Empire Barbell

Negative experience: What a joke I was billed for months even though I requested in person and online to cancel. What gym continues to take.up charges after you've removed your forms of payment? Not I'm getting sent to collections and the website and phone number doesn't even work. I'm beyond disappointed.

Negative experience: Basically impossible to cancel your membership after they took over crunch.

Fantastic experience: The gym is 99.9 percent excellent the point one percent lacking is the trainers seem to be doing a very well job in their instructions to the clients. But not once have I saw or heard them incorporate wiping down the equipment after their workout routine. Both trainer and clients just proceed to the next machine and neither one wipe the equipment after using it. Wiping down should be apart of trainer/clients routine along with how to use equipment.

Negative experience: Got me under a contract for a year! When it states no contract. I was lied to and threatened by a 3rd party billing I had no idea was getting my info and treated horrible! Lies lies lies! Dishonesty and money grabs here. Beware! Also they don’t make people clean equipment! It’s gross.

Negative experience: The equipment is fine. The space is good. My rating is due to the lack of customer service by the owner. This gym is dishonest about its cancelation timeline and does not return messages through email or left at the gym. That is just inexcusable.

Positive experience: Would always top off my workout with a lights off spin session for cardio. A few others in the gym do the same. Staff made a sign that says only spin class. Just seems kinda lame. I get that equipment requires maintenance. But is it really that big of a deal to let people use them for their purpose? Or at least have a couple bikes in the back for group use? Just kinda messed up my WO routine. Equipment could use a bit of help. Otherwise good gym. Lots of equipment, rarely have to share machines.

Negative experience: UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT When my husband and I first moved to Columbia, we signed up through crunch fitness, and then they went under contract with Empire barbell. with last-minute notice to all of the members. We thought we would just go with the flow and see what the gym would be like and give it a few months to see and we were sadly mistaken to do so. DISGUSTING- equipment is poorly wiped down, never maintained, the floor is very clearly neglected on all accounts. With staff never taking initiative. GHETTO- The equipment is scattered about in random places all over. Holes in the floors. And for the longest time Olympic pads that weren’t bolted together, but were used by many throughout the day. UNSAFE- on multiple occasions, I have seen women be approached by many men when they very clearly did not want to receive any conversation or compliment. I have on many accounts as well when working out without my husband been approached by the same creepy man and followed to my car as well as I had one approach me in a very close proximity when all I wanted to do was workout. When we wanted to receive information on the transfer of accounts as well as canceling or their policies, any staff member that we would speak to had zero information to give willingly gave up that they did not receive proper training or know what they were talking about. They also gave us multiple phone numbers to use to get in contact with third-party billing and each one said it wasn’t a phone in service so then I wanted to speak to the owner or Manager and the same thing I was received with a stonewall and zero phone number to discuss anything. If you’re a women or anyone who values their time and money I wouldn’t even give this place a glance.

Negative experience: Previously a member of crunch fitness when all the sudden we got an email saying we were transitioning into empire barbell. At that moment the gym was terribly maintained and all the equipment was raggedy. When you try to cancel your membership they send you on through 20 different loops or billing just for them to stop responding and continue to bill you. There are plenty of other gyms better than this one 100%

Negative experience: We were told to send a letter to cancel this membership WITH crunch and we did and now empire is billing via collections. My suggestion would be to find a new gym. This gym reminds me of Balley Total Fitness who us now defunct due to various lawsuits for not properly canceling when requested.

Positive experience: I used to love this gym but since it merged with Crunch it's a lot busier and it's basically packed all the time. People filming themselves too, which needless to say is annoying and distracting. Overall the gym is good, and it's probably the best gym with a 10 mile drive, but I feel slightly betrayed because there was a massive vibe shift that completely destroyed the reason I was originally interested in the gym. Regardless there have been a lot of big improvements in regards to equipment and amenities, so don't let me dissuade you if it works for you.

Negative experience: I don’t normally leave reviews like this, but I feel compelled to share my experience in hopes it helps others and prompts improvement. Since Crunch Fitness transitioned to Empire Fitness, I’ve been having a very hard time figuring out the proper process to cancel my membership. I’ve been trying to cancel since early May, when I first received the email about the closing of Crunch and the transition to Empire. I’m currently in contact with Bill Robinson, but his responses have not been prompt, and I still don’t have a clear resolution. The lack of communication and confusing transition between brands is making what should be a straightforward process incredibly frustrating. It’s disappointing to have been a paying member and now feel stuck without clear direction. I sincerely hope Empire Fitness revisits its cancellation process and communication standards to better serve its members.

Negative experience: I was a member of this gym when it was Empire Barbell. At that point the gym was falling apart with water stains on the ceiling tiles, buckets to pick up water, etc. The owner told he was selling the business as it was not successful and stopped all classes. He has tried to sell to several different people. Now the classroom is full of old items. Not recommended if you are looking for a place that looks nice or is well maintained.

Positive experience: The current Google location isn’t updated, so I searched for Crunch and Empire Barbell. I ended up following directions to Harbison. It was a minor inconvenience since I wasn’t in a 'Crunch ' for time. The new location is more than sufficient for a good workout. After all, isn’t that what really matters?

Negative experience: I've seen this gym thru multiple different names and ownership changes. The current owner has done absolutely nothing to maintain or even improve the gym since he took over. The vinyl on the machines is worn and in some cases it makes the machine uncomfortable to use. There are cable machines that the cables are broken making them unable to be used. There was no air conditioning all summer last summer and no heat most of the winter. The plumbing in the bathrooms has major issues. Someone told me a urinal in the men's room hasn't worked in months. There are never paper towels. The sauna has been out of service for months, maybe years. I can't even remember when it last worked. Other reviews said the classes and personal trainers are great. There are only 2 trainers and all classes have been canceled. The place is filthy and run down and nothing is being done to address it. When concerns are brought to the owner, he shrugs it off. He knows he's lost a lot of members and his attitude is "what's one more." He increased prices in order to use the money to fix the gym up but absolutely nothing has improved. Why support a small business owner who doesn't even care about his business? As a woman, I would rather workout someplace that is clean and has a good atmosphere. There is a brand new Planet Fitness a couple miles away. Go there. Don't join this place.

Fantastic experience: Empire Barbell is a great gym with a welcoming and friendly staff! They offer excellent fitness class options and have highly qualified, professional personal trainers. The atmosphere is motivating, and the equipment is top-notch. I highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely the best gym I’ve ever been too. Staff=amazing, equipment =beyond superb, owner=big teddy bear. The variety of equipment and options is endless. If I could fly there to workout everyday I would. I cannot stress enough for those who are interested in bettering themselves to stop by and visit, it will change your life for the better as it did mine.

Fantastic experience: The staff is real cool. Super military friendly and have everything you need. They even have new assault bikes!

Fantastic experience: Pretty good gym, needs a few equipment updates but they’re working on it. Wyse a trainer/ works at the gym ….hands down one of the best people I’ve meet. Definitely an asset to the gym… very knowledgeable and hands on.

Negative experience: They pretend they never got notification to cancel membership then they keep billing. When you stop the payments they will send you to collections. Find another gym

Fantastic experience: Best gym in the area hands down! Amazing variety of equipment choices that appeal to all members of various experience level. Really enjoyed the atmosphere as it truly is a gym gym and not your run of the mill “Fitness Club” Highly recommend!!! Nick the owner is amazing!

Negative experience: I was a member here for 11 years first when it was Pivotal Fitness, then Fit43 but when it became Empire Barbell and all the amazing instructors either were fired or quit, it completely changed my view of the gym. There are less classes now and that is a shame. This used to be my one and only favorite gym. I wish the owner would change things back to the way they were

Fantastic experience: Good place and good atmosphere

Fantastic experience: Great facility. Staff is fantastic. Nice to see a gym be a gym again

Fantastic experience: I travel for work and whenever I have to spend time in Columbia this is where I work out because of their great deals on day/week passes. The facility is well laid out and isn't just 90% cardio machines with a few dumbells. Lot's of variety in their strength training machines and all the equipment is in great shape. The staff is always helpful when you need some guidance and management seems to stay on top of repairs/replacement. The afternoon crowd is pretty respectful of one another and the gym and does their part to keep the place running smoothly. Recommend to anyone looking for a reliable place to improve themselves around like minded individuals. Whether its a day pass or annual membership, this is the place to be.

Fantastic experience: Best gym around here! It’s perfect because it has a lot of free weight and hammer strength machines. Love this gym. Also you get a lot of the high schoolers that wear sandals and have no clue what their doing in the gym, bench like 20 lbs and never train legs so it’s even better because I can always get a squat rack!

Positive experience: Update: I have been coming to this gym for over 5 years, and sadly, it's going downhill. The sauna system has been out for over 3+ years, and that was a key aspect for me when signing up. With celling tiles missing to broken machines and heavy cracks in a lot of padding on machines. This goes beyond routine wear and tear. Hope to see minimal improvements soon. Will update.

Fantastic experience: Best gym to workout at in the area!

Fantastic experience: Great gym great people.

Positive experience: Waiting on the sauna to be fixed on the men side

Fantastic experience: Locally owned, great equipment and a good atmosphere

Fantastic experience: I love this gym!! Great environment and staff

Fantastic experience: Great gym excellent staff! Great prices with no contract unlike other gyms in the area!

Fantastic experience: Been a member here for 9 years through 2 name changes of the gym. Love it!

Positive experience: This place is good! I would change this to five stars if the sauna room and the tv in the locker room worked!

Fantastic experience: Great place to workout, feels like family not just a number when you are in the building.

Negative experience: Cancelled membership. Gym said that I never cancelled and they kept charging membership. Then said that they actually cancelled because of non payment after 90 days.

Positive experience: Love this gym and the atmosphere. The only downside is when cardio equipment goes down it tends to stay down. One stair machine went out and now the other is out, and that was my go to cardio there. Can make do with other things but just wish the upkeep was a little better, other than that I highly recommend the place.

Fantastic experience: The only complaints I have are that the weights are a mess in the Rogue room, the mat area, and in free weights section. The classes are in the morning or in evening so I can't go to those. Otherwise, I love the equipment they have available and the small crowd which means no wait for machines and no claustrophobic vibes. The building itself could use an update but the machines and equipments are in great shape and do what they need to! Desk staff are super friendly and I never have any issues here. UPDATED 6/23/23 The owner is working his butt off to make the gym better quality, but with a lot of neglectful members not caring about the equipment has been hard to keep up with. The desk staff is amazing and I love to have conversations with them and share workouts. The overall atmosphere of the gym makes me enjoy coming back 6 days a week, and getting a great workout.

Fantastic experience: This is without a doubt the BEST gym in town!! Great vibes, absolutely amazing equipment, and awesome staff. As a bodybuilder and someone who’s been lifting for 10+ years, I could not recommend another place to workout at.

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym. Very convenient for my entire family. I got my 88 year old Dad to start working out here and they've taken great care of him. He stuck with it and his mobility and flexibility are significantly increased. VERY military and veteran friendly. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I feel very welcome here. Great equipment for all types of workouts. Everyone is nice and friendly (other patrons too) and it really does feel like a community gym.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic local gym. I stopped in from out of town and was pleasantly surprised to find this well-equipped gym. Owner and employees were kind, gracious and helpful, equipment is plentiful, including far more than you'll get at most major chains, and the facility was clean and well kept. I'll definitely be back.

Fantastic experience: This is an awesome gym. It is spacious and has plenty of equipment. I initially gave Empire Barbell three stars because when I cancelled my month to month membership they charged me for an additional month for not providing a 30 day cancellation notice and also because they were charging a $39/year fee on my credit card, which I didn't think I authorized. I initially corrected my review when I realized that the $39/year charge is actually in the contract. Since I wrote my initial review I spoke with Nick, the owner, about the issue with being charged for an additional month. He was very understanding and removed the additional month charge. After our conservation, I believe that Nick is very honest and that if you have any issue at this gym you can talk to him and he will do his best to resolve your issue. In hindsight, I believe that the reason I didn't know about the 30 day cancellation notice requirement had more to do with Empire Barbell's contract just being poorly worded and the staff just not covering the contract requirements thoroughly than any kind of dishonesty. Basically, just a misunderstanding. I would definitely recommend this gym and I hope Nick all the best going forward.

Positive experience: Clean fun good music very friendly environment I'm just glad I finally made up my mind to join

Negative experience: I cancelled my membership over a year ago and I live in a whole different state, yet found out today I have been getting charged the whole time. I’ve called and emailed peak but it says I have to wait 5-7 business days to even get a response…at that point I could start my own payment company. Wouldn’t recommend.

Positive experience: This is a really good gym. The crowd is light and plenty of room and things to do. The only complaint I have is that the staff won’t show up and open the gym when they’re supposed to be open. This has happened a few times and it’s annoying. I have things to do and can’t be waiting all day for some kid to open the gym so I can workout.

Fantastic experience: Definitely one of the best gyms in the area and reasonably priced too.

Fantastic experience: This is a great gym for someone who wants to take working out seriously without all the gimmicks other gyms have. They have a wide variety of equipment and super helpful staff. I recommend this place to all of my friends who want a no nonsense atmosphere to train in!

Fantastic experience: Awesome

Fantastic experience: Clean facility, helpful staff. By far the best gym in Columbia

Fantastic experience: Such a nice gym! We are in town visiting for a few days and the owner hooked us up with a great deal! Nice equipment, nice people, and great atmosphere!

Fantastic experience: Excellent equipment, environment , and staff! Owner nick is the best!

Fantastic experience: Visiting from out of town for the holidays. It may be because of the time of year but the gym facility wasn't too crowded - plenty of space and equipment such that I wasn't waiting for anyone to finish with any equipment. Also facilities are clean and in good quality (i.e. no broken dumbells or machines and people re-rack their weights when done). Staff is very curteous and helpful. Good hours of operation and a variety of options for functional training and cardio. It was a little warm inside the building but we are having an unseasonably warm December. Overall, would highly recommend Empire.

Fantastic experience: Great gym , great equipment, friendly staff!

Fantastic experience: Great workout today! Guy's are always so nice, thank you.

Fantastic experience: Best gym in the St Andrews and Irmo area. Every piece of equipment that you could dream of. Never have to wait to use anything because they have everything!

Fantastic experience: Great staff, equipment & atmosphere!

Fantastic experience: Lots of equipment, a yoga room I like to stretch in when they aren’t having class. Yoga classes every day. Friendly people.

Fantastic experience: Great place!!! The staff is sold out to health, fitness, and strength!!!

Fantastic experience: My husband & I enjoy working out at Empire! The staff is knowledgeable and always very friendly. We also feel like they cater to all fitness levels. Definitely worth visiting.

Positive experience: I've been going to this gym for quite some time and majority of the time no issues but I tend to have payment problems. Such as right now I've been waiting on someone to get in contact with me since the 23rd of June in regards to a credit card processing fee that I was charged after I paid my membership in cash

Fantastic experience: Love how they changed it and very friendly staff, will definitely be coming back.

Fantastic experience: Great place to workout. Friendly staff and very helpful.

Fantastic experience: Went in for the first time and loved the equipment, clean facility, the open space, the lighting, mirrors, the general manager was very welcoming and accommodating and I got a great workout, what more could I ask for, will be back!

Negative experience: I was charged the monthly bill plus. I had a free membership and i did not like my 90 minute introduction. I cancelled the next week and three weeks after was charged the $29.95 plus an additional $4. They say cancell at any time, but they don't specify that if you join today and cancel tomorrow they charge you. The customer service at peakserve is horrible to deal with and u never speak to anyone that can assist.

Negative experience: My husband and I have been trying to get in contact with this company for for days to inform them on what going on. Our hours have been cut at our jobs and we were trying to see if we could put our gym membership on hold or cancel them all together. We haven't gotten a response. Only thing that has happened is the company that takes the payments hung up on me rudely and the gym still haven't answered the phone, or DM's on Instagram, or the message box on google.

Positive experience: Edit: Megan got my issue resolved in just a single day. While I still think you should avoid Peak Payments like the plague, clearly Fit413 and Megan care and will help you resolve issues with their memberships. The facilities are good and the people who work there are nice, but they will not work with you to help you cancel your membership. The company who handles their membership system (Peak Payments, look them up and see reviews) is absolutely terrible and they refuse to cancel your membership while continuing to charge you. I would avoid this gym unless they change who handles their memberships.

Fantastic experience: Megan is the best trainer ever! Love this gym!!!

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out, great friendly staff!

Fantastic experience: Nice gym for the most part. Wish the hours on the weekend were better.

Fantastic experience: I love attending this gym. I've been a member at this gym when it was Pivotal Fitness and will continue to be one. This gym has a variety of classes available fits each one of my workout needs. Not to mention Tony, the owner is a stand up guy. They were out of hot water for a while which was an inconvenience for me but he made me aware of all the issues which left me satisfied. This is a small business and deserves a chance.

Fantastic experience: The gym is nice with a lot of equipment and and space. The equipment is up to date and awesome. You never have to worry about not having enough equipment; there is enough for everyone. My one complaint is that they don't have better hours on weekends. I work a lot of events on the weekends and usually the hours overlap gym hours. I wish they would extend their hours. UPDATE: I moved to Greenville and I miss this gym.

Fantastic experience: These people are awesome real friendly . Plus they doing a lot of work on the building. I'm sure it's going to be real nice once they finish with the improvements

Negative experience: Way too expensive

Negative experience: The Dempseys (the owners) do not appear to care for their clients or their facility. There are no negative stars, it would have been given. I have tried to sit back and just wait to see if things would turn out for the better, but they have not. In other responses on here, they say they give updates. Where on your Facebook page have you given an update on anything? Moldy bathroom facilities, is there a cleaning crew? Don't see the nice gentlemen that used to clean (taller guy). You can see a noticeable decline in gym goers later in the day (not sure about mornings/weekends). Multiple trainers have voiced their displeasure with awkward pay deductions and not addressing their needs as well. Some of the trainers seem very pleasant, some are very whiny (not motivating to hear). The different stories that have been given about why the hot water heater really shows that the owners do not take ownership, but would be more inclined to drop an excuse and pass the buck. A computer card to fix a hot water heater has been on its way since before summer and still nothing. Failing to give rights to the gas line. There's an issue with the hot water heater unit and/or line. They're spending more money to tear things down and not post a sign with whats happening. Their GM or Manager seems does not take time to update anyone either. The head of this beast just doesn't care and is terrible at communication. A company thrives because of their personnel and leadership, which this company is not thriving, have seen plenty of faces gone now. The paper towel dispensers do not function (when there is paper towel). The urinals are moldy and are not sanitized (doesn't take much to drop a clorox bleach pill in, well I guess if anyone there cared they would). I can go on and on, and I'm sure this message has been more effort than what's been given to this once nice gym. Orange Theory, Crunch, Muv, Dynamic, and all other gyms do thank you though. I would be surprised to see if this place remains open in a year. Glad I'm out soon and I will not trip and fall on the broken tiles or barbells or the numerous broken equipment.

Negative experience: I was a member there for about 9 years before it was Fit413 and was Pivotal Fitness. The new owners revamped and remodeled the decor but the roof leaks, hot water never works, alot of out of order equipment, no janitor, never soap or paper towels in stalls and needless to say I have sadly joined another gym.

Fantastic experience: ALWAYS nice and clean. And a verity of options for your workout! Love it

Fantastic experience: I love this gym plus they have child care!

Fantastic experience: I've never had to wait to use equipment here. Plenty of options! The facility is huge, so you never get the feeling of overcrowding.

Fantastic experience: Great service and Looove the atmosphere!

Fantastic experience: Machines, free weights, cardio equipment and lots of classes. I have been going for years. The new owners truly desire to see you excel in your fitness goals.

Fantastic experience: Love it!

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Fantastic experience: Best health club in the area! Staff is nice and the place is huge! Go check it out!

Fantastic experience: Great place to get in shape.

Fantastic experience: There is no wait for the machines. You are able to complete your workout without delay

Fantastic experience: Fit 413 is huge. Every piece of equipment you need without a wait. Clean, sauna, showers, childcare! Very affordable for what you get

Fantastic experience: Good place to work out

Fantastic experience: Spectacular full-circuit facilities span from end to end & from room to room to provide power performance to their dedicated, goal-attaining members. Exceptional staff makes each workout experience both captivating & rewarding, thus enhancing a dedication to goal attainment, core results & optimal health.

Fantastic experience: All of the trainers motivate me at FIT143 and the endless variety of customized workouts they craft for each client makes all the difference.

Fantastic experience: Great gym.....a lot of equipment so you can get great workout and experience them gains.

Negative experience: Absolutely disappointed!

Negative experience: This place has been lacking for over a year now. I kept hearing promises of improvements with equipment and classes but not so much. I had to move on....

Fantastic experience: Best health club in the area! Staff is nice and the place is huge! Go check it out!

Positive experience: Very nice place to workout and great staff to help you with anything you need.

Negative experience: Tony and Megan Dempsy the owners of Fit413 borrowed money from me and have not paid it back.. this club and it's "christian " ethics are a sham. I'm seeking legal action

Negative experience: DO NOT JOIN THIS FACILITY. IT'S A JOKE. NO HOT WATER FOR A SHOWER NOW FOR 5 DAYS. BUGS IN THE SHOWERS. NO SOAP FOR 3 WEEKS. TRASH ALL OVER THE FLOOR, ESPECIALLY IN THE LOCKER ROOMS. WATER LEAKING FROM THE CEILING FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS. OWNERS DON'T CARE. UPSCALE BOUTIQUE HEALTH CLUB THEY AIN'T! PRETTY SURE THAT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT NEEDS TO VISIT HERE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T EVEN WASH AND STERLIZE YOUR HANDS.

Fantastic experience: Fit 413 is huge. Every piece of equipment you need without a wait. Clean, sauna, showers, childcare! Very affordable for what you get

Positive experience: Love RPM classes...April and Connie are the best...Front desk people are extremely polite and helpful...Stephanie and Daniel are top notch!...Come see us at Fit!