Optimal Sport 1315 - Gym

Fantastic experience: This is legitimately the best gym I've ever been to, and the first one where I feel like I'm part of a community. I've been a member for about a year, and in that time I've gotten to know the staff, the trainers, as well as a handful of gym regulars. Everyone is incredibly nice, friendly, and encouraging, especially Marissa, the manager. I recently had to take some time off due to illness and when I came back, several people greeted me enthusiastically and told me they missed seeing me around! The gym is clean and well-maintained, and any issues with equipment get dealt with quickly. I can't recommend Optimal Sport enough!

Fantastic experience: Best gym in center city hands down.

Fantastic experience: I was a member of Optimal from 2015-2020 but left during the pandemic due to a move. I rejoined a couple of months ago, and it's been a very positive experience. The gym is clean, has all the equipment/free weights you'd ever need and is never too busy. The gym is a great value. Shout out to Marissa who literally remembered me (and my name) when I was rejoining after a 5-year hiatus. I highly recommend the yoga class, Gabby is a great instructor.

Fantastic experience: This is a gem of a gym in a very convenient location. It has a lot of equipment, is very clean, and the management and other members are extremely courteous and friendly. It has a really nice vibe and I highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: Of the three gyms I belong to Optimal is my favorite. For starters, I am light sensitive and hate big glass windows with glaring sunlight. so prevalent at other gyms. Optimal on Walnut is windowless and the vibe is really cozy. I take the Power Glutes and Silver Sneakers classes. The instructors are devoted to Optimal and its members and great at what they do. I've been a member for two years and truly enjoy my time there.

Fantastic experience: Lydia was so kind and helpful with sharing the gym amenities and specials. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: I have been going to this gym for years, and it's the best one I have ever been to. The people here are great, both the staff and members are so friendly. Marissa, the manager is lovely, and the trainers like Erik are very encouraging. It's the kind of gym where everyone knows your name. There is a lot of space and the equipment is always clean. One of Philly's hidden gems.

Fantastic experience: We moved to Philadelphia in January 2023, and joined Optimal Sport 1315 in February 2023! Very conveniently located for Center City residents. The staff is AWESOME! Marissa, the manager, knows everyone's name immediately; she always ensures that members have a welcoming and friendly experience. The facility is clean and neat. The owners work out there, too, so they make sure it is kept as they would want it to be. The other members, as well as the trainers, are courteous and friendly. Everyone there seems to be dedicated to their health and fitness (you will see the same people working out there every day). We always feel at home there. Plenty of serious free weights, machines, and cardio. Not usually too crowded, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon, so it's easy to get the weights or machines you need for a great workout.

Fantastic experience: Oscar Hernandez was my trainer for a month and it’s safe to say he changed my life! I was a complete beginner to working out but Oscar motivated me to accomplish more than I thought was possible. He took my training seriously and was supportive and caring while still pushing me to my limits. He built confidence in me that will help me continue my workouts. I’ve had great results and would 100% recommend Oscar as a trainer!!

Fantastic experience: I spent a month traveling through Philadelphia for work and all 4 weeks, my girlfriend and I trained 16 sessions each with Oscar Hernandez. The staff at this gym is lovely and welcoming. They will get to know you by the second time you enter and greet you with a smile and by name. The gym is equipped with all that you need - and is clean and for people who are focused on working out. But the biggest highlight of the gym (and of my entire trip) was training with Oscar. If you get a chance to train with him, it will be life-changing. He is incredibly motivating and a what-you-see-is-what-you-get. He IS that genuine. He DOES care that much and he will make you believe in yourself in a way I didn’t know I could. He will sweat out the exercise with you - engaged and focused on your success. He cheers with you and for you when you fall to the floor. I went from someone who walked outdoors as my only exercise - and someone who was intimidated by the gym - to someone that craves the gym daily. The saddest part about leaving Philly was losing Oscar as our trainer. I highly recommend this gym and if you can - do your body and soul a favor and book some sessions with Oscar.

Fantastic experience: I had reserves on trying the circuits class on Wednesday at noon because I didn’t know if I could keep up. As soon as Oscar started the class I knew it was the right choice. He really knows how to get his class motivated and confident all while actually enjoying getting healthy. He’s certainly the reason I will return to that class! Thanks Oscar for your expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to help everyone achieve their fitness goals.

Fantastic experience: Really nice and affordable gym. Has a great selection of weights and machines that is always very cleanly and organized. Staff is amazing as well!

Fantastic experience: I've been a member for over a year now, and Optimal is the absolute best gym in the area. A hidden treasure. They have everything you need equipment-wise, including a deadlift pad and squat racks, free weights and kettlebells, and machines too! I'm not a classes person but they have classes too, and their personal trainers are real actual trainers who know their stuff. It's not a huge space but it's efficiently organized so it's rarely a problem, I've never had to wait for machines, everyone keeps things moving. The staff is super friendly and keeps the place tidy and clean, and the owners actually use their own gym so they know when stuff breaks and it gets fixed promptly. Honestly going it's like getting to see friends every day. Membership agreements are no nonsense at a great price. I don't know why anyone goes anywhere else, honestly!

Fantastic experience: Been a member since 2012 and it’s always been an amazing experience !! From the helpful front desk to all the trainers that go out of there way to say hello and give helpful tips to everyone You can always count on the owners being there on the floor on a daily bases It’s nice to work in a gym that’s super organized and clean at all times Optimal has been positive experience for me for the last 12 years

Fantastic experience: Great gym, plenty of high quality equipment, and on top of everything, the staff are wonderful and friendly. Highly recommend this spot if you live in the city and you're looking for a gym, or if you're visiting and staying nearby.

Fantastic experience: Such a fantastic gym - the price for membership is very reasonable for the area, they consistently offer a wide array of classes, it's clean, well-equipped, and the staff members are always so friendly, welcoming and helpful. Highly recommend to those searching for a gym in the area!

Fantastic experience: Visited Philadelphia for a week in Sep'23 and took out a week's pass. Love this gym! Marissa was very welcoming & friendly. The gym was clean, well equipped with a large studio space to stretch/warm up, as well as in the main floor with multiple weight machines & a free weight section. Never felt crowded, no matter what time I showed up. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: I love this place. I've been a member for several years. In my opinion Optimal Sport 1315 is the best gym in the city. The staff and management are extremely attentive to the needs of the members. Kvn Shapiro Mae Downs & Co.

Negative experience: Horrible experience with cancellation. Gym in city is extremely tight, extremely low ceilings (personally me, not having issues with claustrophobia, had discomfort there). Pretty much packed, some of the inventory out of order and most of them pretty old, and gym takes !!! every three months something like $40 or $50 to keep inventory updated. Not good experience at all. I was paying half of the price that I was paying at life time fitness and got service worse than planet fitness.

Fantastic experience: This is a great gym to train at with a welcoming staff(Marissa,Joe,Erik) and good equipment. As an IFBB Pro, a good gym environment is important. I've been to various gyms across the country and would recommend Optimal Optimal Sport 1315 to athletes and those who want a great experience in the gym

Fantastic experience: I LOVE this gym. I was a member for a couple of years before I moved to a different area (and thus a different gym, unfortunately), and I didn’t realize how much I was going to miss it, especially its vibrant community. I recently moved back to the neighborhood, though, and one of the first things I did was re-join Optimal — yes, I missed it that much! I can happily say that after all this time, even after the pandemic, it’s just as awesome as I remember it to be — clean, very well-equipped, and full of some of the warmest, friendliest, and most fitness-savvy people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. The trainers are incredibly knowledgeable, and Marissa (the general manager) and Jeff (the owner) are so kind and easy to talk to. There’s a reason why Optimal has such a loyal client base, and it’s not just because it’s an excellent facility; it’s also a superlatively welcoming, positive space and community. I’m thrilled to be back!

Positive experience: I was recently in town and came for a single day guest pass. The gym is equipped appropriately, clean, has modern equipment in good condition. It is a very solid establishment and worth checking out. The person on duty was asleep when I came in the morning of November 5th and impolite when I had to wake him up. He was asleep once again when I finished.

Fantastic experience: THE STAFF AND PT ARE FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL AND MAKE THIS A GREAT PLACE TO GET A GOOD WORKOUT....ONLY COMPLAINT IS THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH SQUAT RACKS OR DUMBELL SPACE.

Fantastic experience: I was a member of this gym for 2 years and had an excellent experience. The staff and management were very helpful and friendly and the equipment was always great. If I ever move back to philly I will be returning.

Fantastic experience: A very great gym Marissa is the best manager ever want to meet and that's and that's no lie he helps everyone out in that gym is a great person to meet and very pleasant I know for one reason she always helped me you will never find no one like Marissa she is the best manager you're ever want to meet I can't wait to go back to the gym I'm still healing what's the injury but I'll be back in your great gym to go to otherwise everyone to go to optical gym

Fantastic experience: Was in Phila for a few days and found this hidden gem. Perfect gym with classic hardworking atmosphere, tons of equipment and awsome staff. 100% recommended!

Fantastic experience: I wanted to start this by saying the only reason J canceled my membership is because I moved. First I want to address employees. Marissa (a manager) is one of the most understanding and kindest people that anyone could ever meet. The front desk employees are so friendly that when they greet you, you feel more like you are saying “hey” to a friend rather than just a cold retail greeting. The group fitness instructors and personal trainers are not only very polite but also knowledgeable and fun. The equipment here not only covers everything for almost any kind of athlete or person looking to get in better shape (dumbbells, barbells, machines, cables, cardio equipment, ect) but it is all very well taken care of and clean. When it comes to billing, not only is the price super reasonable for the area, but I have never had a billing issue or even any problems at all while canceling. I 10000% recommend optimal, and if I move closer again, I will be rejoining.

Fantastic experience: Was in town for the weekend and found Optimal sport 1315 on internet and it was just a few blocks away. This is an amazing gym no matter what style of workout you like to do. I’m an old school lifter but there was plenty of cardio and CrossFit type equipment for everyone. Wish my home gym was as good as Optimal. The staff is was also friendly and helpful.

Negative experience: Poor management with accounts. I canceled my membership in 2017 in person and was told my account was closed and did not owe anything else. I just received an email from a debt collector 4 years later saying I owe $90 from Optimal 1315. Would not recommend this gym.

Fantastic experience: relaxed, friendly, and non-judgemental workout environment

Fantastic experience: Great gym with kind and friendly staff!

Positive experience: I enjoyed the time I was able to attend the gym. Friendly staff and great trainers (Hi Mike F.). The nature of my work kept me from taking full advantage of the facilities. Sorry to leave but my project is over.

Fantastic experience: Completely agree with the 5-star reviews below. I've been a member for well over a year now, and I love this gym, which is perfect for me. It has everything I need to do the workout I want, and doesn't charge me a bunch of extra money for a bunch of extra stuff. Price is great. It's also totally unpretentious and non-judgmental--the people who work out there are generally fit but it's clear that all are welcome, and it has never felt like people are there to stunt or show off. Everyone's just there to exercise and happy to be doing it. I love that. The membership agreements are straightforward and the staff are friendly. So glad I joined.

Fantastic experience: This gym is pretty sweet. 1) Great management with Marissa as the manager and everyone there is super friendly and cool. 2) It has everything you need with an upbeat atmosphere/music. 3) It's probably the cheapest gym you'll find anywhere in the city. I looked at 3 other gyms that were 2-4x as expensive. Even without price as a consideration, I actually liked this one the best. No one from Optimal Sport asked me to write this, I just thought I should because I like what they are doing.

Fantastic experience: Standard gym with everything you NEED. A bit older machines, but still good. Available through ClassPass.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym! I like the variety of equipment they have which is perfect. Plenty to do so you won't feel like your doing the same thing over and over again Everytime you go! Staff thier is chill and very helpful. Overall atmosphere there is good! Well worth stopping by to check out!! Definitely top 5 gyms in the city!!

Negative experience: I called to cancel my membership months in advance, and I was told it was cancelled. Then I called back, a month before my membership was set to expire, and they confirmed my membership had been cancelled. Then they continued to bill me after my membership supposed ended, and refused to refund me, when I spoke to the manager about it. I spoke with Marissa, who was no help, and told me that they had switched my membership without telling me.

Positive experience: Edit 2/3/2019: Jeff, the owner, was immediately responsive to the trouble I had cancelling my membership and I see the refund processed on my credit card. Thank you for your help. As a member for 3 years, I found the facility to be serviceable with equipment usually available at peak hours and generally friendly front desk service.

Fantastic experience: Extremely friendly front staff and clean facilities, a great value for the money.

Fantastic experience: Optimal Fitness is the temple of iron that we need in these trying times. The gym has everything a fit young buck like myself needs to prepare my glorious body. They offer two rows of treadmills for you to run from your past sins and into a brighter future. In addition to that they offer a varied selection of machines for you to use. I however will conquer this battle of man vs machine with the help of my heroic trainers, who are experts with both individual attention as well as group classes. I myself dedicate my craft toward the free weights as is tradition in my nordic family. After leaving such a welcoming community o' health the only thing more optimal than your physique is the free wifi signal for members. Bravo Optimal Fitness, bravo!

Negative experience: Update: I’ve since canceled membership, but I felt like 1 Star was too harsh so I bumped up to 2 stars. I really did like some of the trainers there. However, I have found another gym in a better location with a better price and better customer service. Do your homework people! ___ Unfortunately I have to leave a bad review for this gym based on their too strict policies for guests. When you start to run your small business like a giant corporation it’s an immediate turn off to me. The way it was explained to me by the manager: I brought a guest with me. My guest had been there before as a guest with a different member a while ago. I have never brought a guest with me. The manager said it would be “unfair” to let my guest in because they had been there before and already had “plenty” of time to get a feel for the gym. I wasn’t asking for unlimited free guest passes. Just one. One time. I’ve never felt as unappreciated as a customer, so unfortunately I’ll be cancelling my membership. Other gyms at the same price point have all the same equipment and better “policies”.

Fantastic experience: Optimal is an amazing gym. Jeff, owner of the gym is very attentive to the needs of is clients, case in point when a city sink hole was created in front of the gym. Jeff was able to keep all members informed about the progress of getting us to a temp gym and kept us posted on when we could go back in. The gym has everything you need; best trainers, great equipment, new equipment coming in all the time. The staff are always friendly- Kathy is amazing. Honestly, you want a gym with all that you need, Don’t want to spend triple digits to sweat in, come check it out! They won’t disappoint.

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out! Equipment is always working, friendly staff with a wide variety of classes and trainers.

Negative experience: $29 late fee on membership? Scummy. EDIT: WOW. The owner left a message on my cell phone bargaining to waive the late fee in exchange for removing my review. Super scummy. Furthermore, the responses are lies. I have a record one exactly one call from the club AFTER posting this review, a call from someone's cell phone AFTER posting this review, one email reminder, and one call from their payment processor informing me of the late fee. You know, I'll stop in to make sure I receive a document validating my membership termination. Based on the previous reviews regarding your business and your payment processor, it sounds as though there's more going on here. Your dismissive tone in any negative review of your business and your clear misunderstanding of your own business practices speaks volumes.

Negative experience: * Edit since I cannot respond * I have text message proof dated Oct, 2017 notifying your then manager that I was still getting charged for my account closed several months prior. Now, ONE YEAR later, there were three more charges. THEN your manager now, Marissa, informed me that you would refund only 4 months of my STOLEN money yesterday and it wasn't until I told her I would go to the police and file a report that the payment service called me to inform me that they had taken care of my STOLEN money and returned it to my account. You are a liar. And a thief. And you may be able to bully others that don't know better, but not me. Original post: Charged me for 6 months after I cancelled my membership, after charging me for two months that I already cancelled. So 7 total months of unauthorized charges. I called, they offered me 4 months back. UH NO. I will take every month in refund that you stole from me. May I take a moment though to give Marissa, the manager, credit. She was very kind even after her employee forgot to mute the phone and called me nasty names. Although she did not get this resolved and I had to go through their payment service, she was as helpful as can be. The owners are a different story. Do not waste your time here, they steal and hope you don't notice. Fitness Works in South Philly though is an amazing gym!

Fantastic experience: So awesome, dope and diverse. Great folks.

Fantastic experience: To start, they have a fantastic location. On top of that, they have TONS of incredibly well-maintained equipment for basically any type of workout you could want to do. They have plenty of floor space and more than enough free weights to go around. They do get busy during weekday evenings but I’ve never had to stop what I was doing wait for a machine. As a bonus, the staff is friendly and receptive to comments and questions. If you’re looking for a great gym in the city, look no further!

Positive experience: *EDITED: The owner reached out to me and refunded by money for the month and apologized for the service. My original review is below.* I signed up for the 30 day free trial. I had issues with the bench press bar being too high so did not want to continue at the gym. I went in to cancel my membership a week after I signed up for the free trial since the membership would automatically roll into a monthly membership. The staff there told me she would take care of it and cancel my membership and said she would send me email confirmation. I never received confirmation so I called in to check on the status and once again a different staff member told me he would take care of it. A few weeks later I get a bill in my email to pay for the membership. I called in to see why my membership was never cancelled and turns out I had to cancel through a the billing company, which no one ever told me. I ended up still having to pay despite talking to another staff member about my situation. This is no way to do business, especially since I had tried to cancel my membership way before the trial was over. Don't fall into this trap and get scammed out of your money too.

Fantastic experience: I recommend Optimal Sport 1315 all the time to inquiring talking heads. The group classes are included and the instructors are knowledgeable and bring enthusiasm to assist others achieve their fitness goals. This gym is a terrific value with a convenient midtown location. They excel in customer service!!

Fantastic experience: Great Gym with friendly staffers. Always very clean. Proud to work here.

Fantastic experience: Love working out at this gym! I go about 5x per week with my husband. It's in a convenient location and they have enough cardio and weight training equipment to work with. Also, if your looking for a personal trainer, I would look into meeting with Guy Nanni. He is awesome and comes up with creative workouts, pushes you, and accommodates your schedule!

Positive experience: 15$ for a day pass is a little high priced. The gym was most definitely cold might be due to being in a basement. Other then that it was a great place to workout. Very nice staff. All the free weights and bumper plates one could need.

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff and great communication with members! Hours are phenomenal and work with my busy schedule.

Positive experience: Now that I'm getting older, my fitness goals needed a reassessment. The folks at Optimal worked with me to develop a strategy to achieve greater core strength, better balance and overall fitness. I've how an amazing trainer, Dan B, who is very knowledgeable and committed to my success. He just " gets it! Good equipment and cardio machines. And the best- they have rowing machines- my favorite cardio workout!

Negative experience: Would give 0 stars if possible. One of the worst experiences I have had with any gym and I have belonged to about a dozen. The facilities are fine but the management constantly lied about the Curtis Center location and the future in the building. They caused people to sign contracts and would not let them out of it after the gym closed. You read that right, they continued to charge people for a gym that was no longer open. If you are thinking about joining this gym, READ the contract and try to get a clause added that says it will terminate if/when the gym closes.

Fantastic experience: Almost done with my 7-day free trial, and I absolutely love it! Everything is clean and neat, and the staff is very helpful.

Fantastic experience: What can I say? By far, one of the best gyms! The staff is friendly and the environment along with music, sets the pace for my workout. The trainers are awesome and so helpful. The value is great for the price.

Fantastic experience: Ingage Security has enjoyed a great relationship with Optimal Sport 1315 for about a year now. Our team needs to stay fit and healthy and this facility has everything they need and it is easy to get to. The management worked out a corporate rate for our people, giving us even greater value. Some of our team took advantage of their Optimal Workout, which I believe is complementary for 4 weeks with every membership. They included it for us. Businesses have to support each other and being a relatively new business, that support is critical. Optimal Sport 1315 understands that and made dealing with them simple. Thanks guys.

Fantastic experience: What a great gym!! Located in downtown Philly, Optimal Sport 1315 has friendly staff and great personal trainers. Personally, I like the Optimal Workout, because I'm able to get group training at a reduced rate. The gym is very clean, with all the workout equipment anyone needs to get or stay in shape. I really wish I could give Optimal more stars --because 5 stars just aren't enough to convey how much I love this gym.

Fantastic experience: This is a great gym in every way. It is always clean, the staff is really nice, and they have a variety of different classes that I enjoy attending. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone!

Fantastic experience: Great gym in a great location! They have everything you need to get in shape. Top notch equipment, 1on1 training, and group training all in a nice modern gym just off of Broad and Walnut!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love this gym!! The staff and the service are fantastic. The equipment is solid and the trainers are exceptional. Love it here!

Fantastic experience: There is a nice vibe at this gym in the center of it all. Friendly staff, clean and the best trainers.

Fantastic experience: Could be the coolest gym in Philly. Very slick decor but hardcore with the weights and machines. I was sore for days after an Optimal Workout. It's the best. You should try it. I def recommend.

Fantastic experience: Awesome Gym, with cool staff and always clean. never has its weights all over the ground like those overcrowded gyms. prices are very reasonable.

Fantastic experience: I love the staffs at this gym, they are very friendly. The gym is clean, good equipments, and they have very good trainers.

Fantastic experience: The better of the 2 center city locations in my opinion. I say that because it is a larger sized gym with an extensive amount of equipment! This location has a great class selection and the classroom is amazing! The energy in this club will get you motivated, and, coupled with the amazing staff, you will never be disappointed in your workout! The bootcamp style class on Wednesday is top-notch! I recommend it to everyone! The training staff at this location is beyond knowledgable, professional, and down right extraordinary! This gym is by leaps and bounds the best value in center city Philly!

Fantastic experience: The best gym around! The staff is extremely friendly and the facility is very clean. I highly recommend this gym to everyone.

Fantastic experience: friendly staff, clean environment. overall an excellent value. Best gym in the city

Fantastic experience: I love this gym, great vibe, clean, friendly and not over price. I recommend this gym to any one.