This review is about owners Dean and Sonya Pennel only. Trainers and staff are AMAZING at both north and south Rochester locations.
During the shutdown beginning March 2020, I participated in online classes from home. The trainers did an outstanding job during this challenging time. After a few months, my joints and back began giving me trouble - I really missed the floating floor! I then put my membership on hold.
During my hold, the gym had reopened and then shut down again due to a surge in covid cases. Upon the second reopening, the owners sent out an email to all members on Dec 28th, 2020 stating "We will not participate in the enforcement of wearing a face covering once you reach your "house". It will be your choice to wear a mask during your workout. If you do not wear one while working out, we will assume you know your own health restrictions and limitations."
I was planning on resuming in-person gym workouts until I received that email. I contacted the owners on 12/29 expressing my concern and asking for release from my contract since they were explicitly defying the Governors orders. The Pennels contacted me back stating I was incorrect and looking at the wrong orders, that they were in "discussions with the Dept of Health routinely". I contacted the MN Department of Health twice who confirmed both times that the Pennels were not following orders. After my discussions with the MN Dept of Health and the Pennels, I posted my concerns on my personal FB page. I then received the following message from Sonya Pennel: "Due to your irrational behavior and your inappropriate posts we are blocking you from our pages. I will give you until 5pm tonight to remove all of your public posts or I will instruct our attorney to file a defamation suit against you."
My communications with Sonya Pennel ended on 12/31. On 1/1/2021, members received an email about the gym reopening with the following guidelines "Masks at all times, including during the workout". While I was happy to see the owners following the Governor's orders, I was disappointed that I did not receive an apology from the Pennels for how I was treated.
Based on my experience with the owners of Burn Bootcamp Rochester North and South, I cannot recommend this gym. This is unfortunate because the trainers are fun and knowledgeable, the staff is hardworking, efficient and kind and the floor and equipment made Burn a great place to work out. read more