I love the idea of relaxing on the beach: stretching out on a lounge chair, book in hand, and a cold drink within reach. But the truth? I’m not great at actually being a beach person. As a type A, Enneagram 1, my vacations usually come with a fully booked itinerary and a non-negotiable morning workout to kick things off.
Sure, I could go for a run on said beach. But what I really enjoy is scoping out the best local gyms. I prefer spots that offer something totally different from my usual setup (which, right now, is a CrossFit box in a big industrial warehouse).
So when I booked a winter escape to West Palm Beach (hello, January sunshine), I made it my mission to find the gym. Something unique. A place that would feel like a treat but still let me stick to my routine.
Enter: Amped Fitness Signature. And let me tell you: This place gives off main-character energy from the moment you walk in.

First impressions: This is not your average gym
When I walked into the lobby, it felt like I had entered a boutique hotel. There’s a massive chandelier, a comfy leather couch that invites you to stay a while, and ornate cobalt-blue molding on the front desk and walls. It’s old-world Mediterranean elegance meets bold, modern flair. It’s the kind of style that you would expect if season four of “White Lotus” was set in Mykonos.
But if you are familiar with 1920s architecture, you might guess that the inspiration came from Addison Mizner. A leading architect in South Florida during that time, Mizner designed more than 50 premier destinations for the rich and famous.
And while I’m definitely neither rich nor famous, the staff greeted me like I was. That’s the point. The extravagant, intentional design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about making you feel like you’ve arrived. Think lush greenery, gorgeous lighting, massive mirrors, and luxe textures in every corner.

Fitness, but make it elevated
As you walk back toward the gym floor, you pass a cozy seating area with cobalt blue chairs, vibrant orange planters, and sculptural wall art. It’s giving boutique-meets-bold vibes.
By the time I made it to the equipment area, I felt like I had walked into an exclusive club: low lighting, oversized chandeliers, and rows of impeccably maintained machines. The gym floor was stacked with premium equipment — Technogym, Core Health & Fitness — the kind of gear you actually want to use. No wondering if the treadmill is out of order or if you’ll have to wait for a working machine.
There were plenty of fixed-weight machines, which gave me a welcome break from the barbell cycling I’m used to during my CrossFit workouts. There’s a full set of free weights, benches, and more than enough space to move around.
And because I think I spent just as much time exploring as I did working out, I eventually stumbled upon The Jungle Room. And yes, it’s exactly what you hope it would be. LED signs, a jungle scene mural, and tiger statues. One person on Instagram said it was “a little weird to be working out with tigers,” but followed it up with, “This is the best-equipped, cleanest, and friendliest gym I’ve belonged to in many decades. Can’t say enough about this place.”
And if tiger statues aren’t your vibe? There’s also a cycle studio, pickleball courts (yes, really), and a dedicated Aurora salt cave.

Recovery done right
I’m the kind of girl who books a spa appointment just as much for the treatment as I do for access to the locker room. Robes, steam room, chilled towels — I’m in.
So when I finally poked my head into the recovery space at Amped, I knew I had to text my trip mates and let them know I’d be at the gym a bit longer.
There was a wall of infrared loungers, a red light mask, compression boots, and a massage chair.
But what really caught my eye? The cold tubs.
These days, a sauna at a gym feels like more of a given. But a cold tub? Now we’re talking about real amenities. I felt like I’d been transported to a high-end resort in Cabo.
Amped Fitness didn’t cut corners, either. I instantly recognized the Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs. Sleek exterior, ultra-comfortable interior. Two tubs were set to cold for that classic, bracing plunge. The other two? Warm, hot tub temps, which are perfect for relaxing. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, going all-in on contrast therapy. Cold to hot. Hot to cold. Your call.

The extras? Next level.
My vacation fitness adventures have taken me to local YMCA branches, Orangetheory franchises, and trendy spin studios in the heart of the city. I’ve visited cozy boutique studios and old-school weightlifting spaces.
Most of the time, it’s a simple process: sign in, pay the drop-in fee, do the workout, and head out. I’m there for the sweat, not the scene.
But as gyms rebound post-pandemic, I’ve noticed that the spaces are not just about the workout anymore. Owners want to create a community and elevate the experience.
Just across from the recovery room, there’s an espresso bar and executive lounge — perfect for grabbing a pre-workout coffee, waiting on a friend to wrap up their session, or squeezing in a Zoom call between sets. (Not on vacation, obviously.)
Inside the locker room? Spa vibes, for sure. Dyson hair dryers, and full-size bottles of Moroccan Oil products. And yes, there’s towel service. Like the rest of the space, it’s anything but basic. The towels are infused with eucalyptus to make your post-workout feel a little bit like a spa day.
TL;DR: If you’re in West Palm Beach, go here.
Coming home from a trip, whether it’s for work or fun, my friends want the scoop. They want to know what I did, what I saw, where I ate. Most of the time, a workout doesn’t make it into the recap. It’s just something I do to stay grounded while I’m away.
But walking out of Amped and into the West Palm sunshine, I felt like I had already done something worth talking about. The space, the energy, and the details felt like part of the experience, not just a backdrop to the workout.
It’s not every day that a gym makes it into the highlight reel. This one did.

Your members want more than machines.
Want to bring that Amped Fitness vibe to your gym or wellness space? A cold zone with Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs or a recovery suite with Sweaty GOAT Saunas can turn a simple workout into a full-body experience. Explore our commercial options here.
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