1. Catalyst Fitness

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Buffalo, NY

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Catalyst Fitness

2.2 (25 reviews)
Closed • 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Personal training

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NOVEMBER 22ND, 2025, 11:27PM: Policy is not updated on website and there is no notice of this upcoming change.
Nikki S.

Catalyst Fitness is currently at an ultimate low. BACKGROUND I've been a Premier member since '23 and upgraded to Ultimate in '25. I chose Catalyst as my main fitness hub in Buffalo because it was one of the better options available--especially due to the guest privileges and class access at Maple. A close relative was a Premier member from '18-'23. She cancelled for critical health reasons. Her cancellation was swift although I'm aware that is not the case for others. Another close relative has been an Ultimate member since '18. He has endured many price increases, membership switches, and perk changes. FIRST YEAR OF MEMBERSHIP I had purchased 35 trainer sessions. However, my first trainer quit without any notice to the trainees, and my second trainer was honorably discharged to the military. Unfortunately, I wasn't appointed a new trainer, even with 12 or more sessions remaining. Those sessions expired. Fortunately, I was able to outsource to a friend of mine who is a certified trainer outside of Catalyst Fitness. Shortly after I enrolled, the Elmwood club went under renovation. I was still locked into my contract and found myself commuting 30 minutes to Maple from Elmwood Village because there was no Colvin location at the time. The renovations finished just before the New Year's rush, and the club instantly became overcrowded during nearly all hours of operation--leading into the next issue. OVERCROWDING Since late August 2025, there has been a noticeable spike in unfamiliar faces at Elmwood, including in the typically quieter 9pm-11pm window. Regulars know each other, and this sudden influx--lasting from August into mid-October--became hard to ignore. Meanwhile, traffic at the Colvin location, which is one of Catalyst's larger clubs, has noticeably remained steady. Elmwood is one of the significantly smaller clubs within Catalyst Fitness; the machines are packed ludicrously close together. As an example of Elmwood's cramped layout, the hip-thrust machine has recently been positioned directly in the main walkway from the locker rooms--awkward and intrusive.. Instead of addressing the facility limitations, Jen Trees and Amy's "solution" to the overcrowding is to eliminate guest privileges for Ultimate members effective December 1st. I was only made aware of this today, November 22nd. Guest privileges--one of Ultimate's main selling points--allow just one guest per visit, yet Ultimate members are the ones being penalized. The Elmwood club is simply too small to accommodate every member tier, so overcrowding was inevitable with the significant rise in personal health culture. But removing guest privileges only penalizes Ultimate members rather than addressing the real issue: the club's limited space. CLASSES I choose to include this on my review today for the purpose of educating those curious about the classes at Catalyst Fitness. The close contending perk of Ultimate to guest privileges is the access to classes across most locations, rather than paying a fee for each class. But here are my judgments as someone who occasionally attends the classes: Maple (Amherst) - The crown holder * Judgmental members * Consistent classes * Quality classes (Go to Paige's yoga!) Elmwood - Even more money??? * Offers only boxing classes * Boxing classes require an additional fee * Fast matainence French (Depew) - Challenged * Unfriendly staff * Unkept facility * Classes frequently canceled Wehrle (Cheektowaga) - P.U. * Noticeable nauseating odor * Least variety in classes * Outdated and unkept facility * Unwelcoming staff Transit (Harris Hill) - No Opinion * Haven't visited and don't plan to * Feedback is mixed about the classes Express Locations - Nonexistent * Expected since these locations are "Express," therefore I don't mind FINAL THOUGHTS I genuinely wanted Catalyst to remain my long-term fitness oasis in Buffalo, but the decline in perks and overcrowding--paired with inconsistent facility quality--makes it difficult to justify the Ultimate membership. As an Ultimate member, I expected the perks I pay for to be honored--not quietly removed, especially considering I only learned of the change when I brought a guest today. Until Catalyst prioritizes transparency, proper facility management, member experience, and the fair treatment of its Ultimate members, I cannot recommend the Ultimate tier, nor can I confidently recommend Catalyst Fitness.

Catalyst express
Shannon R.

We've been coming here for 4 years I believe. Great, smaller gym with lots of machines. Free weights, mats, etc. No classes available at this location but there is a movie room o help your workout go quicker! The pros for us are location, convenience and fabulous staff. The cons are this time of the year it's busy and "tenporary new years resolution" gym enthusiasts break the machines or sit on their phones pretending they are working out and that's the one machine you want to use.

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1 year ago

Worst place ever. Playing games on canceling membership and having voicemail boxes full so no one can leave a message.

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Ask the Community - Catalyst Fitness

Promuscle Lifting Club - State of the art layout

Promuscle Lifting Club

5.0(5 reviews)
1.9 mi

One of the best gyms in Western New York. the owner Greg cares deeply about his facility evident…read morethrough the quality of the equipment and service. highly recommend to anyone looking for a day pass if you're in the buffalo area or looking for a home gym. looking forward to visiting again.

We only come to Lewiston a few times a year and usually just make do with the casino gym. While we…read moreget our workouts done there, they're pretty subpar and don't really challenge us. This time, my fiancé found Pro Muscle Lifting Club on Instagram and reached out, and from the very start, the owners (or account manager) were incredibly communicative and welcoming. The gym is in Buffalo, about a 15-20 minute drive from Lewiston, but it's absolutely worth it. The equipment is some of the best we've ever seen--seriously impressive--and they even have dumbbells that go up to 150 lbs. they also have cardio machines. We were there during Thanksgiving week and wanted to workout on Thanksgiving Day. To our surprise, they responded to our Instagram message promptly to let us know they'd be open! Meeting them in person only made us more impressed. We liked it so much we upgraded our day passes to a weekly pass, even though we were only going to be there three days. The gym itself is spacious, well-organized, clean, and free of clutter. They have a few machines and attachments we'd never seen before, which made for exciting and challenging workouts that left us both sore in the best way. There was no crowding at all--maybe 20-25 people when we were there--which made for a comfortable and focused workout environment. For bodybuilders, this gym is a dream--there's even a posing room! On top of that, the owners suggested a really tasty and healthy lunch option that we truly enjoyed. This gym has officially become our New York "gym home," and we can't wait to visit again. Highly recommend to anyone in the area looking for a top-notch workout experience!

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Promuscle Lifting Club
Promuscle Lifting Club - Information booth at local Bodybuilding Shows

Information booth at local Bodybuilding Shows

Promuscle Lifting Club

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Sweat Society - Front entrance

Sweat Society

4.3(9 reviews)
1.4 mi•North Buffalo, Hertel Avenue, Parkside

Last summer I forced myself to try classes at several fitness studios in Buffalo. "I say "forced"…read morebecause I've never been one for group fitness -- it's just a little out of my comfort zone. Of all the studios I tried Sweat Society was the best. They offer many different classes throughout the day and my preferred one is Tread & Shred, which is a mix of floor exercises and treadmill running. The instructors are all great and their new location (as of late 2021) is a really incredible space. If you're looking for a really challenging workout I completely recommend Sweat Society.

I was so excited to finally check out their new bigger space on Hertel & Parkside for the Triple…read moreThreat class this morning. First let me say the space is fantastic. I love that there is another gym option on Hertel now. Everything was super clean. The downstairs area is used for their classes, and above, almost like a horseshoe balcony is where people can use the open gym. They have Peloton bikes, stairmaster, weights, kettle bells, treadmills, basically all the cardio equipment you'd want in a gym. I'm not sure if they have strength training workout equipment besides the weights as I just did a quick browse before my class. I have only ever taken the Tred + Shred and Tred + Core classes (which I love - Lex is a great instructor!), and it's been a while since I've been back, so I wasn't sure what to expect of this new-to-me class! Chloe was the instructor, and when I shared I was a bit nervous, she assured me I'd be fine and that it would move fast. The room was set up with 10 different stations that we would cycle through the 45 minutes. It was tough but I looooooooved it. Classes like that are my absolute favorite. I feel like I got a great full body workout and really pushed myself. Chloe was super helpful and kept an eye on all of us to help correct form. I always need a little extra help with form so I really appreciated the support. They are also on ClassPass which is great for me as it's the main method I use for booking classes anywhere. I wasn't sure if I was going to officially reup my ClassPass membership but I feel like I've got to now cause I want to add this class to my routine!

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Sweat Society - The new build they are in

The new build they are in

Sweat Society - Classes,Open gym,One on-1-training

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Classes,Open gym,One on-1-training

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness

3.7(16 reviews)
2.1 mi

Planet Fitness can be between one and five stars depending on what you're looking for in a gym…read more For me, it's a solid 4 stars, because being a member here I actually go to the gym, and at other places I never felt comfortable enough there to make it a regular habit. I am not in the best shape, have difficulty counting reps, get bored easily, and at many gyms I feel so out of place. I never know what to do or where to go. Here I'm like, yes, I can do this. It feels like an awesome place for gym-newbies to get started. Highlights: My favorite part is the 30-minute workout machine area - there is a red/green light on the wall. Work out while it's green, rest while it's red. Next machine. No counting reps! Very ADHD-friendly. Many machines have a sticker showing how to use them and what muscles it works out. Some have a QR-code for a video about the machine. The women's restroom is generally clean. I have not seen the gym crowded at any of the times I go (generally early morning), so I don't feel rushed. Parking lot is easy and large. Staff has been friendly. Check-in is quick. There is a quieter room off to the side with yoga mats, exercise balls, and a different equipment for a change of pace or scenery. Mixed thoughts: The large row of TV's is directly in front of the treadmills. Great if you want to watch TV (and bring headphones that plug into the treadmill if you want to listen in addition to the closed captions), but not so great if you're hoping to avoid seeing all the awful stuff in the news since most are news channels. A couple are set to Food Network which I enjoy. The music can be pretty loud but I have headphones that mostly cancel it out if I want to listen to my own stuff. Could do better: There are very few stations with cleaning spray, and not everybody walks across the gym to get what they need to wipe down equipment when they are done - I assume because these are pretty inconvenient and there should be like three times as many. Also there is a strong moldy odor at the front entrance (not in the actual gym, just the entryway) which is a bit off-putting. If you are a regular gym-goer, can lift a lot of weight, and are into doing serious training - this is probably not going to be the right place. The machines don't do high weights, the selection is somewhat limited compared to more expensive gyms, and I strongly suspect these are not the high-end fancy equipment. However, if you are just beginning your fitness journey, this is a good place to start it. Build those habits, create routines. I never thought that I'd look forward to going to a gym, but here I am.

Great gym. Clean. All new updated equipment with the treadmills, bikes, elliptical etc. Great rates…read moreand perks, which include things as bring a friend, tanning, massage chairs. Facility is nice size it never seems to ever be too busy as well equiped. Bathroom and changing areas always clean. Love the 30 minute circuit room as well.

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Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness

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LA Fitness - Haven't tried these yet, have you?

LA Fitness

2.3(109 reviews)
0.2 mi•North Buffalo

I had intended to give this 4-stars, but I've had a disappointing morning. And the trash can was…read moregone. Okay, backing up. Last April I joined a Medicare Advantage program (WellCare) because 1) it partners with all my doctors and 2) it was a means of getting Silver Sneakers. I wanted to get going 2 or 3 times a week to a gym, but couldn't afford it on my own. Silver Sneakers is available through Medicare Advantage programs, most if not all. It was July or August before I got around to going to a gym. With Silver Sneakers, you can go to most any gym, any time it's open. You can go to The Y one day and Fitness 19 the next. No restrictions. But it was mid-summer or so by the time I'd stopped procrastinating. I started with the LA Fitness downtown on Delaware because that is closest to home. But the pool there was not conveniently accessible for me. Late September or early October, I finally went to LA Fitness on Elmwood. And there I have been going once or twice, sometimes thrice a week. End of December, I began using the pool once a week. Fine, you math majors, so I've been to the pool three times in all, today being the third time. But today I got to the gym at the wrong time to use the pool. Say what? Having tried twice to find a routine that would work (motivate) me, this was going to be my last option: At home I put my suit on under my clothes, It didn't feel too funny, so I went to the gym. The other two times I'd gone, I took my swimwear and towel and flip-flops in a carry-on, did my machines first -- there are 6 I use, sometimes 7 -- then changed for the pool. There are no changing rooms. And the 5-stall bathroom has only one handicap stall, which is large enough for changing clothes. None of the shower stalls -- 6 or 8 of those -- have a seat. While it is great that so many gyms accommodate Silver Sneakers users, many of us need to sit down in order to dress and undress, or vice versa. Thus, I hoped that wearing my suit to the gym on pool days, would minimize the difficulties accompanying this activity. Perhaps I should have taken the missing trash can as an omen, but I never made the connection. After removing my outer clothing in the locker room, I went to the shower and wet down so that the water temp would feel fine. I never found out. As soon as I entered the pool area, the lifeguard on the opposite shore was making all kinds of hand signals. I waved back and kept heading toward the steps into the pool. Finally he yells WAIT. I waited as he walked around the pool. He comes up to me saying it is break time. "Break?" I asked. He then explains the previous break schedules and the changes that were made last month. First I ever heard any of this. Apparently I'd never gotten there at the wrong time before. After I arrived back home, I checked it out and the New York State Teachers Union began representing lifeguards in 2009. The Elmwood LA Fitness is not a diving pool; it's deepest point is 4 feet 6 inches. The gym is adults only. I thought it was nice that they had a lifeguard, but really only need someone on hand to haul a person out of the water if they faint or something. Also no one should go swimming alone, and often there is only one person in the water. But breaks? Why can't some staff member cover for the lifeguard for 30 minutes? If a pool has to be closed so the lifeguard can go pee, then the facility is understaffed. My opinion. Okay, I have gotten more involved than I'd intended. Summing up: When I went into the gym this morning, I went to toss my Tim Horton's bag (Omelet Bites, so there!) in the trash receptacle just outside the front door. Not there. At the desk I asked and was told it has been taken away and, no, it won't be back. THEN i went and learned I couldn't use the pool. I did use the sauna. And I did, after changing into my street clothes (brought underwear, yes, and a plastic bag for what I thought would be a wetter suit), use 4 of my 6 machines. But I was bummed. On my way to the car, I noticed (for the first time) the amount of litter on the grassy areas. Wow. Is everyone sore about the missing trash can?

Very disappointing experience this last Saturday. The lifeguard on duty immediately approached my…read morefriend and I upon entering the pool area and questioned my swimsuit, incorrectly determining that it was not a swimsuit but rather athletic wear. I informed him it is indeed actual swimwear but he reiterated his claim and said that a bathing suit needed to be won under the shorts. I asked why I would be required to wear a bathing suit under my bathing suit. His response was because what I was wearing was not a bathing suit. I told him several times "this is literally a bathing suit" to which he responded "no, it isn't." He finally said he would allow it "this time" but that in the future I would not be allowed in the pool without proper swimwear. I was on the verge of becoming upset so I let it go. My friend and I used the pool and left. When I went to my car to leave I decided to retrieve the online order history for the suit I was wearing, went back inside and showed him. His response was that the information I provided confirmed they were "bike shorts" not swimwear. I clarified that they are bike short "style" swim bottoms. But he continued to disagree. It was obvious I was getting nowhere with him so I went to the front desk and spoke with an employee who agreed with me that my suit was in fact swimwear, and then advised me to "just come when he's not working". Considering the fact that this location will soon be the only one with a pool, and membership is over $500 a year (44.99/month) I shouldn't have to come only at certain times to avoid a lifeguard who is unfamiliar with women's swimwear. I also didn't pay $120 for a bathing suit to have to wear another suit under it. What a disappointing experience.

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LA Fitness - Just peachy

Just peachy

LA Fitness - Tried a different shake today! I think it's called strawberry freeze? Don't quote me lol

Tried a different shake today! I think it's called strawberry freeze? Don't quote me lol

LA Fitness

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Catalyst Fitness

Catalyst Fitness

2.5(40 reviews)
3.6 mi

I am extremely disappointed with the customer service I have received from Kelly. Every time I…read morepurchase a drink, she snatches it out of my hand instead of handing it to me respectfully. On one occasion, as I was leaving, she called me a racial slur--the N-word. That behavior is completely unacceptable and should never be tolerated in any workplace. In addition, she is constantly on the phone with her boyfriend while serving customers. There is rarely a greeting or any acknowledgment when I come in because she continues her personal phone conversation instead of focusing on customers. This level of unprofessionalism and disrespect creates a very uncomfortable environment. I hope management takes this complaint seriously and addresses the situation.

DO NOT get a membership at catalyst, they are incompetent and greedy. They messed up my original…read morecontract, it was supposed to be $30 a month and they were charging me $33 a month. Not much of a difference but I had to make them fix it and I'm not even sure how that happened as their plans are $20, $30 & $40 a month. Trying to cancel your membership? A fkn nightmare. I spoke to the front desk in April 2026 and they told me my membership expired on 5/27/26 (12 mo contract was up) and would not renew. They gave me an email and number for cancellations and told me to just email to confirm it ended 5/27. I emailed 5/4 and they say they have a 30 day cancellation policy and I will now be charged an extra month which directly contradicts what the front desk employees told me. To make matters worse, I see a $50 charge on my account separate from the $30 monthly fee. I assume it was a cancellation fee but there was no mention of any fee being charged and there shouldn't be one since my contract was up. They do not care about you and only care about getting as much money out of you as possible. Save yourself the hassle and go somewhere else.

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Catalyst Fitness
Catalyst Fitness
Catalyst Fitness

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Catalyst Fitness - gyms - Updated October 2026

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