Merritt Athletic Clubs Fort Ave

After living in Federal Hill for the past 6 years, I have seen the many changes that Merritt has had and have really held off on voicing my opinion. In my 6 years I have had a membership covering two periods. I first canceled after a few years when my dues had risen over 40% from what I signed up for. After a year or so without a membership, their marketing suckered me in again with a nice deal on a month to month basis. The dues have again risen to over 40% of what I signed up for. Honestly I don?t have a problem with paying a lot for memberships so long as I feel like there is value in it. Unfortunately, Merritt has a pretty big presence in Baltimore so there aren?t many alternatives to compete with. Most of my observations have been at the Fort Ave Location but there are a few things that make me question what I?m paying for. For quite a while at least half of the cardio machines with TVs just didn?t work so you are stuck watching whatever channel it was on. Sorry but running is boring enough, no need for an hour of Lifetime/Hallmark channel in my face. Pool is great during the summer, but don?t use it as a selling point when it?s accessible for a little over 3 months during the year. Although I haven?t been to many classes, they are definitely good so I have no complaints there. Friends of mine swear by them. Don?t bother trying to get in a quick run at 9:30. Too often have employees tried to remind me that they close at 10:00 as if someone can?t run for a half hour. Seems like no one remembers to inflate the exercise balls Beyond Merritt?s control but worth mentioning: Peak times are a borderline fire hazard, typical with a popular gym. The gym uniform is Under Armor apparel ?make sure you wear it in matching colors of course. All in all, the place would be better if the rates weren?t constantly going up. I agree with others that the reps don?t care if you leave; they?re going to get the most out of you that that can no matter what. I once was offered a special ?package? that ?locked? me in at $78/mo. for three years. Thanks but no thanks. more

Good luck finding a parking space between 5pm and 7pm. This place is so crowded its a fire hazard. Merritt should not be allowed to sell any more memberships. more

This review is for the Fort Avenue location. Is this gym cheap? Absolutely not, be prepared to pay. I would also read the fine print of any contract you sign with these folks as they currently require an 18 month contract unless you opt for the month to month plan. Even getting out of month to month isn't easy. Having said all that, the place is clean, well lit, well appointed and the staff is friend although I wouldn't say overly knowledgeable. I have to admit I am a heavy user of this gym. The hours are 5:30AM to 10PM on the weekdays and it is well used, I don't think it would hurt for this site to become 24 hours. Clean towels are supplied but they are the type of towels that won't cover Karen Carpenter. Showers and bathrooms are clean and there is plenty of room in the locker area. The pool is nice and well maintained, but isn't necessarily an outdoor mecca. Unfortunately, the big downside is that this place is packed in like sardines between 5-7:30PM on weeknights, especially in the winter. There are plenty of treadmills but not enough to sate the masses that come here. The clientele aren't the Ravens or even the Ravens' cheerleaders. It is mainly the unattached yuppies from Federal Hill. These folks aren't the friendliest but they won't hurt you either. The music is cranked up so high that you won't be able to strike up a conversation with anyone even if you wanted. This is a gym for the business of working out, not socializing, so don't expect to cozy up to Mr. Right because he is busy with his routine. The classes are so packed full that you won't be able to slide in sideways. The weightroom is probably the best thing about the place, lots of good equipment and there are plenty of machines even at the busiest of times. If you are very overweight or very out-of-shape you might want to check out Curves or another local gym because this place might intimidate you. Pros: Clean and well appointed Cons: Crowded at certain times more