DNA FIT

An absolute palace of a gym. It’s even got a bar. Because this is New Orleans.

Reviewed on Google Maps

This place is so cool.  I came here a few times when I was in town for the week.  It is a vestige of a bygone era with an authentic, old-world layout, decor and general sort-of-eerie-but-not-in-a-bad-way-because-it-is-New-Orleans vibe.  Full Olympic Pool, Steam/Sauna with Towel Service, Track, and every type of machine you can imagine.  I was super frustrated my first day because I couldn't find some stuff, but then I discovered an entire additional wing of the building that I had missed the first day.  If you need a specific machine, just ask the awesome front desk folks.Guest pass was $20 per day (as of late '18); you need to show your out-of-area ID and a hotel keycard. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

My wife and I recently had the privileged of working out at NOAC while on vacation.  The front desk receptionist was very outgoing and helpful.  I can't remember her name but we came in on Monday 10/29 in the morning.  The place is huge and had many options for workout equipment.  The $20 day pass was very reasonable.  I will visit again the next time we are in New Orleans. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Most special, spacious, relaxing, wide-ranging, and clean athletic club we ever joined. We used to live in NYC before and got to know a bunch of gyms / clubs. Alas, this is the best one of all.Four floors of everything anyone could ask, even an indoor running track, a marble pool, squash courts, boxing rink, and a ballroom. Five complete stars -- a real body & mind gem More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Been coming here since May and I love it so much! Lots of classes, equipment, pool, steam room and sauna in each locker room, day use and yearly lockers, towel service, free coffee. The friendly and knowlegable staff trainers,and instructors are always willing to assist with questions. Never a quite moment unless you want one, at the bar or lounge around by the pool , take a yoga class or drink in the breathe taking views of the french quarter on the rooftop! Well worth the investment ! Stop in and see Chelsea or George to take a tour and sign up, you will not regret it! See you on the Green! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Working out while on vacation is something I sometimes do. In a place like New Orleans, where the food is so good, it's sort of a thing I have to do in order to be able to fit in one seat on the flight back. While searching for gyms I came across the New Orleans Athletic Club. I emailed them about day passes and within 15 minutes I received an email back with the cost ($20 per day) and a form to fill out to save time. For a day pass, you must present a room key from a local hotel in order to become a guest. I got to the gym and was truly blown away immediately. This was unlike any gym or fitness facility I've been to prior or probably ever after. It's a class building that was erected in 1929. It's a two gym building which literally has everything you'd want. And with over 5000 sq ft of space, there is plenty, I mean, plenty of room.Just some of the things you'll find here:* Track* Swimming pool* A boxing ring* Tons of cardio equipment* A wide variety of weight machines* FENCING* Pilates* THEY HAVE A SALON* Group Classes* Yoga* Spin Class* And I'm sure a ton moreWhat I loved about the gym is that yes the building was old, but it was so well maintained. I felt like I was working out in the X-Mansion. The machines were all in amazing shape. People around me were taking care of the machines, wiping them off constantly. Even for an old building, they made it cool enough.It really didn't feel like a workout at all. It felt more like a huge playground. I could have stayed there for hours and really wish I would have. I will use this gym every time I'm in NOLA. It's clean. The selection of equipment will blow your home gym away. The staff is friendly. What more could you want? More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The people are great, especially the trainers. Add to that the beautiful historic architecture, and you have the perfect club. Feels like home

Reviewed on Google Maps

Wow, great gym in the heart of the French Quarter.  Lots of equipment, weights, and cardo machines as well as a great pool!  Staff was super friendly.  $20 cost for a day pass is in line with other gyms.  What a wonderful old building! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Established in 1872, the NOAC is one of the oldest athletic clubs in America. Originally exclusively for men. A bit pricey compared to other fitness clubs, but worth it.

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great gym in French quarter. The gym is huge with many different rooms. A day pass costs 20 bucks and you need a hotel room key to prove you are staying in a hotel. The machines can be a bit rusty. However they are fully functional. Because the club is huge, there's enough machines for everyone.I also tried the yoga class by Michael and it was really good. Definitely recommend More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I love this place. It is so much more than a gym. The staff is friendly and helpful, Jordan was great to work with when I signed up. The building is always clean. Anything that needs maintenance seems to be taken care of in a timely manner. The price is the only downfall. In my opinion after working out a few months there, it's worth it. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Coolest gym I've ever seen. The facility is old NOLA with tons of character & charm, it's like a functioning museum. All nice equipment, pool, and a BAR that rivals any in the French Quarter

Reviewed on Google Maps

I've been a member since 1995 ! I really enjoy the gym. Good equipment and excellent amenities. Some of the members have been there since I joined and I like the camaraderie. . live being able to stop in the bar and have a beer on my way out. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Wow.  What a facility.  This is one of the most comprehensive gyms I've ever seen.  It's very vertical so navigating the stairs is part of the bargain but that shouldn't bother anyone who goes to a gym to get exercise.  Highly recommended.

Reviewed on Yelp

Gorgeous building. Swanky locker rooms. Never too crowded. Friendly staff. Also, there's a pub...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Been a member here for a few years. They are updating the facilities and equipment which is great. Very easy and quiet. Everyone is there to work out, not to bother you while you try to work out. Its definitely more expensive than other gyms but generally feels worth it. The hours of the gym itself and the classes aren't totally friendly for my lifestyle which is why it only gets 4 stars from me. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

First class facility in a beautiful historic location. There is nothing else like it anywhere in the area. Good management and staff. Ronnie at the front desk always has a smile. Easily 5 stars. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I've been a member now for a couple months, and I really love it. There are tons of amenities, the facility is historic, and it's so gorgeous. The machines are all new and high-end, and the staff is super friendly. I do think there are a few minor improvements that could me made though: the women's steam room smells like mold, and you can see it in the light fixtures in the room. The showers have tons of mold on the ceiling above, and the plaster is chipping away. I went to swing my towel over top of the shower and it hit the ceiling, which caused bits of drywall to rain down on me... not ideal for the premium that members pay here. A small reno of the women's locker room (it has peach formica countertops and vanity lights, so 80's) would make a giant difference in member experience, in my opinion. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Awesome, beautiful, pleasant, historic space and no annoying music. The pool is gorgeous! Yoga in the ballroom makes you feel like a princess! Wish the women's locker room was as nice as the men's is reported to be but otherwise I wouldn't consider another club! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I visited for the first time today and didn't mind the $20 daily fee (visitors) as this was an incredible cultural experience with gym equipment)scattered around the seemingly endless small rooms in the labyrinthine 5000+ sq ft building. The bar is among the most historical and elegant in the area and the indoor swimming pool (1920's approx) is simply breathtaking. The basketball courts with 2 museum areas of almost medieval looking equipment were incredible. Highly recommended for those who appreciate the historical aspect of the club and the major literary and other city figures who hung out here. The gym equipment was definitely older but in good and fully functional condition. I lost track of how many small rooms over 4 floors or that had free weights or older style nautilus machines. The only potential disclaimer I can add is those who are in a rush and want the low price and selection of a LA Fitness etc it may not be the ideal day to day club. This clearly is about the full experience of a "health club" model which no longer exists for the most part. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Been a member here for a few years. They are updating the facilities and equipment which is great. Very easy and quiet. Everyone is there to work out, not to bother you while you try to work out. Its definitely more expensive than other gyms but generally feels width it. The hours of the gym itself and the classes aren't totally friendly for my lifestyle which is why it only gets 4 stars from me. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Just to preface, I've tried joining gyms before and it didn't work out. Months would go by, dollars upon dollars would fly out of my bank account 'til I finally would axe my membership. Then came the ring and the self-motivation aka #fiancediet. My man had already been a member and I was able to get in on a couples membership deal. Joining and membership is always the easiest part. They provided me with a delightful folder of coupons from spa discounts to complimentary trainer time as well as a drink ticket to the full-on bar they have in the gym, huzzah! I'm the master at excuses to not workout and fortunately NOAC has made it harder for me to make excuses. It only takes about ten minutes to get to the gym and there is free parking and never have I struggled to find a spot. The space does have an old school charm but most the equipment is pretty up to date and there is always staff tidying up the space. I enjoy the converted basketball court space 'cause there is a mini track above it and sometimes I prefer running that over a treadmill and I enjoy doing lunges on the green turf. They have free weights and squat racks in various rooms so if you're at all self conscious, you can probably find a quieter space to lift in. And then there is the pool. They had renovated it right before I joined and I love it. It's salt water and there is rarely anyone in it! I've taken up swimming a mile when I can make the time.Another barrier for me in the past has been time lost getting sweaty and having to go home to shower but I think the showers here are really clean and are stocked with soap, shampoo and conditioner. They even have blow dryers! I rent a towel for a dollar which is way more convenient than me touting around wet towels and having to do more laundry. I have yet to try all the facilities including classes, spa, or the bar but once I get around to it, I'll update my review but at this point I'm very pleased with my decision to join this gym! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

NOAC, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways:#1 - I love the receptionist, always cheerful and with a kind word.#2 - I love the cleanliness, with the cleaning team always courteous and smiling. #3 - I love the insane number of machines/weights, nobody has to wait around.#4 - I love the other patrons, not intrusive but friendly.#5 - I love the parking.#6 - I love the pool.#7 - I love the steam room, is that a faint aroma of eucalyptus?#8 - I love the spray bottles and paper towels in wicker baskets all over the gym, no worries about MRSA with cleaning supplies readily available.#9 - I love the library.#10 - why NOT have a bar at the gym?  Makes perfect sense to me.#11 - I love personal trainers, they're wicked smart.#12 - I love a good manicure from a nice salon.I do not love the coffee.  To my palate, it is as weak as a newborn kitten.  *Disclaimer - I prefer coffee that can double as roofing tar if needed. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

LOVE this place.  Staff is efficient and courteous.  Lots of machines, so no waiting.  The atmosphere is great and everyone is friendly.  Lots of different ages working out, so I feel completely comfortable.  The gym I was using before had time limits on the treadmill and more members than equipment, so there was always a period of standing around waiting.  Also, the parking is so convenient.  This is great.  Can't believe I took so long to join. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I love this gym! It has everything and more. I love the dailyNew York Times in the library. The weights are always new. The treadmills and elliptical are the best out there. No expense was spared. The pool is bananas as well. Great health club. I love the free coffee as well! The membership dues are high, but the experience is well worth it. Thanks Chelsey Bussey for the great customer service! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

They just got a ton of new equipment in.  I like how you can charge your phone with the USB ports.  I tried using the Spartan Step mill yesterday.  Very cool.  Also, the pool looks incredible with waterfalls, shooting water, and colored lights. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

So glad I joined this gym.  I had contemplated for a long time and after being a member for 4 weeks, I can confirm that it was the best decision for me.  I can not get enough of the Octane Lateral Elliptical machine!!!! It's a great machine for working the entire body and I love that they have a "woman's only" weight area.  Also, they just got a bunch of new equipment last week and they are just about finished renovating the pool.  I love the New Orleans charm of this gym!  The staff has been very helpful and kudos to Chelsea for answering a million of my questions. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Great gym for classes.  On Monday step classes with Toni are great, I also take boxing on Mondays and Thursdays, had no experience with boxing, and the coaches Robert and Jose, who are very knowledgeable in boxing, liked that, saying I don't have any bad habits to start off with. Zumba with Claudia on Thursdays is another great class.  Staff at the gym are fantastic always greating you when you walk in. At the end of a workout, you can go to the bar and just relax. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Omg. This is more than a gym. It's a club. An athletic club. There is a difference. The personal trainers like Joe, Danny and, especially, Jessica, help me out in more ways than one. The manager, Mike, is a great help and always tries to accommodate everyone. Last but not least, chelsea, is one of the most informative and cheerful people I see every time I go in. Superb. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Visited recently.  What an incredible place!  Only athletic club I know with a ballroom with floor to ceiling mirrors and a gorgeous chandelier.  You really feel the outstanding history of the place.  The pool, the boxing ring, the wall to wall and floor to ceiling marble of the dresding rooms.  i felt like royalty working out there. i bought a t-shirt, but my only request would be to please digitalize the art that reflects the history of that incredible place.  I would buy vintage photos and illustrations reflecting the history of NOAC. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I've been going a few months now and I love it! I actually look forward to going! They are finishing a huge renovation of the pool and just put in new carpet and new treadmills and elliptical machines. It's great, see ya there!

Reviewed on Yelp

I absolutely love this place. I was an Elmwood member for years, but their quality began to decline rapidly, so I had to switch. I've been at NOAC for a year and a half, and I have no complaints. It is beautiful  and perfectly historically preserved. There is a bar that has a very 'mad men' feel to it, with wood paneling with important looking, well dressed people; wearing suits and drinking bourbon, and a wood paneled library with leather chairs and all the newspapers to read. Free coffee and filtered hot and cold water. The water pressure in the shower is mind-blowing, the pool is saltwater and absolutely gorgeous, they have a boxing ring and all kinds of specialty equipment. They basically have everything you need to get fit. I just visited the other day, and they added a whole bunch of brand new equipment, and a trx station upstairs. Their gorgeous pool got a makeover and has fountains now! Yoga classes are in the ballroom, which is an amazing space for classes. The only gym in New Orleans worth belonging to. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Best place and only place in the city to have some coffee, read the paper, do work in the library, workout, steam, swim and then have a cocktail.

Reviewed on Yelp

I love it. Unique, historical atmosphere.  It's like working out in a museum.

Reviewed on Yelp

A beautiful contrast to the typical sterile, modern fitness club. The character of the rooms, the authentic and historic building, room after room of equipment ranging from old-school to modern functional fitness, plenty of space, and a nice, friendly staff. There's an element of Chariots of Fire to this club that makes it a special place to work out, and a place you want to experience. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Club is nice, full service so far I have been to water aerobics, good class well taught. Just walked out of the Zumba class. Never been to one where the instructor is mute, no instructions at all and its not like the moves are easy to follow and repetitive, no, they are pretty complex if you've never done the class. I got frustrated and if I'm not having fun working out, I'm gone. Skip this class on Sunday. Don't know if it's just this instructor or a general thing with group exercise here. Will continue to add to this report. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I am a member of NOAC and because I have been to all the other gyms in town, I can say that I truly believe this gym is the best the city has to offer.  I have been a member of Equinox, old SportsClub LA, and David Barton in Miami and NYC and I would say this gym has a lot of things (even more in some cases) than these top national gyms.Uniqueness/ Pros:Free Parking in French Quarter with membership, Bar/restaurant & Spa, rooftop trainings space, really great crossfit room with TRX, Museum within the gym (2nd oldest health club in the country), lots of unique architecture and old world charm throughout, AND (my favorite part) it basically has a boxing gym within it!  The room above the pool has no AC, a boxing ring, a heavy bag, a half heavy bag, 2 speed bags and 2 double-ended bags.  The boxing trainers and boxing regulars here are great.Areas for improvement:I love the fact that they maintain the old world charm and architecture but some areas just so drab.  Probably some light colored paint, more mirrors, and better lighting would really improve this.  I do think the women's locker room needs a facelift.  There is nothing currently in the locker room and bathroom that is crucial to this architectural, historical charm.  I saw some comments regarding updating the equipment and this gym has updated their equipment.  Once piece of equipment that I would love to see at the NOAC is a power plate (google it). More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Full range of weight-lifting equipment, from precision physical therapy to total muscle head.  Knowledgable trainers with different focus, and experience.  The newest trainers can be hustlers, but not in an aggressive way.  Full-service bar in the ground floor demonstrates you are in New Orleans.  The most beautiful and spectacular pool I Have  seen anywhere, three floors of Greek columns and glass, around a saltwater pool that makes your skin say Aaaaah!  Club is busy from early morning into late evening.  Interesting dedicated "functional" weight room, yoga, Pilates, everything.  Beautiful ballroom,  see how King Louis VI would experience aerobics, glass walls, crystal chandeliers.  No liveried servants serving champagne though.  No cake either, though I'm sure someone out there eats it. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Amazing.  Seriously amazing.   Great equipment, beautiful building, friendly staff.   Bar opens at noon.  Yoga's in the ballroom.

Reviewed on Yelp

Is your workout boxed in by your minuscule hotel gym on a NOLA holiday? Show a hotel key card and use this expansive stately old world gym for $20 on the outskirts of the French Quarter. Tons of equipment and cardio machines are spread across numerous almost maze like floors. Then there's the huge marble baths and European style pool. There's even a full track, boxing ring, library and bar. But the the real jewel is the state of the art third floor cross fit area (a former sports court).  The equipment and space beat anything I've used living in London, NYC or SF.  Better than Equinox. Also it's so big there's rarely a line for any equipment. If I lived there I'd join. If your visiting consider it a worthwhile site to see while you detox from those hurricanes you consumed three blocks away on Bourbon Street. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

My husband and I were members of NOAC for several years before we moved to Baton Rouge this summer so I could attend law school.  We decided to have a staycation in New Orleans before school began. Wanting the use of a pool, state of the art equipment, a spin class and a steam room, we called the NOAC to find out what the charge was for a day use as a hotel guest.  When we mentioned we were former members, they checked our old account and said there would be no charge.  This kind of customer service is hard to find, and the fact that we got use of the gym for one day for free was worth the monthly fees we paid as members. When we move back to New Orleans, my husband and I will definitely rejoin the NOAC. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I am a gym quitter.  That is to say, I join and pay but don't go.  It's a chronic illness, I suppose, that I contracted in my early 20s (last week) (that's a lie).  Because even at NOAC I have this same problem, sometimes.  The remarkable thing is how short a period those few 'sometimes' have spanned.  NOAC is pretty easy to want to go to, even for someone who might dread exercise.  Why?  It's beautiful, for one.  Stunning, actually.  And a slice of NO history, for two.  It really is something to see.  Sometimes I feel like Eddie Murphy's character from Trading Places when I walk into the bar or library or ball room.  Yeah.  They have those things.If you have slid down the slippery slope of eating and partying and aging and "Holy ***, how did my butt/gut get so big," this gym is for you.  If you wear makeup before you'll leave your house to go to Rite Aid and your unstained clothes always match, this gym is for you.  If your hair is turquoise and your tattoos cover more of you than your blank spots and your grommets hang low, this gym is for you.  If you are a dedicated weight-lifter with bulging veins and loud grunts and a serious expression, this gym is for you.  If you are a hot-shot lawyer with a fine set of wheels and a network of similar cronies, this gym is for you.  And what I mean by "for you" is that you won't stick out or feel like you don't belong here.  And that, I think, has really made a difference in my willingness to show up.  Which really is WAY more than half the battle.  The diversity of people at NOAC is, IMO, all the more remarkable because this club used to be for men only, and from what the old pictures on the walls say, white men only.  No more!  New members automatically get a session with a trainer, so if you're completely new to working out or to a type of exercise, you'll have guidance to get you started.  Further, the trainers are always on the floor, so you can usualy ask them a quick question if they're not with a client at the moment.  And you can buy more sessions with them as needed.  NOAC has all the exercise machines and free weights one would expect, a raquetball court, a basketball court, a pilates studio, a spinning studio, a beautiful pool, steam rooms, saunas, parking lots attached and across the street, and classes for all types of exercises.  The ladies' locker room has marble shower stalls with curtains (which I hear the men's room lacks but compensates for with sky lighting) and soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryers provided.  There is a coffee station, a barber shop, a beauty salon, a "library" (translate, siting room with current newspapers and other books), a card room, and a neat old a bar with limited food options.  So why only four stars?  It is expensive.  Almost too expensive.  But not quite.  And so, with NOAC's help, I strive to overcome the chronic gym quittery of my (lost) youth. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have been visiting the NOAC for many years off and on and finally decided to get my own membership. This is not just a gym. It feels like a community and is definitely the premiere gym in New Orleans. They have three different levels of top end equipment and several aerobics classes that come with the membership. There is also a bar that serves drinks and simple snacks. There is a full SPA as well. I look forward to going to this gym daily and can easily say is the best gym I have ever joined. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

During a five-day vacation to NOLA I managed to pay the $20 guest fee to swim here four times. It was worth every penny. I regularly swim about five days a week, a mile at a time. The pool is a good temperature, but could be colder. The absence of lane ropes gave me a good, but not brutal, open-water type workout. (If you are very sensitive to waves be forewarned.) Since it's a 20-yard pool it's 88 laps to the mile. So having a lap counter is advised. As for the rest of the establishment, it's basically like a working / living museum. They've done an adequate job of preserving its history and architectural elements while also trying to cater to an obviously discerning clientele. In terms of cleanliness and fru-fruness it's probably a half- to a whole step above a YMCA. The mens' locker room was very clean and very interesting architecturally. Good showers. To be brutally frank, I did not get much of the uneasy vibes that one of the hetro persuasion sometimes gets in a semi-public locker room. (I am not a `phobe. I just don't like getting stared at in "that" way. And I get that at the Y.) Overall not too crowded the times I went (early to mid morning). I definitely look forward to visiting NOAC my next trip. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I don't like bright, shiny, new things. I feel most comfortable in cemeteries, dive bars, and NOLA. I needed a gym that had a pool to swim laps. I had heard that NOAC was expensive, so I joined another establishment in town. After hearing comments from other members about NOAC, I decided to take a tour. Love. I fell in some deep love with a gym (which doesn't happen). I can use an elipitical in a ballroom, read or write in the library, have a drink in the gorgeous, dim-lit bar, and swim laps year-round in a heated pool. Yes, sign me the freak up. I love the old pictures that surround you as you work out, the sauna and steam room, the classes offered, the way that the equipment is spread out through four floors. I really just think the charm that this place exudes makes up for it being 'old' and the weird ass rules for quitting. Whatever, that's how I view shit. Deep love and only four stars? Put some dang old lane lines in that mug. I'm getting a hell of a workout trying to combat the waves of other patrons though. More...

Reviewed on Yelp