very good for muscle inflammation and was recommended to me by my physical therapist as I recovered from a groin muscle injury. They have treadmills for running, stationary bikes (like, several various types of them) and a lot more. And they have a great basketball court! How cool is that? And even if you go there in the middle of the night, there’s a good chance there will be enough guys around for a pick-​up game. GH&F is open 24-​hours, and I’ve been in on pick-​up games at 1am before. Seriously.
I’ve not yet taken any of their classes but they have yoga and a host of other things. No actual martial arts though and a lot of the classes seem like they’d appeal more to women than men, actually.
The staff is all very polite and eager to help and the cleaning staff is there constantly – even at 11pm or 1am, I’ve seen them tidying up things. As to the complaints a few other reviewers have made about GH&F being a yuppie health club with members more concerned with what they’re wearing to work out than working out, I’ve not noticed this. When I’m there, which is mainly late at night, you find mostly a young, college-​aged, client base and they’re all serious about what they’re doing, be it lifting weights or playing bball. You will have enough guys to play bball at midnight on a Friday night – that says something about dedication. College-​aged guys. On a Friday night. And you’ll see them lifting weights and swimming, too. So it’s not lawyers or ladies who lunch coming in and lounging around – not when I’m there at least. People here seem as dedicated as at some no-​frills gym, but they have much more to work with here.
Is there anything that could be better? A few, but they’re minor (or unreasonable) complaints:
I’d love to see a rock-​climbing wall, but don’t expect this to happen.
An outdoor, soft (non-​pavement), running trail would be great
The fact the staff has to wear business attire – guys even wear ties – is absurd to me. Let them were T-​shirts with the company logo instead and track pants. They are running a gym, not a car dealership or insurance agency. Seriously.
Overall, this is a great gym. The inclusion of the basketball court has been nearly life-​changing for me even because it got me into playing bball which I hadn’t for years and I really love.

So many options! This place is huge and clean for its price point! Now it may get crowded at times but its still great and the people are still respectable. Basketball courts are competitive and friendly. A lot of treadmills with tvs that works. They have 3 cardio machines. The juice bar is delicious. Especially the pineapple smoothie if you’re willing to shell out 6 bucks. Plenty of benches on the second floor. Tons of classes including aerobics, spin, dance, personal training, group training. People love this place. I believe rush hour is 5 – 630. I think this place is worth it.

I was a long-​time member of Alter Ego Fitness downtown and really loved it there. I never thought I would join GHF simply because I thought it was too expensive, and I had heard people call it «Gainesville Health and Fashion» and assumed everyone was snobby. (Terrible, I know.) However, I recently moved to the west side of town and decided to give GHF a try. I have been a member for a few months, and so far I LOVE it. I love that I can walk from my house to the main center, and yet the Tioga location is close enough that I can swing over there for a yoga class now and then.
I love how many options there are; from classes to free weights to cardio, there is so much to do and so much equipment. They also have a really neat machine line called X Force, which adds 40% negative weight to your reps. Sure, it does get crowded from 5pm to 7pm on weeknights, and it can be very annoying to try to work around those social exercisers who hog up free weights for an hour while they use the item for 5 minutes, chat for 10, and repeat. But I have NEVER had a problem finding a cardio machine, and if you go after 7pm, you can usually get a turn on any free weight device you want.
The staff is fantastic. You are greeted every time you walk in and you get a farewell when you exit. Also, there is always at least one employee roaming around all the workout areas (upstairs free-​weight area included) to help you with form or to spot you if you need it.
I also love the pool area. The main center has a huge lap pool, a freezing pool, a warm pool, a hot tub, a steam room, and a sauna. It’s the best way to relax after a workout. I love having a tough workout and then relaxing my muscles in the various pools.
The group exercise rooms are some of the largest I’ve seen in Gainesville, and they have a dedicated spin room with 50 or so stationary bikes.
Ok, so price. Yes, it is expensive — double what I was paying at Alter Ego. But you get so much more for your money. In fact, I have found that knowing how much more I’m paying motivates me even more to go to the gym; I want to make sure I’m getting my money’s worth! Also, they have a fantastic Face to Face program, and it’s free! It’s a month-​long program that helps new members or people new to working out learn proper nutrition and how to work out. They take your measurements before you begin and also at the conclusion of the program. They also discuss your goals and how you can achieve them. It’s a really great program, and it’s incredible that they offer it for free.
My only complaint is that I wish they offered more evening yoga classes. There are SO many Zumba and dance-​y classes every single night, but there are very few evening yoga classes, especially at the main center. The women’s center offers a few evening yoga classes, but my fiancé and I like to go to yoga together (men aren’t allowed even at the classes at the women’s center), and we can only go in the evening.
Overall, this a great set of gyms with friendly, helpful staff and tons of options. No matter what your age or fitness level, there is something for you here. If you can afford to go, you definitely should.

April 2014 — update
GHF really listened to me … they have thrown their doors open to all
As of March I joined the gym as a domestic partner and I am so happy to be able to work out and swim and take a hot tub at any time of day or night.
I have upgraded my rating to 5*
GHF rocks!!!
…
I give 5 stars for the facility and its fabulous staff and vision/​mission
I gave 1 star for the implementation of the vision
I loved my experience recently as a guest
There’s a spectacular variety and number of machines
Cheerful, competent support are available at all times
The pool was super clean and a perfect temperature
The hot tub and steam room a brilliant way to relax after working out
There’s cooled filtered water in every single room
I loved the variety of people and ages — I didn’t feel at all out of place
Unfortunately, I had to give it a one star in one area :-(
There was no family membership for domestic partners. That this fabulous company with a stated commitment to opening doors, to innovation, to community, to making Gainesville the healthiest city in America, that they would hold such a discriminatory rule — this is seriously wrong.

Ive tried to return to the gym since their remodel has allegedly added some items that I would have to swallow in justifying the cost of going to this «YMCA.»
However…
I was not allowed in (last time I was there was in 2011 according to their records) because I had been there already 7 times. Thats 7 times since 2007 and that 7 allowed passes in not a year, not 2 years, but a LIFETIME.
The place still doesnt offer pricing options, it is still overcrowded, and they still have a Nazi aura about them. After being a member to L. A. Fitness, Golds, the YMCA, and 3 smaller gyms, this is the WORST customer service. Never have I been truly disgusted by their stance against compromise and discussion.
My friend wanted to know how to properly do a lift. I showed him how to do it at Powerhouse. Powerhouse now offers rates as low as $ 10 a month, $ 20 for 24hr access. By the way, GHFC was closed during the holidays while Powerhouse was open to those with the 24hr access.

Signed up after viewing/​tour. The first thing I noticed was how friendly everyone is. Very helpful staff. Size is great! Plenty of room in free weight area to work in cardio with your lifting. I’m a fan of that because I never justo «lift;» I need a bit of space to keep my heart rate going. I’ll grant the treadmills are a bit on the older size, but they’re well maintained. They also have this x-​force thing that deals with negative weights; can’t wait to try that. Also I hear there’s an obstacle course for cross fit style training? Awesome!
Add in WiFi (so you can watch Netflix if you want) & a smoothie bar…& I think it’s great!

Don’t come on Mondays. It’s like a crowded subway ride.

As someone who actively avoided Phys Ed in school and considered dodgeball, field hockey, softball, volleyball, soccer, and square dancing major life stressors, I never thought for a moment I would EVER be reviewing a GYM.
Yet here I am – going to Gainesville Health and Fitness 3 – 4 times a week and LIKING it. LOVING it, in fact.
Why?
Three words: Zumba with Madel.
I am SO blessed to have found this vivacious, fun-​loving, and energetic Zumba instructor who actually has me looking forward to getting to the gym and exercising.
Because you know what? When I am dancing Latin style Zumba with Madel for an hour and every part of me is sweating, even my kneecaps, I am SO happy.
THAT is a miracle.
Madel Sotomayor is not only an excellent Zumba instructor, but a kindhearted and generous person who fosters a sense of community amongst her followers.
We are not just exercisers working to keep the pounds at bay — we are friends.
Madel’s Zumba peeps regularly meet outside of class for get togethers — including fundraisers for the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation, PACE Center for Girls, and the American Heart Association — just to name a few.
Madel’s Zumba class regularly draws anywhere from 70 – 125 participants — arguably the biggest group classes by far offered by Gainesville Health and Fitness.
Zumba participants have regularly lobbied the management for larger exercise space — but because of some weird rivalries and management obstinance the requests have never been granted — frustrating GHFC members who regularly attend Madel’s classes and wonder why they are treated like second class citizens, forced to exercise in much smaller spaces than other classes that don’t draw nearly half the number of people yet are held in much larger rooms.
Management’s tone deafness in this matter is frustrating — especially when every time members log complaints, management’s solution is to call Madel and yell at her for her «unruly peeps».
Strange and puzzling to say the least.
Not sure what the problem is – but I do wish that Gainesville Health and Fitness would work harder to find a solution for some of its biggest fans.

Now I consider myself a gym rat. And for good reason — I’m at the gym nearly every day. To the point where the staff knows my wardrobe rotation. And this place definitely suits me. :) I should put the requisite warning that I only visit the Main Center. Who wants to workout with all girls? And Tioga is too far away.
Now on to my review–
Adequate eye candy (at the main center) plus good classes and I’m hooked! I’ve never had to wait for a machine and they’re constantly updating things. It’s also super clean — something I take very seriously.
Now it’s not perfect — because really, what gym is? The only drawback is the parking. Geeze does it suck to park my brand new car in the dirt at least 3 days a week. Also, if you’re a group fitness fan, fair warning: not all instructors are created equal. There are some that make you think GHF doesn’t do any sort of screening and others you’d swear should make their own DVDs. Don’t judge them on looks though — try the class first!

How many reviews am I going to write for GHFC? As many as it takes to get you to sign up! I could seriously weep at the thought that I will only be in Gainesville for another year and will be forced to find another gym.
So, I’ve already told you that their cycle classes are worth the money alone and that the Group X classes are great, but what about lifting? I inquired about personal training with my fitness counselor and found that it was a bit out of my budget, but they will totally work with you on fitting it into your price point if you are dead set on having one and don’t know anyone who can help you. Thankfully I have a friend who is serious into lifting and has been training me 3−4x a week.
As a woman, you cannot and should not be intimidated by the weights section upstairs at GHFC! There aren’t usually a lot of women and there are a ton of bulky dudes, but usually there are all super friendly and willing to help you if you actually need it, but they don’t interject with all that «oh here let me spot you because clearly you are going to drop the weight because you are a girl» stuff. Regardless of what part of the gym you are in, everyone is consistently friendly and helpful. Even the crazy huge dudes.
The only thing that makes me want to kill myself at the gym are the people who talk during spin, but sadly they can’t screen members for being annoying.

Pretty nice, large facility catering to every gym demographic: cardio fanatics, fitness freaks, elderly folks, cardiac rehab patients, basketball players and swimmers. EVERY gym demographic– seriously.
Clean locker rooms; no lock? No problem. A four digit code is all you need here. Free wi-​fi and friendly staff. So why only 3 stars? I like a more specialized gym where I can get huge without offending anyone. I grunt on occasion and that just wouldn’t be allowed here. Too big and many machines not working the day I was there.
If you like the be all/​end all style gyms which cater to everyone. Then this is your place!