Whenever I travel for work I try to book my hotels in close proximity to the nearest gym. I do this…read moreso often that I should start a show similar to Anthony Bourdain (R.I.P.), where I would travel to gyms worldwide and experience the differences in gym/fitness culture. Unfortunately, gyms are scarce in the Chowchilla area (where my hotel was located), but I was able to find a gym 20 minutes away in Madera. After verifying that it was a conventional gym (most of the nearby gyms only offered group classes), I put on my gym clothes and made the short trip to Fit Republic. When I entered I was warmly greeted by an employee who recognized that I was not a regular attendee (I love when staff recognize familiar and unfamiliar faces). After filling out a short e-disclosure form, I paid the $10 guest day pass fee and proceeded to throw around some iron (I love that they don't waste your time trying to pressure you into joining)! The first thing that I noticed is how well-spaced and organized the gym floor is. Aside from the squat racks that are located against a far wall in the gym, all of the equipment is organized by muscle group(s). My heart was filled with thankfulness when I realized that one of the three conventional (free weight) squat racks was available. I pointed out that they have three racks because most gyms have two (three is my lucky number), and they are almost always occupied for long periods of time. In between sets, I noticed that most of the gym patrons were focused on their workouts (no creepy staring at people as they stretch), gym equipment was being used for its intended purposes (not as makeshift couches), there were no "musclehead" vibes (throwing weights & unnecessarily loud grunting), and weights/dumbbells were racked when not in use. With the exception of the squat racks, the equipment is all new (including the cardio equipment) and the facility is clean. As I concluded my grueling workout with cardio (I love doing cardio as much as my son loves eating his veggies), I noticed two massage chairs nestled in the corner (heaven for post-workout muscle soreness). I also noticed workout machines arranged in a circular formation (similar to the Curves gyms) that could be used for group circuit workouts. I have this gym bookmarked for whenever I'm in the Madera area. Whether you reside in Madera, or just visiting, I highly recommend Fit Republic!

would give it negative stars if I could. The customer service here was HORRIBLE. They charged me…read more$50, $25 for the first month and $25 for the last month, and then didn't allow me to use my last month once I had cancelled my subscription. Then after 3 months of having a membership, they charged me a $40 yearly fee which I was not spoken to about. At the time I wanted to cancel my subscription, I went in a few days before my renewal date to cancel due to financial issues, they notified me they would still be charging me for the upcoming month and when I called to ask if it could be stopped or refunded when it went through if it was not possible to stop it, they denied me and told me I should have come in 15 days before the billing date to cancel.

Davaughn is such a cool dude with high energy. Everytime I come in he's always greeting and I feel…read morewelcomed everytime! He's a great employee and represents planet fitness with enthusiasm and cool vibes.

Thank you PF! Many repairs have been made and new equipment has been installed…read more Appreciate the follow up

Loving this gym! It's an awesome, clean and well cared for…read morespace with a great vibe! Their hours are perfect for the daily commuter from up the hill. You can easily gym before or after work.

My husband started going here and he's definitely a lot buffer so I'd say it's a great gym!read more

Love the Zumba classes! So much fun!! I highly recommend trying the Saturday classes!read more

Bummer. Drove by and this place isn't here anymore, I was hoping to get a gym membership but that…read moredidn't work out

When you are ready to take your fitness serious, call Gladiator Fitness. Their training facility…read moreis more for those seeking strength, agility, and overall body transformation. Owners/ Certified Trainers Kyle and Sara are very personable and offer sound training. For beginners those not seeking personal training right away, they also coordinate fitness boot camps in the mornings and evenings. If you want to take your body to the next level, give them a call. They will whip you into shape!! I promise. With exercise there are no short cuts, so why not invest in yourself?

Best gym for strength training Never packed…read moreWait for equipment is not an issue except when someone is using the power lifting bench Winters are cold and makes it difficult to warm up Summers are hot but as of now not too bad

We originally signed up at a different location and absolutely loved it, which is why this review…read moreis so disappointing to write. After moving closer to the Nees location, we started coming here regularly and were honestly shocked by the difference. Compared to the other locations, this one feels neglected. Especially during the summer, it is so uncomfortably hot inside. With temperatures being 105+ degrees lately, the A/C should absolutely be running, fans should be going, and it should not feel as muggy and stuffy as it does. The other locations don't feel this way at all. On top of that, there are times it smells unpleasant and overall just looks like it's not cleaned or maintained to the same standard. I have noticed a cleaning crew more recently, which is appreciated, but for a private gym (especially one that has won "Best Fitness Center" four years in a row) I expected much better, particularly when the other locations are so nice and well-kept. This Nees location doesn't even compare. That being said, there are definitely positives. I love the equipment selection, it's never overcrowded, and the trainers/staff have always been very friendly and helpful. I just wish this location received the same level of care as the others because it has so much potential.

Dipping into year number 3 of absolutely consistent focused weight training. Even as I'm leaving…read morethe gym, I can't WAIT to get back in! I've increased my days and am now also doing the treadmill. Whatever insomnia I initially suffered from was RESOLVED the first week of training. It's virtually impossible to NOT fall asleep in 3-4 minutes and I mean EVERY NIGHT! That alone was worth getting busy, stopping with making excuses and taking greater responsibility for MY "HEALTH SPAN." Who else gonna do that? It's a super disciplined time of my life and that extends to every habit, what I eat, drink, watch, listen to, allow myself to be around and it's GOOD! I give all glory to God for giving me clarity with each issue, to not dither on important matters! I AM thinking about tomorrows and this gym, its variety, the proximity and the range of what's possible over time is intriguing. As a sci-fi fan, who years ago named his voice-controlled home, "Moon Base Alpha," it compliments my aesthetic. EVERY cell in your body will benefit and it doesn't hurt that I look like a freaking stud! lol Didn't set out that way, but I'll take it 'cause it came along with targeting my insomnia through weight training. Lot's of hormones going on at any gym and it's not hard to shut down 'the look' from both guys and gals. Psst, take a number! lol In no way is the gym a social thing for me. It's the most greedy/selfish time of the day, by NECESSITY! Any air expended beyond that to achieve lift, is conserved. The greatest gains I've made have been with prep/warm ups and doing each lift to exhaustion with only 1 or none left in the tank. Not hard to understand, it's a stimulus/response sending the signals to the cells to BUILD capacity. But here's the thing... Dedicated and consistent exercise/weight training WILL improve EVERY organ in the body when combined with a solid diet and hydration with unsweetened water. A case could be made for some carbs doing a 2 pulse hour of training. I'm using 50% watermelon juice and 50% water. Occasionally, post-workout I hit "ultra filtered milk" and some ovalteen. Although I'm not lactose intolerant, that u-filted milk is much higher in protein and calcium so I'm upping my intake. I do NOT use powders, creatine or health related 'products,' bars, drinks... Instead I use REAL foods, full of fiber and eat proteins with meals, tons of grains, fruits, veggies, nuts, yogurt, etc. I do NOT buy into all the gym bodybuilding hype out there with folks 'selling' stuff. And I know from my own gains that 'the fundamentals' are safer and it's working. As a guy with a mesomorph body type, it's getting good! Viking ancestor genes ACTIVATE! As expected, IF one does not simply begin somewhere, build gradually, and then put that work in, you may be kicking important cans down the road. With the understanding that there ARE 168 hours in the week, I asked myself 'how MANY of those hours are folks/myself actually investing/using?' It's an interesting question. All the personal benefits, gains, enhancements in body/mind/soul--the disease avoidance/mitigations possible--are among the things that I've come to most value. KNOWING the efforts are sound. And even if you're not 'shopping' it's always nice to be noticed positively. Like any tool used to accomplish a task, the gym is perhaps the most significant one I have to take advantage of and I'm grateful to the Lord for always providing what I most need, insight! Walking into the right decisions is critical! I can only imagine how this consistent effort will preserve and enhance function, independence and ability into every season of life! Highly social elsewhere, when I enter any GB3, it's TIME to get busy. The world stops turning, I don't respond to calls or texts. Here, I'm selfish and focused 'by NECESSITY.' The most talking likely to come from me is relegated to asking someone, "How many sets left?" :) -G

They got rid of the child care center for good. i know it's old news to everyone but i'm still sad…read moreabout it. i frequent this gym and i love it. they have good equipment and you can see they do their best to take care of it. i love the pool and steam room! the pool is heated so it's always a good time to swim. the steam room was being renovated the last time i was there so i havent seen it yet but im excited about that. the people that work here are friendly. i've never really had a problem here. perhaps the parking lot can get pretty crazy when there are a lot of people. i usually check google to see if it's high foot traffic to determine if i go. so far that's worked for me.

I'm really not a 'gym person,' so when I literally blew in on a very windy day, I was pleasantly…read moresurprised with Ava. The main weight section is female only, everything is really clean and, most importantly, nothing smells like sweat!! The classes can be co-ed, but I didn't see too many men try Zumba or TurboKick, or the drop-in boot camp. Fitness classes, in general, are great-- you get to look like an idiot with everyone else instead of by yourself :) The price per month is very reasonable, and if someone is only interested in attending the fitness classes, they're only $4! Also, there is a playroom for children to play in while you work out! I really enjoyed coming here when I actually was coming here-- everyone is very friendly, even when they are helping you get your butt in gear. If you're a lady, looking for a female-friendly atmosphere to work out in, you should definitely stop by to get more info!

Great gym! Great classes and equipment, and am amazing staff. If you've checked out this place…read moreunder previous ownership, outer it's been a few months since you've been in, definitely give it a second chance. A lot has changed and they've really taken it up a level!