★ 5

Safe and fun describe the atmosphere. Challenged and accomplished describe how I feel after every workout. Ethon is intentional and innovative with programming and shares the why, how, when (exercise science) behind it all. Two and an half years in, I keep choosing Alchemy because of the results I’m seeing, but also because Ethon and Sarah genuinely care!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been going to this gym for a year and a half as of June 2024, and I have to say, they are incredible! Even though I'm not as fit or experienced as many people there, I NEVER feel like I don't belong. Ethon, the trainer, is quick and kind about making adjustments when I can't do an exercise or need to do fewer reps or sets.

This is a really special place that works hard to make fitness accessible to everyone. If you're looking for a place to work out, this is it!!

Source: Google

★ 5

This was my first gym. Unfortunately, soon after I joined, COVID happened, and I have since moved away. Looking for a good gym now has made me realize how good I had it here! To sum it up, this gym is like Crossfit minus the bad stuff. The programming is varied, fun, and encompasses all aspects of functional fitness. The group format provides essential motivation and a sense of community. I wish I could find a gym like this where I live now.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you're more interested in getting in better shape vs. holding a gym membership, this place is for you. The ever changing workouts are challenging and rewarding. Ethon and team do a great job working with individuals to ensure the workouts fit with each person's abilities. This ensures you always get the most out of each session, without risking injury. If you truly want to get in the best shape of your life, and have the drive to do so, look no further than Alchemy.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great location and friendly staff!!
Rachel is an amazing personal trainer and is doing great at helping me achieve my goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've never found a gym quite like alchemy! The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming no matter your gender, age, or level of physical fitness.

The class-based system allows the trainers (who are incredibly knowledgeable!) to teach you new movements or help perfect your form. You don't need any prior experience to start, and the classes can adapt to any fitness level while still being quite challenging. My strength and fitness have improved greatly since coming, and I've met a lot of very nice people too.

Going to the gym is my favorite part of the day now!

Source: Google

★ 5

"Exercise" was one of the dirtiest words in my vocabulary. You want me to do what? Run? Workout? Turn red in the face from exertion? No thanks.

That was until I found Alchemy! I knew I should workout - it was good for my cardiovascular health, my joints, my mental health, etc. And I tried several ways to do that - I couldn't stick with anything for more than a month. However, I've been going to Alchemy regularly for a year! And I like working out! Who have I become?

The coaches understand that everyone's journey is different, and that's how they approach classes. They help to find the weight that is right for you, the modifications that are right for you. It's not necessarily about how heavy you can lift (which is really cool and all), but it's about having correct form and progressing with your weights/reps. I can see my progress this way and it's rewarding!

The classes are small, so everyone gets dedicated attention for form, allowing for a breakdown of the movements to understand connections. Modifications are made for injuries, as well as simply the limits of your body (oh, you're tight here - there's a modification...and a stretch...for that!). There's structure and consistency to the workouts, connecting to the overarching program for that cycle, so you can really see your progress.

Everyone is kind - Ethon/Sarah greet me with a smile and ask about how I'm doing, as well as supportive. They're very encouraging, and all the members are the same - we are a supportive bunch and love to cheer each other on. We joke, we laugh, we commiserate during hard workouts, and we get food!

If you're looking for a place to start your fitness journey or to continue with it, this is the place. The workouts are fire and the people are even better. :)

Source: Google

★ 5

If you're looking for a really welcoming place, Alchemy is awesome! I tried out several area gyms before landing at Alchemy which is everything I wanted in a gym.
We don't shame. No negative "encouragement". We believe that health is different for everyone and it's personal. The coaches get to know you and your needs. They've always modified for me with my arthritis and any injury.
We also have a lot of fun! We are not gym bros, more like gym nerds 😉. We laugh a lot and support each other.
So if you've always wanted to learn to lift, you have other goals, or you just want to be a part of a great community, you should come check us! Your first week is free and there's no obligations or contracts.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was afraid of the idea of fitness, but with the warm gym community. I felt at place, and welcome while going through the learning process. Ethon is a tremendous coach/trainer. He walks you through the process, and breaks down areas of opportunity that can be improved upon.

When I first came to this gym I was a soft body. Now through the science of alchemy, I have become a peak of humanity specimen.

Overall, i recommend this gym to everyone. You will feel welcome, and you will make so many friends.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I don't know where to start. Everything about this gym is a positive experience- the staff, members, work outs, the facility. I love coming here every day! Every day is different routines. Gym/ class size is small and helps with individualized attention, motivation & encouragement.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym has helped me change my attitude about fitness. I have gained so much strength, lost inches, and feel better! They are still pushing me to improve my diet...and succeeding. Very personalized, small groups, personal training available. Ethon and Sarah are very experienced and knowledgeable. And that's kind of an understatement. This gym has quickly become family to me. 9/12/22 Update -- Back post COVID. Still a wonderful group of people with health as their highest priority. So glad to be back!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've spent over a year, going into Alchemy three mornings/week, to do some of the most challenging physical activity of my life. In the process I've built muscle, lost weight and made some good friends. I started at Alchemy out of shape and without much endurance. Although I have a long way to go, before I will be satisfied with my progress, I am definitely much stronger, faster than the day I started and I'm able to hold my own in some very rigorous workouts.

Alchemy is the gym for you if you:

-Have never worked-out before.
-Have worked-out some but don't currently have a gym.
-Have worked-out a lot but are dissatisfied with the results from your current gym/trainer.
-Are looking for a family atmosphere instead of just a big room with treadmills.
-Are looking to build muscle, get healthy and/or looking for a safe, fun, healthy activity that is a good use of your time and hard-earned money.
-Understand fitness is a journey, not a destination.
-Enjoy debating the merits (or lack thereof) of Coors Lite.

3/8/22 - I moved away from Iowa last fall. Since then I've been on a quest to find anything comparable to Alchemy. The gym I currently go to for HIIT is more corporate and less challenging. Sure I swear and get out of breath but not like I did at Alchemy. My main takeaway is that Alchemy prepared me for just about anything. I have the skills to push myself through intense workouts and the knowledge necessary to avoid injury in a less carefully coached environment. I cannot thank Ethon, Sarah and the rest of the coaches at Alchemy enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Not sure if words can really sum up the value of Alchemy. Not only is this a wonderful environment to work out in and improve your nutrition/overall health, the community and the knowledgeable quality of the coaching are at the heart of it all. There is a wide variety of thoughtful programming that maximizes efficiency and hopefully - you have even more fun! If you have the will and the desire, they will guide you toward your goals. Show up, check it out! You will be glad you did! <3

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym with great staff!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ethon can work wonders if you work with him.

Source: Google

★ 5

Alchemy offers strength, conditioning, and explosiveness training for elite youth athletes. Our daughter is ripped and has shown huge gains in only 6 months. She will continue to train there for the next 4 years until college. I only wish we had started this 3 years ago. The owners Ethon and Sarah are great mentors too.

Source: Google

★ 5

Top gym for all around fitness. Came as an edurance athlete looking to round out my training and never left. Improved in power, form, range of motion, and fewer overuse injuries. Got in a pool after not swimming for months in the off season and hadn't lost any speed. Great owner, coaches, and other members. Can't remember recommend enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Incredible training and a great community!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Best function fitness gym in the Iowa City area

Source: Google

★ 5

Great people and great coaches. It doesn't matter what size or age you are, as long as you show up the coaches will work with you and the fellow classmates will cheer you on.
All around great place. Been with them since the beginning, and am sad to be leaving the area and this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

Greatest gym I've ever been a member of. The owner is amazing. He really cares about the members. Always pushing us to get better and making sure we are doing it in a healthy safe manner. Would recommend to anyone who wants to get in better shape and be around a great group of people!

Source: Google

★ 5

New gym (2016) with brand new equipment. Even though the gym is new, the head trainer (Ethon) has been working in the greater Iowa City area for years. He does an unparalleled job of knowing the members. I believe Ethon can tailor a workout for anyone: from novice to performance athlete. I'm in my mid-40s and I feel welcome even though I'm no gym rat. Ethon has kept me motivated and progressing in my fitness goals for the last two years.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google