It's been a couple years and I'm back to update my review! No surprise, this location is still great. I especially love the heated power yoga classes on Sunday afternoon. It can be pretty difficult to snag a spot but when you do, Marcie provides a great class. The studio is small yet beautiful and peaceful. They also just added a mat pilates class on Sundays at 1pm, led by Marcie as well. I've only taken it once and I enjoyed it. It's not as challenging of a class as the heated power yoga but I still liked it. I could even see myself taking the heated power yoga and the pilates back to back if my schedule permits. They recently rearranged the weight lifting area so there's a more spacious stretching area and the turf area is reserved for more turf-centric activities. I can't wait until the pool opens later this year! It's definitely worth the $111 monthly fee, which is more expensive than other gyms in the area but you get a ton of access to great instructors and amenities. read more

Steady on Good vibe like we on auto pilot. No regret and you can only gain. I been a member since 2016 and I love the family.

They were rude during the inquiry process. Very much displayed they were not interested in gaining a member. Moved on.

Nice gym and pool is fun. However, on the weekends it's filled with non members using a screenshot of their friend's barcodes to get into the pool. Leaving actual paying members not able to get a seat. Merritt needs to figure out a way to stop this. read more

The nice people at Merritt Clubs were kind enough to welcome me as a guest when I was visiting Baltimore last week. As a traveler I was thrilled to be able to get in my workouts. There was plenty of equipment, everything was super clean, the staff couldn't have been nicer, and the locker rooms were large and well equipped. read more

I've been nothing but happy with the customer service at Merritt Fort Ave. I think the cost of membership I pay is well worth it for everything it includes! The facilities are well taken care of and it appears the frequently update the equipment. The pool is a great place to spend your summer. Last summer was the they opened a new bar and grill. I did not have a good experience with the food there but I am assuming they were working out some kinks with it being new. I'm taking off one star because my experiences with the classes (yoga, cycle, sprint, and RPM) have been hit or miss. The quality of class varies a lot between instructors. read more

A great gym that has basically everything you would want. Updated equipment and vast cardio equipment (lots of treadmills, ellipticals but only 4 stair masters which I could see being a problem at peak hours). Delicious smoothies at a great price, nice pool with a bar. **I agree with another review that it is extremely hot & humid in there. No way anyone would complain about it being too cold. Knocked off a star for not being able to bring guests Saturday and Sunday or any holiday as that's when you mostly have people visiting you anyways. I get their logic behind it but still kinda ruins the point of having guest pass privileges read more

I just signed the paperwork to let my membership lapse after two years. I could not justify paying $80 per month when my (free) fitness center at work is less crowded, is less douchey, has better customer service, and has a better regulated temperature. This past summer I was training for a half marathon, and when the weather wasn't cooperating I'd use the treadmills at Merritt. The building was kept SO hot and humid that I had to slow my pace almost as much as when I ran outside in the July heat. When I complained about the building temperature, the staff feigned ignorance and claimed (I'm convinced, lied) that they had actually received complaints about the building being too cold. Also, they seem never to calibrate their treadmills, as my pace was all over the place depending on which machine I happened to use -- even on the same brand/model. There always seemed to be a crowding issue in the weight area, to the point where I'd only bother going to Merritt to lift if I was able to take an hour break on a weekday sometime between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on one of my telework days. Mornings before 9 were sometimes okay, but after 3 p.m., forget it. The Fort Avenue facility is simply too small for the number of members they have enrolled in the area. I had multiple issues with the staff being completely non-responsive. While trying to work out billing issues via email with some guy named Teddy, he'd frequently ghost on me and I wouldn't find out whether the issue was resolved until my card was charged in the next billing cycle (spoiler: it took multiple cycles and much frustration). I was also supposed to receive a free training session, but I never heard from the trainer and eventually gave up. I also just wasn't a fan of the culture and vibe of the place. If you've ever been out in Federal Hill in the past few years, you know what I mean. I'm not really into watching dudes checking themselves out in the mirrors, but if you are, this may be the place for you. The pool is fine for swimming laps in the morning on weekdays, but on the weekends you'll want to stay away. It's very Jersey Shore. When they told me on my first day that the age cutoff for the "young professionals" discount was 25, I should have taken that as a sign who they were catering to. While the facilities themselves are reasonably clean and organized, all these negatives weren't worth $80/month. And there is no flexibility on that, even if you don't use any of the group fitness classes. There is only one tier of membership. I'll just find someplace cheaper to supplement my work fitness center and outdoor running training. Goodbye, Merritt. read more

Went to check this place out at 5:30 on a weekday. WOW this is the place to be if you're a young white single under the age of 25. Seriously, every ellipitcal was taken, the treadmills were scarce, and the place was PACKED. I was decently clean and well kept but the facilities appeared old. Didn't love the class I went to -found it actually a bit too easy and I'm not that fit. I generally go to gym classes with the intent of not being able to walk at the end! Come on. Overall I was not impressed and will not be joining. read more

Love the location. Gym is clean. Staff is friendly. Peak hours are what you'd expect, but for the most part, it's always pretty accessible to do what I want. Hours are obviously great. It would be a 5 Star without any comment if they could just figure out sustainable WiFi with real speeds. It's more of a hassle than a show-stopper because I have to ensure that I download music or video depending on lifting or cardio. But again, certainly not a show stopper. UPDATE - I've been meaning to update since Merritt posted a reply. WiFi is truly working now. Speed tests on a Saturday afternoon averaged 8MB/s. Perfectly fine for streaming. Thanks to Merritt for upgrading! read more

Fort avenue location is a joke. Their "pool bar" serves alcohol to guests but will call a tow truck and tow the car within a 24 hour time frame. The reason on the towing receipt says it was called in by the Merritt staff, and that it was sitting for several days. That's an absolute lie. It was parked that day few hours before hand and was getting picked up that evening. But they decided to lie to the towing company and get the car removed for their construction project. What happened to guest appreciation? Isn't this location a 24 hour location? They're trying so hard to make this location worth your money. It's not. Dont waste your money on that one, go to Canton. read more

For a small gym, they really make great use of the space. The patron are typically friendly and will let you work in if they're using a piece of equipment that you want to use. The only gripe I have is that it's dirty most of the time but that's due to careless members with no home training. Can't blame the staff for that but I wish they would enforce rules for cleaning up after yourself. read more

Great club. Clean and friendly, but wow are they $$$$. I like that I don't need to wait for equipment and the classes aren't over filled, but I can't renew for another year at these rates. Are they better then Planet Fitness, yes. Are they ten times better? No read more

Really disappointed with the way they are handling COVID. Masks are not required when vigorously exercising, which means people aren't wearing them. I am a frontline worker and am exposed to COIVD at the hospital and they wouldn't let me cancel my membership without monstrous fees. I am not willing to expose other people and don't believe other's lives are worth risking for a workout. Management said that they have special rules for frontline workers which essentially lets them come in no matter what. Especially with the pandemic do NOT start a membership here, you will be sorry. read more

This gym is actually pretty legit. They have everything you need... tons of cardio machines, free weights that go up to 130lbs, plenty of benches (incline, decline, etc), good cable setups, multiple pull-up stations (which is key bc it sucks when there's only one and someone is hogging it), two squash courts, a spinning room and a room for classes, a pool, lockers (albeit pretty crappy), and the overall vibe of the place is pretty rad. They have TVs throughout the gym and I dig the warehouse feel to it (with all the exposed brick and duct work). The only thing that really bothers me are the hours. They close at 10pm. Come on guys... I work late and this seriously puts a cramp in my workout schedule. Other than that, it's a solid gym that I'd recommend. read more

"Where your future takes shape....and your money" The option to go to other locations such as Canton and DAC saves Fort Ave. from being a 1. 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. read more

Merritt: The gym to belong to if you're already skinny and/or fit. I've tried, on two different occasions, to like Merritt. It's only a half mile from my house, which is more convenient than the gym I currently belong to. Both times, I've ended my trial month thinking "ugh - not worth it." Technically, the physical gym itself good - machines, weights and a lot of classes. But when you look around, all you see are beautiful people trying to stay beautiful. As someone who is not long and lean (but IS fit), I feel terribly self-conscious and out of place. My boyfriend loves his membership because there are so many locations and he doesn't feel out of place. I, for one, will be keeping my membership at Brick Bodies where I pay half as much ($40/month) for a great gym with better instructors and a more diverse clientele. read more

Fort Ave Merritt is the best! I have been a member for two years and have never loved a gym so much and felt that the monthly fee is completely worth it. The group fitness classes are the best part! Such an awesome variety of classes and all the instructors are enthusiastic and excellent at their jobs! The pool is also an obvious plus and the ability to attend any of the other Merritt facilities- but be warned fort Ave is by far my favorite location. Super friendly staff, clean, perfect size, and great ambiance/environment! If you are looking to join a new gym-this is your spot! read more

Merritt gets a bad rap for being more of a place to be seen at than a place to go work out. Or at least thats what I heard before I joined. I say - what's wrong with that?! What better motivation than to be surrounded by cute girls in impeccable lululemon outfits and dudes jacked Jersey Shore style. The class schedule is great. However, the first 2-3 months after new years - be prepared to come 30mins before your desired class or else you won't get a spot. I've never had a problem getting a machine - cardio or weight- during peak times. Lastly, their pool is pretty sweet. On the weekends they have the Reserve (I think) come to bartend, grill and DJ. It's a great way to kill a few hours and get some color after your workout. read more

Best gym in Baltimore, as voted multiple years in a row. The personal trainer Courtney is the reason this place is so nice and I give it 5 stars! Excellent PT service, always clean towels, and clean showers. The pool is really nice and there is a DJ every weekend! read more

FORT LOCATION: I've been a member since 2012, and I really love this gym. I usually go to the Downtown location to swim or take barre classes with Nancy and Angela. I've found all the staff to be fabulous. EXCEPT...I recently started taking Body Combat and Body Pump at Fort Avenue. The people there are really nice and helpful. I especially enjoy Body Combat. BUT, a few weeks ago, I took my first Body Pump class there with Jamie. Beware! I asked for help, and she was very rude. During the class, I asked if she could please prompt us after each track to let us know whether to increase or decrease the weights because she had not had time for me before class. She didn't respond, but her co-teacher did. This week when I went to talk to her before class, she was terribly rude. She said "I'm busy. My mike has problems." Note that she didn't say, "I'm sorry, but I'm busy. Can we talk another time?" She just said, "I'm busy." I said I was sorry if I annoyed her and asked if she'd prefer I'd take another class. She said, "Do whatever you want." I took the class but was really embarrassed because she treated me rudely in front of like 20 people. Ok, after class, I went to the pool to read. She sat down near to me but didn't recognise me and SHE STARTED TELLING HER FRIENDS HOW AWFUL AND ANNOYING I WAS. She just trash-talked me while I was sitting next to her until I finally said, "Um. I'm sitting right here" She laughed in my face. I asked for an apology, and she turned to her friend and laughed some more. She laughed. So disrespectful and unprofessional. I already felt nervous and uncomfortable before she made fun of me to her friends, because I am an older woman trying to get into shape, and it's very intimidating. It was bad enough that she shamed me in front of the class by so rudely blowing off my request for help. But, then to sit and make fun of me when I am right there and NOT APOLOGIZE. It's terrible when young women treat older women so badly. Also, I thought it was unprofessional and mean spirited. I reported to the management, but I still have not heard back. Their response will direct my next move. So, that's what happened. Otherwise Merritt would be FIVE STARS. I will change my review if I get an apology. Let me add that I'm a teacher (28 years at it). Maybe you don't like a student sometimes, but you never let them know it, and you never humiliate them. Jamie made me feel stupid, fat, ugly, and unwelcome. I go to the gym to feel better and to learn how to take care of myself. Jamie just shot me down and made me feel awful. UPDATE: evidently Jamie acknowledged to management that she erred, but she refuses to apologize to me or to have a mediated meeting. I won't pursue this any further or post any more reviews, but I am sorry to say that's the end of the story. read more

This is my happy place. Every time I walk in, a friendly staff member greets me and when I walk out, they say good bye and wish me well. The facility is kept very clean, which is an important gym quality. The best quality is the pool with lanes and plenty of lounge chairs for tanning and the bar with amazing drinks/food. They have floating beer pong tables and corn hole boards as well. I mostly do classes - Chip and Kim are the Beyoncé and Jay Z of Merritt - really great instructors and they really blossom on the stage. Mysty is my favorite cycle instructor, but she mostly teaches at the canton location. Jamie and Elizabeth are amazing body pump instructors. If you want a real challenge, take Stephanie's spin class. read more

This review is for their free-trial policy: they do not permit you to use a free trial on weekends. Same goes for the Canton location. Unfortunately, that policy isn't stated on their website nor their free trial email. read more

Just recently joined onto my wife's membership at the Fort Ave location with the help of GM Lizzy Carlson and I've had an excellent experience thus far. While our household rate is maybe a little pricey, it at least so far seems well worth it given the excellent customer service, classes offered, quality of the equipment, and overall cleanliness of the facility. Kudos to the personnel at Fort Ave especially, but having had a chance to visit both Canton and Downtown during my trial membership, those facilities and operations are very well-run also! read more

Merritt @ Fort Ave is very clean, conveniently located and has friendly staff. You are always greeted with a smile and towel. Also, the workout area is well-organized so you can easily go from machine to machine with ease, despite its small space. I've certainly benefited the most with their group fitness classes. BodyPump, CXWorx, BodyAttack and Spin all have transformed my body and mind. Additionally, all their instructors are very welcoming and motivating. My personal favorite is BodyPump with Jamie. She adds a little fun to her classes, is easy to follow and takes the time to demonstrate correct form. I also like how the classes have different variations to accommodate beginners to advanced athletes. I do wish Merritt @ Fort Ave had longer weekend hours or even remained open 24/7. However, their Downtown and Canton locations, which aren't too far away are open 24/7. Lastly, Merritt isn't cheap so if you don't plan on using your membership, it's not worth it. But you can always use the other locations without an additional cost, and Merritt gives you the opportunity to lower your membership cost with referrals. Overall, Merritt is a great gym and is certainly well worth it if you use it. read more

I have been a Merritt gym member as of 2007 and have really enjoyed the fitness offerings and convenience their facilities provide. Living and working downtown I am able to access the three locations within Baltimore based on my schedule and proximity. In addition to having clean, well-maintained equipment and machinery, the gym is constantly updating the look and set up stay current and consistent as a best in class fitness resource. The classes offered are second to none. There is a wide range of options from yoga to kickboxing to aquatic instruction. The instructors are energetic, engaging and keep you motivated throughout the class and inspire you to keep coming back. I would recommend Merritt to anyone considering joining a gym, or switching to a better option that offers high quality, wide variety and highly accessible amenities. read more

Small gym, over priced, often dirty, rude staff. The main pros are they have great locations and it's convenient with free parking. They play dirty underhanded tactics. Once a guy told me I'd get a discount, I ask how much. He said we'll give you $79. Later I found out that's the regular price. In general, here is what they do: They get you to sign up for $79 for a year with enrollment, then claim you can go month to month after that. When your contract ends they send you an email saying they'll raise prices if you don't sign another contract... yet for new members it's still $79. You can either sign a new contract (trying to get you to be on contracts forever) or you can pay the higher fees. If you choose to not sign the contract by their short deadline, you can enroll again as a new member, but have to pay enrollment fees again. acts should be presented at the point of sale. read more

I have been attending the Merritt canton since I moved to Baltimore in 2013. Our pool is currently under construction and so I went to the Fort Ave location. First, of all we pay a lot for membership. Secondly, guests have to pay to use the gym. So I very disappointed in company not allowing any guests on weekends while the canton pool is closed. It was not busy at all, maybe 10 people at the pool and they wouldn't even make an exception for my friend to attend. Honestly, not worth it to not hangout with my friends at the pool this summer. Get you stuff together Merritt. read more

The Merritt is a typical gym. They lock you into a horrible contract that is impossible to leave. They charge 75 dollars an hour for a personal trainer, which for an 80 dollar month membership fee is absurd. They also charge 200 dollars a month extra for there crossfit classes. I frequent the Fort Ave location the most, and in the summer the outdoor pool turns into a scene from jersey shore. Merritt hires a DJ to stand outside and blast the top 20 hits from NOW 57 (or whatever number they are on). At this point someone might ask, why do I continue going there after 2 years, well it is the only gym in the area. read more

Always busy, often machines are broken and the staff is anything but helpful. For the high membership price I would expect more. I also cancelled my membership over two months ago and just found another charge on my card. After multiple calls to the office and an equal number of promises that someone from "billing" will call me back the issue still hasn't been resolved. Clearly this place struggles with very poor management. read more

Unfriendly front desk staff. I tried to join and couldn't believe how rude they were. I asked for pricing and they kept dancing around the subject... Like just tell me how much it costs! Then they tried to charge me $25 for a one-day trial. Definitely scared me away. read more

This is my second time joining Merritt. I made the mistake a second time because it's the only option close to me with a pool. Aaaaaand I am a moron. I rejoined in February 2014 after a 3 year hiatus. I was never given the 7-day trial option that I requested to see what the gym was like during my normal workout times. The gym was packed! After 72 hours, I asked to cancel and was told since I was outside of 48 hours that I could not. I was also told that these were New Years Resolutions and they would die down. Well, it's August and it's still infuriating. I work from home a few days a week and have tried to go at the following times: 6:30 am, 7 am 11am 3pm 4pm, 5:30 and 6pm. And it's always crowded. This place sells more memberships then they can accomodate. Horrendous business model. The trainers stare at you which is super uncomfortable. Despite going 7 days a week and them staring, when you say Hi you will get a blank stare. So then I brought a friend with my 7-day trial passes. Well, they said she couldn't use it for whatever reason and charged her a $25 guest fee!!!!!!!! Then, when she asked about a membership, the girl shrugged her shoulders and said "I don't know what the memberships are" You can't get a good workout schedule because you have to adapt to whatever weights and machines happen to be available. The Wi-fi never works. The squat racks are never available. The shower line in the morning will make you late for work. No one re-racks the weights properly. The staff is rude and unfriendly Plan your workout to take an extra 30-minutes while you stand around waiting for things to be available watching overgrown frat boys grunt. But hey, they don't care because it's your only option and they own your soul for 2 years. read more

I joined Merritt mostly for the group fitness classes and was not disappointed. Monday through Friday I am there for the 6am classes. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are when I go to spin classes. Kelly McCullough is on Tuesdays for cycle and then Chip and Kim Kafka teach RPM Mondays and Thursdays, respectively. They are all amazing and will legit kick your ass (if that's what you're looking for in a spin class). Other instructors are less intense, so there is something for everyone. #groupfitnessrocks Wednesdays and Fridays are body pump days for me. Again, the instructors are fabulous. David on Wednesdays and Kim K. on Fridays. They switch up the classes every time so you are never doing the same exact thing. I have been doing the classes for months and still get sore! I am looking forward to trying some other classes soon, as Merritt has so many others! Body attack is supposed to be a killer total body workout and the same for boot camp. I have done the Body Flow class, which was a great way to stretch out after my marathon. Aside from the group fitness classes, I have really never had a problem with the other equipment. I do usually go around 530-7am, so it is less busy then, but even after work it has not been terrible. The other reviews mentioned how crowded it can be after New Year's, but that is true with ANY gym. read more

Great gym w awful peak hours! Very hard to get into classes (especially spin/cycle) after 5pm. Hot yoga can also fill up fast! Very stressful when you have a plan for a class but can't get in. It was be nice if they added an additional class after 5 or added 9/10 am classes. read more

Signed up, and almost immediately regretted it. No tour of the facility, instructors blew off my appointments for their included FIT program, no one at the front desk can help with class sign up or any other information about the gym, and responses to emails are practically non-existent, and if you do finally get an email back they don't bother to answer your question. This place is a scam. Nothing that was offered as part of sign up has been delivered in 13 months of membership. Heidi and Jamie appear to be completely unable to offer basic customer service or deliver services purchased. Despite calling, emailing, and requesting help in person now over 40 times, there is simply no response or resolution. I've spent more time trying to get answers out of this place, than actually in the gym. Stay far, far away. read more

This has been my favorite Baltimore gym so far. It has the best atmosphere: big windows, exposed brick, yet it feels fresh, current, and clean. The exercize room has beautiful antique hardwood floors. The pool is nice, too, and has a lot going on during the weekends. Lots of hot young men and women hanging out, networking, socializing, and sunbathing, while the rest of the gym stays quiet. Like most successful businesses in Locust Point, it's operating at near capacity. No one could have predicted the area would take off like it is. It's bustling with people. The people here are fit, probably due to the proximity to Under Armour World Headquarters. It's energizing to be around other active people in a city that's seen better days. Some old school Baltimoreans might not be used to being at a gym that's actually filled with actually fit people who actually eat healthy and actually work out. Tell those old schoolers that in most successful cities and suburbs of the US, this is actually normal, and considering the type of people Under Armour is attracting to the city, they'd better get used to it. I've enjoyed my time with my trainer, because I've actually followed his advice and done the workouts he's suggested. It's been worth the money I've spent. One star loss due to the crowding, though. Merritt needs to open another location nearby. There's not enough equipment for the crowds that show up during rush hours. Maybe a spot in Federal Hill or another downtown location closer to the west side. But Baltimore has a shortage of good gyms, anyway. Merritt should step up to fill that void. read more

Omar and Merritt. When I call and ask to speak to someone in membership that's exactly what I want. If that person is not available and I ask if they are in the office today, I don't wanna hear " I'm not allowed to give personal information out". Wtf. Your not allowed to tell me if an employee is in the office so that I can call back and ask them a membership question? What kind of company is this. Killing the deal with bad customer service. Way to go. Personal information is social security, date of birth, etc. Not whether or not someone is in the office or not. Your job is to communicate whether the person I wanted to speak to is there or not so I can have my question answered. Now I don't care and will take my question elsewhere. read more

This is my go to club for Merritt. Not too big, but has the weights and equipment to get the job done. Very crowded on peak hours of course, which is why I rather opt for late hours to get my workout in. Staff is very welcoming and friendly. Most members of this club are young professionals. Pricing will be double or triple the average of your typical gym. However, Merritt offers classes and has a seasonal pool for members. They are currently renovating locker rooms, which look good. Shakes are okay and overpriced. Plenty of treadmills and other cardio equipment for use. I believe Merritt now has a sort of tier system for gym memberships, for which I am glad I signed up when I did, but feel for new members who have to decide on spending more money or settling for another package. Depending on how serious you are about hitting the gym, you would have to come in at least 5 days a week to get your money's worth. It's overpriced and triple of most other gyms, but offers more than your typical gym, so that's the trade off. Overall, not the best gym I've been to, but certainly not the worst. read more

Prices are WAY higher than local competition. Value is not worth it. Staff is nice but management lacks integrity and is condescending.

Facility is a little tight to navigate especially in the weight area during peak hours (which is to be expected), but always clean and the staff is very friendly. I highly recommend body pump with Lisa N. she is incredibly positive and keeps the class moving. Spinning with Kelly R. is another great class where she will push you and use unique moves not seen in every Merritt spin class. If looking for a new personal trainer I recommend Forrest, very knowledge and will push you while answer any questions you have about the exercise. read more