Eastlake Athletic Club — Local services in Goshen

I have been a longtime member of Eastlake Athletic Club, particularly the Goshen location dating back to when it was known as Area Fitness. I used to genuinely enjoy coming here, as it was undoubtedly the best gym in Elkhart County. The previous owners were deeply invested in their members and clearly cared about fostering a high-quality gym and a strong sense of community.

However, since the change in ownership—and more recently, what seems to be a shift in management—the gym has turned its back on its members and the culture that was so highly valued. The implementation of several seemingly arbitrary rules, combined with ongoing issues such as ceiling leaks, broken equipment/amenities, and providing substandard repairs and replacements, has significantly diminished the quality and experience that members once enjoyed.

Some of these new rules include:

Discontinuing the use of metal weights in certain areas

A permanent ban on chalk usage

And the recent and, in my opinion, the most ridiculous rule implemented

Prohibiting water use, including water for consumption, in the sauna

In addition, the music selection has been drastically altered, replacing the motivating playlists that gym-goers had grown accustomed to with a lighter, pop-oriented selection that does little to inspire or energize members. Music plays a critical role in creating a motivating environment, and this change has detracted from the gym’s atmosphere.

This morning, I came to the gym for a workout and to use the sauna, fully respecting the no-water rule of the sauna. However, I was rudely informed by staff that the sauna was closed and was told to leave. When I politely inquired about how long the sauna would be out of service, the staff member dismissed my question with a curt "I don’t know."

Eastlake states on their website, "We are devoted to providing exceptional sports and fitness amenities to help keep Michiana active and healthy." This a bold claim to be made as decisions and actions do not reflect this statement and in reality have been nothing but a disappointment to it's members. The sole reason you have a gym is because of it's members not in spite of them. It’s clear the owners Jason Evers & Justin Evers along with the entire Eastlake team have prioritized enforcing the strict rules over addressing members' concerns or fostering positive interactions. Members have even been threatened with termination of their memberships for infractions. I have made every effort to respect the direction the gym is taking, although it’s evident that there is a significant disconnect between Eastlake and the members they serve.

The recent threat to permanently close the sauna is especially concerning and would be a huge mistake. For many members, the sauna is a key reason they are willing to pay the membership fees. Removing this amenity would undoubtedly result in frustration and dissatisfaction among a large portion of the membership base. It should come as no surprise to Eastlake and its team if members begin canceling their memberships and choosing to...

I have only been to this gym once and this is my first impression. The gym is quite well equipped. The area is sectioned according to what you wish to do. The main floor has plenty of cardio and workout equipments. So hopefully you would not need to wait for something to be available. Even during peak hours you should be fine with elliptical and treadmill. There is a separate area for women to workout as well. Some of the rubber handles are falling off or there maybe some wear and tear. But mostly, everyone spray and swipes after use, so it's easier to maintain the cleanliness.

Apart from that, there seems to be a big (approx 40-50ppl) workout room for classes like Zumba and (20-30people) karate... while I was working out during one of the zumba sessions, I could hear alot of Latin music. Since I like Latin music, I may try going for that. I don't know why they dimmed alot of the lights so it wasn't clearly visible what was going on. I believe people of all ages can participate in these. They have WiFi here ( need to ask for the password from the front desk) so people can listen to their own music on the net and they have a few tv screens with something being played. You can watch that if u'd like during ur cardio.

They also have a daycare adjacent to the gym where you can leave your kid to play or work while you workout. There are plenty of lockers (like 50 or so) inside with restroom (about 5) and shower (3) facilities. They also have a sauna (I believe it's a dry one) in each changing area (one in men, other for women). There is plenty of parking as well outside. If you are looking for a gym, do give this one a try!...

This facility sends opposite gender staff into locker rooms while people are showering and changing. This staff member was looking into showers while people were in the area. I have seen them do this multiple times. This is absolutely unacceptable.

Editing review due to the absolutely horrible response: I have not heard any call out before women enter the locker room. You are either lying, your staff is not loud enough, or the sounds of the gym are drowning out what they say. All of your clients use headphones as well. How are people supposed to hear call outs if they have headphones in? You always have a male on staff when I come in as well. Why are the female staff entering the locker room when men are on staff? I hope you realize you are not only making customers extremely uncomfortable, you are likely making your staff uncomfortable as well. If I were one of your staff I would NEVER feel comfortable entering a locker room with opposite sex members in it. You should be ashamed...