First In Fitness Introduce
Hello, fellow Vermonters! If you're on the lookout for a gym in the Central Vermont area that offers a little bit of everything, you've likely heard of First In Fitness. Located in Barre, this gym is a well-known local institution that has served the community for years, attracting a diverse mix of people—from serious lifters and racquet sports enthusiasts to seniors enjoying aquaerobics. It’s a place that, despite its quirks, is a true community hub where people can find the equipment and classes they need to meet their fitness goals. It's not just a place for a quick workout; it's a place where you can find your niche and feel like a part of a larger, supportive group.
First In Fitness has a reputation for being a friendly and welcoming place. The gym has a "friendly vibe" and seems to have a fairly equal mix of men and women of different ages, creating a balanced and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone just beginning to incorporate physical activity into your routine, you'll find people like you here. A unique aspect is the range of activities that go beyond traditional gym workouts. You'll find members who are there to play tennis or racquetball, and others who come specifically for the popular aquaerobics classes, including a user's 60-year-old mom and aunt. This diversity of members and interests contributes to the unique character of the gym.
The gym has also recently undergone some significant changes that have improved the member experience. The owner consolidated two locations into a single, comprehensive facility in Barre, leading to recent upgrades in the weight room and cardio areas. This consolidation has created a single, larger gym with a lot to offer. For those who enjoy lifting, the weight room is often cited as the best in the area, a testament to the quality and selection of the equipment available. The staff, including the head trainer Chris Pickel, are described by members as knowledgeable and friendly. While some members have noted issues with cleanliness, they also praise the fantastic community of fellow lifters, which often makes a huge difference in the overall experience and motivation.
First In Fitness is located at 652 Granger Rd in Barre, VT. This location makes it easily accessible for residents of Barre and surrounding communities in Central Vermont. The gym provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, ensuring that the facility is accessible to a wide range of people with differing mobility needs. The convenience of its location, combined with ample parking, makes it a practical choice for a regular fitness routine. It is situated in a central area that is easy to get to, which removes one of the major barriers to consistent exercise for many people—a difficult commute. For members who prefer not to drive, the gym's location is also manageable to reach.
The gym's offerings are extensive, catering to a wide variety of fitness interests and goals. From individual training to group activities, there is something for everyone. This variety helps members find the activities they enjoy most, which is crucial for long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Weight Room: Known for having the "best weight room in the area," First In Fitness offers a full selection of free weights and equipment, making it a favorite among serious lifters. The recent upgrades have further improved this area.
Cardio Areas: The gym has a dedicated cardio area with new and upgraded equipment, providing members with a modern and effective space for cardiovascular workouts.
Swimming Pool: A significant highlight and a key differentiator for the gym is its swimming pool. It offers a six-lane lap swimming pool, perfect for lap swimmers, and also hosts popular aqua aerobics classes, which are particularly well-loved by older members.
Racquetball and Tennis: For those who enjoy sports, the gym offers facilities for racquetball and tennis. This is a big plus for members who prefer competitive games to traditional gym routines.
Group Fitness Classes: The gym has a variety of group fitness classes to cater to different fitness levels and interests.
First In Fitness also provides several amenities and features that enhance the member experience. These highlights are what make it a complete fitness solution for the community.
Swimming Pool: The on-site swimming pool is a major feature, offering an excellent low-impact workout option and a fun way to exercise.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The gym is committed to accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi, which is a convenient feature for members who want to stream music or stay in touch while at the gym.
Restroom: Clean restrooms are available for all members.
Community of Lifters: The strong, supportive community of lifters is a huge highlight for those who frequent the weight room, making workouts more motivating and enjoyable.
Flexible Payments: The gym accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making it easy for members to manage their payments.
For those ready to join the First In Fitness community, here is the essential contact information:
Address: 652 Granger Rd, Barre, VT 05641, USA
Phone: (802) 223-6161
So, what makes First In Fitness worth choosing? While some member reviews mention issues with cleanliness, the gym's strengths lie in its comprehensive offerings and its strong community. It's a place that provides the essentials for a great workout—a fantastic weight room and upgraded cardio equipment—while also offering unique amenities like a full-size swimming pool and racquet sports facilities. The friendly atmosphere and diverse mix of members make it a welcoming space for people of all ages and fitness levels. The consolidation of locations has created a single, more robust facility with a lot to offer under one roof. For anyone in the Barre area looking for a gym with a serious weight room, a pool, and a friendly, unpretentious vibe, First In Fitness is a solid choice. It may not be the newest or most pristine facility, but it's a place where you can find the equipment you need and the community support to keep you coming back.
First In Fitness Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Restroom
- Swimming pool
- Wi-Fi
Planning
- Membership required
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
First In Fitness Photos


First In Fitness Location
First In Fitness Reviews
Been a member two years. It's a filthy dump but it's still got the best weight room in the area. The other lifters are awesome as is Chris Pickel the head trainer. Staff seems nice if a bit lazy and clueless. Cleanliness is abysmal and some members have trouble getting their #2 on target. The Montpellier clubs is nicer but the weight room is cramped. Also no pool or daycare.
May 10 · Jeff LaughlinIve been going to First in Fitness - off and on - for years.The place has a friendly vibe. There seems to be a fairly equal mix of both men and women of differing ages. My 60 year old mom and Aunt go there for aquaerobics twice a week. A lot of other folks are there to play tennis or raquetball. I like to use their weight room.The weight room and cardio areas got upgraded recently when the owner consolidated the two locations into one Berlin location. Overall... it has a lot to offer.
December 11 · Hjonis HansonThere is absolutely no room to workout. It's crawling with incompetence and the machines are incredibly out of date ( half of them are out of order). It's freezing cold and smells like cookies. . . Which would be a good thing in just about any place EXCEPT a gym. I wish I could get out of my contract, but there aren't even any other real options in the area. My one star goes to the fact that they have a sauna.
March 01 · Kathleen McVeighSome places need to go out of business. This is one of them.The worst. It was bad enough the first time. Then I got a call from one of their people after I cancelled my membership offering me a free guess pass the next time I was in town as a thank you for my feedback. I showed up to redeem the guest pass and was greeted by "Jim" their "customer service manager", who practically accused me of lying, saying he would have known about it (did I mention I was wearing my Life Member VFW hat). I then told Jim that he "ought to be in the loop if (he's) the customer service manager", and "I don't have time for this". I put a $10 bill on the counter to buy a guess pass. Jim then tells me "doesn't like my attitude". I tell Jim I don't appreciate being told I have an "attitude". To which his girlfriend sitting behind the counter on the couches says something rude/inaudible to me, to which Jim turns and says "Thank you" to her.This gym is the most pathetic cesspool I've ever experienced, simply because of certain staff and their management culture. I'm guessing Jim is somebody's cousin.This gym can go to hell. Hopefully this review expedited that process.
January 24 · eleonai israelThe staff is so helpful, great place for a swim!
July 24 · Kimberlie Koalenz-Rosa
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