★ 5

After moving from Cleveland to Houston last year, I honestly didn’t think I’d find a CrossFit community that could match the one I left behind. It wasn’t just a gym for me it felt like home. I live in the East End, so there are several gyms nearby, but none of them felt like the right fit. After recovering from surgery and feeling ready to get back into a routine, I decided to stop by UAS and I’m so glad I did.

The moment I walked in, the atmosphere stood out. I saw people of all different experience levels training together, supporting each other, and working hard in a really positive way. Ronny, one of the owners, greeted me right away and made me feel welcome, which made signing up for onboarding an easy choice.

It’s been about a month now, and I’m going five days a week. The Level Method is super motivating, and the coaching team Ronny, Honee, and Jason does an awesome job of helping you progress safely and with good technique. They challenge you at a pace that makes sense for your goals, whether you’re just getting back into fitness or you’ve been training for years.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a fantastic gym. I started by going to the free community days. Then I tried some one on one sessions where they patiently taught me to do all of movements safely (equipment and non equipment movements). Then I joined the classes. It’s an overall encouraging community and efficient workout. All of the coaches are very knowledgeable and positive.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great Coach's and great admispher ! Mr. Ron is a good family oriented man and wonderful owner. The cross fit exercises are next level and Coach B is the truth, I'll be a member for the long haul. They also have a boxing facility too, just ask for Coach Martinez or Mrs. Hannah they'll help you out with the info. Can't forget about Coach Juan and Coach Jason they're very professional and masters of their craft.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym is what fitness is all about. I've met so many wonderful, kind individuals at this gym who are all about getting stronger, staying healthy, and supporting each other every step of the way. Finding a new gym in a new city can definitely be tough, especially if you join one and they don't take too well to outsiders. I never had this problem at UA. I instantly felt like a long-time member, and I'm excited that I got a membership here. Totally worth it! Big props to Leah for helping me through the process.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I was apart of Metcon gym before it merged with Urban Animal, and all I can say is that the merge has been awesome! The coaches are great and the space is super cool. Lots of nice equipment, class size isn’t too large, and the coaches are always on point! The work outs can be pretty tough, but they offer so many different levels of the work out that anyone can join in. They push you when needed and are kind when you can’t go any more! The people are always friendly and the monthly prices are reasonable. My boyfriend and I are excited to get back in the gym together with this new group! Get your self in there and sweat!

Source: Google

★ 5

Love working out here! Coaches are great. They make sure you are reaching your goals and moving through the workouts in a safe manner.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I had been eyeing CrossFit gyms for a while... This one was the first to get me in the door, and it has kept me coming back since June 2020. Since the first point of contact, the owner, coaches, and members have been so friendly and personable. The intimidation CrossFit inherently holds goes away quickly with the help of the coaches and the programming utilized. Every workout is thoroughly scaled based on your experience and abilities, so you don’t have to think about any of it. I have been able to lift heavier than I ever did as a college athlete, and the entire culture is very goal oriented. Safety is always the biggest priority, and you’ll never be set up for failure. Worth every penny!

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined in the month of November when I was even not able to run 100m but in 5 months a lot has changed. The training schedule and exercise program is designed in an excellent way . I was able to build up my stamina progressively. It helped me lose weight while keeping my muscle mass intact and increased strength for the heavy training sessions. I would highly recommend this place for wellness of your physical health.

Source: Google

★ 5

Urban Animal Athletics is a great place to work out! Ronny Harrison (owner) and all of the coaches are awesome; they are always there to support, encourage and help everyone reach their fitness goals. There are customized work out programs to fit every athlete’s level, from beginners to advanced. If you want to find a gym that feels like family and will make you feel comfortable and welcomed, please come check it out! I owe all of my fitness gains to Urban Animal!

Source: Google

★ 1

We noticed we were being overcharged each month on the billing. It ended up totaling over $300 over time! When we pointed it out to the owner, Drew, his only response was that "finances were very tight". We were shocked and asked for a refund immediately. After not receiving one and the charges continuing, we had to leave the gym. It's been two years and multiple follow ups and we never received our refund! Such a shame because we actually really liked the team. But based on the shady admin we do not recommend this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

I found it! After leaving Cleveland, Ohio, for a job here in Houston last year, I knew it would be hard finding a CrossFit gym like the one I left behind. I didn't leave just a gym; I left a family. I live in the East End, and we have three CrossFit gyms within 5 minutes of my home. I came up with every excuse not to join, I finally had a valid excuse (a surgery), and I packed on the pounds. I visited the gyms, worked out in one (really nice but not what I was looking for) and, decided to drive by UA to check them out. I walked in, and I knew within seconds that this was what I was looking for. Athletes, young and old, super in shape, and a few like me, not so much.
Ronny (one of the owners) was super welcoming, and I decided to sign up for their onboarding. I am now a month in, and I go five times a week. Love the LevelMethod, coach Ronny, Honee, and Jason. The coaches push you and encourage you to advance and become stronger while keeping your form. Form and quality, over packing on the weights. If you are out of shape, join. If you are in insane shape, join The program will challenge you regardless of where you are on your journey. I am very happy that I've joined. Come by the 6 AM class, and you'll see what I mean. You will not regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love the open air and social distancing. I enjoy group workouts but this place takes it to another level . Coach Ronnie explains everything and really takes the time to make sure your technique is on point. It has made a difference in just 3 short weeks . I look forward to gym day

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome gym and great trainers that work with you one on one to get you conditioned for the group workouts.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent place for training, nice community and best staff and coaches!

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome place, so happy I joined.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Simply the best place to workout. Staff is excellent and professional.

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome coaching and great facility in premiere location. It's more than crossfit. I learned gymnastic movements and stretches that I wouldn't expect from crossfit and Olympic weightlifting. Sometimes you progress by getting stronger and adding more weight, but sometimes you progress by learning a new skill like handstand pushups, peg board climb ups, or ring muscle ups. This makes it much more rewarding and fun than a traditional fitness gym for people like me.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great coaching and great amosphere!

Source: Google

★ 5

Urban Animal Athletics has great programming for the beginner through advanced athlete. Great community and great people. Plus you get to see the city of Houston skyline when running.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love love love this gym! I started back in January and let me tell you- at first I was apprehensive because I always thought CrossFit was full of these super fit people and that I was going to feel intimidated! That is totally not the case here! Everyone is super friendly from the coaches to your fellow team members who quickly become your good friends! They definitely make sure you know your moves before joining the big classes by taking the time to teach you so you don’t end up hurting yourself! I feel extremely supported in all aspects and look forward to each class- even if the workout is going up be a tough one!

Source: Google

★ 5

You don't regret working out, you only regret NOT working out.

Urban Animal helped me stop looking in the rear-view mirror when it came to my health and physique. My empowering context was that I wanted to look healthier AND get off of medicine for high blood pressure and acid-reflux.

Reach out to Drew Thomas @ Urban Animal Athletics if you want similar results, the hardest part is getting to the gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Urban Animal Athletics has great workouts, welcoming people, and the coaches will work w/you if you need any modifications to your workouts! Plus this place is very spacious.

Source: Google

★ 5

Urban Animal great place awesome community great coaching staff and programming on point!!!!
Definitely highly recommended!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined urban about a month ago and I have two other gym memberships and I must say how impressed I am with how above and beyond they go for their members. Being on quarantine leaves me with no discipline to keep me from sleeping and eating all day. Urban may be closed for the time being but haven’t gave up on there members fitness goals. I even get a daily check in from Drew or coach Juan. They keep me on point with daily workouts and keep me motivated towards reaching my fitness goals. Every now and then I get pains in my leg and they’re there to walk me through the steps of stretching it out. Just an all around awesome gym, glad to be a part of the urban animal family.

Source: Google

★ 5

Hey it’s me Elijah I really like this place I’m the god and it’s judgement day. And this will pass judgement

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Urban Animal Athletics is a top of the line CrossFit gym! This gym is filled with just as many "big hearts" as it is "big muscles"! You can feel the passion and love for the community radiating from the Owner, Drew Thomas and each of his amazing trainers! I've also had the privilege of utilizing their Corporate Training Program in my Office for the past 6 months. Colin Gittings does a fantastic job creating workouts for all levels of fitness in my office! I look forward to my continued training with Urban Animal, and I hope you'll join us! :)

Source: Google

★ 5

UA is a great CrossFit gym. Highly recommend

Source: Google

★ 3

Didn't go inside never heard of the place was just beside it

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★ 5

Been going here for about a half-year now. Coaches are excellent and atmosphere is great.

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★ 5

Can't comment, don't remember going there.

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★ 5

It has been amazing to see this facility grow over the years looking back seeing all of the lives it has changed and all of the relationships it has built in the process. This is a strong community that makes you feel right at home in your first day.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great location!! No issues parking, reasonably priced, clean, and very welcoming feel. 2019 here I come!!!

Source: Google

★ 3

Crossfit. No frills. No stretches. The coaches know what they're talking about as far as they're concerned. The only reason I can't give fewer or more of a star or smile right now is because I've found no misery in the weight I've lost and no joy in the food I haven't eaten. The pain and post is intrapersonal. I have no community yet, but maybe that's where I'm at right now. We'll see where this trail takes me by Valentine's Day

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 5

Very high energy.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Home away from home.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this place; basically my second home. I have improve in so many ways. My form and movements because, of great coaching and staff. Specially, the athletes that we push among us to improve and get better.

Source: Google

★ 5

Let's begin here, the word Crossfit seems to create a sense of anxiety or fear in folks and I was one of them. I felt as though by having a personal trainer and a gym membership I was attaining the best results for my body. However, that wasn't the case. My stylist is a member of Crossfit Urban Animal and she has heard me for years go on and on about needing to get more fit, wanting to challenge myself more physically, and to observe solid results after all the hard wok that gets put into a workouts. She suggested I try out CFUA to see for myself why she loves the place so much and the workouts.
In March 2015, I took my first step towards what I now know was one of the best decisions I've made for myself in a long time, I signed up for the foundations classes, first week was free, and instantly saw what I've been missing in all my hours with a trainer and at the gym. I had corresponded with Drew via email to get setup and Jenna coached me through my beginner classes. I felt like I got the basics and knew that as I was integrated into the regular classes the coaches would be there to watch over me and guide me along the way which they have. I feel as though you get what you put in at the box. The coaches have been more than willing and able to answer my questions, they are quick to correct my form when I may be doing a lift wrong, and offer extra time to help you get stronger and more confident with techniques. Since March, my body has without a doubt changed, for the better, it is stronger, leaner, and able to do things I otherwise believed impossible! I've also learned how to eat to perform, diet is key and CFUA folks are there to help you with that as well, from nutrition seminars, to meal-prep, to vitamins, etc. All of the coaches are stellar, they know what they are doing, they are solid teachers, and treat all of us with the same level of respect, whether your're a newbie athlete to a seasoned athlete. We are all athletes at CFUA.

Crossfit isn't about the aesthetics of the gym/box per se, the true purpose of it is about building community, competing with yourself, motivating others, and appreciating how your body can do so much more than you think! I love this place and love what is had done for me thus far. Can't wait to see what else is in store! Thanks CFUA!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been an athlete at CFUA since day one. I have watched and been involved in this gyms incredible growth. I have some bad habits just like everyone else but I can and will credit the gym, the staff and the entire supportive CFUA community for being the primary catalyst in me becoming the best version of me that I've ever been. At 32 I'm healthier, stronger, faster, happier and more stable across the board than I ever was in younger years. CFUA in its entirety, saved my life. Like any other gym or overall social environment, there are prides and egos, minor mistakes and mishaps, construction builds or repairs, but that is just "small potatoes". If you want to change your life and start creating the best version of yourself you aren't even able to fully imagine yet, just come by and be welcomed. You'll immediately feel uplifted.

Source: Google

★ 5

CFUA owner Drew Thomas and his supporting staff have created a truly great gym and community. I have been a member since February 2014 and have watched the staff and facility only improve throughout the years.

For the beginning athlete: I highly encourage you to check it out. I had no clue what I was doing when I stepped into the gym 2 years ago, but the coaches there gave me all the tools I needed to succeed in my health and fitness.

For the experienced athlete: The programming is very well rounded. Drew places an emphasis on strength, conditioning, form, and technique in order to build elite athletes. The programming is slightly geared towards strength training, and you will spend a lot of time with your hands on a barbell, but there are still plenty of burpees, box jumps, and muscle-ups to be done. I train in the Level III Competition program and we try and get out to a local comp ever few months to see how we stack against the rest of the community.

The equipment and facility: You get all the standard equipment here. Barbells, bumper plates, kettlebells, ropes, rigs, and rings. Plenty of lifting platforms for you to work on your Oly lifts. It is all well maintained and Drew is frequently making improvements and expanding. The building is an old warehouse in the EADO area with a nice view of the Houston Skyline. It gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, but you're here to train and get fit, not get pampered.

This is my home, this is my family. I look forward to growing stronger along with it.

Source: Google

★ 5

My favorite place to be!! I love all of the people I get to see on a daily basis. Working out in a place with awesome coaches and awesome people makes it easy to stick to a gym routine. This place helped me get into the best shape of my life. I couldn't imagine my life without CrossFit Urban Animal. 😃

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym has quickly become one of my favorite places to be. The staff is always willing to help and if you are confused about something all you have to do is ask. Everyone here just want to see every single person succeed and have fun while pushing to do things you never thought possible.

Source: Google

★ 5

When I decided it was time to take my health into my own hands I was terrified. I came in on a Saturday to a free community WOD and was really just hooked after that. Drew and Jenna have played massive parts in my health transformation. Being coaches, support system, everything I needed to stick with something that terrified me. Now I have ever changing goals and so much more than just a healthy lifestyle.

I walked in the doors well over 200lbs, borderline diabetic, and mildly depressed. My life has literally been changed for the better since I made this leap.

Great Coaches
Great Community
Ever growing facility

Source: Google

★ 1

I'm $200 out of pocket for two months I did not receive services. If this review helps you not sign up then I'm happy.

You get one, one-hour consultation. After that your membership choices start at $100/mo. and up. I believe 4 months was the minimum length offered. You will only have an EFT payment option. You will be locked into a non-negotiable contract because the owner is more interested in taking your money than dealing with month to month memberships. You will not enjoy restroom accomodations. Instead, you can use the porta potty outside.

All of the coaches are great at what they do, but that's just about it. There was no organization or clear communication on scheduling. I showed up on two occasions for crossfit and none of the coaches who weren't busy helped me, so I left both times. I made it through foundations and was basically lost from that point on because no one responded to my scheduling questions.

I tried talking to the owner, Drew, into refunding my final two months because (1) I had been fed up with the whole scheduling process, (2) I was involved in two back to back car accidents (one caused by natural hazards, another was a hit and run) that caused out of pocket repairs, (3) I decided the monthly expense was too costly in prepping to get married in addition to the accidents. He refused to, citing me at fault for not coming to him about the two times I wasn't helped. I understood the terms of our contract and our agreement, but his response was just a reiteration of the contract, which I found insulting and impersonal. Not a big enough gym to be shady like that.

Anyway, I suppose other members understood the schedule. After showing up twice with no one helping me I took initiative to reach out via e-mail to discuss scheduling w the coaches BEFORE wasting my time and going there. The response times were generally slow and sporadic. There were a few times I received no response at all. Again, not a big enough gym for all the disorganization.

Lastly, I had a Groupon that I needed to use by 7/11. I went in on 7/11 to start my 30-day Groupon which was unlimited classes for 30 days. We did not deal with Drew on 7/11. His assistant said the Groupon would be fine. I had an aunt pass away on 7/12. Returned to Houston for my intiital consult the next week. Drew did not want to honor the Groupon. The only reason he did is because his assistant told us the Groupon was fine and he'd log our 7/11 start date (which he didn't).

As a compromise (if you call it that) Drew said he'd honor the Groupon until the end of the month which was only the equivalent of 21 days from the 10th, or for me after returning from the funeral, 15 days. Drew would not honor it passed that date (again citing month-to-month issues) since the monthly memberships are charged on the 1st. At the time, I was cool with it. Now, I see it was a clear sign of a desperation for cash flow.

Source: Google