I think Big Work is all about the experience you're looking to have... it's a very different vibe than a lot of places, but if you're looking for something that is no-frills, mostly weights and has a powerlifting vibe, this is a good fit. It's definitely for the more experienced lifter or for someone coming to work with a trainer... you won't get in trouble for lifting heavy or being creative here. It's not a bunch of machines with "how to" labels on them... it's free weights, squat racks, some benches, some machines upstairs... it definitely has a grit vibe... so if that's what you're looking for it may be a great fit for you! I just got an email today that Zach (who was working regularly when I was there) is the new owner and I really liked him... I think he'll do some good things for the place! Excited to see what that looks like! read more

I was in Charleston for the weekend and could not have been more impressed with Big Work Fitness. Zack was extremely helpful in helping me understand my options, and he was very professional and encouraging to everyone that came into the gym. The space itself has everything you need for any type of workout at a very reasonable price, and the energy is exactly what one looks for when getting a lift. Highly recommend! read more

We were in town for a for a short trip and worked out for three days with a weekend pass. It's one of the best no-nonsense gyms I have had pleasure with visiting. Heavy duty, high quality racks, dumbbells, and equipment. The staff is great and made outstanding smoothies. If I lived in Charleston, it would be my gym. read more

I was traveling for work and had to find a gym that was similar to my home gym in Charlotte, and Big Work hit the spot. Great experience from the first interaction with Jason, who was extremely helpful and easy to work with. Did a week long pass and got my money's worth. The atmosphere and set up of the gym is great. Old school vibe and plenty of equipment options. read more

Big Work Fitness - Downstairs - Trainers Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Was visiting Charleston for vacation and found this gem of a gym to work out in the two days I was there. What a great spot. This is not Equinox. You're not gonna get a massage and a lavender towel as you walk in. This is a gym for people who know what they're doing and just want to get on with it. There were loads of squat racks and power lifting apparatus which was great. Part of it is outside which is fun and the people in there were friendly. Also, everything was nearly put away and respected by the members which was great. There's nothing worse than a gym where people don't bother to put anything back. I'd definitely recommend this place and would come back in a heartbeat! read more

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decent equipment but lousy customer service. Advertised as 24h but unless you become a monthly member with a key fob (total $90/mo) you can't get in when the owner isn't there and/or chooses not to answer his phone. My experience: I've purchased day passes on multiple occasions only to drive to the gym and have to turn around because there's no way to get in. no answer from the doorbell and no answer at the number you're supposed to call. On another occasion I tried to use a previously purchased day pass from one such instance and was told by the owner, no, you need to buy a new one. Now getting aggravated but still wanting to work out here, I actually came to the gym to give in sign up, get a fob, but again the owner is gone and no answer on the phone, so I'm going home. I really would love to join a 24/7 powerlifting gym, sounds great on paper but I'm starting to think it's not worth it. The owner should really just hire some more people to help out and deal with customers as it's clearly more than a one-person job. read more

Amazing community, staff, and facility. I appreciate this small business and its role in my fitness. Thanks!

Good gym, could use a refurbish. very friendly staff, and a good ambience, could use a polish here and there, maybe a referb

Pros: Pretty cool gym. Equipment needs a little freshening up. Clientele are nice & accommodating. Outside space is nice and a plus. Cons: People don't use bars for the correct purpose. Too much large foot print items taking up space. Bathrooms aren't the cleanest you'll use. Big thing communication is nonexistent. Overall it's a decent gym but not worth $65/month. read more

Do you go to the gym with a goal...or do you just go to the gym as a check in the block for the day? If you are the latter of the two...stick to planet fitness! Big work is AWESOME! No BS, No frills, no stupid door greeters, and a very good gym etiquette culture. This gym has EVERYTHING you need, regardless if you power lift, CrossFit, or work out for health. The gym is always organized and the staff takes care of it well. Best of all...THEY ARE OPEN 24 HOURS DAY! No classes restricting portions of the gym. Everything is automated and the system works very well. I've been to more gyms than I can remember, this place is by far on my top 5 ever. I come in, deal with zero BS from other patrons, hit it hard, and I'm out. It's called big work for a reason. Your there to work! Not satisfy your ego. BEST GYM FOR REAL LIFTERS IN DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON! read more

I had a membership for only a single month, and I was planning on skipping town to go back to school. I thought I would have to incur another $68 for the membership, however, Pell and the amazing customer service at Big Work Fitness came in with a solution. They cut the price in half instead of charging me the normal 1-week rate of $65 and extended my membership to continue for an additional week. I am very thankful for their level of friendliness and I would not choose any other gym in Charleston! read more

Dropped in here a few times while in town. Solid black iron gym with everything you need to do all the big lifts/Olympic lifts. Plenty of power racks, bumpers, and proper bars. There are a couple Texas power bars for deads - nice plus. He has a few racks outside. Did squats and presses outside one afternoon - that was a huge plus. Everything you need / nothing you don't. Highly recommended. read more

Best place to work up a sweat. The owners make it a point to make sure each member is satisfied with anything they need to make their workout the best they can.....highly recommended. Hands down the best gym in all of Charleston County read more

I'm only in town for a few days and came across this gym. It's got a great atmosphere and the staff was super friendly! I'm used to working out at a big corporate gym with all of your basic/normal equipment. This has that PLUS all the fun stuff! It was fun working out outside, climbing rope, jumping up the stairs etc. I really enjoyed working out here and highly recommend it. It appears people of all levels work out here as well, so you'll definitely feel comfortable no matter who you are! Day pass was $10 which is reasonable read more

My husband is always on the lookout for a fun gym to pop into on vacation. He found this one while in Charleston, and of all the places we've visited, this one is my favorite by far! I wish we had a place like this where I live. Great layout, lots of great equipment, the option to do some work outside, and we loved the owner too. Definitely check this place out! read more

I was in town for a week and was looking to find a no bullshit gym with just the equipment for powerlifting. Big Work Fitness was perfect. This gym has everything you could want for weightlifting/powerlifting, including squat racks, ER racks, dumbbells, and more. It was clean and well maintained, and the staff was also incredibly helpful and friendly. Would definitely come back here next time I'm in Charleston. read more

Really cool gym. Indoor, outdoor, no frills - but at the same time they have everything you need! Tons of barbells, dumbbells, every cable attachment made and space to get it done. Super neat spot and nice people working there. Dude jumped up to let me in the front door (it has a key fob access panel) and offered me a one day workout and didn't pressure me to join or anything. It's 10 for a day pass, if I still lived in town I would join for sure. read more

I LOVE THIS GYM! I've literally been around the world to gyms. From Tulum in Mexico to O2 in Kuwait. This place in my opinion stands among them. First off, it's no frills. You won't find folks on the phone while doing leg extensions. You'll find real down to earth individuals looking to squeeze the most from themselves. In a city progressively becoming less and less authentic Big Work remains a real place. I've never had a better gym community. It's like the Bar from Cheers...but in a gym haha. I love that with my adult, dynamic schedules the 24hr availability is always there for me. Waiting for me to sync up to the gym's Bluetooth stereo speaker system and crush these weights. I don't think I can recommend this place highly enough!!! Also the equipment is phenomenal. It's like a playground for athletes!!! read more

Big Work Fitness was fantastic! The instructors have all been attentive and help adjust form so that everyone gets a good workout. Highly recommend Big Work! read more

This is exactly what a gym is supposed to be. If you followed Ronnie Coleman, Arnold, or really any classic body builder they did WORK in this type of gym. This is my new favorite place to be. Good work you guys!! read more

Excellent! Love this place! Great equipment, atmosphere, and music. This is a real gym! Seriously. There is no other place like this in town. read more

Way too hot in the summer. Way too cold in the winter. Equipment is in pretty rough shape and it's a bunch of dudes with no shirts and no shoes on listening to death metal. Was looking for a no-frills gym with a good vibe but had to cancel when they jacked up the membership price and didn't bother improving the space or equipment. read more

I've been meaning to write a review for awhile. I downloaded this app just to do it. Buckle up I have a lot to say. I have been in a few gyms, hassled, locked into contracts I didn't want to be a part of, and had bumps in the road. I am learning more and more about fitness and exercise everyday. By no means am I a knowledge base or superstar in the gym, but I have been observant. Big Work is hands down the best gym I have ever come across. I'm not a decatholon, olympic lifting, 800 lb squat beast, but I do know quality when I find it. Big Work is a lot in a small package. I work right around the corner and had a few coworkers who went there say good things about it. I was on a hunt for a new gym anyways. I checked it out. My Contract at ESAC was up and had bounced around gym shopping (nice people ESAC. Read before you sign anything. Will never go back to after being here. Ever) I dont care how little you pay, how cute the girl/guy is that squats on Tuesdays, or how close your gym is to your house. Forget it. Walk to their front desk and tell them you're out. You're on the first step to changing your gym life. Go to Big Work get the key card for the cool kids and join. You won't be disappointed. If you're new to the fitness world or a veteran, if you post every 5 minutes about your WOD in Crossfit today or you're an Iron paradise purist lifting heavy, if you can only run 100 yards or 100 miles. You need to do yourself a favor and join. There aren't a 1000 machines and brightly painted walls and trendy looking yuppie stuff. Big Work is a quality gym. Most of the equipment is Sorinex made right here in SC. Its tough quality equipment and whenever I read the brand name I smile because Sorinex shows me where I'm sore next. (Terrible pun. Apologies. I couldn't help myself) the people are amazing. Great gym etiquette(every gym has exceptions), clean, and for the most part (although everyone will have someone they don't like. If you join dont make it be you) the people here are on a mission and friendly. If you like having other people in the gym to keep you moving and motivated theres times you can find company, or if you're like me you can find times where there's absolute bliss with only one or two people. I always go in there and learn something new or see something I had never seen before. Mr. Stacey is the MAN. Let me say that again. THE MAN and will always smile and help you out. The man is an uncanny practical gym knowledge bomb and I bet if he doesn't know off hand he'll find out for you. Big Work became home and is the reason I get excited to workout every day. There's plenty to do inside and out. There's some awesome equipment, atlas stones, more squat racks than you shake a barbell at, bumper plates, and some boxing/MMA. Whatever your poison I'm sure you'll find it. Big Work is the gym paradise, Mecca, Elysium, blessing from the gods of Gains and Swole, Valhalla, Nirvana, or whatever you wanna call it. Where else can you do barbell backsquat under the stars in beautiful Charleston. If you want a solid gym and you're not someone who is gonna be a punk and ruin everyone else's fun I hope you come and join us. We're having a great time. I cant guarantee the same experiences for you, but I'm betting if there's anywhere in Charleston no matter the distance this is the place you'll find it. Thanks for reading. Thank you Big Work! read more

This gym is crowded and overpriced. There's not enough equipment for more than just a few people to workout in here at the same time. It's a gym with an attitude when you walk through the door. If you're not throwing down your weights and making a lot of noise then you're not doing correctly at this place. read more