Finding a gym in Austin is no easy feat, despite the abundance of options at our collective disposal. What kind of equipment should you look for? Is personal training emphasis important? What kind of classes does each gym offer? In our 11th Annual Gym Guide we do our best to break it all down for you, so you can spend less time looking for the right fit and more time getting yourself into better shape.
Monica Brant
Austin's Famous Fitness Icon
Since debuting as a fresh-faced cover girl for Muscle & Fitness Magazine back in November 1994, Monica Brant has evolved into one of the most important and recognizable female figures in the modern health and fitness movement. With more than 100 covers to her name and just as many articles to match, she has garnered national acclaim as an athlete, model and health and fitness mentor. Monica began competing professionally in 1995 and for the next four years competed consistently in IFBB contests around the world. One of the highlights of her career was a FITNESS Olympia victory in 1998, where she was also the first athlete to ever compete in more than one division of the Olympia competition. Today Monica resides and works in Austin with her husband Scott Peckham (entrepenuer and former bodybuilder) and her two dogs.
1-2-3 Fit
11521 N. FM 620, Bldg. E, Ste. 1500 / 335.0123 / 123fit.com
Interested in less pain and more gain? 1-2-3 Fitness features
the 30/30 Circuit, a 30-minute workout that alternates between
cardiovascular exercise, strength training and recovery time at
30-second intervals to maximize the potential of your workout.
Their revolutionary Simbio System, designed to eliminate
unnecessary resistance and help increase strength, will cut
down on the soreness of beginning a workout routine. These
innovative features, as well month-to-month memberships, hope
to attract and keep novice workout enthusiasts.
24 Hour Fitness
5 Locations / 24hourfitness.com
The third largest chain of gyms in Austin, 24 Hour Fitness has
made its mark on the Austin workout landscape. Tapping into
Austin-pride, three of the five clubs have been designed in
coordination with Lance Armstrong, complete with indoor cycling
rooms. A wide variety of constantly updated classes and
personal training options are offered for those who want to
broaden their horizons, while popular 24-hour availability
makes these gyms ideal for exercisers with busy schedules.
Anytime Fitness
14360 Falcon Head Blvd. Ste. 140 / 402.1991 / anytimefitness.com
Catering to a wide range of fitness levels, Anytime Fitness
prides itself on delivering a solid workout whether you're in
serious training or just want to get off the couch. Anytime
promises 24/7/365 access to their facilities to accommodate
even the busiest schedules and their trainers' availability is
equally flexible. A wide selection of quality equipment, a
high-tech tanning booth, private showers and dressing rooms
make this well-rounded gym a great option if you're looking to
get back in shape or elevate your fitness to the next
level.
Body Business
2 Locations / bodybusinessfitness.com
An integral part of Austin's gym landscape since 1984, Body
Business aims for comfort and privacy while maintaining a
community feel. Large workout rooms are portioned into
individual zones, reservations are available for specific
machines and a welcoming childcare facility ensures that your
workout time is your own. It's also easy to meet and enjoy the
company of new friends in one of more than 120 classes or by
relaxing outside on the inviting patio area. Body Business has
something for everyone, regardless of age, gender or exercise
ability.
BodyWise Gym
1603 Ranch Road 620 N, Ste. 100 / Lakeway / 263.5519 / bodywisegym.com
Not a big gym, but a great gym, BodyWise emphasizes its
inviting feel and home-grown atmosphere. A friendly and
qualified staff offers readily available advice to make the
most out of your workout and there is an extensive exercise
video library for when you don't feel like one-on-one personal
training. Free childcare and towel services take half the
hassle out of finding time for heading to the gym and the
latest equipment ensures an efficient workout. A great spot for
those in the Lakeway area or commuters who want to get a
workout in on the way home.
Castle Hill
1112 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. B / 478.4567 / castlehillfitness.com - READER'S CHOICE
One of the biggest draws of a gym is state of the art
equipment and Castle Hill delivers. Their Velotron cycling
simulator offers an unparalleled biking experience, reproducing
realistic terrain in the comforts of an air-conditioned room.
Other high tech perks include extensive fitness monitoring
tests and advanced climbing walls. Castle Hill also offers a
large selection of yoga, massage and acupuncture options for
the more holistically minded. And don't miss their super
healthy food/juice bar in the building adjacent to the gym.
CATZ
12611 Hymeadow Drive / 345.5547 / catzsports.com - EDITOR'S CHOICE
CATZ (Competitive Athlete Training Zone) aims to condition its
members for excellence in specific disciplines. Workouts are
individually tailored, and group sessions focus on achieving
fitness goals that apply directly to specific sports. It's
endorsed by several local semi-professional sports clubs, as
well as nationally by the U.S. Men's Volleyball team. In
addition to first-rate specialized programs, CATZ also offers
training programs to combat the growing trend of obesity in
American youth. If you're looking for the fun in fitness, this
is the place to help you find it.
Curves
22 Locations / 800.848.1096 / curves.com
Curves has more than 20 Austin locations to choose from and a
whopping 10,000 gyms worldwide, claiming to be the fastest
growing franchise in history. A gym for women only, Curve
focuses on a thorough 30-minute workout plan that aims to not
only keep women in shape, but bring them together in a friendly
encouraging atmosphere. Without the pressure or pretentiousness
that tend to accompany more hard-core gyms, Curves is a
refreshing change of pace - a place woman can go and have a
good time while also getting in a good workout.
Executive Fitness
515 Congress Ave. / 391.0804 / executive-fitness.net
Just more than a year old, Executive Fitness is one of the
newer gyms on the Austin health club scene. It was created with
working professionals in mind and has succeeded in giving the
downtown dweller another convenient and notably luxurious
workout option. Founded by longtime exercise professional and
personal trainer Justen Aranda and located at 6th and Congress
in the Bank of America Building. Executive Fitness features
flat screen TVs, massages, swanky locker rooms and validated
garage parking.
Fitness19
3 Locations / 249.6030 / fitness19.com
Started by a former partner of Family Fitness Center,
Fitness19 is a new chain of affordable fitness clubs located in
residential neighborhoods. Gyms in Avery Ranch, Round Rock, and
Cedar Park create a family oriented fitness experience focused
on cardio, free weights and strength training. The membership
fees are extremely affordable and Fitness19 prides itself on
its childcare facilities so you won't need to hire a nanny. If
larger gyms aren't your style, Fitness 19 has the neighborhood
charm that you've been looking for.
Fit Studio O2
3267 Bee Caves Rd., Ste. 118 / 329.5655 / fitstudio02.com
Convinced that most people have trouble following a regular
workout, Fit Studio 02 stresses the necessity of a personal
trainer. The women's only studio focuses on a combination of
Strength, Cardio, Functional Training, Pilates, Yoga and Nia
that's personalized for every workout. One-on-one meetings with
fitness professionals prior to each session ensure that you're
working towards and achieving your specific goals. If you need
a personal touch to become motivated, this Westlake studio is
right up your alley.
Frost Bank Executive Health Club
401 Congress, Ste. 150 / 482.8839 / fbtfitness.com
The Frost Bank Executive Health Club is located in the 11th
floor of one of Austin's most iconic buildings, offering an
enlightened workout experience in the heart of the downtown
area. A 20-mile panoramic view let's you enjoy the Austin
skyline and much more while taking advantage of
state-of-the-art Technogym equipment. Complimentary personal
trainers help make the most of your workout and plush locker
rooms with private showers won't compromise your comfort. Owned
by the Hill's, this is a great urban extension of their
Westlake facility.
Gold's Gym
10 Locations / goldsgym.com
Originating in Venice Beach in 1965, and featured in Arnold
Schwarzenegger's seminal bodybuilding documentary "Pumping
Iron," Gold's Gym has become the most prominent co-ed health
club chain in the nation. Gold's offers a complete fitness
experience in each of its 10 Austin locations, with stand-out
features including "women's only" workout areas, certified
chiropractors, Cardio Cinema rooms, Olympic-size swimming pools
and free childcare. A popular choice for many Austinites,
Gold's typifies what most people consider a workout club to
be.
Gym One
3300 W Anderson Lane / 459.6165 / gymone.com
A neighborhood gym with a personal touch, Gym One has taken
over the former location of Busby's Total Fitness on Anderson
Lane. Despite the change in name, Gym One is still
locally-owned and operated. Gym One has made important strides
in improving the facility it inherited - recently expanding
their weight room, adding new equipment and priding themselves
on having a wide variety of personal trainer options. Don't
forget to make use of their dry cleaning drop off and pick up
service, a unique perk for the busy Austin professional trying
to balance work and working out.
Hyde Park Gym
4125 Guadalupe / 459.9174 / hydeparkgym.com
Driving down Guadalupe it's almost impossible to miss Hyde
Park Gym - a rippling bicep extends out of the building
hoisting a larger than life free weight. Distinguishing itself
as uniquely Austin, the gym offers a "no frills" workout
environment with a focus on strength training. The professional
staff features several bodybuilding and power-lifting champions
and the "Ask the Gym" training forum is a place for regulars to
get useful tips and increase their fitness knowledge.
Ironsmith
2 Locations / fitnessdoctors.com
Ironsmith is the first Texas company of its kind to apply the
tenets of rehabilitation training and post-rehab conditioning
towards injury prevention and training for the general public.
Playstrong Training Courses are offered for fitness
professionals looking to increase their know-how or amateurs
wanting a more thorough understanding of the art of fitness.
Conveniently located downtown as well in Jefferson Square,
Ironsmith is also one of Austin's best options for triathletes,
featuring the nationally recognized Tri-Fit USA Training
program.
Jewish Community Association of Austin
7300 Hart Lane / 735.8208 / jcaaonline.org
More community center than traditional health club, the JCAA
offers an inclusive atmosphere with something for everyone. The
sports and fitness facility has an outdoor heated pool, a
one-mile crushed red granite track, sports fields and an 11,000
square-foot double gymnasium. Programs include swim lessons,
gymnastics, sports leagues and classes, and Silver Sneakers
Senior Fitness Program. Cultural exhibits on theater, music and
art will keep you busy when you're not working out.
Liberty Fitness
3 Locations / libertyfitness.com
With a focus on fitness, nutrition and weight-loss, Liberty
Fitness aims to not only change how women work out, but how
they live. Founder Liberty Harper feels most Americans
underestimate the effect their food has on overall wellness,
and aims to help women overcome dieting myths. Combined with a
revolutionary 30-minute workout where you rotate machines every
30 seconds, this Austin headquartered fitness club has already
made great steps towards increasing the health and fitness of
women all over the country.
LifeForce Personal Fitness
34 Round Rock Avenue / 248-0508 / lifeforce-fitness.net
Oftentimes a gym membership isn't enough to keep one motivated
and working out actively. Life Force tries to correct this with
scheduled one-on-one sessions with their knowledgeable staff of
personal trainers. Life Force's setup is simple - their
personal trainers are all self-employed, setting their own
rates and hours to provide a more personalized experience.
Located in Round Rock, Life Force mixes up the typical gym
model and prides itself on tailoring the workout to you.
Life Time Fitness
2 Locations / lifetimefitness.com
This is not your neighborhood gym. Both Austin locations are
gigantic, sprawling facilities that have everything a health
club could offer. The 24-hour fitness centers boast athletic
leagues, plasma big-screen TVs, and more than 400 exercise
machines designed to work every muscle in the body. The complex
also features a caf, nutrition store, spa and salon, rounding
out one of the most thorough gyms in town. After a walkthrough,
you won't believe memberships are as affordable as $49 a
month.
Mecca Gym & Spa
524 N Lamar Blvd. / 381.2680 / meccagymandspa.com
Designed with attention to both body and soul, Mecca combines
the relaxing properties of a spa with the energizing aspects of
a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Mecca is a self-described
"urban wellness retreat," and prides itself on its attention to
detail. Located across the street from Whole Foods
Headquarters, Mecca boasts a Pilates studio, personal training,
and soothing spa treatments - all this in addition to top
fitness equipment and a beautiful view of downtown Austin.
Oxygen Fitness
2410 E Riverside Dr. / 444.3333 / oxygenfitnessaustin.com
Unique in its location east of I-35 (just off of Riverside
drive, and only a five-minute drive from downtown), Oxygen now
offers new and innovative fitness programs that include
screenings, massage therapy and fitness assessments. With
affordable membership rates as well as bilingual trainers and
instructors, Oxygen members can feel comfortable working-out in
a non-competitive, down-to-earth environment where gym-goers
don't feel pressure to put on makeup pre-workout. For fun
workouts and a change of pace, Oxygen is a breath of fresh
air.
Pinnacle Elite
1501 W. 5th St., Ste. 104 / 476.7334 / pinnaclefit.com
Pinnacle Elite describes itself as having been designed by
trainers for trainers. So, true to its claim, on any given day
you will see more than a dozen independent contractors offering
a broad range of personal training services without the burden
of a monthly gym fee. Pinnacle Elite offers the amenities of a
full-scale gym (changing rooms, lockers, shower facilities,
etc.), without the frills...and more importantly, without the
crowds. If you're looking for the one-on-one attention of a
personal trainer, Pinnacle Elite is a great option.
Premiere Lady
2 locations / 707.7700 / premiereladyfitness.com
Calling all female multi-taskers and those short on time! Here
is a women-only gym where convenience is the name of the game.
In addition to standard gym equipment and class offerings,
Premiere Lady offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room
and whirlpool, spa services, hair styling, tanning beds,
manicures/pedicures and a nurturing childcare facility.
Offering weekly equipment orientation classes as well as a
circuit program designed specifically for women, Premiere Lady
is a fitness oasis offering something for every woman.
Pure Austin
2 locations / 242.2200 / pureaustin.com
Designed for exercise enthusiasts without boundaries, Pure is
famous for its most unique amenities: kayaking in private
Quarry Lake, an outdoor heated four-lane pool, and outdoor spin
classes. Pure's emphasis on the outdoors puts it literally in a
league of its own, with highly educated exercise specialists
who push boundaries and constantly seek to innovate at both the
Town Lake and Quarry Lake locations. Also notable are a variety
of unique boot camps, including the Holiday Survival Boot Camp
as well as the Bride-to-be Boot Camp.
South Austin Gym
515 Congress Ave. / 266.6640 / southaustingym.com
Having recently merged with Vazquez Academy, South Austin Gym,
originally a boxing and kickboxing facility, now provides
programming in both boxing and mixed martial arts. Though
better-known for its boxing emphasis, South Austin Gym is also
outfitted with a fully-equipped weight room, cardio area,
tanning center and pro shop. Champion kickboxer Randy Palmer
brings more than 25 years of training experience to the ring,
and with its new martial arts programming, anyone can start
sparring at this great neighborhood gym.
South Congress Athletic Club
1109-B South Congress Ave. / 445.0773 / socoathleticclub.com
As soon as you set-up your membership, you'll appreciate the
experienced staff at South Congress Athletic Club. Co-owner
Mike Frazier's 27 years of training experience works towards
creating a personalized weight program for your needs. Focusing
on boxing conditioning, sport-specific training and
Olympic-style weightlifting, this athletic club combines
traditional training techniques with a few modern touches,
including a blog to keep you updated on special events.
The Hills
4615 Bee Cave Road / 327.4881 / thehillsfitness.com
Long considered one of the most luxurious gyms in Austin, the
Hills Fitness Center is located on an eleven acre campus that
houses indoor and outdoor recreation and fitness centers, as
well as an in-the-works medical office building. In addition to
superior cardio and weigh equipment, a Health Food Internet
Cafe, Massage Therapy Center, physical therapy, and spa
services all combine to make this creek-side fitness center a
model for other exercise facilities and perfect setting for
fitness for mind, body and spirit.
The Hilton Tower Health Club & Spa
500 E. 4th St. / 482.8000 / hilton.com
What's better than a gym membership that allows you to charge
fine hotel dining to your gym account? The Hilton Tower Health
Club & Spa boasts two cardio rooms, free-weights,
state-of-the-art exercise equipment and personal training. But
that's just the beginning. Get a luxurious facial in the wet
treatment room or make an appointment for a relaxing massage.
With no initiation or cancellation fee, membership at The
Hilton Tower Health Club & Spa is as carefree as going on
vacation.
Westlake Rehab & Wellness Center
5656 Bee Caves Road / 329.6655 / westlakemedical.com
Situated within the Westlake Medical Center, this newly
constructed, cutting-edge facility is a one-stop shop for
rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain therapy and surgical
services. What's not particularly surprising is that Westlake
Rehab offers a variety of medical procedures including X-rays,
MRI, CT scan and conventional lab tests. However, you may be
caught off guard to learn that it is also a gym - housing a
fully-functional workout facility with resistance and cardio
equipment abound, to help facilitate patient recovery and
physical therapy outcomes.
Wild Basin Fitness
2 locations / 266.6161 / wildbasinfitness.com
Memberships are limited at Wild Basin Fitness in order to
maintain member/personnel ratios required for constant customer
attention. With locations in Westlake and Steiner Ranch, Wild
Basin has state-of-the-art facilities and a highly educated and
experienced staff; something that ends up being ideal for all
levels of fitness. With a clean, cutting-edge and functional
workout environment, the exercise experience at Wild Basin is
rounded out with only the best equipment and service. It's a
shame memberships are limited.
YMCA of Austin
8 Locations / austinymca.org
Join one YMCA, and you join them all! But that's not even the
best part. Perhaps the best perk of joining the Y is that
you'll receive free group exercise classes, year-round swimming
and childcare - all for some of the most flexible and
affordable membership fees around. Members also have access to
child and teen programming which emphasize a life-long
commitment to health and fitness. Austin is home to eight YMCA
locations, so wherever you are, you won't be too far from a
great community and fitness facility.
- Multiple Locations: 24 Hour Fitness, Body Business, Curves, Fitness 19, Gold's Gym, Liberty Fitness, Life Time Fitness, Premiere Lady, Pure Austin, The Hills, Wild Basin, YMCA
- Basketball: Fit Studio 02, Gold's Gym, JCAA, Life Time Fitness, Oxygen Fitness, Pure Austin, The Hills, YMCA
- Pool: 24 Hour Fitness, Body Business, Castle Hill, Gold's Gym, JCAA, Life Time Fitness, Premiere Lady, Pure Austin, The Hills, The Hilton, YMCA
- Tanning: Gold's Gym, Gym One, Premiere Lady, Pure Austin, South Austin
- Childcare: 24 Hour Fitness, Body Business, BodyWise Gym, Busby's, Fitness 02, Gold's Gym, JCAA, Life Time Fitness, Premiere Lady, The Hills, Wild Basin, YMCA
- Running Track: 24 Hour Fitness, BodyWise Gym, JCAA, Life Time Fitness, Oxygen Fitness, Pure Austin, The Hills, YMCA
- Racquetball: Life Time Fitness, The Hills, YMCA
- Volleyball: JCAA, Life Time Fitness, Pure Austin, YMCA
- Physical Therapy: Body Business, CATZ, Executive Fitness, Gold's Gym, Pinnacle Elite, Pure Austin, The Hills, Wild Basin, YMCA
