FLEX Fitness Center — Attraction in Holland

We wanted to love this gym. Flex Fitness had high ratings, the old school gym charm that's hard to beat, and great equipment. Unfortunately, our experience rapidly fizzled within a couple months.

A couple weeks after joining, I noticed it was odd that the men's locker room door was always propped open, and the women's wasn't. My partner said there were two men completely naked in the locker room, posing, and taking photos. Which.. If you want to be naked, you do you. But my issue started when I would be on machines and could clearly see a reflection of naked men through the many mirrors on the open floor. Other women I spoke with were just as uncomfortable.

I brought it up with the staff and asked if there was a reason why the door was propped open. The response was, "Idk.. it's a little odd but that's just how it's always been."The door remained propped open. It was clear nothing would be done, even so, I decided it is what it is. But it's very concerning even minors are being subjected to full male nudity without consent.

Our last day at the gym, a member of management approached us and told us she heard we were unhappy with the locker room situation and wanted to address it. I appreciated her making an effort to hear us out, but the logic didn't quite hold. She said it was left open because the door slams shut, and to reduce moisture from members showering. Mind you, this is not an overly crowded gym with multiple members showering often. And in that case, the women's door should be left open too? She concluded with "It's been propped open for over 20 years now so that's just kind of how it is." It was clear there would be no changing, so we said thanks for the explanation and were ready to let it go.

However, she followed up with. "Oh, and if you could minimize the PDA also as we've had several complaints about that as well." I was shocked because we are not the kind couple who are all over each other. I told her I thought we were keeping things pretty low key so I'm pretty surprised to hear there are complaints about us working out together. Her response was that there have been snickerings about us sitting on the bench together during sets.

This is where things fell off for me. We have never had any issues with other members of the gym. In fact, we've had MULTIPLE members come up and say, "You've got a really good trainer!" or "It's encouraging to see couples working out together!"

At most, we share a quick power up hug after a hard set, maybe a quick peck every once in a great while, and sometimes hold hands walking in and out. If we were making out, talking dirty, groping etc., sure, of COURSE that is inappropriate, but it simply was never the case.

She then offered a refund of our membership fees, as if to say "we kinda want you out of here if you want out." We finished up our set and knew we wouldn't be comfortable there again so we accepted the refund. No, "sorry it didn't work out".. just "Here's your money back.. have a great day!"

The double standard at this gym is wild. We are not allowed to be concerned about minors not consenting to be subjected to full male nudity on the daily... yet we are scolded for sitting next to each other during sets and basic gym partner encouragement?

Flex Fitness is a great gym in many ways. And old school gyms have a lot of perks. But being stuck in a misogynistic mindset is certainly not one of them. And as we all know, doing something because we've always done it this way is a really poor excuse for continuing to do something. Unfortunately, Flex Fitness exhibits many gym stereotypes that turn people away from gyms in the first place. The "boys will be boys" management style is truly disappointing, as we were just starting to enjoy our time at the gym. I do not recommend this gym for women, couples who workout together, and especially for minors. But if you're a man who loves showing off in your birthday suit or a person who wants to see that, you'll...

This is in regards to Zach bouwkamp’s review

First of all this young boy Zach doesn’t understand gym etiquette. When the gym is busy you don’t circuit train or super set as he calls it. Rule 18 it’s on the board. This is common practice at most gyms. Must be the fifty gyms he visited he didn’t read those rules either. If you are trying to boot someone off a machine when you’re on the other side of the gym. It’s not going to over well. To the comment about being called a douche bag. This is true you were called a douche bag but it didn’t come out my mouth. That was another member. Must be they thought you were acting immature. I specifically remember saying you were rude and inconsiderate. This is after you mouthed off to me. You must not have been taught how to respond politely in a social situation. You admitted you keep to yourself. In the 5 years of training at this gym I never had a problem with anyone until you. I can say with confidence im well liked at this gym. It’s Sad to see you write so negatively about your experience when you created the issue. I think you just have some growing up to do. The fact you talked negatively about flex is beyond me. This is one of the best gyms in West Michigan. The equipment is quality and when you buy quality it last for a life time. This is a real gym!

*To close I’d just like to say if you would spend more time lifting weights rather then looking and posing in the mirror maybe you would see some real gains and not look...

Flex Fitness Center is a great place to work out. The Gym is very clean and well kept. The equipment is up to date and amazing to work out with. Flex is a weight lifting power house Gym but one of the things I love about Flex is that it is a family. Because of this family atmosphere just the average person like myself feels excepted and welcomed. I have struggled since the pandemic to get back into the routine of working out and improving my health.

The Owners, Staff and Trainers at Flex are amazing to work with. I am so grateful for Amy my Trainer! She is professional, kind, patient and understanding. Her encouragement has given me the confidence that I needed to start regaining my health. She is so full of knowledge of how your body works and comes up with ways to modifiy any movement if needed.

I would highly recommend going into Flex and checking out this awesome environment to workout in and take some time to talk to the Staff or just the average person that is working out at Flex. You will soon see the reason why I am so grateful for Flex and my trainer Amy!

I am looking forward to continuing my fitness journey at...