I met the awesome owner, Nate, through being in a small group with his wife. He is knowledgeable…read moreabout health, wellness, and nutrition. This gym's primary focus is strength training vs. HIIT or cardio (as you could probably infer from the gym name). As someone who has struggled with body image, disorder eating, and gym intimidation, a gym being able to make me feel included and comfortable really is a BIG thing. The trainers (& other members) know you by name and are real life normal people! The location has moved to awesome/beautiful space near Pepper Place as well. I've been at Steel for over a year and am very satisfied with my experience! If you've been looking for a place to call your fitness home, I cannot recommend enough.

I don't like to workout. I'm not a gym person. I don't flex. I hate squats with a passion…read more But I knew my health was in the toilet and that I needed help. A few friends had tried Steel Strength Training and only had great things to say. I knew I needed a program that I could actually maintain rather than try for a few months and fall off, and they seemed like the perfect fit. After speaking with Nate, the owner, I came in early one morning for an initial consultation. He showed me around the gym and explained the program to me. We even tried a few workouts to gauge where I was and talked over my goals and what I needed to get out of the program. The rest, as they say, is history. I've been with Steel for over six months now and show now signs of stopping. They give you the tools you need to succeed inside and outside of the gym. I'm stronger than I've ever been and have a level of flexibility and movement that I never thought I could have. I still don't like the gym but there's a huge difference between not liking something and dreading it. I don't dread going to the gym anymore. I can see results both physically and mentally and that's the best part. I have so far to go but I know I'll reach my goals with Steel Strength Training. If you want a gym that gives you a sustainable plan that you can stick to, try these guys out!

I can't believe no one has reviewed this. I am a foodie not necessarily a workout person. But I…read moreabsolutely love it here and if I can afford it I'll keep coming! The trainers are all so wonderful. Rain, will, Peggy and the manager Chris, to name a few are all very welcoming. They are helpful. No matter your skill level they will work with you and help you get better. You don't feel judged. Everyone is encouraging. A little pricy... but absolutely worth it. I did a 6 weeks challenge and it was amazing!

Best decision of your life, guaranteed. If you enjoy pushing your limits and want to learn just how…read morestrong you actually are, then you have come to the right place. I have been a member for just under a year, and I have found Iron Tribe to be a catalyst for success. The coaches are knowledgeable, the training is rigorous, and the community is relentlessly supportive. I finish every class exhausted, but can't wait to see what's in store tomorrow. If you want to be stronger, healthier, or just have a passion for being active, do yourself a favor and stop by Iron Tribe on 280.

I highly recommend Stretch Zone. I run, do weights, and overall stay active. I've never been a fan…read moreof stretching, but I know how important it is. In hopes of making stretching routine for me, I tried the free stretch with Beth, and it made me a believer. Each assisted stretch you start with light resistance and then increase. You are totally in control of how deep the stretch goes with a number system. I definitely felt better when we were done. Each practitioner that I have had is very skilled and always friendly! I've had massages plenty of times and feel that the stretching is just as beneficial if not more so than a massage. The memberships that they offer are flexible and I thought reasonably priced. They offered the initial stretch free, so you should absolutely take advantage of that and just see for yourself!

Have you been stretched out lately? I saw an ad, signed up and dropped in today for a free 30…read moreminute stretch consultation. I'm asking myself why I haven't been sooner? The front desk staff was inviting. Beth brought me back and was great at explaining Stretch Zone and what they do. Vicky was wonderful at giving me a perfect stretch. She was informative and had the sweetest personality. We both had a couple of good laughs during the session. This is a much deeper stretch than I currently know how to do for myself. The tables that strap you in ensure you are secure and don't roll or fall off. I can see myself signing up to be stretched a couple of times a month. Try it out!

If you're looking for a gym with a personal trainer with nutritional and evidence based fitness…read moreknowledge, Fit 280 is your best choice. Del, the personal trainer, will listen to what your fitness goals and create a realistic plan to help you achieve what you want. For me, I wanted to know the benefits about intermittent fasting, an appropriate meal plan, and an exercise routine to help me lose my abdominal fat. Del took the time and effort to write up on a marker board what exercises to do, what food to eat, and completely answer my knowledge gaps. In just 6 weeks, I was able to drop my body fat percentage by 5%. It wasn't easy, but I couldn't have done it without Del's help. Aside from personal training, there are 1 hour early morning + late afternoon classes Monday to Friday (and Saturday mornings) in which you will do extensive circuit workout routines. These are extremely helpful because these routines are both challenging and motivational. Del oversees each person and develops a plan whether it's weight loss or weight gain. The gym has squat racks, bench press bars, ropes, cycles, and much more. It is extremely well ventilated, several clean bathrooms, and cubicles to store your belongings. Water is available in a small refrigerator. The atmosphere is relaxed. Every gym member is chill and super supportive. I would highly recommend this gym and Del to anyone looking for fitness classes or personal training in Birmingham!

From the moment you walk in, the vibe is upbeat and motivating. The classes are definitely on the…read moreexpensive side, but honestly, I think they're worth it for the experience and workout you get. I explained to my instructor that I'm postpartum and working on getting back to building my core strength. I also told her I probably wouldn't be able to do a lot of the movements, and she immediately reassured me that modifications were available and that I should just listen to my body. I really appreciated that encouragement because it made me feel comfortable instead of intimidated. I've taken the Oblique and Cheeks classes, and let me just say... THEY ARE A CHALLENGE! You will definitely feel the burn, but in the best way. The music is always upbeat, which makes the classes even more fun and keeps the energy high!

First time in the studio. I was greeted by Clair which was very welcoming. Tori met us and asked if…read moreany restrictions needed to be made. The class was difficult in a good way. Tori was very aware of everyone and she even came around to ensure proper form for optimal benefit.

I have arthritis in my lower back. It made working out on my own very difficult. Erin and her team…read moretaylor each workout to meet you where you are and push you when needed. I have accountability and am able to really push in a safe manner. They definitely pay attention to form and safety. I RARELY have flair ups anymore.

The trainers here are amazing and encouraging. At my sessions, when I feel like giving up, they…read moreknow just how to push me through to the end! They are very accommodating to your schedule as well. They will work with you and make you feel extremely comfortable!

I came to Drake Fitness in December of 2010. In a few months would come the milestone of turning…read moreage 50 and with that comes an inevitable reflection upon the road travelled thus far. What emerged from that discussion with myself was that the time was perhaps ripe for what one friend calls my "mid life awakening". Having overcome many prior obstacles, there was but one hurdle left to conquer where success simply seemed to elude me-overcoming life long obesity. I was once asked by a physician, "Kathleen, why is it you choose to be fat?" Naturally, I scoffed as this was an absurd question. Years later though when I re-frame that question to say, "Kathleen, how might you actually be resistant, fearful, or clearly self-sabotaging those prior efforts to change?", I am able to glean much insight as to the "why" behind my motives or unconscious choices to fail. This is the catch-22 about insight. I can no longer plead ignorance nor innocence as to my role in things. The way I've coped in the past no longer works, if it ever truly did. Where do I go from here? Enter, Drake Fitness. My criteria for a gym was as follows: 1) Manned gym with a highly educated/skilled/trained staff there on the premises at all times to emphasize safety first, injury prevention, instruction in proper form on all equipment and if needed, exercise modification based upon that client's level of current fitness and/or medical necessity. 2) Short term or even no contract options along with affordable payment options that do not require automatic bank account withdrawals. 3) Clean facility with a nice mix of personal training, self workout, and group class offerings. 4) Positive regard in the community through client feedback. In my online research Drake Fitness was the ONLY facility/program that met all four criteria that I was looking for. There was only one potential drawback. I live in Saint Clair County 35 miles away and the facility is in Jefferson County. Ultimately, I decided that to be fit and to experience wholeness within my physical being for truly the first time was worth making the sacrifices necessary to invest that time, effort, and distance in. But it was also the words of a client like myself that reeled me in too. She wrote, "I am 50, I am an overweight woman, and I feel welcomed, embraced, and encouraged here." After reading that, I really never considered any place else. Call it God or karma or intuition, but something about Drake Fitness just kept calling upon me to go there. I had no clue what to expect, but it has genuinely exceeded all of those expectations ten fold. It is a small, down to earth family owned gym that has a really diverse clientele of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. Clients, trainers, and owners, visibly encourage and support one another at every turn. Personal training and group classes are tailored to each individual client's abilities, with the intention of expanding one's skill set over time to reach that client's stated goals-short and long term. Each trainer brings something unique and interesting to the field of exercise. I learn something new to do at home or at work in every single workout. This isn't an easy journey no matter who you are. You are challenged times over, but there is a sense of community, of place, and of belonging here that I think makes it special. Even the bathroom facilities have a sign as you depart that says, "You are beautiful". It actually makes me stop for a second and believe that I really am, as I have all that I need already and I am just here to continue to bring that to fruition with the kind, compassionate, comical, sincere, life affirming and expert staff at Drake. It's just a gentle reminder of "I am a gift", but for me it's a message so powerful in it's simplicity in the most unexpected of places. Drake compels us to "find our reason". To have found you to take this journey with is reason enough for me. Kindest regards, Kathleen S. Odenville, Alabama

I find Drake Fitness to be a great value if you want to work out at least twice a week, and if you…read morego more frequently it's even a better deal. You can work out with trainers whenever you want to, without an appointment. The trainers are likeable and attentive. Kevin Drake is knowledgeable and personable. The staff is professional and ready to go whenever I am. I have worked out with other trainers in the past. I had to pay for each session individually as well as make an appointment in advance. I also had to pay a separate membership fee to belong to the facility. I like being able to go to Drake whenever it fits my schedule. The gym also offers some treadmills and stationary bikes for your use , but the primary attraction is having a personal training session whenever I want.

I attended Ignite Cycle for the first time postpartum, and I really enjoyed my experience! The…read morelocation is very nice, the energy is amazing, and the class starts right on time. You can't have your phone during class, so I wasn't able to take any pictures, but honestly, you're too busy enjoying the workout anyway! Since this was my first time cycling, I really appreciated how patient everyone was, especially when showing me how to properly put on my cycling shoes. My instructor, Michal, was AMAZING! She was such a great motivator and constantly encouraged us to push through the pain, challenge ourselves, and keep going. The music selection was also great and definitely helped keep the energy high throughout the class. Overall, it was a fun and challenging experience, and I'm glad I decided to try Ignite Cycle as part of my postpartum journey!