Hyde Park Gym is as old school as it gets--and I mean that in the best way. The second you walk in, it's all iron, no fluff. You feel like you've stepped into a place built for real training. I hit a chest and triceps workout and found this old-school tricep machine I've never seen before--it felt incredible. Some of the equipment looks like it's been around forever, but it still hits better than most of the polished machines at commercial gyms. Everything here is built to last and made for people who actually lift. The vibe is raw and focused. No egos, no distractions--just people putting in work. It's the kind of place that makes you want to go harder. Only real downsides: the water fountain was out of order, and there's not much in the way of cardio equipment. So bring a water bottle, and if cardio is a big part of your training, you'll need to get that in elsewhere. Still, if you're into that gritty, no-nonsense gym energy, Hyde Park delivers. Just fix that fountain and it's an easy 5 stars read more

Hyde Park Gym - Gyms Near Me - Austin, Texas

Superb old-school gym that seems like it hasn't changed in 30 years. I love that. It oozes history and strength and hard work. The smarties (candy) at the counter are an excellent pre-workout energy boost. Can't wait to return. read more

If we have access to gyms in the afterlife, I hope they're modeled after this one. This place hasn't changed one bit since the first time I was a member 20 years ago. I hope it never does. read more

Hyde Park Gym is the perfect place if you are a powerlifter or serious gym aficionado. I was neither, when I first started going, but after spending so much time around people lifting weights seriously, I found myself watching youtube squat form vids and really getting into it. Unfortunately, I no longer live close enough and I had to get a different gym membership, but I wanted to leave a review since for the most part this place is awesome. They have all the standard gym equipment, plus crazy stuff I'd never actually use like big ol' chains that I see dudes benching with. There are enough squat racks to go around (for the size of this gym, at least). Everything is well maintained and there is an atmosphere of general helpfulness. My only complaint is that there was one guy who worked there who just oozed dbagness, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. Some guy with gauged ears, a beard, and a mohawk if I remember correctly. Other than him, everyone who works there is AWESOME and I'd highly recommend it. read more

I've been a member here for 7 years and I love it. It is a great gym that has squat racks galore, Olympic lifting platforms and strongman gear but if you're into general strength and fitness they got stuff for that too. On top of all of the equipment, the gym has cultivated a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. In the seven years I have been coming here I've have never once encountered a pretentious, obnoxious or judgmental gym-goer. People come in, mind their business, workout and then leave. If I ever have to move out of Austin, I sure am going to miss this place. read more

Brook and Matthew are the types of people who would go above to help you; even help a stranger. The whole world needs more people like this. We are all stronger because of them. We can't thank you enough. Brook and Matthew! Thank you for everything! read more

Old school gym in the best way possible. This is my second home and one of my top 5 favorite places in the world. I've honestly been spoiled with the culture, the number of squat racks, the USPA benches, everything. I moved 20 minutes south and tried 2 other gyms that were closer and I decided to just make the commute because it's that worth it. This is the perfect mix of a get shit done gym and a community. It's got everything you need and nothing you don't. read more

I moved here from Chicago in 2015. Hyde park gym was the very first gym I went to in Austin. Hands down the ONLY gym I'll ever go to in Austin. It's like stepping into a preservation hall of athletic history. I like how real the place is. No blaring electro pop music, no offense to that music, it's just not what I want to hear when I'm in a gym. A great community of all ages, teens to elderly and diverse ethnicities of all backgrounds. All are welcomed and this makes me proud to call HPG my gym. A real neighborhood gym. And I especially love that the most recent owner (of 10+ years now) has kept the tradition and vibe that the owners before him created. That's what I call respect! If you're looking for a great gym with a great staff that keeps it old school, go check out Hyde Park Gym. read more

A real gym! The only kind I work out in. I was visiting Austin and was very lucky to find this gem of a gym. Whether your a bodybuilder,power lifter or strongman.....they got everything you need. Very friendly staff and $10 day fee can't beat it. Go now. read more

Hyde Park Gym - Just one of the rooms! - Gyms Near Me - Austin, Texas

I worked out here from about '02 to '03 or so. It was marketed back then as a straightforward, no-nonsense gym with a no frills, bells and whistles type approach to the industry. They also claimed to welcome anybody from powerlifters to bodybuilders to ordinary Joes and Janes looking for a decent place to exercise. However, for some reason everytime I decided to really load up the bar for squats or deads I always got the vibe that I was unwelcomed. This is coming from a guy who simply, shows up, says hello, cranks up the IPOD, hits the weights, and leaves. Therefore, it wasn't as if I was screaming and grunting, painting the place with lifting chalk, etc. On the surface this gym was an old, drafty, mosquito-infested dungeon with tons of old, rusty weights and machines dying to be brought to life by a no-nonsense user. I liked this! But, once I became a regular I found the culture at this place to be mostly comprised of cliquish snobs and haters with one or two truely down-to-Earth Iron Minds (ie: The Todds, M. Henry, etc.) mixed in every once in a while. Granted that was five years ago; hopefully this place has continued to evolve only for the better I hope. I give this gym one star for the equipment, one star for location and hours of operation, and one star for it's potential. read more

It's been a year -- lost some weight, toned up a bit, and I like this gym more all the time. I've even come to like the strange, small locker room complete with toilet paper on a metal chain. The thing is, you come to realize that Hyde Park Gym's lack of features is, in truth, its biggest feature. There's no music, so you can bring your iPod or use the silence to concentrate. No televisions, thank god. The gym is clean but there are no frills, in any form, anywhere. Membership fees are right on the homepage. People are super nice which is great, but they also pretty much leave you to your own devices. The gym is relatively empty before 8 am and from 8:30 pm until closing, and it's also quiet at most times on weekends. Prime time (unsurprisingly) seems to be after work on weekdays. Even so, I've only had to wait for an elliptical once. read more

I've been a member of Gold's gym, Anytime Fitness, and Pure Austin (the one near Wholefoods). Hyde Park Gym is by far the best gym I've been to in Austin. 1. The guys who run the gym and are at the front are the nicest bunch you'll ever meet. Always friendly, chill, saying hello and goodbye whenever you come in or leave, and they're willing to help people out with spotting or just general advice. None of them have an edge, they're all cool and like to shoot the breeze with the regulars and that's always a good sign. 2. The equipment is perfect. Not many machines, but the machines they do have are old school and work great. The free weights are where it's at though, you won't find a better collection of free weights in Austin. 3. The people who work out here are all cool too. No one is rude, everyone is respectful (for example, if someone is taking too long on a machine but you let them know you want to go afterwards they'll take note and finish whatever they're doing a little quicker), and people tend to keep to themselves with their earphones working out. 4. The only two downsides are that during the summer it can get a little on the hot side, but this just means you'll have less chance of injury since you'll be warmed up. And second, between around 5-6 it gets crowded, but this is to be expected because everyone is getting off work, and the gym can't be faulted for being a popular place. All in all, I can't think of a better place to get in shape in Austin. read more

I started using Hyde Park Gym when I decided to use the assistance of a trainer. Joshua has been amazing. I find that the type of training I am getting requires the equipment (and atmosphere) that Hyde Park Gym has. The staff is friendly and I like the location with plenty of parking when I am there. I will always be "in training" with Joshua I think and even with fewer sessions I will be changing my other gym membership for Hyde Park Gym. It really works for me. I think they offer a week trial so there really isn't anything to lose. read more

Prior to joining HPG, my experience with gyms was the rec center at my university and a commercial gym in Washington, DC with over 6,000 members. Both were good, but HPG is great. What makes it great: 1) It's old-school Austin. This place has been around forever, and not much has changed about it. If you want to experience the "old Austin" people are always talking about, this is one of the few opportunities left. Don't miss it. 2) It's got something for everyone. I'm not going to lie: When I lived here as an undergraduate, I was totally intimidated by this place. But since moving back, I've been going to HPG about 4 days a week for six months now and I've seen: Competitive bodybuilders, powerlifters, weightlifters, students, retirees, moms, dads, average Janes and Joes looking to lose weight or get in better shape, and a bunch of people just like me that just like to work out. 3) I like what it isn't: HPG doesn't have blaring music, weird lighting, TVs, rows and rows of weird high-tech machines that do nothing but drive up fees, goofy fitness fads, pushy sales people, or obnoxious ego lifters who either don't rack their weights or leave them lying around all over the place so you can't find them. 4) I like what it is: It's a chill community without feeling cultish. The staff and clients are supportive without being annoying, and they let you do your own thing without being standoffish. The same dudes encouraging each other to bench three plates happily spot people benching a pair of 10s. It's got enough bars, racks, and platforms that you're not standing around waiting. And one of their professional trainers can help you step up your game and achieve your goals, however modest or ambitious those goals are. If you're living in (or visiting - they offer day and week passes) Austin and you're looking for a gym, you should give Hyde Park Gym a try. You might be surprised. And if your experience is like mine, you'll probably end up becoming a member. read more

I hate chains; restaurants, hotels and gyms. This place is genuine and friendly from 85 year old grandmothers, to champion body builders, power lifters, pro-baseball players to sports illustrated swim suit models. You get it all. So if you are obese trying to start your life again to professional body builders - it is great. The equipment is old-school, but I like it. It does have AC, despite its reputation. I forgot -- its CHEAP too and great people read more

Old school gym with atmosphere. If your looking for a gym that will allow you to do most any type of training, this is a good place to consider. They have multiple oly platforms, squat racks and tons of old school dumbbells, weight machines and mirrors on almost every wall for your pump and flex enjoyment. I knock them a star for the fact that the place is a little dirty, like dusty bunnies from 1995, and it's fairly hot even with the ac running none stop. read more

Hyde Park Gym - Entrance - Gyms Near Me - Austin, Texas

I don't want more people to sign up at this awesome gym...but that's selfish. :) HPG has a solid location in the heart of Hyde Park. Located at 42nd and Guadelupe St. The parking lot is shared with some of the other businesses close by, but I have never had a problem finding street parking on Ave A (just behind the alley street. But why are you driving? Ride your bike, gives you good pre-workout cardio! 29" Forever! If you are looking for waterfalls, massage tables, and tanning beds, try something south, like Corpus. This place is for people who are serious about getting in, doing work, and getting out. If the mirrors weren't good for form watching and safety, I would want them removed. If you need someone to spot, the staff is usually available to help out. There is also a decent amount of registered personal trainers. Everyone is really friendly and will help you reach your goal at your pace (or theirs if you ask for it!). No Contracts is great for flexibility that you dont get at other gyms. I have Reserves duty randomly throughout the year so it helps to be able to plan how long I want to be active at this gym, rather than eat it from a contracted place. Some amenities include: protein, drinks, shirts, paper towels, bathrooms, lockers (small and big), showers, AC, water fountains, and chalk. There is a machine for basically every exercise or muscle you want to train. I believe there are 2-3 treadmills, an elliptical machine, benches, inclined benches, preacher benches, sit up bench, dip bars (stationary and weighted), two sets of dumbells ranging from 5lbs to 150+ lbs, resistance bands, gym loops, jump ropes, hopping platforms, dead lift/squat stands, power lift stands, an apparatus to place a cars tires in for lifting, and multiple cable machines. There is no music played over a PA system, so bring ear buds if you need music. Check times, rates, and everything else at hydeparkgym.com. It's beach season! read more

LOVE this gym! It's super old school but has all the right equipment and weights. I was given a free week membership to try it out, no pushy ness, staff are super super friendly and it's a small gym where people actually talk to you, say hello and are willing to help you out. I rocked in and got on with my workout, no hassle from anyone. You can sense the great atmosphere in here, there's no blaring music, people come in and do their thing, no posing, no hanging around. I'd have no hesitation in recommending this gym & if I relocate to Austin it'll be the first place I check back into! read more

Hyde Park Gym is one of the best gyms I've ever used. It's old school, with no TV's, no blaring music, no aerobics classes, so it's not for everyone. But it is a great place if you want to lift weights and get in shape. It's not overly crowded and everyone there, staff and customers, is friendly. They have flexible membership options and it's not high pressure like a commercial gym. The trainers are excellent, and the owner is present. They have a large powerlifting area, but the gym isn't full of roidheads and bros. The equipment is all in good shape (but with an emphasis on function over fancy blinking displays). The only think I would try to improve is the locker-room, but I joined to work-out, not spa. read more

An Austin original. Hyde Park Gym is iconoclastic, it defies every current concept and notion of what a gym is. I think people that have seen the giant arm, or have heard of Hyde Park have a misconception about what goes on. Hyde Park is everything you think it is not. The gym is defined by the members who train there, the way that people train. This is not a large globo gym where you are a number in a system. This is a place where you have a name. If you have questions there are people that can answer them. It does not matter what your goals are, whether you are an elite athlete or grandma, there is room for you. read more

Great gym-been a customer for about two years total. Great atmosphere, friendly service, and best of all, it's a real, old school dungeon gym. Several squat racks and platforms, though on busy days I end up wishing they got rid of some less used machines to make more rack room. Caveats: dungeon gym means old (but not dirty) bathroom, rust, and generally poor ventilation. One thing that isn't mentioned much is how open minded the gym is. While it's an old school gym, this isn't a "good ol boys" club. Right next to the fitness mags up front you have the gay/lesbian yellow pages, and the articles on Kirby's door are full of interesting, progressive information. Great gym-highly recommended! read more

**Update** Today the manager came up to me and asked me about my prior review. Pretty ballsy and respectable move on his part. He asked me what and how he can make this gym a better place. I gave him my opinion. He listened with respect and without being defensive. Much respect to him and his team. Because of this I'm upgrading it to 4 stars. It really is a good gym with good people, just ignore the cocky ass kids. :) read more

I wish all strength gyms were like this. A few reasons I will be returning here include the - no-ego, no-frills, all-business atmosphere the pervades the gym with friendly people - the lack of grunting and yelling that I presumed was a prerequisite for lifting heavy things - absence of the CrossFit cult but the similar equipment and exercises possible - plenty of racks, plates, and barbells so that you hardly have to wait for anything - good value! read more

Have to workout w masks on the entire time? Gtfo. Arbitrary rules strictly enforced, 'kid made fun of grunting while giving me the your. 15 bucks for a day pass, gave it a shot.. 2o min later mask drenched in sweat, told the kid I couldn't work out like this and asked for a refund, denied. Garbage little gym read more

Brook and the entire staff are extremely nice and professional. Great place to work out for a day, a month, or entire year. Nice set of weights and racks for strength training. read more

Best gym ever. Great staff, all of the free weights you could ever want. There's even a gym dog who hangs out most days. I would never even consider another gym. read more

I LOVE HYDE PARK GYM!!!! Emory Tankersly is my trainer and she ROCKS! She not only keeps my sessions interesting she challenges me as well. The gym is no frills and that's what I love about it. I would recommend this gym to anyone who enjoys the process of working out and not being distracted by crappy music booming over the loudspeakers. It's truly a gym for everyone and if you're looking for a trainer check out Emory! read more

So lucky to have found this Gym! Austin Barbisch is the best trainer anyone could ask for.

All the other reviewers are right on. HPG is everything you need and nothing you don't. I started going because it was the perfect place to do Crossfit WOD's and not pay the crazy fee's at the "boxes" around town. Since I've joined I've met some really nice people and become increasing involved in the Olympic Lifting scene at the gym. It's a cornerstone of Crossfit and there are USAW certified trainers here that are more than willing to help. Grassiron training hosts a FREE o-lift class Friday evenings. In the 3 weeks that I've gone I've hit new PR's every time and I'm increasingly more confident in my form. The staff at the gym is incredibly nice and accommodating. Forget your towel? They'll find one for you. Wanna flip some tires? They'll join you. Box jumps and kettle bell swings in the alley? No problem. That's pretty awesome in my book. What could HPG do to improve? For me, it would be to dump some of the dusty cardio equipment and add a rower or two. That would enable you to do any Crossfit WOD. For now I'll just sub sumo deadlift high-pulls and enjoy my work-outs at HPG! read more

This is one of the better gyms in Austin. Yes, it's old, but it's got all custom made equipment, and a great atmosphere. The staff is always available to answer any questions, and they'll even spot you. I moved out of the area, so no longer workout here, but definitely recommend it. My only complaint would be cleanliness around the machines and locker rooms. Also, this isn't a "roid box" like Metroflex, and most people go here to workout. Really miss this place! read more

I agree with what the other reviewers have already posted, but I just thought I would add some other things. First Off... CROSSFIT!!! (crossfit.com) If you are looking for an actual gym to do crossfit in, then look no further. I was a part of a "crossfit gym" for a couple of months and all I can say is what a waste. The prices were absurd (for a program that is absolutely free), the classes only took place 3 times a week (actual crossfit is 3 days on 1 day off) and the workouts vaguely resembled actual crossfit workouts. I should have known something was up when no one in my class was fit. Well... after a few hundred dollars and few results, I set out to find a gym where I would be able to do the crossfit WODs (Workout of the day) my self. I quickly became depressed looking around at gyms and seeing only 1 or 2 squat racks, no lifting platforms, signs that read "no chalking allowed" or "no olympic lifting", annoying music, and tons and tons of people. I couldn't even tour most gyms without signing a release form and have my hand held by an employee. Then I walked into Hyde Park Gym. Somebody immediately took me around and I saw the promised land. I saw a wall dedicated to smacking medicine balls against as hard as you want (which I also use for handstand pushups), jump ropes, 6 squat racks all with olympic lifting platforms, bowls full of chalk, tons and tons and TONS of free weights, box jumps, lots of pull-up bars, and friendly people. The only thing that I noticed was missing from a full-on cross fit gym were gymnastic rings. So while on the "tour" I asked the guy about getting some and he said He would see what he could do. After the tour he offered me a free 7 day pass. I thought for about 2 seconds then said "what good would it do, I already know I'm going to join, so sign me up for 4 months." The next day I went to work out, and was informed that the gym would be getting some gymnastic rings in a couple of weeks. The gym now has the rings and I now have my crossfit dreams come true. I am so hooked. If I could design a gym, this would be it. The people are like family, the trainers are so knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is completely laid back. NO initiation fee, NO contract, NO cancelation fee, NO Freeze on the account if you are a couple of days late paying, NO hassle. If this sounds good to you, the best thing you could do is stop reading these reviews, and walk into Hyde Park Gym for yourself. You will be greeted with a smile and you will never look back. I guarantee you have never seen a gym like this. read more

Never thought a fancy nancy like me would love a simple gym like HPG but I do! Not having a mandatory contract is very appealing if you need a flexible workout schedule. There are so many different types of equipment and weights to choose from that you probably won't use most of them but it's nice to have the choice if you want to experiment. The gym is clean and there is always an upgrade going on. The staff and clients are friendly and eclectic. No snooty "look at how fit and buff I am" ambiance, despite the fact that some of the most elite athletes train there. I have worked out for years in a variety of fitness centers. Hyde Park is my favorite gym in Austin. It may not be the fanciest place but so far it's the best place. read more

i can't believe i haven't written a review of HPG yet . . . i moved here 2 years ago and sometimes i feel like straying. you know, just to try other places out, but i have yet to find any other gym that offers what HPG does. things you won't experience at HPG: - frats doing 8 sets of various bicep curls - people that 'dress up' to go to the gym - pushy sales associates trying to get you to upgrade your membership to the super platinum package w/ 10 free tans - the feeling you get when you know you've entered a douchey bar - pretentiousness things you will experience at HPG: - no frills, no gimmicks - people working out, and working out for the right reasons - people that are working out and know what they are doing for the most part - laid back, friendly people that all say hi to each other - huge powerlifters utilizing the 5 different squat racks - older using the 5 diffferent squat racks - 20-somethings using the 5 different squat racks - more free weights than machines - machines that are older, BUT they do the same exact thing new machines do, they just aren't as pretty. i reserve my cardio for bike rides around town or runs on the lake. if i'm doing yoga its at my yoga joint. if i want to lift, i'm at Hyde Park Gym. . . . and maybe this'll help ya understand the feel. i usually buy the 4 month membership, and last time mine had ended i was reminded. i came back a week later and totally forgot that AND totally forgot to bring my checkbook, and was reminded again - not hassled, just, 'hey, stephen you're membership ended a week ago, so next time ya come in . . .' oh it's not the dirty mosquito infested blah blah blah that was mentioned by someone else. yeah the place is older, and they open the doors on cool days - but it's not dirty. read more

If I could create a dream gym, HPG is pretty close to what it'd look like. I first moved to Austin in '04, and I moved a few blocks from the gym. It was kind of hard to miss with the big, veiny bicep sticking out from the roof. I pretty much stepped into the place and knew that this is where I wanted to work out. The gym is pretty stripped down to the bare basics. Exposed ceiling ducts. No central air. Industrial sized fans in the rooms. Lots and lots of squat racks (I think maybe 6 altogether). 2 Olympic lifting/powerlifting platforms. Not a lot of machines, but a billion pounds of free weights. Plenty of boxes for box jumps, box squats, etc. Plenty of chin up stations. Medicine balls galore. Bands, chains, balance boards, jump ropes. A few treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, but not a lot of focus on that. Its pretty no nonsense in there. Most everyone goes into to work out, work out hard, do their thing, leave you alone, and get on with it. You get the occasional goofball who likes to flex in the mirrors, the guys who like to grunt ridiculously when they're doing 1/4 squats, for a while the guy who wouldn't bathe, but, for the most part its a bunch of good folks who are friendly, but keep to themselves. The staff is always nice. I tend to hit the gym late-ish in the evening, so its pretty dead in there (which is a big plus for me). I think they have the normal rush after work and it tends to get a bit crazy in there. Folks get in there after work with their trainers and the trainers tend to occupy like 5 stations at once having their client move a Swiss ball around the squat rack to the deadlift platform for no apparent reason, but whatever. I stay out of there at that time. The weekends are chill, steady crowd, but not terribly busy any time of day on the weekends. They've recently been doing some Olympic lifting classes on the weekends (which I haven't had a chance to take yet, but probably worth checking out if you have the time and $$). There's no contracts, so that's a big plus. You can pay by month, by 3 month, 6 months or a full year I think. 3 months comes out to about $100 with taxes, so not really too bad if you get into the gym at a few times a week. They even give out free week passes for you to check out the gym. Just a great gym as long as you don't care about things like a sauna, or HD TVs by the ellipticals, or other frills. If you want iron and want to lift hard without distractions, this is the place. read more

I bought a day pass here because I was in the area to visit a friend and I'm really glad I found this place. The staff and members were both super friendly and accommodating. Lots of Olympic lifting platforms and basically anything else you would need to work on programming while out of town. No frills, but that's fine. Everyone's here to work out and get strong. Thank you all for being friendly and wonderful! read more

I love this gym. I used to go to 24 Hour Fitness, but hated it because of it's rude clientele, crowded machines and fake atmosphere. It felt like more of a fashion show than a gym, but that's beside the point. Hyde Park Gym has none of that. Staff and members are knowledgeable, friendly and are always willing to give good tips. The equipment is old school but top of the line! And it's just a cool place. It looks like the inside of a garage. You truly don't see places like this anymore. . read more

Best atmosphere for a real lifter. Awesome old school gym with timeless photos and machines all around. Great workout and top notch service.

Best gym in town if you are looking for a gym where people actually come to work out. Free weights, serious lifters and a great location. If you're looking for a trainer ask for Keith M - the guy knows his stuff, is professional and an all around great guy. read more

Hyde Park gym embodies everything about what I think a gym should be. They have lots of space for barbell training.(Power Racks, lifting platforms, Bumper plates, chalk, etc) Plenty of useful assistance stuff. (dumbbells, kettlebells up to 44 KG, yokes, sleds, prowlers, tires, reverse hyper, GHD, plenty of pullup and dip spots). The gym is never really over crowded, its a good mix of average people and guys training hardcore strength/power. Everyone is nice and friendly, at any day I can find plenty of knowledgeable trainers and members that can spot me, or provide cues on my lifts. Also they don't blast annoying music. If you want to just lift then lift, otherwise bring your ipod for music. I like that it's generally just the sound of heavy weights dropping after a Power Clean PR. You could run your own crossfit workouts out of the back too, they have everything a crossfit gym would have minus a climbing rope and a C2 rower. read more

Nearly 1.5 years now, and still loving this gym. Everything I said in my original review still stands, and I really appreciate the hours they are open (the super early week day option works very well for me). Can't see myself going to any other gym anytime soon. read more