The Truth About Treehouse -- Read This Before You Join…read more
Treehouse markets itself as the most "premium" gym in the Salt Lake Valley -- and for years, it truly was. With a premium price came premium amenities, instructors, and classes. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case. Treehouse has changed drastically in recent years, especially within the last few months, and what used to be a top-tier experience now feels far from premium.
Membership Costs & Contracts
Be aware: the initiation fee is inconsistent and feels misleading. It often varies depending on who you speak with in member services. You can join month-to-month or commit to a full year, but if you choose the annual contract, you are locked in.
No refunds are offered -- no matter the reason. If circumstances change, you're simply out of luck. Membership costs also increase each year, unless you were one of the early members "grandfathered in" at a lower rate. Many long-term members now pay significantly more each year for less value.
Classes & Instructors
Treehouse advertises over 50 weekly classes, but don't be fooled by the number -- not all of them are good. The best hours (7:30, 8:30, 9:30 AM) are competitive, and members often settle for mediocre classes because management refuses to replace underperforming instructors, even after repeated complaints.
While there are still a few excellent classes and instructors, these classes are often full and there's not enough equipment to go around. Weight-training classes often run out of weights, gliders, or bands. Kettlebells are claimed long before class starts. Much of the equipment is damaged due to poor storage and lack of maintenance.
Treehouse would benefit greatly from a class review system, allowing members to rate instructors and share feedback transparently.
Management & Recent Changes
In the past two months, Treehouse dismissed its Group Fitness Manager -- who was also one of the gym's most beloved and talented instructors. She taught over a dozen classes weekly and was a major reason many members stayed. Her removal has caused widespread frustration, and the classes replacing hers have been noticeably lower quality.
Facilities & Sauna Misrepresentation
Treehouse recently added a sauna in the women's locker room, but members should be aware that it is not a red light therapy sauna, despite what several member services staff claim during tours. The lights are simply red-colored bulbs and do not provide any of the proven benefits of true red light therapy.
Additionally, the women's sauna temperature is consistently around 150°F, which is lukewarm at best. This defeats the purpose of a sauna and fails to provide its expected health benefits. I've personally requested that the temperature be increased to at least 200°F, but my request -- like many others -- has been ignored.
Gym Etiquette & Environment
Another persistent problem is gym etiquette -- particularly from members who "reserve" multiple machines for circuit training by leaving towels or personal items. With limited equipment, this creates tension and frustration for others trying to work out. Management has done little to address this issue.
Leadership Concerns
Management
The biggest concern, however, lies with Treehouse's general manager, Erica.
She consistently avoids member feedback and shows little concern for the gym or its community. Complaints go unanswered, problems remain unresolved, and her lack of involvement is noticeable. The gym's cleanliness, organization, and morale have all declined under her leadership. It's clear that Erica does not care about Treehouse or its members -- and the results show. Equipment is dusty, maintenance is inconsistent, and staff accountability appears low. Hiring practices also raise concerns of favoritism and nepotism, as roles often go to friends or acquaintances rather than qualified applicants.
Overall: Treehouse still has potential -- the facility is beautiful, and a few instructors are outstanding. But poor management, declining quality, and rising costs have stripped away what once made it a premium gym.
I would strongly recommend delaying becoming a member until Erica is replaced as manager, and classes are reorganized and updated. Until then you're paying a premium price for a mediocre gym.
