Merritt Clubs Fort Avenue/Federal Hill

Merritt at Fort Ave is the best! Of course, all Merritt's are awesome, but the staff here is always super friendly and helpful, and the group instructors are amazing... Not to mention the pool/bar!

I have been a member of Merritt Athletic Club on Fort Ave since January 2010. The majority of my time at the gym is spent in classes, whether it's body pump or spin. The instructors are knowledgeable, personable, friendly, helpful, and make going to class fun. Over the past 4 years that I have been a member, the gym as a whole has improved greatly (equipment and instructors as well). There are more free weights and machines to use, and the spin bikes were just recently replaced (and I love them!). I hope to be able to attend different classes in the future but try to make it to Chip K. and Kim K.'s spin classes every chance I can get. The pool is an added bonus in the summertime. I like the atmosphere of the gym, it's clean and has everything I would hope it would offer.

I'm a member and frequent Fort Ave & Canton. I love the group fitness classes, especially spin and body pump. The instructors are great, professional, high energy and I never leave without a good workout. Working at JHH, I get a bit of a discount which makes it more affordable, but truly I don't think the dues over overpriced for what you get. The gym is clean, well staffed, helpful and is always running smoothly. If you're looking to join, highly recommend! Also, the pool is totally a perk. It gets busy on weekends, but weekdays is perfect.

The Fort Ave location is very convenient. It is close to my house so I go there around 4 times a week. They have a ton of treadmills so I never have to wait which is a huge plus! My favorite classes offered at this location are Body Pump and Spin. Both have awesome and welcoming instructors that are very attentive to their classes. The only draw back about this location is they do not offer as many classes as other locations. Please add Barre or more toning classes!

My husband and I have been members of Merritt since 2010 and have enjoyed every second! The gym and facilities way exceed our needs for a gym. We utilize the pools, fitness classes, weights and cardio machines. The staff is always friendly and willing to answer any questions. The unique aspect of Merritt is that you are assured to have a Merritt within your work or home that you can attend on a daily basis. We have been to 7 out of the 10 gyms in order to accommodate our daily and weekend schedules, we LOVE it!!

I use Merritt mainly for the awesome group fitness classes that they offer. I go to a spin/RPM (indoor cycling) or Body Pump (group weight training) class every morning. If you're looking for instructors who are knowledgeable, motivating, positive and will push you to your limit in every single class, Merritt is the place to go. I remember being deathly afraid and very self conscious my first couple classes but the atmosphere was welcoming and inspiring and I've been hooked ever since! I've come so far on my fitness/weight lost journey largely because of the group fitness classes. Try a class and I promise you'll leave sweaty and sore but wanting more the next day.

I joined Merritt mostly for the group fitness classes and was not disappointed. Monday through Friday I am there for the 6am classes. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are when I go to spin classes. Kelly McCullough is on Tuesdays for cycle and then Chip and Kim Kafka teach RPM Mondays and Thursdays, respectively. They are all amazing and will legit kick your ass (if that's what you're looking for in a spin class). Other instructors are less intense, so there is something for everyone.Wednesdays and Fridays are body pump days for me. Again, the instructors are fabulous. David on Wednesdays and Kim K. on Fridays. They switch up the classes every time so you are never doing the same exact thing. I have been doing the classes for months and still get sore!I am looking forward to trying some other classes soon, as Merritt has so many others! Body attack is supposed to be a killer total body workout and the same for boot camp. I have done the Body Flow class, which was a great way to stretch out after my marathon.Aside from the group fitness classes, I have really never had a problem with the other equipment. I do usually go around 530-7am, so it is less busy then, but even after work it has not been terrible. The other reviews mentioned how crowded it can be after New Year's, but that is true with ANY gym.

I love this gym! It is a younger crowd for the most part. However, I do the group fitness classes only, and they attract a wide variety of ages and abilities. The instructors are wonderful and very enthusiastic. Also, I originally joined to use the outdoor swimming pool which is an added bonus during the sumer months. I highly recommend this gym. #Groupfitnessrocks

I've really enjoyed my gym membership. I love that they have so many locations .. based on my schedule and where I am going to be each day, I can check out a different gym. I've loved the indoor pool and sauna at the Canton location, it helps on the really cold days to be able to enjoy those resources. Body pump has literally changed my life! I love the workout, on days when I just don't have the motivation, body pump forces me to get a full workout.I tried several gyms that are closer to where I live, but none of them felt as vibrant and energetic as Merritt .. for me, its worth a few extra minutes in the car because I actually ENJOY my workouts. I hated missing my favorite tv show while I'm at the gym, but at Merritt, I can watch whatever I want on personal tvs on the elliptical or treadmill .. which motivates me to go to the gym instead of sitting on my butt watching tv at home.

I like this gym, though the fort ave. location does get crowded. I also like that they have gyms all around the city and that I have the option to go to anyone of them. The downside to this particular location is that its tiny for the amount of regulars they have. They just remodeled it and it did help but its still an issue, so avoid the peak hours. The eye candy is the best in Baltimore, sometimes almost too distracting.