Ice Castle Fitness

Negative experience: I do cosplay with a sword and shield that is the color yellow and black to reflect the Steelers football team. It's clear that it's fake and it's made of plastic. I practice fencing and medieval fighting with it and after doing that then I head to the gym for some weight lifting. I don't have time to drop it off at my place so I take it with me sometimes. I walked in the gym with the shield and sword because I was going to join the gym first then do my karate cosplay "out doors" then return to the gym just to lift some weights. I was delighted to see that the locker fit my cosplay equipment. I explained all this to the staff. The sword was not even out in the open but in a blue bag and all that was showing was my yellow and black shield. These people immediately start treating me like I'm crazy and a weirdo. They gave me the look and I felt very uncomfortable. There attitude was highly judgemental, rude and stand offish. They made me feel nervous and unwanted. I understand that there are kids and families there but how do you assume that somebody carrying a fake plastic sword and shield is a threat to anybody? If anything that should be the least thing to worry about. All I am doing is putting it in the locker and working out at the gym. Even after explaining everything and showing that it's all fake they maintained their attitude. The old lady even blamed it on her being old fashioned. I explained to her that people cosplay but I should not have to do that because if I'm not breaking the law or harassing anyone then I should not have to defend my lifestyle. She suggested in an obnoxious voice that instead I should go to planet fitness because it's cheaper implying that I have no money. I explained that although I liked planet fitness it had too many people and this gym seemed better. I did visit planet fitness that same day and they had zero issues with my shield and sword. The guy giving me the tour even said it was cool. Pryer to this I had attended LA fitness on Carson Street and they allowed me in and let me practice with my fake sword in the aerobics room. I had to cancel L.A. fitness only because it was too far away but other than that I had no issues with them. I rarely meet rude people in Pittsburgh and I love this city but it shocks me when things like this happen. They made me very nervous and that unfortunately triggered a small anxiety attack and I was disoriented. I felt attacked for the crime of being different. Later, at one point I got slightly lost and struggled to leave the building and one of the staff had to point me to the exit. I have attention deficite disorder that is triggered by hostile people. I don't want to jump to conclusions but I am Hispanic and I can't help but wonder if that contributed to their behavior. The place was packed full of people and I did not see one person of color. Other than them being closed minded, judgemental and possibly prejudiced the gym itself was excellent. I am a huge kid at heart and used to work at a children's museum and thought the family atmosphere was a plus. Although this happened I plan to return to enjoy a kids hockey game and maybe play some arcades. I assume that this was just an overreaction to my cosplay equipment and sincerely hope that their is nothing more to it. I will find a different gym and it's their loss.

Fantastic experience: I really like this place it's really clean And the people are nice Only thing I would have to say is parking Sucks sometimes

Fantastic experience: Very convenient location!!!

Fantastic experience: Great place. Smaller but not small. Variety of cardio equip, plenty of free weights and benches, not usually crowded in the mornings, friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Probably the best gym in Pittsburgh.... All around courtesy , cleanliness Professional . Beautiful environment with a giant ice skating rink....

Fantastic experience: Great gym. Very Clean.

Positive experience: It is very clean.. Not crowded... Kind of pricey

Fantastic experience: Great place very clean. Easy parking. Programs for everyone. I’ve been working out in gyms for 60 years they have everything that has ever been invented for a complete work out.

Fantastic experience: Best gym in town! Love the variety of classes and the variety of programming of the classes!

Fantastic experience: Very clean gym

Fantastic experience: One of the top gyms in Pittsburgh!! Great equipment, impeccably clean and an awesome staff.