University Fitness Center — Local services in Tamarac

So I wanted to wait a week after joining (and after 5 workouts) to make sure I wasn’t dreaming about University Fitness. I’m not. Yes, the awesome General Manager Mike still remembered my name a week later and often and quickly spot-checks in on many members to see if they need anything or have any questions. Yes, the members are friendly and focused without being disruptive, intrusive, or gym-inappropriate. On my second day, I met an 82-year old member (Leonard) who was so encouraging and welcoming while completely defying Father TIme with a smile! Yes, the environment is bodybuilder/weightlifter/powerlifter-serious without taking itself so seriously that you feel unwelcome.

Yes, the equipment is redundant, which is awesome when someone is using the equipment or weights you want (though that rarely happens) and you just walk 5 feet to the other machine you also wanted. Yes, Monday nights are their busiest night, and yet you won’t have to wait for machines nor be surrounded by bodies in your personal space. Yes, the equipment is time-tested (those in the know will know why this is important and rare these days). Yes, they have several cable cross-over machines (and several other similar equipment throughout the facility). Yes, they have an entire room for abs! Yes, they also have Squat Racks, Punching Bags, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Diesel, Atlantis, Magnum, and other great lines of equipment. Yes, they also have cool stuff like MAG lat pull down attachments and Rogue Multi-Grip 7ft bars. It’s not a chain gym, but they have plenty of chains and outdoor Sled sprints and tire flips! Yes, the personal trainers are world class and, from what I can tell, personable professionals. Yes, the parking is convenient, safe, and plentiful. Yes, the membership rates are incredibly reasonable and can be paid monthly or at one time for the length of time you want. Yes, University Fitness is Silver Sneakers and SilverFit certified (if that’s a thing that your insurance might ask for). Yes, the staff is awesome. Yes, the two (rescued) puppies that are part of the University Fitness Team are awesome and love to be loved!

With so many “yes”es, surely, there must be some “no”s, right? Uh huh. No contracts. No Initiation Fees. No high pressure personal training packages sales tactics (like at LA Fitness, which I had to leave because these were ridiculous!). No fancy cardio, yoga, cycling, abs classes (if you’re into that kinda thing). No fancy locker rooms with fancy soap or warm towels (And? They have the basics: lockers, sinks, showers, urinals, stalls… and they’re all clean). No pool. No sauna. It’s southeast Florida… these might exist elsewhere in your life.

University Fitness is an old school gym that are a dying breed. Yet, it is a living, breathing dream-come-true. I’m pretty sure that University Fitness will take your fitness goals as seriously as you do, and then some. Whether you’re a world-class bodybuilder, fitness competitor, powerlifter, or I’m so happy I discovered this gym and so angry with myself that it took me so long. Don’t make the...

Best gym in the area, amazing equipment though a little old still great, no annual fee, contract, no bs. $30 a month thats it, no crowds or hordes of teenagers. Just a gym that's it.

EDIT: it sucks to have to downgrade my rating from 5 to 4 stars because this is a great gym with great staff and equipment but the growing population of tiktok kids and wannabe influencers putting their tripods everywhere and giant gym bags has been unbearable. I've been a member here for about a year now and every experience at this gym has been stellar up until the past few months. My previous review said " no crowds or hordes of teenagers" but that has most certainly changed now. The powerlifting section of this gym is now quite literally crowded with teenagers and tripods very often, I don't use that part of the gym often but if you are looking to not have to trip over large gym bags and tripods you will be disappointed here. Recently I learned that it is no longer $30/mo to join, it is now $40, as well as the guest passed tripled in price to $15 up from just $5. Now I don't know why the prices have increase that's far beyond me but in my opinion $40 monthly is a steep price to have to deal with kids running around with tripods and constantly on their phone doing god knows what. I love this gym because it's family owned, no contracts,the employees and owner are fantastic people,lower crowds than any crappy commercial gym like crunch, planet fitness, or eos. But the growing plague of tiktokers and influencers is beginning to take away from the uniqueness and value of University Fitness. I still recommend it over a commercial gym do beware of these issues. The owner has addressed these issues via Instagram posts but I still think more needs to be done. Signs around the gym would be a good start, as for anything more extreme I'm not sure. Overall a great gym but boundaries...

Starting with the positives, I really appreciate the 5 dollar day pass this gym offers. Their memberships are month to month with no contracts or scammy hidden fees like nearly every other gym in the area. I also enjoy that they have some equipment that is rare to find elsewhere such as a cambered barbell, pendulum squat. This gym tends not to get as crowded as many other gyms do, as well.

Negatives include poor or underutilized air conditioning. It's often hot and smells very musty/mildewy in the gym. Overall cleanliness could definitely use an improvement. Additionally, some of the older machines function so poorly that they're basically useless. Also, this gym seems to attract wannabe influencers, so you can expect to see lots of people recording in case that's something that bothers you.

Not my home gym but I do go from time to time and appreciate that it's there, particularly if I'm working out...