Riverpoint Sports and Wellness

This review will be broken down into many categories: Cost, Peak hours, cleanliness/condition of equipment, amenities, locker room/shower area, quality of trainers, cancelling membership, and final thoughts (Jerry Springer style!).After being a member for a few years, cancelling my membership and moving out of state, I've finally decided to review this club and my entire experience with it. Cost: This gym is definitely one of, if not the most expensive gym/club in the city. It was a bit over $100/month for me and my girl. Expensive, but looking back, I believe it was worth it. Why? Continue reading.Peak hours: Coming to the gym after work, weekdays between 5-7pm was manageable. I would usually be able to get what I wanted, when I wanted it. If something was being used, I would do something else, and a few minutes later, come back and it would be available. Defined Fitness was a nightmare. Yeah, Defined cost less, but during peak hours, the lines were 3 deep, and it got to the point that I cancelled my membership (probably in 2013-2014).Cleanliness: I've NEVER seen this gym dirty. A cleaning crew is always cleaning the gym. Any time there's ever been an issue with a machine due to normal wear and tear, it's fixed. I believe the company cares about the quality of the product they sell because of the way they keep the place clean. They've had issues with air conditioning, but that was resolved. I've seen cardio equipment break down, and within a few days it's fixed or replaced. A few years back, they also resurfaced/rematted the gym floor.Locker room/shower area: One thing I liked about the lockers, they have attached keys. Towards the end of my membership, they would actually assign a locker to you, and give you a key in exchange for your id, when you swiped in at the front. This was due to their old system in which people would take advantage of, by keeping the key to a locker, basically claiming that locker as their own. Lol. Perhaps this has changed?????Quality of trainers: Here is where they get a gold star. I've used their personal trainers, trainers that have degrees in kinesiology and sports medicine, and have certifications through the top certification companies. The trainers here know what they're doing. They even work with college students that are pursuing similar degrees, much like doctors working with interns. I thought that was great. When I was with Defined, I looked into the personal trainers at Defined, and some of the trainers at Defined have certifications that cost $200 and the test can be taken as many times as you want until you pass...what a joke!!Amenities: Their pools, one in and one outdoor are awesome. They have a two full sized indoor basketball courts, a hot tub, and sauna. One thing I really like about the club, which actually why I like calling it a club instead of just a gym, is that they have pool movie nights. They'll play a movie on an outdoor screen and you can chill on a float in the pool. They'll have bbq's and other events, and it makes the place more of a community.Cancelling my membership: Right before I moved from ABQ, if I remember correctly, I got the manager's email address, sent her an email saying that I'm cancelling my membership, and I think they took one more month of dues out. That was b.s., which is one reason I took off a star. Other than that, it was an easy cancel.Room for improvement: I think it would be great if they did what other gyms are starting to do, and do some HIIT classes, kind of like Orange Theory. Maybe they do, it's been a couple years since I've been there. Also, one time I took my girl's daughter to the pool, and we got charged $10, that was also a bunch of b.s. Considering how much you pay, if you pay for 2, you should be able to bring a minor to the pool without having to be charged extra. This is another reason why this is 4 of 5 stars. Perhaps the rules have changed. They should also be quicker to act on member suggestions, especially when a lot of members brought up a similar issue. I remember a few years back, they had some really crappy body wash in the shower. I know a lot of people complained, and complained for a long time. They eventually changed it, but it shouldn't have taken so long.Final thoughts: The membership cost changes the club clientele from that of a discount gym. The people that work there have always been wonderful, and have been a pleasure to engage. As I mentioned, I think there are some small things they can do to improve the overall experience. You definitely get what you pay for with this gym/club, and with that being said, the value is there.

I enjoy this gym and have had a membership in the past. The cost is reasonable, the contracts are in line with the market standard....but this is no LIFETIME fitness, let's be clear. And like all facilities, maintenance and renovations could be made accordingly to enhance the customer/member experience! However, after visiting and being treated so very well by upper management/supervision... it's this line staff who is just not up to par. The reception/front desk seriously has areas for improvement! As, they require coaching on how they speak, use facial expressions, and overall usage their body language to interact. Who are you to police and act poorly, roll eyes, and talk disparagingly about the customer when they walk away? Further far too much chit chat at the front desk, where is the busy work and checklists? Unfortunately, it's the ladies working from 4:00pm til closing at the front desk who have these attitudes. Really not acceptable! Call out if you are in a bad mood! Also management, if you have different hours i.e. your summer and winter hours, your line staff, front desk "concierge"should be advising this politely and always ready to greet the customer or member with warmth and respect. Not, "appeared bothered or annoyed " to have to do their job they receive a paycheck for!

I like the facility for the most part, although it is in need of some renovations, it's nice, clean, and the staff are great. The main issue is the ungodly amount of chlorine their maintenance staff use in the pools and Jacuzzi. It's gotten so you can't enjoy a swim without getting irritated lungs, eyes, nausea and headache afterwards. Even after a couple showers you still smell like bleach!There are plenty of other chemicals they could use that are safe to disinfect without making you feel sick.Chlorine is not safe at the level they are using it, and at the prices they charge they could afford better pool treatment I'm sure. I don't want to continue the membership if they can't cut back on the noxious fumes.

I've been to 2 other Sports & Wellness facilities in/around ABQ and I found this one to be a bit smaller/more worn out than other locations. What I like was that there were plenty of parking spots and that it's the only one perhaps on the west side (NW specifically) of ABQ area.The facilities were fine. I felt the space seemed a little tighter than the other sibling gyms under the same brand. The locker room seemed older/less clean (but still clean) than the other 2 locations I went to.Overall, ok to good space to enjoy your exercise. I'd still stop by there again if I'm in the area and have enough time to do some exercise. However, this branch/location is not my first choice.

Love the outdoor pool. Wish there was a sauna, in addition to the steam room. Overall the facility is nice, clean, well maintained.

I was visiting family and one of the sales people hooked me up with a corporate rate. Rather not say her name but she was very nice and went out of her way to set me up with a membership at a reasonable rate for an out of towner that won't use the facilities daily (define fitness wasn't open to my situation).Facilities were great. Outdoor pool was a little dirty but it's likely cuz of the daily breeze/wind. I will go back and would refer this place.

So, I have been to 4 out of the 5 Sports and Wellness sites. All are pretty nice in their own way. This is the nearest to my house. I went there about 3 times UNTIL I found out that they allow children in their hot tub. I was not too happy about hot tub being indoors but I liked the outdoor pool so put up with it. UNTIL I found out that they allow children of ALL ages in their hot tub. Even babies. Yes under two. Don't say anything, even though there are signs saying "NO ONE UNDER 6 ALLOWED". If you say anything you will be severely chastised by the help. I do not want to be in a hot tub with babies peeing and pooping at will, cause that's what babies do. Also, they allow kids 7 to 14 years in the hot tub. Can you imagine being in an indoor hot tub with screaming, echoing 7 to 14 year old kids. I can't. That is why I am never going back. Ten more minutes and I am at Midtown S&W where they would NEVER tolerate kids in hot tub. By the way, babies cannot tolerate the hot water. Stupid parents. Thank you. So if you like hot tubs, DON'T GO TO MIDTOWN SPORTS AND WELLNESS!

I love this place. I've been a member for 15 years. There are wo beautiful pools (indoor and outdoor) hot tub, steam room. extremely CLEAN women's locker rooms with keyless lockers, fitness classes, yoga, personal trainers and all the free weights and weight machines you might need. I would be there every day if I could

Rebecca Henderson's Mobility class on Saturdays at Riverpoint addresses cardio, core, aerobics and stretching. Outstanding workou!!

The staff at Sports and Wellness are super welcoming. I've been a member at other gyms and this is by far the best. The personal trainers are eager to provide tips and pointers to make my workouts more effective. Thank you for helping me achieve my goals.