By Elisabeth Brigham By Elisabeth Brigham | January 8, 2025 | Lifestyle, Feature, Guides,
Staying true to your fitness-focused resolutions has never been easier. Whether you prefer to find your groove in a group class or set your own pace with state-of-the-art equipment, we’ve rounded up Houston’s top-tier gyms that will have you feeling your best all year long.
The Preserve exteriors
EQUINOX RIVER OAKS
When it comes to the best gyms in Houston, Equinox River Oaks is top of list. The aesthetically pleasing space has effortlessly secured its spot as the ultimate health haven, boasting a luxe members lounge, an array of group fitness studios, an expansive strength floor and, of course, an impressive lineup of daily classes (think pilates, barre, yoga, kickboxing and more). Not near your home studio? No worries. Download the Equinox app for live-streamed and on-demand classes from certified instructors. 4444 Westheimer Road, 281.936.0963
HOUSTON GYM
With over 25 years under its belt (not to mention its amazing community feel and seemingly endless res of machines), Houston Gym needs no introduction. Inside, the space features top-tier equipment organized by target zones, a dedicated stretching room and various group fitness classes ranging from pilates and boot camp to Zumba, TaeBo and more. The best part yet? Medical, sport and deep tissue massages are offered on-site to help rejuvenate and recover the body. 1501 Durham Dr., 713.880.9191
LIFE TIME SIENNA
You know what they say: everything’s bigger in Texas, and the debut of Life Time Sienna is no exception. Marking its 12th location in the Houston area, the 124,000-square-foot athletic country club features a state-of-the-art workout floor, dedicated studios, seven pickleball courts, luxury dressing rooms, LifeSpa (the club’s signature full-service salon and spa), a fast-casual LifeCafe restaurant and much, much more. Feel the burn at the studio’s unique group classes (may we interest you in yoga, barre or cycling?), or catch some rays at the outdoor beach club, complete with a six-lane lap pool, waterslides and poolside bistro. 8421 Highway 6, Missouri City, 281.969.2500
KINITRO FITNESS
At Kinitro Fitness, it’s easy to get in the zone. Taking a performance-first approach to fitness, this one-of-a-kind gym offers a wide range of training programs to meet your goals. On the lineup, expect strength-based training classes, one-on-one personal training sessions, Strongman classes and much, much more. As for open gym? Members have unlimited access to strength and conditioning equipment, including squat cages, barbells and sleds. 3830 Wilcrest Dr., 281.870.2682
Personal training at the Memorial Athletic Club and Aquatic Center.
THE PRESERVE
Nestled among Houston’s lush atrium greenery and gardens sits The Preserve, a 15,000-square-foot boutique gym spanning two levels with indoor and outdoor amenities. Boasting a bevy of personal training options and weekly group classes (including pilates, outdoor yoga, weights and cardio), this members-only club is sure to have a unique workout fit for your health and wellness goals. Top-notch fitness equipment and machines are effortlessly woven throughout the space, alongside a 25-meter short-course pool, outdoor yoga deck, upstairs studios (home to pilates reformers and cycle bikes) and so much more. 3303 Audley St., 713.572.2555
MEMORIAL ATHLETIC CLUB AND AQUATIC CENTER
The Memorial Athletic Club and Aquatic Center is nothing less than a local gem. The family-friendly facility has been breaking a sweat in Houston for over 45 years and offers quality health programs, group exercise classes (including spinning, pilates and aqua fitness), state-of-the-art equipment and ever-evolving programs for members of all ages. Other membership perks include five complimentary fitness instruction appointments, a women-only gym (MAC for Women) located across the street, indoor and outdoor pools, children’s special events and much more. 14690 Memorial Dr., 281.497.7570
Life Time Sienna pickleball courts
OAK FITNESS
For those looking for a late night (or early morning) sweat-sesh, OAK Fitness is the place for you. The gym is open 24/7 for members—while non-members still have access during the day throughout the week. Find rows of weights, lifting machines, a boxing zone and cardio equipment on the floor—with an array of fitness accessories filtered throughout the space. Group classes include HIIT, yoga, boxing and more. Looking for more? Perhaps the most unique feature of the neighborhood gym is its in-house sports medicine doctor. Members can seek therapy for workout injuries and receive help with physical rehabilitation, and chiropractic services. 4620 Center St., 832.582.5025
O ATHLETIK
Nestled in the heart of the Houston Heights neighborhood, O Athletik is a one-stop-shop for all of your fitness needs. The 35,000-square-foot fitness center is home to a curated selection of boutique fitness classes, specializing in performance training, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, barre, kickboxing and more. On top of its 100 classes offered each week, the modern and high-tech space features an expansive swimming pool, in-gym cafe, sauna and steam room, outdoor hill, adult sports league and Little O sports programs for the kiddos. 767 N Shepherd Dr., 713.320, 2450
Kinitro Fitness
365 FITNESS MMA
Ready to get in the ring? 365 Fitness MMA is the place to be. Amenities include a large MMA cage and mat area, punching bags, full sets of weights, and ample space for classes. Group fitness classes center around jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing and grappling, with special kid-tailored courses. With multiple trainers available for both classes and personal training, 365 Fitness makes it easy and safe to explore boxing and MMA-related exercises. 6060 S Loop E #206
Photography by: Photos Courtesy of Brands