Urban Athletics — Attraction in Houston

I'm $200 out of pocket for two months I did not receive services. If this review helps you not sign up then I'm happy.

You get one, one-hour consultation. After that your membership choices start at $100/mo. and up. I believe 4 months was the minimum length offered. You will only have an EFT payment option. You will be locked into a non-negotiable contract because the owner is more interested in taking your money than dealing with month to month memberships. You will not enjoy restroom accomodations. Instead, you can use the porta potty outside.

All of the coaches are great at what they do, but that's just about it. There was no organization or clear communication on scheduling. I showed up on two occasions for crossfit and none of the coaches who weren't busy helped me, so I left both times. I made it through foundations and was basically lost from that point on because no one responded to my scheduling questions.

I tried talking to the owner, Drew, into refunding my final two months because (1) I had been fed up with the whole scheduling process, (2) I was involved in two back to back car accidents (one caused by natural hazards, another was a hit and run) that caused out of pocket repairs, (3) I decided the monthly expense was too costly in prepping to get married in addition to the accidents. He refused to, citing me at fault for not coming to him about the two times I wasn't helped. I understood the terms of our contract and our agreement, but his response was just a reiteration of the contract, which I found insulting and impersonal. Not a big enough gym to be shady like that.

Anyway, I suppose other members understood the schedule. After showing up twice with no one helping me I took initiative to reach out via e-mail to discuss scheduling w the coaches BEFORE wasting my time and going there. The response times were generally slow and sporadic. There were a few times I received no response at all. Again, not a big enough gym for all the disorganization.

Lastly, I had a Groupon that I needed to use by 7/11. I went in on 7/11 to start my 30-day Groupon which was unlimited classes for 30 days. We did not deal with Drew on 7/11. His assistant said the Groupon would be fine. I had an aunt pass away on 7/12. Returned to Houston for my intiital consult the next week. Drew did not want to honor the Groupon. The only reason he did is because his assistant told us the Groupon was fine and he'd log our 7/11 start date (which he didn't).

As a compromise (if you call it that) Drew said he'd honor the Groupon until the end of the month which was only the equivalent of 21 days from the 10th, or for me after returning from the funeral, 15 days. Drew would not honor it passed that date (again citing month-to-month issues) since the monthly memberships are charged on the 1st. At the time, I was cool with it. Now, I see it was a clear sign of a desperation...

Let's begin here, the word Crossfit seems to create a sense of anxiety or fear in folks and I was one of them. I felt as though by having a personal trainer and a gym membership I was attaining the best results for my body. However, that wasn't the case. My stylist is a member of Crossfit Urban Animal and she has heard me for years go on and on about needing to get more fit, wanting to challenge myself more physically, and to observe solid results after all the hard wok that gets put into a workouts. She suggested I try out CFUA to see for myself why she loves the place so much and the workouts. In March 2015, I took my first step towards what I now know was one of the best decisions I've made for myself in a long time, I signed up for the foundations classes, first week was free, and instantly saw what I've been missing in all my hours with a trainer and at the gym. I had corresponded with Drew via email to get setup and Jenna coached me through my beginner classes. I felt like I got the basics and knew that as I was integrated into the regular classes the coaches would be there to watch over me and guide me along the way which they have. I feel as though you get what you put in at the box. The coaches have been more than willing and able to answer my questions, they are quick to correct my form when I may be doing a lift wrong, and offer extra time to help you get stronger and more confident with techniques. Since March, my body has without a doubt changed, for the better, it is stronger, leaner, and able to do things I otherwise believed impossible! I've also learned how to eat to perform, diet is key and CFUA folks are there to help you with that as well, from nutrition seminars, to meal-prep, to vitamins, etc. All of the coaches are stellar, they know what they are doing, they are solid teachers, and treat all of us with the same level of respect, whether your're a newbie athlete to a seasoned athlete. We are all athletes at CFUA.

Crossfit isn't about the aesthetics of the gym/box per se, the true purpose of it is about building community, competing with yourself, motivating others, and appreciating how your body can do so much more than you think! I love this place and love what is had done for me thus far. Can't wait to see what else is in store!...

CFUA owner Drew Thomas and his supporting staff have created a truly great gym and community. I have been a member since February 2014 and have watched the staff and facility only improve throughout the years.

For the beginning athlete: I highly encourage you to check it out. I had no clue what I was doing when I stepped into the gym 2 years ago, but the coaches there gave me all the tools I needed to succeed in my health and fitness.

For the experienced athlete: The programming is very well rounded. Drew places an emphasis on strength, conditioning, form, and technique in order to build elite athletes. The programming is slightly geared towards strength training, and you will spend a lot of time with your hands on a barbell, but there are still plenty of burpees, box jumps, and muscle-ups to be done. I train in the Level III Competition program and we try and get out to a local comp ever few months to see how we stack against the rest of the community.

The equipment and facility: You get all the standard equipment here. Barbells, bumper plates, kettlebells, ropes, rigs, and rings. Plenty of lifting platforms for you to work on your Oly lifts. It is all well maintained and Drew is frequently making improvements and expanding. The building is an old warehouse in the EADO area with a nice view of the Houston Skyline. It gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, but you're here to train and get fit, not get pampered.

This is my home, this is my family. I look forward to growing stronger...