I’ll start off by saying that this gym is dirty and gritty and not for the faint of heart. Yes, you, at any level, will be welcomed here. Come as you are, but be prepared to get uncomfortable, too. And if you’re not ready for that, well, come anyway, because good begets better, and better begets great. You’ll find yourself leveling up just by walking through the door. My background: I left my beloved gym of nearly four years and 430 classes (yes, I keep track; we all keep track), where my wife was a founding member (she may or may not have some feelings about me leaving), to come here for hands-on experience with Hyrox equipment and training, and the opportunity to lift heavier weights than I had at my disposal at my previous gym. From my very first class, it was immediately apparent that everyone here was stronger than me, faster than me, more focused than me, and way, way, way better looking than me. I obviously think pretty highly of myself, yet somehow, I still find myself thinking about this at the end of every class. I mean, how can a whole room of people all look better than me? Anyway, moving on. I think there's something special about starting over, walking into a room where you're not the strongest or the fastest, and putting in the work alongside people you respect. You show up, push yourself, and gradually earn your place among them. For me, that's what this gym is about, who it's for, and the opportunity it presents. It's about the arena (stolen metaphor alert; thanks, Brené). It's for those willing to step into it, stand shoulder to shoulder with those already there, and get dirty in the dust and sweat of the effort together (I shower regularly, just FYI).
Empire Training Academy
Empire Training Academy at a glance
Google reviewers rate Empire Training Academy five stars based on eighty-five reviews. Customers describe the facility as welcoming to all fitness levels, highlighting structured programming that balances strength and cardio training with individual coaching support. Recurring themes include a strong sense of community, energetic group classes, and attentive staff who correct form to prevent injury. No common criticisms appear in the provided excerpts, which consistently praise the gym's supportive environment and effective workout design.
- Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 85 reviews (100% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 85 Google reviews (72 with written comments, 6 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 32% of reviews.
- Most recent review: October 21, 2026.
- Service: Gym serving Raleigh, North Carolina.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
What customers talk about
We read 72 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I would highly recommend Empire to anyone wanting to push their fitness and to be surrounded by inspiring people!”
“If you're looking for a gym with great coaching, an amazing atmosphere, and real results, I can't recommend Empire Training Academy enough.”
“The attention to detail and overall desire for the gym and its members to be successful is unmatched.”
“It’s the kind of environment that inspires you to give your all and continually strive to be your best.”
“Everyone is welcoming, encouraging, and genuinely wants to see each other succeed.”
“From my very first class, it was immediately apparent that everyone here was stronger than me, faster than me, more focused than me, and way, way, way…”
People customers mention
- Sammy 17 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
I’ve been a member since the beginning. Being a part of this gym has completely changed my perspective on fitness. I went from being obsessed with cardio, to understanding the importance of strength training. Fun fact: you can focus on building muscle and still get lean, friends! Also, the team is amazing! Being in a group environment helps me show up on the days I don’t want to; you can’t always do it alone. Whether you’re experienced with strength training or just starting out, the coaches will meet you where you are. The environment is extremely welcoming to everyone, no matter their fitness level. I highly recommend trying it out and joining!
I started at Empire about 2 months ago to train for a HYROX race and have absolutely loved it! The energy and music in the classes are awesome and programming is challenging and fun! I’ve worked mostly with Austin as a coach and appreciate his style and how he motivates. I’ve also seen a lot of improvement and can’t wait to keep building. I would highly recommend Empire to anyone wanting to push their fitness and to be surrounded by inspiring people!
Passionate leaders and trainers who build a thoughtful plan that keeps you engaged, motivated and results will come. The attention to detail and overall desire for the gym and its members to be successful is unmatched.
I've been training at Empire since April 2026, and it's been one of the best decisions I've made for my health and fitness. I'm the strongest I've ever been, I have done two HYROX competitions, and that's a direct result of the programming, coaching, and consistency this gym inspires. What really sets Empire apart is the community. Everyone is welcoming, encouraging, and genuinely wants to see each other succeed. It makes showing up every day something I actually look forward to. Sammy and Erin have built something special. They're incredible owners who truly care about their members and are invested in helping everyone become the best version of themselves. If you're looking for a gym with great coaching, an amazing atmosphere, and real results, I can't recommend Empire Training Academy enough.
Empire has been such a positive place for me this past year! I have gotten so much stronger, have so much more endurance and am overall in such better shape. The trainers are all top notch! They are encouraging and supportive, consistently correcting form during every workout. The workouts provide progressive load over a series of weeks to slowly work on strengthening the body. The community is also amazing! Tons of encouragement and support from other members during class.
Best group training environment you'll ever go to
Empire Training Academy gave me the workouts I had been craving but struggled to find in a gym. Every workout is different, challenging me both physically and mentally to push beyond what I thought I was capable of. That experience is made possible by the incredible coaches, supportive members, and the unmatched energy that fills the gym. What truly sets ETA apart is how much the staff genuinely cares. They prioritize proper form and technique, ensuring that every movement is performed safely and effectively. It’s the kind of environment that inspires you to give your all and continually strive to be your best. My husband and I are incredibly grateful to have found this community, the owners, and each coach. If you’re looking for a gym that will challenge, support, and motivate you, I can’t recommend Empire Training Academy enough.
If you're looking for a gym that will challenge you, support you, and keep you coming back, Empire Training Academy (ETA) is the place to be! What sets ETA apart is the incredible coaching staff. Every coach brings a different style and personality, but they all share the same commitment to helping members improve. They are supportive, encouraging, and always willing to correct form and provide guidance so you can train safely and continue progressing. One of my favorite things about ETA is the variety of classes. Between the HYROX classes, heavy lifting classes, and hybrid conditioning workouts, there is always something different to challenge you. No workout is ever the same, which keeps things fun and prevents training from becoming repetitive. The programming consistently pushes me outside my comfort zone, and I've seen real results since joining. I've gained muscle, become stronger, and significantly improved my running speed on the treadmill. Beyond the workouts, the community is second to none. The atmosphere is motivating, the music is great, and everyone is incredibly welcoming. ETA also does a fantastic job creating opportunities for members to connect through socials and special events like Field Day and lifting competitions, making it feel like much more than just a gym. Whether your goal is to get stronger, improve your conditioning, train for HYROX, or simply become the fittest version of yourself, ETA provides the coaching, programming, and community to help you get there. I can't recommend it highly enough! 💪🔥
I’ve really enjoyed working out at Empire. Classes are challenging and fun. Coaches are professional, friendly, and willing to help. The facilities are always clean and equipment is well kept.
Business details
- Address: 5003 Falls of Neuse Rd # B, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Phone: (919) 322-1646
- Website: etaraleigh.com
- Service area: Raleigh, NC