I stopped into this gym while traveling through Austin. If you're a bodybuilder there's no better place to be. The price was very reasonable at $5 for a day pass. This place is a breath of fresh air compared to other places that would prefer you to suffocate while deadlifting.
One of my favorite gyms ive ever been to 100%. Have already gotten 5 of my friends to get memberships. Hardcore judgement-free atmosphere yet they always make sure the gym is clean and presentable. The selection of weights and machines is spectacular. Lots of genuine regulars who are always willing to help and give advice. The owners and front desk employees are VERY down to earth and will always greet you with a smile and fist-bump/ handshake. I can attribute a massive amount of my muscle growth over the past 4 months to this gym. Will continue to recommend and will be a member for a very long time. Couldn't be more pleased with my experience.
Great gym. You can tell from everyone that goes in there that they work hard and are goal orientated. A great place to communicate your goals with friendly people and get very good advice to meet your goals whether its body building, increasing strength, or weight loss. Gotta love all the motivational writings on the wall to help you work hard. If you've ever had a goal, this is a place to accomplish it.
i used to go to golds gym and other gyms but nothing really worked out.. to many distractions but at BIG Tex GYM i made a big difference.
plus the staff is great and the gym is awsomee.....
A well stocked gym, but the music is a little loud for my taste.
Great gym for powerlifting, strongman, or bodybuilding.
Absolutely fantastic gym, particularly for those into bodybuilding/powerlifting/strongman.
One nitpick suggestion: add barbell markers (e.g. tape / label) to make it easy to find the same barbell each workout. They have lots of different bars with different thickness/knurling / whip which is awesome, but it can sometimes be difficult to make sure you're using the exact same bar each deadlift/squat/bench workout.
Best gym I have ever been to. It's fantastically equipped and the staff are amazing. Steve Smith, the owner, is so passionate about making this place a haven for bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen/women, and everyone else looking to work hard and make progress. The friendly, "no BS, work hard" atmosphere has helped me make more progress in the last 6 months than the previous 2 years combined. I cannot recommend this gym highly enough.
Awesome gym! Awesome staff! A great place to work off a work day's frustrations. Hardcore gym as well as an air conditioned part. Clean, well equipped, and reasonable.
This is a cool place to workout at. Ton of DB's, power room, circuit training, and a very cool staff. Most importantly you can BE YOURSELF.
Great place to put in work! I am a Gold's Gym member but relatively new to Austin. I visited today for the first time and paid for a day pass, my first impression was that the community is not there to waste time and simply want to hit some new PRs which is very admirable, and the music is loud and heavy as it should be. It's pretty dense inside but uses the space it has very well and did not seem ridiculously busy even for a Monday afternoon. My only 2 nitpicks are that the weights/equipment are strewn all over the place and people seem to not care all that much, and from what I've seen, there is no trap bar present in this gym which is a bummer because I love doing shrugs/deadlifts and farmers walks using a trap bar. Overall a great place to train if you are serious about the grind. Would visit again.
Amazing team! Great environment to grow in. Everyone's friendly.
Had to move and cancel my membership over the phone and they charged me an additional $25 to cancel for an "online processing fee" i.e. emailing me a form. The gym itself was okay, but this just feels like dragging people for cash.
This place is AWESOME I recently started going here after leaving my old gym. I still haven't gotten a membership, I usually just pay the $5 for the day but it is worth it. They have sooooo many barbells and equipment to chose from. I especially like it when they pop the garage doors open, then you REALLY start breaking a sweat. Definitely the place you wanna be at if you trying to make some serious gainz.
Great gym. Simple. No nonsense. Great, friendly staff that knows your name. Hands down beats any corporate Globo Gym any day. From novice to hard core lifter - they make everyone feel welcome.
Everyone is super friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is perfect for a serious workout. Excited to see the new expansion!
the gym has a rugged no-nonsense feel. the equipment isnt exactly in pristine condition but everything works as it should and the staff is very friendly. dog friendly, which is a great plus!
I used this gym for a year while taking classes at ACC, and I miss it more than any restaurant or park in Austin. It was the perfect gym. Great staff, iron plates, plenty of dumbbells, PLENTY of Squat racks. I swear, I've since moved to San Antonio and there is nothing that compares. It's a real gym for people who want to get fit.
It's about time I write a review, because I love my gym!
When I started out lifting, I will admit I was apprehensive and a bit intimidated by the thought of going into a hardcore lifter's gym without any real knowledge or experience, but from day one I've felt welcomed and respected by the staff and the other lifters there.
Big Tex is the kind of gym where you can come in, get your head down, and get some real work done. But it's also the kind of gym where you can have a chat between sets with other lifters about your programming, issues you're having with your training.
If you're a dedicated, experienced lifter: you'll love this gym.
If you're a newbie lifter: you'll love this gym.
If you want a yoga class and sauna, this might not be the right gym for you. If you want to pick up heavy things and put them back down again, this is your new home away from home. :)
First gym I feel comfortable in. The owner's are very experienced, friendly, and willing to help. There is a close knit friendly atmosphere like nothing I've seen at large commercial gyms. It's inexpensive and there was no contract. Hell, you can even bring in a steak and use their propane grill after your workout if you want. Awesome place.
In Austin on business and found this gym via Google. Owners are friendly and welcoming, 5 dollar guest feel is appropriately old-school, gym is filled with everything you need. Combine that with the great atmosphere and you get 5 stars If i lived here this would be my spot.
Great gym such a positive environment! Front desk is always so nice, Robert and Esther really make the place !! They re such great people who are truly involved in the gym everyday and are always smiling and welcoming the people to visit. You definitely don t see that everyday! Me and my husband just visit with our team time to time since we live in Cedar Park but the $5 day pass is what keeps us going back so convenient and they really maintain their gym well, it s rare to see equipment out of order
Great gym. People here are chill but work hard and set a high bar. Love it.
Okay so I took my time before writing a review. I have been a member for about 6 months, and have used this gym primarily during afternoon hours. Very open during this time. If you are about getting stronger then this gym is absolutely where you want to be. Plenty of weight, 5 or 6 different places to squat, myriad of bars and all the equipment you need for heavy lifts if you aren't quite in the place you want to invest in your own belt, straps, and wraps yet. They will NEVER push product on you, but the trainers are all incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The veteran discount is a really nice perk, but I would 100% pay full price for a membership without thinking twice. It ain't the prettiest, but you can't help but feel like getting in a heavy lift when you walk in. Try it. I am certain if you are about strength gains or size you will love this gym.
I am a member of this Big Gym now and I like so much the training and the attention of the staff here. I don't like the music of this place but this isn't problem for me because all people can have a headphone and to listen the music that they LIKE. Thanks to Great Staff. Congratulations...
Very friendly and professional gym. I have only visited as a guest a couple of times and attended a few events with friends over the years, but each time everyone is very helpful and knowledgeable.
Especially Kat and Chris, both were extremely welcoming and helpful.
I especially respect and like that they are Vet owned and family owned as well and take pride in their facility and it's cleanliness. You will see everyone wiping down things and putting up their equipment instead of not doing so,w is more common. Especially in a gym with such a diversity of members.
Impressive is not only the large amount of equipment, but also that you can throw down your duffle bag or backpack and not worry about it the entire duration of your work out. It reminds me of back home in the dojo where everyone was family.
Come here to work and sweat, but you'll also actually get eye contact, smile, they remember your name and greet you, asking how you are doing and what muscles you're working on for that day.
Whether you are a novice, intermediate, in between,l to level up your fitness or expert level, this is a great gym to hang your gloves or belt up at and get a good sweat on without the typical "box gym" energy and mentality.
As I was wrapping up my work out there just the other day, there was a group of people gathered around encouraging and cheering on a very young man on the bench press. They seem to be close knit and invested in the success of others which is awesome and a unique characteristic of a gym.
Great energy here!
Such a great facility with a wide array of equipment to use. The powerhouse husband and wife team are amazing and help everyone with crushing their goals with any type of athelte. They also have a great retail selection with staff that can answer any questions you have.
This is how a gym should be. If you're looking to not put in work and watch a movie go elsewhere.. If you're looking for actual results this is where you should go. The owner is a good man and everyone is very friendly and will spot you without you even asking.
Awesome gym with a great staff. I wouldn't want to lift anywhere else and would recommend this place to anyone.
I had to cancel membership today because of moving and a work transfer. I will say this hands down one of the best places in Austin to throw some weights around. I wish they had a South Austin location. But I would highly recommend this gym to anyone in the area! I ll always love you Big Tex!
*Edit* 3/24/15 - I'm now a member at Big Tex and can confirm everything I said below. This is a place where you can seriously focus and train. I feel totally at home!
I will preface this by review by saying that I have not trained at Big Tex yet, but I visited this morning after some looking online for a quality gym that would support powerlifting.
That said, I knew as soon as I walked in the door that I'd found home. Ryan at the front was very helpful and showed me around answering my questions. I've been training a long time and have done everything from Crossfit, to martial arts, to powerlifting. This gym can handle any variety I would throw at it and then some. Bands, chains, tires, sleds, prowler, heavy bags, strongman implements, and did I mention dumbbells up to 200 lbs?!
This place is legit and is a one of a kind gym in Austin! I've lived and trained in many areas of the country and there are not many places like it!
I started coming to Big Tex Gym in March of this year. I began personal training under the owner Steve Smith and he has helped me become leaner, stronger, and more confident in ways I didn't think were possible. I lost 50 lbs in about 5 months, while at the same time my bench, squat, deadlift, and OH press all skyrocketed up! I was always the fat kid growing up, very quiet shy and introverted. Training at Big Tex Gym has helped come out of my shell and is exactly what I needed to take control of my life. I set goals for myself, and Steve's constant support, encouragement, and belief in me helped me to realize that I can meet and exceed these goals and my own expectations for myself. Now I am looking forward to competing in at least two powerlifting competitions in 2013 (one of them will be run by Big Tex Gym), I am in the best shape I have ever been in my life, and I have more confidence and self-esteem than I ever thought possible.
If you have any interest in the following, Big Tex Gym is THE place to be in Austin: Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Strongman training, setting and meeting goals for yourself, increasing self-confidence, losing weight, becoming stronger, improving your quality of life, or just getting off the couch and finding a great group of men and women to train with. This is NOT your standard chain gym!! There are machines to work every part of your body but being a hardcore gym, the emphasis is definitely on free weights and serious strength training. There is a large football sized area behind the gym for flipping tractor tires (or whacking em with the sledgehammers), pushing a Prowler, carrying Farmers Walks logs, pushing a truck (my favorite) and anything else you can think of to do. New machines and Strongman equipment have been coming in over the past several weeks. We also have members who compete regularly and often in Strongman, Bodybuilding, and Powerlifting who are happy to help with any questions you might have. Membership is cheap, too. There is also a cooking grill out back available for use by members. This place is perfect for everyone, men and women, all the way from first time beginners to elite competitors. Ask for Steve or Amin, they are both very approachable, have a very positive attitude, and WANT to help you to succeed and meet your goals. Come on by Big Tex Gym for a free workout and free Personal Training session, it just might be the first step toward a happier, healthier, more confident, and sexier you!
Friendly staff, clean facilities, great equipment, loved the sauna, all around great experience
This review is long overdue. I used to workout here before moving away from Austin, TX. I have to say, this was probably the best thing for me to motivate getting into weight lifting. The vibe is laid back and not obnoxious as some "Big Box" gyms. Wasn't the prettiest place in terms of aesthetics, but that's OK with me. Pretty artwork on the walls and fancy plasma screens don't make you stronger. The best part was it pushed hard for getting strong and the other guys there were very motivating to push hard. If you are looking to start getting strong, look here first. They will give you all of the tools to do so if you really want it.
The best 24 hour gym in Austin. Amazing selection of equipment, fun people, great staff and owners that really care about their members. $5 for a day pass is amazing. Definitely would recommend.
Best gym I've ever gone to. Small and local with awesome people. If you want to lift while in a "family" type atmosphere, this is your place.
Nice gym for lifting weights. Great equipment. Very fair price for daily pass. I don't mind that its a little dusty. My only grief is that they keep animals in the gym. I love animals, but my allergies do not. I would have canceled my other gym membership and gone here exclusively if I could have.
Such a great gym. Been a happy member for over 2 years now. Definitely get my best training done here.
We normally don't write reviews, but my husband and I love this gym! If you like varieties and friendly staffs, this is the place for you! They've got everything you need in one place; from hammer strength, tires, chains, platform that you don't have to worry about gym police telling you that you can't drop weights. (ugh..planet fitness..hated it lol) Yes, this gym is not as high class as golds or lifetime fitness, but it's got everything that you need to build the body you want. We traveled a lot due to the military, and of course have been members of many different kind of gyms, but this gym definitely makes us feel like home. *(thumbs up)*
The guy with a bad review obviously does not even lift.
Great gym, great facilities. None of the usual gym personae that make the gym a chore, and it's rarely rammed at peak times like the $10 a month globo gyms.
Always a pleasure to come lift here.
Best gym I ve ever been to, tons of barbells, benches and squat racks. Huge variety of equipment. Great culture, lots of serious powerlifting, bodybuilding and strongman vibes. Trainers are great.
Gym is unorganized and equipment is always moved around. My biggest problem with them is that I cancelled my membership in January and they pulled money out of my account 6 months later. They state I still owed money that was never pulled out of my account. Would have been nice to get a letter or email with a heads up. I had paid 2 months down when I signed up so they definitely had gotten their fair share of money out of me. If you cancel with these guys make sure you watch your bank account.
I ve been here since after pandemic shutdown and the customer service has been great. They know my name when I come in which is nice. After I got covid I notified them and they cleaned the gym and checked cameras to notify the person by me (I was only doing cardio). The place is motivational to push yourself when you see the people lifting hard around you.
Big Tex is the first gym that I have found where I feel truly at home. From the Staff, to the flexible hours and stress free environment this is a great gym in every way. I have to work out early before I go to work so opening at 6am was a BIG plus for me. I've gotten free advice from a few of the different trainers and when I decide I want to compete I know that the resources for a successful career in any direction can be found through either Steve the owner or some of the friendly and qualified trainers. The quality and volume of equipment is awesome too! On a nice day you can hop outside and work on anything you want! Starting here not only means supporting a local business, but also getting started on turning the key to levels of fitness that make you stand out from the norm.
When I initial when to this gym to check it out, I was told its $25 to start the membership and then $25/month. Which couldn't have been more of a lie because when I went to sign up it was $40. And as you flip to the back of the contract there's another $25 hidden annual fee that they don't tell you about until you're already signing up. Dispite the hidden fees I signed up. I explain to the person signing me up that I wanted to come in and pay my bill every month and he said that would be fine. I proceed and paid with my credit card, which they took upon themselves to enroll in automatic bill pay. Now that I'm looking at my bank statements I see that they have been billing me without my permission. Even billing me twice in some months. When I called in to speak to someone I was given a bunch of excuses and was told the issue was resolved, just to notice that they've billed my card again. This is just another shady gym with hidden fees and crooked shady practices. I wish I'd never signed up!
Love this gym! A great place to do serious working-out with people who are there to lift, not talk. However, some great camaraderie and coaching as well. Simple and to the point. Miss this place since I left Austin.
If you like savagery and pain this is the place. Perfect place to get shredded.
great gym be there for 2years and love it staff are realy friendly
the owner is a realy great guy
Got to spend some time in Texas while my wife did some training for the Army. We both compete in Strongman and was excited to do some shows in Texas while we were there. I signed up for the "Battle of the dragons" at Big Tex Gym. With almost 50 shows across 14 different states under my belt I know great shows when I see them. Big Tex gym put on a great show with great events. The turn out was fantastic and the atmosphere was awesome! They took care of the athletes and also had huge prizes for the event winners. If you in the Austin area I highly recommend checking out the gym even if you don't compete in a strength sport . You wont be disappointed!
Love this gym so much, it s so refreshing to go to a gym where everyone is there to put in work. The staff is helpful and friendly, this is what a gym should be no kids taking up equipment sitting playing games on their phone or taking selfies, just people who want to workout and get results.
I like this gym very much. Music a little loud at times but people are ok.
I really appreciate the friendly atmosphere in the gym. Even while people are training, they are always willing to take a minute to lend a hand or spot someone else. I've learned so much from other members and trainers, it's always a helpful and inspiring environment.
Awesome gym, tons of equipment I couldn't find at 24 hour fitness, and they not only allow chalk but also have chalk bowls. Water dispensers also have ice. Welcoming environment.
Great gym. Has everything you need. Great atmosphere along with the staff and gym owners.
Great old school gym. They have all the equipment you could need for powerlifting or body building. Day passes at a very reasonable price of only $5. Definitely will be back next time I m in town.
Big Tex is still my favorite place I've ever worked out. I got talked into switching to some of the chains like Gold's and 24 and they're convenient for travel, but I've always missed the equipment and the atmosphere at Big Tex.
bigtexgym.com
