Element Fitness — Local services in Lenexa

This fitness center has been in Lenexa for about 30 years. It was part of the community. It made it thru the pandemic, only closing down during the state required months. It definitely needed updating and an influx of money - a large part of the membership is seniors who take advantage of the Silver Sneakers program that reimburses the club thru Medicare. I am not familiar with that process or how ling the lag time is on reimbursement to the club, but I know some members have been with the club since it opened! The owner finally gave up and sold it, selling the pool before members were able to get a bid together to buy the whole club (as was told to me.) The pool needed significant upgrades/repairs, and it was separated from the club and leased to a dog training group. That pool was a lifeline for me for 8+ years. I took advantage of the 88° 4ft- 6ft deep water for walking as well as took water aerobics from some amazing and caring instructors who became friends. It is really unfortunate that the club couldn't remain "whole." I understand the new owners are updating equipment and the workout areas as they can. It has gone from bright lime green to bright orange with no more tv monitors over the treadmills, but that pool and its classes had become a sanctuary for many people whose health prohibited them higher impact exercise. The club is open and has changed its focus to encourage a younger clientele- very understandable - but the pool is severely missed. Maybe someday it will be folded back into the club on the other side...

Just recently joined. Staff and equipment are nice, although the way some of the machines are organized is a little strange to me. Has everything you need to get a good workout in though. Track is uneven and could use some maintenance. Also definitely bring headphones (which I do but I feel bad for anyone who doesn’t) as the music selection is just awful. Just a nonstop mashup of club remixes to songs that have no business being remixed. Not even exaggerating. One song transitions into the next without a millisecond of a break to at least make the song transition make an ounce of sense. Like 10 minutes before I typed this they went from pop music like “Rather Be” straight into classic rock for 2 songs, “Fortunate Son” and then “Your Love”, then straight into Sabrina Carpenter. Keep in mind none of these are the original songs, they’re all club remixes with cheap background beats that play about half of the song before going straight into the next one. It’s actually an assault on my senses. It’s something I would expect at a high school football game. Like I said though I have headphones anyway so it really doesn’t matter does it? Anyway, sorry to anyone who actually read all this. Just needed to get it out of my system. Hopefully the employees will get tired of it (if they aren’t already) and request to play normal gym music like a pop or rock station or something. Overall,...

After expressing concerns to one of the owners about a safety issue, my membership was abruptly terminated and I was directed to leave immediately. My words were specific to a substitute group fitness instructor, whose class I had just attended. I stated the person was ill-prepared, reckless and unprofessional. I added that no one should teach step aerobics, etc. without proper training for the safety of the participants. Rather than acknowledging my concerns, he accused me of trying to dictate how to run his business. While arguing that he would not tolerate my criticism, he made two hurtful comments concerning my age and size. For added context, this was my first conversation with him and the first time I had ever voiced a complaint to management. The motto “go along to get along” serves people well at this gym, whereas offering constructive feedback may bruise that particular owner’s ego and result in adverse action.

Despite the circumstances, it is best I find a new fitness center as I have become increasingly dissatisfied. Namely, Element’s group fitness room and classes are not a priority (e.g., weak sound system, inconsistent fans/thermostat, no heart-rate charts, lack of cleanliness, limited number of quality substitute instructors).  I will miss many of the members and certain excellent instructors, but overall this gym is better-suited for users of weights...