★ 1

FALSE ADVERTISING!! Website says "WE OFFER A FREE 1 DAY TRIAL TO ANYONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING OUR PRIVATE GYM". See photo from website from TODAY. Completely false. The owner (Chad) needs to train his employees better, and accept responsibility for when 2 said employees tell a customer incorrect information.

On 2 separate occasions (my in person initial visit to tour the facility and a week later on the telephone) I was advised that I could do a "free trial" workout (1 visit) to try before joining. On my initial visit to tour the facility I didn't have time to do the trial workout and was told I could do it when I got the chance. A week later (today) | called in the morning to advise that I would be coming in today to do my trial workout and most likely join afterwards barring any unexpected issues. The employee said "Great! You'll just need to sign a release of liability form and you'll be all set". I told the employee l'd be there in the afternoon.

I show up and am greeted by an employee who looks at me skeptically when I said I'm here for my trial workout. He says "we don't offer free trial workouts ANYMORE". Oh ok, well I only know what 2 of your co-workers told me on 2 separate occasions..guess they're idiots?? The desk employee then calls Chad - the facility owner who was advised that I was told by 2 of his employees an obviously untrue statement about a free trial workout.

Chad declined to take an opportunity to make a smart business decision AND HONOR HIS OWN WEBSITE and instead decided that a $20 day guest pass fee was his priority. He said no "free workout, but you (me) can pay a $20 guest pass fee and try the facility". Ummmm...Chad. it's your gym and you can make up all the rules you want on the fly..but that's really bad business. You asking me for $20 when 2 of YOUR employees gave me false information and your own website contradicts you is just bad business in anyone's judgment.

You obviously need the $20 more than I do.
I passed on the $20 day pass to try the facility where I was going to pay a $300 INITIATION FEE to join a facility I hadn't had the opportunity to try. The facility itself is "different", I have 2 other large gym memberships that ! keep but wanted a smaller quieter facility as an option.

Chads bad attitude made my decision NOT to join very easy. He acts like someone who's been hurt? Hope

Source: Google

★ 5

I dropped in for a trial day and was really impressed. The gym has everything you need — solid equipment, clean space, and it never felt overcrowded. Staff were friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere was down-to-earth, not flashy or intimidating. A perfect spot if you’re looking for a no-nonsense place to train in the River Oaks area. Definitely considering a membership!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym and staff and the trainers are extremely knowledgeable.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very clean, organised, and fully equipped for any workout. Excellent environment to focus and get it all done.

Source: Google

★ 2

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★ 5

Really kind people. Perfect if you don't enjoy packed & loud gyms. Super easy to get in and out of.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym is not part of the current social trend. It is for people that seriously care about their health and that are here for that purpose. From the owner, to the trainers and other members, it is an environment of respect and positivity. The owner really cares about the members and what makes the gym worth their time and money. The trainers are all experts and they take the time to impart their knowledge to the trainees. When I compare this gym and the trainers to what I personally have experienced at other gyms, there is NO comparison. This place has a great central location and provides the best environment to exercise daily.

Source: Google

★ 5

Let's get the negatives out of the way:

- Their initiation fee is the highest I've ever paid, and their monthly rate is higher than you'd expect a facility like this to have.

- Their hours are limited compared to other options nearby.

- (A lot of) their equipment is old.

- Their playlist is...definitely not what you'd expect a gym to have.

Cool. Now that that's done, let's move onto the actual review.

I LOVE this gym. After working out at big-box gyms, this place is a huge sigh of relief.

I love that they have a waitlist (or so they say). From what I've seen, this has prevented the gym from becoming an absolute mad-house, even at peak hours. I almost never have to wait for equipment to free up; that's worth the super high initiation fee right there.

I love that they have ZERO televisions in the free weights area! TV's are distracting and, in my opinion, mostly unnecessary now that most folks bring their phones with them anyway. They aren't entirely against the tube, though; they have a TV in the lounge area near the front desk and in each bathroom, and all of the cardio equipment seems to have a cable hookup.

I love that they have two Pelotons in the back. Most gyms have abysmal spin bikes, so I was really surprised to see them in such an obscure area.

I also love how clean they keep the place. This is the first gym in the 14 years I've been working out that I'd feel comfortable showering in. They also have a Keurig coffee maker in the back with lots of pods; while I haven't used it, it's a really nice touch to an already homely gym.

This is a weird thing to love that I wasn't expecting, but their dress code heavily discourages "showboating" (revealing clothing) for men and women.

While I haven't used their services, the trainers seem very nice and attentive towards their clients. They don't seem to rush them out, either.

Finally, the equipment. Most of the free weight equipment is old...but all of it seems to be extremely well-maintained! The TWO power racks that they have are secured properly, and they all of the same machines you'd find at big box places. The cardio equipment is also relatively new.

Working out here is awesome. If you live in the area, it's a no-brainer, in my opinion. I wish I found this place sooner. I'll be really sad if it ever sells out or goes away.

Also, Remi, the gym dog, is ADORABLE.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

I've worked out here for 6+ years. Rarely ever crowded, always clean, nice amenities in the locker room, friendly staff. No complaints.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Today l was there with my client (lam independent PT and l ve been training my client for almost a year) we were looking a gym, less crowded , maintained equipment and fresh. After fit club closed, we tried some and was hoping to find equal fit club. We gave a shot today, asked for 2 memberships and free trial. A guy at front desk offered one week free trial. We accepted and kept going about monthly pay, annual fee etc… everything was fine included monthly pay until annual fee! Yes it is 300! I ve never worked out in any gym with the oay more than 100$.l talked with my client and we discussed about annual fee. We did workout, gym is fresh, but workout machines are literally fron stone age and extremely dark inside. No music.
I figured out a bold guy (l assume he is pt as well) was starring me all workout. It was pretty creep even my client realized that. We just ignored him, completed workout. Before we left, same guy at front desk said “good luck for finding new gym, this is your last day for free trial, we have right to refuse anything here and l asked but you offered a week before we did workout, he said he doesnt have to give reasons, today is last day!, l was smiling bec that gym is big big no. Disrespectful stuff, creepy bold guy, old machines, no music.. lm sure that gym wont last longer.
I as a 10 years personal trainer, l highly NOT recommend that place for your safety and your wellness.
Have a great day.

Source: Google

★ 2

I REALLY wanted to love River Oaks Gym when Fit closed down. It is 100 yards from my house. I went and worked out at 5:30 AM on a Friday which is my normal work out time and when they open.

There were two trainers with clients and one person on cardio.

Pros- no waiting for any equipment. The staff (owner I think) was super nice. Parking is free and plentiful.

Cons-limited variety of machines, equipment is older and it is DARK in there! Dimly lit and music was very soft which is probably appropriate for the space. I was bored. I have friends who work out there and love it because it is so quiet but I missed the fun music and activity that was at Fit.

Cost was equivalent to Fit but double any of the other gyms I am looking at. High initiation fee and over $90/month.

It’s the perfect gym for some people, just not me.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have walked past this gym many times and because of the chandelier in the window thought it would not be a great place for me. I don’t want to feel the need to put on makeup and sexy workout gear to do strength training.

Well, I was wrong. This gym is fantastic! Clean locker room with showers, towels, etc. and every kind of equipment needed to get a great workout. You don’t have to wait for weights or machines and the staff is friendly and helpful. I highly recommend the River Oaks Gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this gym. Very clean, well organized space. Everyone picks up after themselves, so all the equipment is always put back where it's supposed to be. There's a coffee maker that I assume mostly runs in the morning, and I workout in the afternoon. But if you go early enough, I guess you can have some coffee! There are couches for patrons to lounge on and watch the TV. I usually shower at the gym after a workout, so I judge gym bathrooms pretty hard. The bathrooms here are very clean, and super nice. Decorative tile showers with wood doors, nice soap, shampoo, and conditioner, lotion, q-tips, feminine products, hair dryer, plush towels that are ACTUALLY washed with detergent (if you know how gym towels usually are, you know what a big deal this is. Most gym towels are thin and ratty and smell like they were washed with plain water, no detergent). This gym cares about the little details, and rightly so because the little details make a difference. I am very happy to have found this place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been a member for over 5 years. If you want to work out in a crowded gym, angling/waiting to get your turn at a piece of a
Equipment — this is NOT the gym for you!
ROG is a small (but very complete) gym that is set up to accommodate members who want to work with a trainer — BUT having a trainer is not a requirement to join or work out there. (I’ve never hired a trainer). I love it that I can go to the gym at 5:30 in the afternoon and there might be 5 other patrons in the gym. I NEVER have to wait for equipment or apparatus.
Also — the staff and owner (Chad) are all super friendly, and the facilities are kept immaculately clean. There is ample free parking and it’s location is great for those living in upper Kirby, the Heights, River Oaks and the Montrose. It is the perfect gym for someone who doesn’t want to fight for equipment or stare at gym rats preening in the mirrors. 🙄

Source: Google

★ 1

I walked in and no one was at the front desk. Instead, a very large black dog greeted me by slowly walking toward me, clearly on high alert. As soon as I opened my mouth to greet it, it barked and literally at charged me. I quickly turned around to protect myself and it jumped on my back as it barked again. All I heard was who I’m assuming was the owner say the dog’s name to redirect him. I literally got out of there as fast as I could out of fear the dog was going to attack me if I didn’t. Clearly this dog is not trained to be hanging around in a business with people walking in and out of it. Keep your dog at home if it’s a danger to others. Thanks for the scare.

Source: Google

★ 5

best gym🔥

Source: Google

★ 5

Chad runs a great gym. He and his crew of wonderful trainers provide a welcoming non-intimidating environment to encourage you to get and start fit. Immaculately clean facility with all the equipment you need in a compact and efficient space.

Source: Google

★ 5

River oaks gym is a great place to workout. I come here all the time and the gym is perfect.

Source: Google

★ 5

Member for probably 12+ years. Always super clean, never crowded and very friendly staff. Love working out here!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym! Has kept us coming back for over a decade. Clean, friendly neighborhood atmosphere with very knowledgeable trainers and well-maintained, good equipment. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

River Oaks Gym is a super place to work out and stay fit. Very friendly, always ready to help, perfect size, private, great variety of equipment. The environment is encouraging - which helps to make working hard to be healthy and fit achievable.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym and atmosphere..well equipped for all fitness levels/goals and never too busy!

Source: Google

★ 5

It is a wonderful and un crowded friendly gym with great personnel ready to assist you with exercises.

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful gym. Exactly what it says it is... Clean, quiet, friendly and not crowded. It's a pleasure to workout here. The gym dog is an added bonus!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. And the staff are very welcoming

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

This is a great facility. Definitely a different feel than all of the gyms I have been to. Private parking. Always clean. A small space that has everything you could ever need and you can get in and out of the place in no time. They offer personal training but you could also workout on your own. The best part is the fresh hot coffee (who needs Starbucks?) and Abby the dog is a great motivator to come to in to the gym as well. I highly recommend this gym!

Source: Google

★ 4

Has everything you need, with friendly and helpful staff. Great locker and shower set up. A little small (pull up bars are outside in stairway for lack of room), but it doesn't really get crowded with people.

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google