It has all I need and the best thing is that it is open 24 hrs During the times I am there I do not have to wait for any machines. Wish they had more lockers . The restrooms situation is interesting as each restroom is a full bathroom which actually is quite nice . Price is ok.. a little pricey than planet fitness .. in all it is pretty nice read more

Pretty great. Honestly the staff are very personable and they're very helpful. And there's equipment galore almost everything you need they have read more

Oh my goodness, I love this treasure of a gym and it's affordable! My neighbor mentioned it had an Active Agers class, so I gave it a try and it's wonderful! I also decided to hire a personal trainer, and Patrick has really helped me with my goals. He's very professional and knowledgable, which makes me feel safe at age 63, and for the first time in my gym experience, I actually know how to use the equipment correctly and am seeing results. This gym has new equipment and is open 24 hours a day. You can't beat that. As for the people who work there, they're the best. Whitney works the desk and is very approachable and always has a kind word to say, and James is always friendly and kind as well. He went over and above and helped me find my water bottle, which was very nice.This gym does not make me feel like a number, and it's something I look forward to every week. Highly recommended! read more

The staff initially were very friendly, as they purport to be the "nice and friendly" gym, and it certainly started out that way until a problem arose. But then they turned nasty as I was attempting to cancel my membership due to my physical disablement. I suffered a severe injury that left me unable to do anything (I couldn't even sit), and James refused to allow me to cancel despite all my medical records/proof and me physically moved over 400 miles away from their nearest location. He demanded I get a signed doctors note, which proved impossible as my surgeons aren't legally permitted to sign anything unless reviewed by their legal department; something I hadn't considered when signing the gym contract. Also my surgeon works from 5 am until 10 pm, he didn't have time for seemingly trivial requests such as this. Despite me trying multiple times in getting a signed note, it took several months due to covid being a prioritization for doctors and hospital systems...you know because people were dying. James refused to budge and help me, despite my offering in providing full medical documentation of my disability; it had to be a signed doctors note. I was finally able to get the signed note, and Jame's response was "ohh well it took you long enough". Words cannot describe the karma I hope is imparted on him for being so rude. After my suffering extreme pain for months, losing my income as I couldn't work due to disablement, having tens of thousands in medical bills, he thought it was appropriate to continue charging me over $500 for a gym I couldn't use, and this was his "thoughtful" response. These people are nice at first, but lack common courtesy and sense, and even in meeting an obvious cancellation requirements...they keep your money just like any other gym when trying to cancel; they are no better, and James is plain rude. I don't recommend this gym. read more

I've been going to the Fort Avenue for a couple years because it's close to my house. But, the Buckingham location opened literally minutes from my office in Jan 2011. I love going to this gym for lunch everyday. I get in a quick workout and it's easy to change, put my stuff in a locker, and get on a machine. The staff has been really nice and friendly. read more

This gym was very disappointing. I'm a former member and huge fan of the Merritt Athletic Clubs located both Downtown and in Towson. So I when I started working in Glen Burnie I was pretty excited to find out that there was a Merritt right off of route 100. Unfortunately this location just lacks too many basic essentials. There is no actual locker room (just 2 changing room that can get filled up), no stand alone barbell bench press, and there just is not enough equipment to justify Merritt's year long obligation. The lack of a stand alone barbell bench press is very bad. The only way to do a standard bench press is to use the sole squat rack! The guy who worked there assured me that you never had to wait more than "10 minutes" for a piece of equipment, but why sign up for a year long membership for 40 bucks a month so I can wait for equipment? There are tons of cheaper gyms in the location with enough equipment that I don't have to wait 10 minutes, and they actually have locker rooms too! read more

Love this little gym! They have all the classes you ever want to take and when there isn't someone available you can take a virtual class as long as the room isn't being used. The staff is also very friendly and get to know everyone! read more

4 YEARS LATER: I am no longer a member here, but since I live right down the street, and pass it all the time, I thought I would update the fact that this facility remains in the "temporary" building and no start has been made on the big facility with a pool. Nothing has changed and no additional businesses have moved in to the empty storefronts surrounding the gym. read more

I was visiting from out of town and came to the gym for a day use. James was super helpful. Really good equipment and the gym wasn't overcrowded at all. Will definitely come back when I am in the area. read more

We flew into signature aviation today and stopped by the Merritt off Buckingham... James was awesome and showed us around before using the gym.... The gym and equipment were very clean and in great shape.. I believe there were 3-4 private changing/bathroom and shower rooms to use instead of a normal locker room but they worked out well while we were there... If I lived nearby it would def be a great local gym to use and will stop by again next time in the area! read more

I was recently in the market for a new gym. I wasn't looking for anything fancy, just a place to do a little cardio and lift weights. I found a Merritt Athletic Club which seemed to fit the bill, namely that it was close to my house and looked pretty nice from the outside. From what I've since learned, Merritt is a chain and there are several here on the east coast near where I live. So, one day recently I decided to stop by to take a quick tour and figure out how much it would cost to become a member. When I entered the facility a very friendly person greeted me and said that yes, he would be thrilled to take me on a tour and discuss membership. Before we could go on the tour, though, there was one small thing that I needed to do - insert my drivers license into a computer scanner. It's policy for all visitors, he said, and nothing to worry about. Fine, I thought, what's the big deal? I inserted my drivers license, pulled it out, and voila! My name, address, and picture were now on the computer screen. I was then told that I would have to fill in some mandatory information in the boxes marked with a red star, and after that I should hit the proceed button at the bottom of the touch screen. On closer inspection those boxes contained fields for my email address, home phone number, cell phone number, and work telephone number. Now, by this time I was getting cold feet. I receive more than my share of junk mail, spam, and telemarketing calls and didn't want to sign up for more. When I expressed my reluctance I was assured that this would never happen, the information was only needed for "security purposes". If only for security purposes why then, I asked, the need for all of my personal information when a scanned copy of my drivers license proved my identity? WIth no answer forthcoming, I decided I didn't' need the tour after all and hit the cancel button. This was a bad move on my part because the friendly Merritt person suddenly became not so friendly and informed me that a tour was impossible without filling out the online form. He seemed quite taken aback that I was unwilling to give him everything about me just for a tour and membership details. From where I stood by the front door the place did indeed look pretty nice, so I told the Merritt rep that I would pass on the tour but would just like to discuss how much membership would cost. How much is it, I asked? That depends on a lot of factors, I was told, like place of employment, health insurance provider, and assorted other factors. The rep said he would be happy to discuss, but first I would need to fill out the online form in order to sit down in a chair and discuss. I again passed on the opportunity to provide all of my personal information to a complete stranger in a gym that I may or may not join, and promptly departed. Later in the week I decided to try to get some membership details the old fashioned way (i.e. the telephone). When I called a very friendly Merritt rep answered the phone and in an oh-so-polite way refused to give me any details at all over the phone while insisting that I had to come in to meet and discuss. When I told him of my experience at having to give up all of my personal information he was of course unsympathetic and started lecturing me about Merritt "policy" on non-members entering their facilities. I wished him a good day and quickly hung up. In conclusion, if you visit a Merritt Athletic Club you should be prepared to surrender all of your personal information at the front door just to take a quick look and inquire about membership. But don't worry, it's just for "security purposes". read more

I have been a member of Merritt Athletic clubs in Maryland for some time now. I must say this location really stands out compared to others. I love the fact that this facility allows express members to access it 24 hours 7 days a week. This is the perfect place to come when I want to get a nice late night workout. You can definitely beat the crowds that are normally at the gym during normal business hours. The only thing I don't like about this location is the fact there is no Olympic style benches available. There are only assisted benches. read more

I love this place. I joined about a week ago and you couldn't ask for a cleaner or better equipped gym. It's open 24 hours. Their staff is really attentive and when you sign up you get one session with a personal trainer at no charge. The size and amount of equipment is perfect for me. I saw one person was whining there's no pool, sauna..etc. Well this place isn't advertised as that. I mean if you're looking for all those amenities, look to pay double the price of this Merritt and go with a bigger club. read more

I go to the Fort Ave and Canton locations depending on my work schedule. The Les Mills alone make the membership worth it. They have plenty of times available, morning and evening. They all have saunas which is a must for me. The locker rooms are always clean, and they have lotions, tampons, steamers, etc which make it great for getting ready in the morning before work. I also love going to the Canton one because of the nail salon in there! They're awesome. My only complaints would be the size of the Fort Ave gym (i heard they were going to expand tho) and lack of stair masters! especially at the Canton location which is such a huge gym. I would like to see them add 2-3 more at least. read more

Jeff was rude and unwillingly to help. Small but new. Won't be coming back. I'm sure it's great but before I even said anything he was on the offensive. I will be calling his manager. Thank goodness my transfer did not work. read more

Staff was extremely helpful and really nice. But.... The showers and bathroom look nothin like the gym they could be way cleaner and so could the shower floor. It makes you wanna wear shower shows or not go in at all. read more

Merritt at Buckingham provides their clients with superb services-- I highly recommend this facility for anyone who wants personalized attention, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to ensuring an exceptional all-body workout. My husband and I chose Merritt at Buckingham because of the specialized attention that the staff provides to the clients, the cleanliness of the center, the variety and availability of the equipment, the caliber and knowledge of the trainers, the ease of getting in and out of the location, and the ability to use the center anytime we want...7/24--any day during the year. The new manager, Melissa, is awesome; she has brought on new staff and trainers -- all of whom are highly competent and the trainers are certainly some of the most qualified in their field. I especially want to single out Jacques Wieciech, a master-level personal trainer and coach, who I have been working with for nearly six weeks. In that short time, he has helped me to overcome serious muscular atrophy due to radiation injured braxial plexopathy...his knowledge of the neuromuscular system and innate ability to inspire and motivate, coupled with how the body responds to physical stress and increasing levels of challenging exercises, have led to a significant improvement in my spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. After breast cancer treatment that led to neuropathy and spinal surgery in 2012, I thought I would never run my daily 8 miles again without pain. I was dealing with severe sciatica during 2013, and was fortunate to be able to run 2-3 times per week without debilitating pain. In late March 2014, Jacques started me on a strengthening program that has eliminated my sciatica issues, strengthened my legs, increased my lung capacity, lowered my blood pressure (from 160/90 to 120/70) and improved my running stride...and I have been able to run my 8 miles in 1 hour and 14 minutes -consistently for three weeks -- shaving 6 minutes off of my routine 1 hr 20 minutes (which was my average time for over 6 years). I have never felt better...in fact I am signing up for an entire year of 30 minute coaching sessions with Jacques. Who knows what I will be able to achieve as I celebrate my 60th year of life. read more

The Buckingham location is extremely convenient and is right off of Rt.100, making it difficult to convince myself, that I don't have time to stop in on my way home from work. The location also enables me to walk on the treadmill during my lunch break. This gym is very clean, has a large variety of equipment and the friendly staff is ready to assist you with any questions or concerns. I especially like the cycling classes and wish they offered even more of them. I've had a good experience with Merritt Athletic Club Buckingham, and would highly recommend it. Beverly R. read more

Friendly staff, lots of equipment, variety of classes, open 24/7. Very clean and welcoming environment. No need to feel intimated, people of every level of fitness there, from those who are out of shape and just starting a gym (like me), to very fit; all feel welcome. read more

Ok so I'm not a member but just on the market for a new gym ( since mine is closing). I went in today to check it out and the check the price/ fees and to tell u the truth i did not like what i saw at all. The downtown Merritt gym is just creepy, gloomy, unpractical and all the equipments are everywhere. The locker room is not that impressive and the smell of the chlorine at the pool was to overwhelming. The other thing that i didn't like was the fact that the front desk guy didn't greet me nor look at me when i was asking for a tour and the price ( he mumble something and just told me to site down and wait for someone to come and give me a tour ) while i was waiting for a tour I was ask for my information ( phone number, email and ID) again when ask why guy at the front desk mumble something about policy. Finally I met a sale person and she gave me a tour of the gym and after the tour pull out my ID from her back POCKET ( didn't say anything but i was not happy that she had my identification in her during the danm freaking time ) overhauled I don't recommend that place because it's not worth the $79 a month ( although i felt that she was not telling me everything about the fees and the fact that you cannot break your yearly contract you have to pay the remaining of your balance even after canceling) read more

Visited the Buckingham location recently to take a tour of the club and inquire about rates after receiving a mail flyer promoting their facilities and seeing an online advertisement for a 21 day free guest pass. Arrived early for an appointment and was not received well by the front desk attendant when I explained that I was in the neighborhood already and wondered if I could drop in earlier than originally planned. The gym was completely empty except 2 people working out. I didn't see why this would be an issue since it didn't appear he was doing anything but surfing the internet when I arrived, and good customer service would dictate that the customer comes first. I received some grumbles about it and was made to feel unwelcome. Not a good first impression of the club at all. After some remarks about my early arrival, I was asked to give my driver's license to scan in a system that took my data and had me waive the gym's liability for any injuries I incurred. I was also asked to provide my telephone and email address. Similar to another reviewer's comments on this site, I thought this was a bit much since all I wanted to do was tour the gym and obtain rate information. The gym space is the size of a basketball court and a half if you include the room where they have group fitness. The machines were packed tight and I could see during peak hours (right after work) this being an issue. I don't imagine it being very pleasant to be packed in such close proximity to someone else who's working out and expelling heat and sweat, breathing room would be nice? Wasn't feeling the space or layout. I was taken back to a desk space to obtain more information about my fitness goals and my current health insurance provider (to determine if I could obtain a gym discount). They offered a startup fee of $29 and $39/month for the membership. This price seemed too high given how small the space was, and not comparable to the rate paid at my current gym, Planet Fitness of $10/month. When I mentioned the rate I was paying at Planet Fitness, the employee stressed that that was because at Planet Fitness they did not reinvest in their gyms, which is why they could keep their rates so low, while at Merritt they did. The main interest in touring this gym was for the group fitness classes they offered. They offered Spin, Hot Yoga, Body Pump, Karate (had to pay extra for these classes) and Zumba but compared to other gyms I've been a member of, their schedule offerings were very small. Maybe 2 or 3 classes offered in a day versus 6-7 at other gyms. It's a small gym and it appears they're just starting to build up their membership, so I could see why they would not offer a full schedule of group classes yet. After getting a quick tour of the group fitness area and being asked if I had any additional questions, I thanked the employee for the tour and was guided to the front desk where I was handed their card and sheet with the rate information. I was surprised and displeased to find no offer by the employee for the advertised 21 day free guest pass. Wasn't that part of the deal, when I signed up for the tour and gave over my information? Also, who wouldn't want to try before they buy? When I inquired with the employee about a free guest pass to check out the fitness classes to see if I liked them, I was told to pick a date and class so I could attend one class for free. That pretty much sealed the deal for me, I was mislead into thinking I would be offered a 21-day free guest pass at the end of the tour, and was not, so no thanks, not interested. As a service to other people who review yelp before visiting a new business, let my experience serve as warning about this location. read more

Had an amazing experience, the staff are friendly and professional. It's a clean environment, plenty of parking during the day, and the best part it's open 24hrs a day! I would have to say I am going to miss this gym the most because how it's ran. I thank for Susy pow doing an amazing job running that location. read more

I've been a member at this club since it first opened and I've never been let down. It's never crowded, even peak hours are still manageable and the staff is incredibly accommodating, open-minded and just awesome. The classes are fun - I try and take the 545am cycling class on Tuesday mornings as it fits perfectly with my work schedule; the evening classes I've been able to attend have always been inviting, exciting and a great workout. I've recommended this gym to many friends in the area and will continue to do so. read more