Move by BJC — Local services in St. Louis

In short, probably the best gym in the area. Has what you need to get a good workout. Machines are decent, but not "state-of-the-art" like a previous reviewer years ago said. Weekend hours aren't great. It's not too crowded, but I believe that makes a few members and most of the trainers think they are given carte blanche even during the peak hours.

Pros: Cleanliness-It's fine. Cleaner than other gyms I have been to. Friendliness-Vibes are generally good with the employees and members Equipment-I'll talk more about this later in the review, but the gym has what you need to do a good workout. 2 squat racks, 1 smith machine, flat bench presses, incline bench press, free weights, landmines, other equipment such as resistance bands and dip belts, and a variety of machines. It's a gym. Crowds-It is rarely too crowded. Mornings are a little busy, and after work it can get a bit crowded, but as long as you're a little bit flexible in your programming, you'll usually be able to find an open machine or bench so you're not spending too long waiting.

Neutral: Parking-The gym itself is within a complex. Once you join, you'll gain access to the complex itself (need to badge in after hours) as well as validated parking for two hours in the garage.

Cons: The hours-This is probably the most egregious issue with the gym that was actually brought up a few years ago in the reviews as well. Monday-Thursday the gym is open from 5a-9p. On Friday, the gym is open from 5a-7p; not great, but I think most people can get that to work. On weekends, the gym's hours are 9a-4p. Even opening a few hours earlier on the weekend would get rid of this complaint. They're also closed on most federal holidays. Equipment-I know I said that the equipment was a plus, but you'll end up wanting more. There are a decent number of decent machines. I wish the chest press machine had more ROM to really get the stretch you want when working the chest, and I think the shoulder press machine is haunted because one day I can do 12 reps at one weight a 4 reps the next (push) day with the same weight. I'd want a hack squat machine. Pendulum squat. An incline bench press machine. Plate-loaded machines. A different chest-supported row machine. Hip thrust machine. Lateral raise machine. Machine preacher curl. There are a lot of cardio machines. A number of cardio machines comparable to much bigger gyms. Too many cardio machines. Get rid of 1/3 of the cardio machines and get some new, truly state-of-the-art machines. You can maybe put this up in neutral--the gym really does have everything you need, but its size does limit what they can pack in there. Price-$40-50/month not including initiation fees. That is pretty expensive given the hours of the gym, the near complete lack of amenities that are usually offered by other gyms, access to only a single location, and the equipment that they have on hand. Honestly, probably a much smaller member base compared to other commercial gyms. Gym etiquette-A review from 5-6 years ago brings this up, and it is still an issue. Again, everyone seems polite and chill. BUT, trainers will routinely take up too much space for their clients even during peak hours. The most egregious example that still baffles me is a trainer had their client body weight box squat on the bench of the cable row machine. We have the boxes for that! Gym etiquette is more of a social contract, and I don't really expect employees to police it, but I do want to gripe about it. I don't want to put others on blast as that is also poor gym etiquette, but circuit training/doing exercises in a station that does not need to be done there (eg curling IN FRONT of the preacher curl) during peak hours, putting personal belongings in a station they weren't using and did not intend to use, and not racking their plates after using multiple barbell stations are all things I have come across that have affected my workout. The small size of the gym really magnifies these lapses...

My husband and I enjoy working out at this gym. The cortex location is central in the city and their new equipment and space are a major upgrade from the past location. Those are all perks, but the best part and the reason we keep our membership is my wonderful experience with Ramya, one of the personal trainers. I work out with her 2-3 times/week and she is an exceptional trainer. She keeps me motivated in my fitness goals and she intuitively knows the right amount to push you to do your best while also being sensitive to any special limitations or pain. She is very adaptable with her workout plans to help you achieve the most from your session and it's been a wonderful experience. I've worked out with four different trainers over the past few years with mixed results, but I cannot recommend Ramya enough. If you want to jump start your fitness goals or learn new exercises to add to your routine, you won't regret...

The BJC WellAware Center is a great, affordable option for BJC and Wash U employees.

There are a wide variety of machines, bikes, treadmills, and free weights. Most, if not all, of the equipment is in decent repair. The space is not the largest in the world so it can be tricky sometimes to use a specialized piece of equipment without waiting in line or finding a free place to stretch out during peak hours (5-7 P.M.). The staff is always very welcoming and helpful while keeping the place running smoothly.

There are multiple membership options depending on who you are employed with and also what sort of contact you're willing to sign. There are month to month options but the best deal seems to be the year long commitment (only 25$ per month)!

The convenience of being on the medical campus cannot be overstated and trumps all minor issue. I would absolutely recommend to any BJC or...