5 /5 Zack Schneider: Buffalo MultiFit in Athol Springs is one of those “if you know, you know” places that you honestly might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside. From the road, it looks like a straightforward open gym. But if you’re even remotely curious, do yourself a favor: pull in, open the door, and actually step inside.
I’m glad I did.
All three of my boys are now training there with the new strength coach at St. Francis, Seth Wiedl, and that alone is a game-changer. Seth isn’t just another “trainer with a whistle” – his entire life has been dedicated to building strength, mobility, and true athleticism. He’s spent years coaching everyone from serious athletes to people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who just want to move better, feel younger, and extend the quality of their lives, not just the length of them.
You can feel that experience and intentionality the second you watch him work. He doesn’t run cookie-cutter workouts. He reads the room, understands each athlete’s or client’s body, and builds from there – strength, agility, mobility, injury prevention, all of it. The fact that he’s back in WNY to help care for his aging parents is a win for his family, but the benefit to this community is massive. It’s rare to find someone who can train high school athletes to peak performance and also design smart, sustainable programs for adults who just want to feel ten years younger and move without pain.
As for the facility itself – Buffalo MultiFit is spotless. The space is super clean, well laid out, and the equipment is either brand new or very close to it. It’s set up in a way that works for:
• Small groups and team training
• Individual workouts
• One-on-one personal training sessions
There’s room to move, breathe, and actually train without feeling like you’re on top of people. And as someone who’s been around a lot of gyms, I’ll say this: the “best” gym is always the one you feel comfortable walking into consistently. MultiFit nails that. It’s welcoming, not intimidating. Serious enough for real training, but not so hardcore that a beginner 40+ client would feel out of place.
Then there’s the part I absolutely did not expect.
As I wandered toward the back, I opened a door and suddenly felt like I’d stepped into a completely different venue: a brand new bar and golf simulator lounge. This is not some DIY mat-and-a-net situation in a garage. This is a legit, purpose-built, high-end simulator setup with two full golfing bays that you can easily build an afternoon, evening, or even a league around.
The design, finishes, and overall feel are top notch. It’s the kind of space where you can:
• Bring a foursome and play a full “round” together
• Set up a regular weekly league with friends
• Host a small event, outing, or team night
• Escape the winter without getting on a plane
And the pricing is surprisingly accessible. When you break it down, for a foursome it works out to about $15 an hour per person – which, for the quality of the experience and the environment, is an absolute steal.
The bar staff and the people already using the space were incredibly welcoming. They immediately made me feel like I belonged there, even as a first-timer poking my head in to see what was going on. The conversation flowed easily, the vibe was relaxed and friendly, and you get that sense that this is going to become a regular hangout spot for a lot of locals once word gets out.
If you live in the Southtowns, love golf, and are sick of being frozen out half the year, this place might genuinely be your saving grace. You can get your swings in, stay sharp, socialize, and scratch that golf itch all year long without having to chase warm weather or book a flight.
Buffalo MultiFit in Athol Springs is absolutely worth the stop. Don’t just drive by and wonder what’s inside – pull in and walk through the door. You’ll be glad you did.
