Twisted Fitness Gym — Local services in Madison

Pros: Airy, bright and clean workout space Friendly staff Modern equipment for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and what I'm pretty sure was a Crossfit setup (I don't do Crossfit.)

Cons: Offloads contract handling to ABC Fitness. ABC Fitness is also a debt collection agency, so if you have any financial or health-related instability in your life, you may save yourself a headache by giving this gym a pass. They would not let me terminate my contract with a letter from my doctor describing changes in my health. Talking to ABC Fitness is kind of like talking to a major cable company. Make sure you carefully read both the Twisted Fitness contract and ABC Fitness contract, because they are different and you will be held to both. A basic gym membership is $60/month and early termination fee is $150. I'll be spending $630 total for what ended up being a total of 2 visits. This is my fault, but I do wish I'd read the medical portion more closely. Small locker rooms All aerobic equipment (stationery bikes, treadmills, etc) are non powered, which is not necessarily the best if you need some specific low impact exercises for PT (This also is a pro: low energy consumption is good for the environment) No separate locker room for non-binary or transitioning people. Obviously, his won't apply to most people but caused me a lot of anxiety. You'll be allowed to use the gendered locker rooms, but unfortunately, statistically, harassment tends to come from other customers, and most trans people would like to avoid even that first incident. Due to my developing joint issues, I'd really benefit from access to a pool and that's not part of the gym. (I'd also love access to a sauna.) I would have liked to terminate my contract and change to a facility...

Gym with excellent facilities, that offers a variety of services at different levels of quality.

If you are an olympic lifter, powerlifter, crossfit guy or other general lifting related person, then this is an excellent place for you. Their gym facility has professional level lift gear for any sort of activity and multiple high level lifters who attend.

If you are interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Twisted has high level coaches who still train and compete. That said, they are very micro managerial about your training (especially Sonya, one of the owners), and don't let you roll until you have stripes on your belt (which is a ridiculous concept if you know anything about BJJ.) If you are a hobbyist interested in doing BJJ, then maybe this is the place for you, but if you have any aspirations to do anything serious (whether compete seriously, MMA etc.) I would refrain from coming here.

For Muay Thai, I would only recommend for beginners. Theresa (their Thursday teacher) is absolutely fantastic and also teaches at Chosen Few MMA. That said, the other coaches are great guys and competent, but do not have fight experience. Good place to get your start but not a great place to stay if you are serious.

Overall, I recommend Twisted at 3 stars, due to the fact it has very niche sections of the market it appeals to, especially regarding...

There are countless things I love about being a member at Twisted Fitness.

The variety of offerings (Jiu Jitsu, CrossFit, Muay Thai, Strongman, Olympic lifting and more) is excellent. The variety and quality of equipment is spectacular and provides all you need to get in great shape and grow your athletic abilities. There is even a physical therapist, and massage therapists, who offer services in the gym.

The community is unmatched. I have never had such a positive experience at a gym. I feel like I can truly be myself and be a beginner in areas like Jiu Jitsu, and I'm treated with the utmost respect and kindness. The members are not cliquey, like you find at some gyms, which makes it very easy to get to know people. Everyone is there to get better, and encourage others to be better. The owners, Mark and Sonja, have built the culture at Twisted Fitness and are truly fantastic people to learn from and talk to.

The gym is always very very clean, and everything down to the food and drink offerings, the merch/store area, and complimentary towels, make the experience of training at Twisted Fitness even that much better.

10/10 recommend checking out this...