My recommendation comes in the form of a Facebook post the morning of the last day of my…read moreparticipation in the 6-week fitness challenge. I checked in to the gym and shared some photos of the previous day. (Photos are of my day not the gym, by the way). "There in spirit. Because my "travel workout" consisted of squatting and pressing this solid piece 10 different times (along with picking up and putting down many other heavy things) over the course of 8 hours yesterday. Every workout I missed this week, made up for and more. Grateful for the proper form learned in class over the last 6 weeks...not to mention the strength gained...that allowed me to be the impromptu 3rd hand to the moving crew I hired. We defied the laws of physics (and Tetris) at least twice. This, after waking at 5:30 to go move, stack, palletize, and wrap 1,900 bricks before the lift driver arrived at 8:00. Got in bed around 4:00 am. Just ask Eric when I emailed him *thinking* I might join the 7:30 PUSH class. Nope. Seems fitting that I would be sore in EVERY place going into my last day. Maybe I'll get some cardio at lunch... #6weeksITF PS - I couldn't photograph myself the times we weren't able to use a dolly so just for context I included two with the helpers to show the activities. Squats, presses, I think there was a farmers carry or three, we definitely did some Russian twists with this, the equivalent to a row, and probably some other movements I haven't learned the names of. (Also, this is a good approximation of how buff I am [feel] since ITF, since I had to duplicate the fellow pictured for the non-dolly lifts. )" I do have this to add: Even though this point I don't know whether I've met my goal or not, I'm giving 5 stars based on the way I feel finishing out. There are pros and cons to every gym. And each has a personality. This one suits mine better than any I've found so far. Best and most knowledgeable coaches (perhaps even within ITF, but I'm biased after spending time with these guys), and a convenient location. Everyone here is very entrepreneurial and each of the coaches is responsible for actually running the gym, which may be an added reason why there seems to be a shared sense of responsibility here. Looking back, I might choose to sign up normally rather than through a 6-week challenge, since I wanted to get fit and health anyway. But at the same time, the regimen and camaraderie of a group probably helped keep me on point, especially with everything that life threw at me during the course: back trouble, loss of a client, gain of two new clients, startup of a side business, and relocation...just to name a few. If you're on the fence about whether this is for you, the 6-week challenge may be for you. If you know what you want and can commit, though, I have no reservations about suggesting you just go ahead and grab a membership now.

I dropped in while I was visiting town for work and the community and programming here was 5 star…read more Coach Eric motivated me through the workout and was overall a great coach. I also loved that the programming was challenging and it definitely made use of the hour class.

I visited MPOWER when I was in Birmingham for a wedding. I take megareformer classes on the reg in…read moreAtlanta, so I was excited to continue my journey with pilates while out of town. The studio I visited is conveniently located in Mountain Brook and there is ample parking on the street in front of the studio. There is some cute retail clothing located at the front of the studio, and it was very clean and maintained. The front desk was so incredibly friendly when I arrived at MPOWER, and the instructor I took, ET was so nice and helpful. This is your standard, full-body 50-minute megareformer class, but ET offered modifications throughout the class for those who needed them. You get a great workout, burn a ton of calories, and you'll be sore the next day! Best of all, your first class is free! Highly recommend this place for anyone in the Birmingham area.

Love MPOWER! The instructors are energetic and passionate. Lots of classes everyday and also you…read morecan take private classes. The place is clean too. I love Emma, she is amazing!!!

Best workout! Instructors are wonderful and always make you feel comfortable. The mix of strength…read moreand kickboxing keeps you engaged and no two workouts are exactly the same!

Gauntlet Fitness has been such a game changer for me! Every class is fun, different, and keeps me…read morefeeling strong, proud, and confident!

If you're looking for a place to learn boxing and to get into shape this is a great place to go…read more They accept walk-ins and have monthly membership as well. I really enjoyed this place because of the one on one teaching. Definitely check it out if you're in the area !

Champions boxing is a great place to get a workout out at. Champions boxing is a great atmosphere…read moreand friendly environment.

Excellent hands off staff, get hooked up with a fab and off to get pumped. Fantastic facility for…read morethe Birmingham area.

Armor is more than a gym- It's a powerhouse of motivation! The energy here is unmatched!read more

I just hit this club earlier today and it was great. Just a nitty gritty powerlifting gym. Nice…read morebenches, a monolift, platforms, and everything else you need to train. The owner, Chris, messaged me the code so that I could get in when I want and I was able to pay the $5 fee at the door with Venmo. Just an awesome place for a workout.

If you are looking for a true powerlifting gym, look no further! Iron Empire welcomes people of all…read morebackgrounds and experience levels - from world champs to complete beginners. The people here know how to work hard and play hard! Affordable rates and 24/7 access to all of the solid equipment and great experience found here.

Three15!!! Idk where to even start?!? This place was hands down gave me the best workout for my…read moremind body and soul! They energy that was great created was bomb! I found myself smiling through the hardest parts! I would recommend this place to anyone! And the icing on the cake is the also have some a awesome active wear.. I wanted every sports bra they had! I can't express how great the experience was at Three15 you have to try it for yourself!!

So I've taken probably three or four classes at the downtown location since attending a Yelp event…read morehere and let me just say...These workouts are not for the weak! I've done the 45 minute ride class and the Three15 classes They both kick my butt every time, but i think i like the Three15 more because it gives you more of a work out than just an intense 45 minute ride. The great thing about the workout though, is that the instructors do a great job of keeping you energized, pumped up and motivated! I've had different instructors every time and I have enjoyed them all! If you're new, you'll want to ask someone about the hand positions you'll need to know, because the instructors do tend to jump right in as if you're supposed to know what's next! Also, you'll want to arrive and book early because bikes and classes fill up super fast!

I've been going to Grand Jete for several years now and I just LOVE it!! I love how they…read moreincorporate classical ballet techniques and exercises in every routine. The owners and instructors are wonderful people and they always greet you by name. They also have a variety of classes including Barre Fusion (which is a combo of barre and yoga), yoga, circuit barre (more cardio) and ballet class (only classical ballet moves). They often have groupon specials which is great! I really like browsing in the boutique which serves as the entryway for the studio. They have workout clothes and also locally made jewelry and hair ties. Water and snacks are also available for purchase. I highly recommend taking a class (first class is free) at Grand Jete and I am sure that you will get hooked like I did!

I attended a free private class here a few weeks ago. It was a great class! I was defiantly shaking…read morethroughout the class and felt it for the next few days. The instructor was upbeat and encouraging without being too in your face. The studio itself is adorable. They have a mini boutique in the front with workout clothes and sticky socks. I would recommend getting the sticky socks if you are going to be a regular. I was slipping all over the carpet during planks. They have cubbies in the actual studio to hold all your belongings. At $20 per class I do feel the price is tad high in comparison to other group exercise classes. They do seem to offer Groupons occasionally though! If you're into Barre this is a great option!