The start of a new year brings the usual resolutions for healthier eating and taking trips to a gym as we try to make our way to a healthier self.

Spring Branch is home to your choice of workout options. The area has its fair share of national chain gyms such as  LA Fitness and Planet Fitness. They offer free weights and cardio equipment for individual use as well as group fitness classes and training.

But Spring Branch is also now home to new, individually owned gyms with more personalized options for your new workout routine.

Personal trainers, friends and now business partners, Oscar and Mauricio own one such business: Lifts Gym, 2305 Bingle Road, after years of training together and talking about opening their own gym.

The business is a family affair and provides that vibe to the customers.

“The area has a kind of small town feel within a large city which we love. It has such growth opportunity for business owners, which is great for area residents like us,” explains Michelle, Oscar’s wife, who assists with administrative items occasionally.

At Lifts you will find some of the same equipment that the large “box” gyms offer. Upon entering, you will immediately notice its relatively compact size — but the space is set up with everything you need for a complete full body strengthening and conditioning workout.

Lifts includes a turf area (for traction) and sled workout equipment. The sled is used by professional athletes and has in recent years become a popular mainstream option among beginners and pros to build muscle. A rear parking area serves as an outdoor workout space if you are looking to really work up a sweat by doing some tire flips.

Do not worry if you are not a master of these devices or their names sound foreign. Oscar or Mauricio are always on site to assist with showing the proper use of all of the equipment. They can greet each member by name. And they can converse in English and Spanish.

Each takes pride in understanding every member’s fitness goals. But that doesn’t mean they are in your face — they want every person to feel comfortable at their own pace.

The youngest member is 13 and some of the older members are in their 70’s. And budget-conscious membership options are as diverse as the community around it.

They offer discount memberships for students, including college students. A discounted hero membership is available for teachers, first responders and healthcare professionals. A family membership is available for up to five adults.

Meeting your fitness level needs is just part of the equation. The owners seek out opportunities to volunteer and serve the community.  At the entrance is a photo of the gym’s sponsored Spring Branch Little League team. Just beyond the front counter is a wall serving as a tribute to military and first responders. Along with American flags, the wall is a display of service patches from gym members.

After your workout you can grab a healthy meal or protein shake on the way out. Lifts recently partnered with a veteran-owned meal prep company, Flexed Foods, to have meals available for purchase.

Lifts is located in the shopping strip off Emnora and Bingle. Man’s Best Friend is located in the same shopping center with them. While they are working on getting better signage, the location is kind of hidden. But definitely worth the search.

Lifts Gym
2305 Bingle Road
Unit 2343
Houston 77055

Open Monday – Thursday 5 a.m. -10 p.m.
Fridays 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturdays 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sundays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

— By Jessika Leal