Flex Appeal Miami Gym & Personal Training — Attraction in Palmetto Bay

One of the owner, Chris Luke, is not only a compulsive liar, but he has severe anger issues and is extremely manipulative.

About a year ago, I had consent from the manager at the time (with no strings attached) to leave some plates specifically made for powerlifting competitions. There were never any intentions of donating them or being compensated for them. I left them there so I could train with them, but I was generous enough to let the other members use it, which brought in a ton of members.

When I did that, Chris came up to me and a few other powerlifters and promised me he was going to invest in the powerlifting side. He had me help him sell old equipments the gym didn't need anymore and other tasks/favors (including running several bake sales) all while promising and saying he was going to invest in the powerlifting side. Even after doing all that, he refused to invest in the powerlifting side and refused to even talk to me when I would bring up the topic BESIDES the one time he was trying to convince me to buy the gym MORE equipment out of my own pocket (which I obviously refused).

One day, I sent him information on some powerlifting equipment the gym could use at an insanely cheap rate compared to MSRP. He ended up blowing up on me and telling me that the powerlifting side was ungrateful, disgusting and disrespectful (which I disagree with). After that moment, I realized he was never going to fulfill his end of the bargain. I'm aware he was not obligated to do so, as it is his business, but still felt what he did was wrong to lead me on for so long

Fast forward to yesterday, I reached out to him and the manager informing them I was going to be taking the plates back with me. Chris had the audacity to tell me I had signed the plates off to him and that I had no right to take them back. When I asked for ANY proof to back such a ridiculous claim, he told me he did not need to show proof and started resorting to threats to keep the plates and being completely unprofessional. He must have thought I was a coward or stupid, cause I was not going to submit. Mind you this is $3000 worth of equipment he is trying to steal from me. I texted the main owner Jen who was kind and quickly resolved the issue and gave me clearance to take the plates back.

Fast forward to TODAY: I sent both Chris and Jen a text letting them both know I was taking my plates and my personal bar back with me. Chris sends me back a message with a snarky remark in which I call him a liar. He then resorted to nasty insults and childish tactics.

Chris was always condescending, but he truly showed his true colors when intimidating me didn't work. He acted like a child and resorted to threats and insults when he didn't get his way and displayed an incredible level of unprofessionalism. He's not a businessman....

After nearly five years of training at this gym, it’s sad to say the quality and spirit that once defined it have steadily declined over the past two years, ever since the new owners took over following the passing of the original owner, Jesus. Machines remain out of order for months, equipment is constantly scattered, and the bathrooms are often without basic supplies like soap or paper towels. The passion and authenticity that once made this place a true haven for real bodybuilding and powerlifting have all but disappeared, replaced by the same flashy, image-driven vibe found in any typical “Miami” gym. The atmosphere now feels more about cliques and favoritism—friends of the owners and trainers monopolizing machines for their clients—than about hard work and community. What once made this gym special has faded with the loss of its original soul, and it’s time for me to move on as well. Right across the street, No Limit Fitness still carries that old-school, no-nonsense aesthetic that serious athletes and lifters...

Been going to the gym for years and I can confidently say after the passing of Jesus, may God rest his soul. His gym with this new ownership has been on a major decline. Machines broken for months, equipment scattered everywhere. The American flag just absolutely disrespected to which now has been taken down for months and not replaced. I have also gotten to the gym at night and seen what other and I who I spoke to about the situation assume to be the new owners son sleeping at the front desk as members are walking in and out. Something needs to be done. The culture has not been the same. Many loyal members have left since new ownership has taken over and the gym has gone completely downhill. Very sad to see as someone who has been coming here for years. I have many more picture of the state that the gym we pay a lot of money has been...