Genesis Health Clubs - Merle Hay

Fantastic experience: My trainer Austin has been extremely helpful in guiding me with both diet and Exercise . He explains everything clearly and makes sure I stay on track with my fitness goals. It’s truly great working with him – not only is he knowledgeable and supportive, but also a very pleasant person to be around. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Best fitness center in Des Moines and the surrounding area due to the clean, well maintained facility. Staff are all friendly, knowledgeable and always willing to share helpful tips and ideas to all members the same! Keep up the great work

Fantastic experience: I work out there early mornings during the week and Ward & his team always provide a great customer experience. Attentive and friendly, so wanted to highlight them! Great job!

Fantastic experience: I have experienced a few other personal trainers and Austin, AJ, Hunter is by far the best. He listened to my concerns and goals and I felt every training session was planned with them in mind. He paid attention to what I was doing and corrected any mistakes so as to insure I got the most out of my workouts. To top it all off he was a very pleasant and fun person to work with. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Fantastic experience: The gym is a great, clean, and welcoming space, but Austin Hunter is what truly makes the experience stand out. He’s one of those trainers who really make a difference. You can tell he loves what he does. He pays close attention to details, motivates without pressure, and knows how to adapt workouts to each person. His spontaneity makes you feel comfortable while training and inspires you to push yourself. His energy is incredibly positive, creating an environment where you feel at ease, motivated, and well guided. Plus, his technical knowledge and ability to explain exercises clearly make him stand out. It’s easy to see why everyone speaks so highly of him! ☺️

Fantastic experience: Very nice, clean, smaller but has everything most people need. Very nice staff and good day care as well. Recommend!

Fantastic experience: Easy to get to my equipment better when less people in there and all equipment is working

Fantastic experience: Great gym! The staff in general is very helpful & welcoming and personal trainer, Austin does a great job. He lays out a plan that is challenging & tailored to your goals.

Fantastic experience: I am training with Austin. I had stopped training for a while due to knee surgery when I started back I had few prepaid training sessions left. My plan was to use what I had and not buy more. I started training with Austin he was perfect. He makes my workouts exciting fun challenging and I feel great when I leave, he has helped me to improve my strength, flexibility, and endurance. I can't recommend him enough as a Trainer. I am excited to continue our workouts.

Negative experience: After 8 years as a loyal member of Aspen/Genesis on Merle Hay, I’ve decided it’s time to move on. My decision comes after a disappointing experience involving the theft of two car key fobs—an incident that occurred during a slow day at the gym, within a 90-minute window and in full view of the facility. What made it worse wasn’t just the theft, but the complete lack of concern from the manager, Devon (the tall guy in smedium shirts and skinny pants who seems more into strutting around than managing). He fed me some nonsense about needing a police warrant just to review security footage. Really? Know your audience! I wasn’t asking for a shakedown—just for someone to identify and contact the person who took my keys. All I wanted to hear from Genesis was: “We’ve got your keys back.” Apparently, that level of basic customer service is too much to ask from Devon and Genesis. So here’s my final note: I’ve locked my credit cards, and you won’t be getting another payment from me. I’ve found another gym.

Fantastic experience: As seasoned citizens, we were looking for a calmer, quieter gym experience. A Black Friday special provided us with some trainer time. I really like the flexibility of the training sessions. Austin Hunter has been a great trainer, helping my husband recover from a stroke. The improvement in his abilities has been amazing! More mobility and strength has improved our lives a thousand percent! Thanks to Austin Hunter and all the staff at Merle Hay for a good experience all around !

Fantastic experience: Working out with my PT Austin, is a great experience! From the first day I liked the routine of exercises that he programmed for me and also how careful he is with his clients. he been on correcting posture and giving advise. his creates are always interesting, challenging and fun. His encouragement is genuine and he really does make you feel that you can accomplish just about any fitness goal. I highly recommend him

Fantastic experience: I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking to start their fitness journey. When I first signed up, I tried the free personal training session and was really hesitant. I was at the very beginning of my fitness journey (think: couch potato), but after that first session with Austin, I decided to sign up for personal training. Austin is an excellent trainer. No matter where you're starting from, he makes you feel comfortable and capable. He tailors the workouts perfectly—pushing you just enough to build confidence and gain momentum without feeling overwhelmed. I can't recommend Genesis Health Clubs and Austin enough!

Fantastic experience: Austin (AJ) Hunter has been my trainer for several months. I am 74, so having an excellent trainer at least twice weekly is important to me. I have been consistently going to a gym twice per week for 8 years. I had noticed how AJ interacted with his clients and how he watched each rep closely for proper technique, so I asked to sign up with him. Even though I have been doing this “gym thing” for a long time, I feel so comfortable that he is always making sure that I am working the right muscles correctly and safely. He encourages me to put in additional aerobic time, which I have never enjoyed, but do know how important it is. I now am at the gym 4-5 times per week, and also continue my weekly yoga class. AJ is a professional, experienced, knowledgeable, and supportive trainer, and gets 5 stars from me-:)!

Positive experience: Updating to 4 stars - after leaving the one star review below, someone called the next day and was apologetic about my experience and made things right. I had enjoyed my membership and the cardio dance classes up until my negative cancellation recurrence, which was promptly resolved. Thank you! Cancelling your membership is purposefully inconvenient and difficult. Not only are you required to come in person to do so, but a "representative" must be there. Of course, they are only there from 9am-5pm when most individuals are working. There is no option to cancel online, via email, or over the phone either. When I called to ask about cancelling, on March 17, I was informed my membership wouldn't be cancelled until MAY. Also, no one informed me I could only cancel during certain hours of the day, so I made a trip out of my way to cancel to be told I was unable to. Deceptive and borderline illegal practices in my opinion. Would recommend going somewhere else if you don't want to deal with this headache.

Fantastic experience: Devon and the crew at Genesis Merle Hay are great.

Fantastic experience: Amazing severivce love the kid named Cole great kid

Fantastic experience: Clean, friendly. Angie does a great job leading yoga here!

Fantastic experience: Great gym

Fantastic experience: Super helpful, encouraging and easy to work with. Highly recommend. Austin is great

Fantastic experience: Great gym with everything one would need. Customer service is exceptional. Glad to be using this Genesis gym!

Fantastic experience: It is really clean and there staff is pleasant .

Fantastic experience: Great environment to reach your goals. And always a helping hand ..

Fantastic experience: Great gym for a good price!

Fantastic experience: I really enjoy the cardio dance classes offered here. The instructors are great as well.

Fantastic experience: Great gym! Love working out here! Convenient for the kiddos!

Negative experience: Fee, after fee after fee. Very deceiving, signed up 3 months ago. They charged me an annual fee when i just got my membership 3 months ago? I signed up for 56 dollar a month. All my bank statements add up to 306 for 4 months. Thats $77.00 dollars month. Very deceiving crooks. Well played Genesis!!! Look at the picture I added they have 78 dollars crossed out like I’m really getting a deal. But it still averages 78 dollars a month. I can’t tell you how deceiving the sign up process is.

Fantastic experience: Very clean and organized. Love the variety of equipment and exercise options!

Fantastic experience: Friendly, helpful, and very engaging stafd. Clean facility and convenient hours. Flexible for families with children as the kids club offer a place for the little ones to play.

Fantastic experience: I have been a member since the Aspen Days and it's by far the best club in Des Moines. I highly recommend this club to anyone!

Fantastic experience: Love this gym and the people and management here! I’ve had the most amazing experience here!

Negative experience: I attended this gym regularly for 3 years and it was always a 5/10 facility wise. Things took forever to get fixed, and in general things were not cleaned well. Other members here are great, but there are many better options in the area for the insane amount of money they want for a membership. I probably would've rated the gym 3 stars before I tried to cancel my membership. When I signed up, they told me I could cancel anytime without a problem, no contract type deal. When I tried to cancel they informed me that I had agreed to give at least 30 days notice to cancel. This is purely a money grabbing scheme. They want one more monthly payment out of you before you leave. No other subscription has this type of '30 day' cancellation policy. It's clearly just a money grab. When discussing this with the staff they told me that I should have 'taken care of my responsibilities' before cancelling, which was both rude and insulting. There is no good reason besides profit margins to force members to give 30 days notice on a 'cancel anytime' membership. It is unethical and I would recommend others stay away from Genesis when looking for a gym in the area.

Fantastic experience: The management staff at Genesis gym consistently provides exceptional customer service, making my experience as a member truly enjoyable. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a top-notch gym experience. The staff at Genesis gym takes the time to get to know their members which truly makes it a pleasure to work out.

Fantastic experience: Great facility. Been to a lot of gyms in the metro and commute to this one for several reasons. I appreciate how clean and organized it's kept by club management and the environment is always positive.

Fantastic experience: Finished filling my membership. Big thanks to steve for making it happen

Fantastic experience: Genesis Health Club on Merle Hay is exactly the place you've been looking for. Staff is very attentive and the place is sparkling clean. They have all the equipment you could possibly need for the serious lifter and an environment that's very welcoming for anyone new to the gym. My son and I were staying in Des Moines up from Oklahoma for a ball tournament and needed a place to workout for the week. Could not have asked for better hospitality and convenience. If we lived in the area, 100% this would be our home gym. Have lifted regularly for years and I would highly recommend to anyone regardless of fitness level.

Fantastic experience: Good relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and friendly people

Fantastic experience: Perfect size! Great machines, clean locker room and friendly staff

Fantastic experience: I've been going here for over a month, has been a great place to workout. It's clean and they have a lot of equipment.

Fantastic experience: The gym is very clean and spacious. Steve and Tabitha do a really amazing job with the upkeep and vibe!

Fantastic experience: Gym is big and great, and guy with the tattoo is awesome

Fantastic experience: Thanks for being so welcoming on my travel through. My flight was delayed, I called Genesis and they welcomed me immediately. Awesome gym, they have everything you could want in a fitness center and more. Very friendly staff, I’ll definitely be back when I come here for work. Thanks again!

Fantastic experience: I love Aspen! I have been a member for over 15 years. Wonderful personal trainers. Wide range of group programs. I love the YOGA classes. Great place to stay health.

Fantastic experience: I’m visiting from out of town and Steve was kind enough to allow me to drop in as a guest for a few days. The gym is very well-equipped, spacious, and clean! Will definitely come back to Genesis the next time I’m in the area.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and kid club

Fantastic experience: Steve was super helpful! Great gym

Fantastic experience: Totally chill environnement. Friendly and helpful staff. Always clean and equipment is well maintained!

Fantastic experience: Very good atmosphere and very nice place to lift would definitely recommend in Des Moines area

Fantastic experience: Best location to work out at. Staff is great people and facility is clean!

Fantastic experience: Excellent place to work out. Been to other gyms, and none of them beat Genesis

Fantastic experience: I love this place. Very clean and the staff are so respectful. Pricing isn't bad either. Don't be afraid to ask if your not sure.

Fantastic experience: The Merle Hay location is very accessible for me and my guide dog. We both feel very welcomed here. I highly recommend the personal training.

Fantastic experience: Love this place! The staff is amazing, the equipment is great and always so clean! Just a very comfortable environment to workout in! Highly recommend

Positive experience: Works within your budget for personal trainers, and has a great variety of classes included in the membership. There is a contract if you don't pay the non contract price which is difficult to get out of if in a tough spot, but the manager is very understanding and tries to do what he can to help.

Fantastic experience: My go to location! Has everything I need and it's spaced out nicely, not jammed packed or overcrowded. Staff is always friendly. The manager Steve is great, makes sure to greet you every time.!

Fantastic experience: This is my favorite gym, the classes are great and my personal trainer is the best PT I have had. The best thing I like about this site is that, no matter were you are out in your health journey, the staff and instructors treat you like you matter. I love seeing all ages and sizes in the gym, because you are able to go in and get the workout you need without feeling self couscous.

Fantastic experience: After a failed attempt to transfer our membership at the Mills Civic Genesis, Steve at the Meryl Hay location made the transfer seamless and easy. He got it done in minutes with only a 5 minute wait! Kudos to Steve and his staff for exceptional customer service. I can understand why this location is my husband’s FAVORITE!

Positive experience: Great friendly, helpful staff & atmosphere. Could use some updating of equipment and facility.

Fantastic experience: EDIT: sauna has been broke for two weeks now. They clearly are in no hurry to fix it. It was not their fault it was broke which is why I’m going with 4 stars. Original: Been going to this gym for a few years now. I love the sauna and it has all the workout equipment needed. For the price you cannot beat Genesis on Merle Hay!

Negative experience: No eye protection for tanning beds that are included in the membership fee, rude staff, and if you want to cancel membership you have to get a new debit card, even if you go in the gym to cancel.

Fantastic experience: Not another gym. Everyone is so helpful! There’s many ways to get a good workout . They have classes, modern equipment and personal trainers available! Great location!

Fantastic experience: Great club, good people to work with. I’ve loved working with Keshawn as a trainer. Clean and well maintained. And the kids club has been wonderful for my 11 month old.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym ! whenever i stop in im always greeted with a warm welcome and the gym flow is fantastic, Tabatha and Steve are amazing always so kind asking how my day/week was very satisfied with member appreciation

Fantastic experience: Big club, tons of equipment. They keep it clean, staff is friendly and the membership fees are competitive. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Staff is always welcoming and encouraging. They make me feel proud of my workout and make me want to come back to continue working on myself... it’s the little things like that after going through a very hard and depressing year.

Fantastic experience: Out of all the DSM area gyms I've been to, this one is the best, even amongst the other Genesis locations. The hours are great. It's the same people working who I see every time. They are always professional. This gym does a great job having large scale and well maintained equipment but not being a "factory" place that can be copy pasted anywhere. Easily the most comfortable gym I've been to. Bonus that I can say in over a year that no guy has ever been creepy or sleepy to me here.

Fantastic experience: Best gym on the Merle! Great atmosphere and staff for my daily

Fantastic experience: Yes, great place to work out if you want to change your ways and change your life, come by and give it a test, you won’t regret it

Fantastic experience: Best value in town, and they have locations in Kansas City so I can work out when I travel for work, the old prairie life in wdm is one of their locations as well, almost as nice as lifetime fitness

Fantastic experience: Great equipment, very helpful staff! Good mix of free weights and weight machines.

Fantastic experience: This gym is great! Full of energetic people and all the associates who work here are awesome!

Fantastic experience: I love this gym! The environment is uplifting and motivating! The trainers are also very helpful and very experienced!

Positive experience: Couldn’t finish the 3 day personal training because Trevor Campbell wasn’t the most comforting instructor, he would laugh when I do something wrong, and called my clothes “goofy” didn’t know a 16 year old had to show up to a gym looking like Kim kardashian but I guess.. you wanna buy me some new clothes trevor? His ego was clearly too high, I was excited to start getting into the gym but was scared to get judged, he made me feel judged. Started going to the urbandale gym even though Merle hay is only 5 minutes away due to these awkward interactions lol. Anyways other than the gym being overpriced I think it’s a pretty decent gym, once I get good at working out I’ll probably switch over to a cheaper gym.

Fantastic experience: This gym facility is a great modernized space that I have been attending for the past few months and will continue to! Friendly staff members and overall cleanliness is very well maintained! Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: I love all three gyms! They all offer some many different options!

Fantastic experience: Clean, non-crowded, everything you need!

Fantastic experience: Tori nicer

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love the cardio dance classes. Melissa’s are my favorite and I try not to miss every week!

Fantastic experience: Best gym in iowa, hottest sauna and amazing and experienced staff no regrets leaving behind planet fitness!

Fantastic experience: Great place for workout. Very spacious and clean with a positive ambiance. Staff is very friendly.

Negative experience: Called to get a free day pass to check out their gym which is typical at literally every other gym in the city, but they want you to pay for a day pass unless you "maybe" jump through some hoops with a fitness advisor.

Fantastic experience: I love this place, I can always do all my exercises and routines, I have recommended to some friends and they will soon arrive, also the staff is very friendly... Thank you for your attention

Fantastic experience: Genesis has been such a great place to grow and challenge myself. The staff are supportive and very nice. 10/10 recommendation!

Fantastic experience: Nice place for a workout. Has everything you need. They have a nice size sauna

Fantastic experience: Came here after my other gym closed down. I was expecting a down grade as I loved my old gym but was surprised how much bigger and cleaner it was. Would recommend to a friend

Fantastic experience: Steve got my boyfriend and I signed up, very happy with the gym. Always am able to get the machine I want!!

Fantastic experience: Jonathan and Steve gave me a tour and got me signed up. They are very friendly, and the gym is very clean, even at its busiest you will get the machine you want.

Fantastic experience: Great facility with a very helpful staff.. People go here to gain muscle or just improve overall health. Best Gym in the area!!

Fantastic experience: I’ve gone to Genesis for 3+ years now and they’ve always delivered great service, clean lifting areas, and tons of workout equipment. They even have a CrossFit area. I’ll be here for as long as I live close by. ( also Tori is my favorite employee )

Negative experience: I visited for a tour about 2 weeks ago. It's the former Aspen Fitness, but without the lower-priced plans. Since going for the tour, this place has called me daily, several times a day. If you go here, be prepared for some aggressive marketing and salesmanship. "What can I do to get you to buy this gym membership today? I'll need to speak with my manager. That Tru-coat...they put that on at the factory. We can't sell it without the Tru-coat."

Fantastic experience: Sharon is one of the best worker there!! She’s really nice and a hard worker! And the cleaning lady was amazing as well I love her energy so much!

Fantastic experience: I've enjoyed this gym from day one, staff is friendly and helpful, the club is clean and inviting, and it's conveniently located. I stop by before or after work sometimes both. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a Health club home.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going here for a long time and am recently very happy with the management and facilities. Matt goes out of his way to get to know the members and I use the kids club which is always helpful in watching my son. The employees are always friendly and they do a good job of maintaining the facility and equipment better than ever!

Fantastic experience: Amazing Place! I work out 5days a week with them and they are always willing to help! Kind people and reasonable price

Fantastic experience: I am more of an advanced lifter, looking for a solid gym with plenty of equipment, good vibe and friendly staff/management. I found that in this Genesis Health Club, the location on merle hay is my jam. Really been a positive experience since joining. I recommend to anyone looking to workout or impact their health.

Fantastic experience: Has become a daily staple for us. I'm down 25lbs since last fall, my son gets to play safely with other kids and loves the kids room morning staff, perfect for me so I can work out with no worries. Everyone is very welcoming and it's always very clean!

Fantastic experience: Place is always clean. Plenty of equipment. Staff is really friendly and helpful. Sauna is helpful after a long workout. There's a fridge upfront with various products for sale. Would be 10 stars if it was a 24 hourn gym!

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out! Staff and members are so friendly. The personal trainers are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions and help clients. The variety of group fitness classes making working out fun and never boring. Highly recommend this gym.

Fantastic experience: Genesis has a very welcoming culture, great work environment, and plenty of equipment always in great condition. The staff and personal trainers and fantastic. A great gym for beginners to experts and everyone in between!

Fantastic experience: If you are looking for a gym with #1. Awesome trainers #2. Not too crowded #3. Not too "fancy" as in...no need to wear "stylish" gym clothing #4.Great management #5. A good assortment of classes for all ages #6.Friendly staff #7. Clean facility...THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!!!!