UFC GYM Waterfront

Eh oh, Heyyy, I'm Meredith, a loyal gym devotee from way back when it was the Crunch days. Three stars from me, because while management rocks, equipment access is like playing musical chairs - except someone always gets left standing. Some trainers seem to think their clients are royalty, leaving us commoners to fight for leg press time. I believe this is not an everyday thing where they have two classes going on at the same time. It was a Tuesday and I normally don’t go on Tuesday, but went that day bc I missed three days and had to kind of rush through my workouts due to pressed time. As someone with disabilities, I need those endorphins to stay sane and balanced. Today's 45-minute wait for equipment was the cherry on top of my frustration sundae. The gym usually gets it right, but these kinks need ironing out. And don't even get me started on explaining my cochlear implant gadget - it's just not worth the awkwardness anymore. Again, while I highly recommend this location and its management; the gym's size and class scheduling often restrict access to equipment, and some personal trainers seem to prioritize their clients over other members. This was also an issue under Crunch. As someone with disabilities, I need more time for workouts, which focus on alleviating mental health and menopausal symptoms. Today's experience was particularly frustrating, as I waited 45 minutes for equipment unavailable due to concurrent classes. Although the gym usually accommodates my needs, these constraints are problematic. Furthermore, I've faced awkward situations explaining my cochlear implant-connected voice recorder, leading me to stop using it. Although the gym usually accommodates my needs, these constraints are problematic. When I discussed this with the main manager, she listened and was understanding with empathy, as she always does. She is perfect for the gym management, however, her trainers need to be more flexible when they are having classes when one needs equipment that is only going on during their classes at the same time. The manager also showed me where the stretching area was too, bc I wasn’t also able to stretch before my workouts due to the classes, it was really constricted today. Is all. Just an update from my previous review. After I wrote this review I had a lot of retaliation from two personal trainers who went from having great hospitality who used to always hi and to me and welcoming who are now very ignorant to me due to me writing the above review especially Lamont who did discriminate against me due to my disabilities and was very mocking towards me when I explained to him that I was autistic and noticed how he was treating me. Now if it was the other way around I would be kicked out of the gym if I was being racist. In case you didn’t know, racism came from ableism and Lamont was very ableist towards my disability by saying “ I have disabled family” but if I said “I had black friends or family who are black” I would have been kicked out of the gym. It is such a shame there is such double standards for people with disabilities who get discriminated never have any rights to speak to ableism. Seems like this business is not familiar with the rights of people with disabilities and has been very ableist towards people with disabilities. Another example, a woman pushed someone in there wheelchair at this gym, which is against the law, but is some how allowed to still attend this gym, whereas if someone said the “N” word it would be held accountable but not for people with disabilities who are getting g discriminated at this gym by the trainers who work here. Ya got to remember the gym keeps many people with disabilities alive, according Javano McLean. And every weekend Lamont acts like he owns the gym and has children around doing his job for him, which I got on video. This man should not be around children if he discriminates against people with disabilities.

I am 74 and love the renovated gym. The weight machines are new and good for all muscle groups. The staff are welcoming and friendly. I wish they had more Zumba and dance classes. There is an overall masculine feel, but women also feel comfortable there. The sauna is a wonderful addition. The price is right. I have not as yet met Andreas, the manager. We've only spoken on the phone. But I know the manager sets the tone for the staff and for the overall atmosphere, so he is doing an outstanding job!

This gym suits my needs across the board, from great use of space/design, weight machine variety, a pleasing atmosphere, some fitness/Zumba options, recovery spaces (like the hydro massage area and red-light sauna)—and affordability! I haven’t gotten into the martial arts aspect, but it’s a cool vibe. The incredibly friendly, helpful, and fun staff also make it a comfortable and inviting space for awesome workouts a few times a week. Thank you!

UPDATE: Adjusting from 2 stars to 3 stars. The day after I posted my review they changed the music - not sure if it was intentional as a result of my review or just coincidence but it's so much less irritating to work out now with better music. The only other comment I'd add after a few weeks using the space (and why I won't bump up to 4 stars) is that the lighting is rough - some spots are dark, some spots are overwhelmingly bright, and the lights are blinding if you lay on your back to do anything. I've literally had to shade my eyes when I stretch or do core work. I loved Crunch so I was pretty upset when they sold to UFC, but I reserved judgment until they reopened. Overall I'm disappointed and the new facility is exactly the vibe I was worried it would be (red flag when the big motto on the wall is about how pain is fuel). They cut down the number of treadmills significantly which is a big bummer and treadmills were always heavily utilized. My biggest complaint is that the music is terrible - I can't imagine anyone really wants to listen to techno at 5 am but if you don't want to you're forced to wear headphones and even that doesn't fully drown it out. If I could get one thing, it would be better music - I really enjoyed the music Crunch played. It's also annoying that while they have a lot of amenities they all come at a significant upcharge. Crunch just included them in my membership package and there's no way I'm paying the fees they're charging for the hydro massage or infrared. I'll still go because the equipment is nice and it's a better option than LA Fitness but overall it's exactly what I was expecting (which I wasn't thrilled about).

Michelangelo Turner is an amazing coach and trainer. He has a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm and he truly cares about his clients. This is rare.