I attended a workout class here thanks to a recommendation from a friend. Throughout the years, I…read morehave participated in many workout classes and gyms. This place is hands down one of the best classes I have attended. I had such a great workout! I was sore for 3 days afterwards. I appreciate how their workouts are efficient as they can get you a great workout in only 45 minutes. Additionally, they have different classes throughout the week to mix it up. The trainers are wonderful. They make sure you get a good workout and are very personable and caring people. They seem genuinely invested in your progress. It is more expensive than your average gym, but they do provide exceptional workouts and trainers, so it can be worth it if you utilize it!

Let me preface by saying everyone's fitness goals and needs are different. I also wish we could…read moregive half stars in ratings because I would go with a 3.5 for sure. This review is based on 3 consecutive sessions attended during a trial period for $35 for one week. Each studio is different as I learned the one in Durham only charges $7 for one week trial but I digress... The Good: The trainer goes through the workout before starting and there's video screens to provide an additional resources during. Each workout has a proper warm up before and cool down after. Everything is perfectly timed so all you need to focus on is the work you're putting in. The workouts change daily so there's something new to look forward to. Most members are friendly and welcoming, others are aloof which isn't a big deal because I'm there to exercise first. The first day was smoother than I expected. The trainer was ready for me, gave me the tour, and I was set. The workout itself really tested my heart rate, (which I track). I would max out at 170bpm. I took more breaks when it got that high because it's not healthy to keep going. Great workout! The Bad: The stations are properly numbered but the order wasn't the same from day 1 to day 2. Day 3 was the same was day 2 though but still a bit confusing. It feels like the flow should be counter clockwise going from the back to the front, then immediate left to the back. It doesn't and when I missed a station I had to scramble to find the right place which cost me some exercise time. A couple of members wouldn't adjust and stared at me until I realized my mistake. No one was out of line but not adapting was frustrating. The exercises at some stations don't provide an adequate amount of room so I found myself trying to avoid someone's feet in front of me or next to me. I also found the muscles worked wasn't balanced enough. All 3 days I noticed more burn in my quads, back, and shoulders. I should note that I do workout regularly with supersets for weights and jogging and boxing for cardio. I'm 45 and definitely not what I used to be but I'm not off the couch ice cold either. The Ugly: I noted the price difference in the trial periods for different studios and that was annoying. While looking through memberships before joining. I know for a fact I saw an option to buy a lifetime membership for $349. I showed it to my wife and told her that's a great deal if I end up liking the gym. I was about to join after my third session and it...wasn't there...I know what I saw. I mentioned it to the owner and he said he'd never heard of anything like that and there was no way to give me that price for that option. The other options are simply too expensive for zero amenities unless you want to include the restrooms and free oranges. $209/monthly or $159 every quarter. That's too much for what is definitely a great workout but little else. I also kept seeing videos and ads that showed weighted sleds and battle ropes and nothing like that was present. Finally, the owners are nice people but the wife kept interrupting me while I was cooling down and stretching on the floor with my head down. She kept asking people, "Have you met Bryan yet?" Look, it's a very nice gesture and I appreciate wanting me to feel included but that was irritating. It felt unnatural and forced. Let me be clear, she was very sweet during conversation and I appreciate what she was attempting but it was awkward. Ultimately I decided not to join and it's 95% based on that lifetime option disappearing.

I absolutely love coming here for these workouts because they're so difficult but also so…read morefulfilling when you manage to do it I did the two class pass for $20 which I think is a really awesome deal for beginners but I will say the membership is a bit out of my price range unfortunately so I'm not sure if I'll be able to come back unless it's through class pass I love that this studio is so thoughtful that they even have hair bands for their customers (I don't know how many times I've forgotten my hair clip at home when going to the gym!) Great employees too!

Wish I lived closer to go more often! Since I'm just far enough away I've done some sporadic drop…read morein classes. I really like how the class is structured with 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of strength training, and 20 minutes of yoga. The spin portion is motivating with good music and your name shows up on a screen with your optimal power zone so you can continuously push yourself. No one knows who is who unless you know someone's name ;) And everyone's is different to cater towards your level! Since it's only 20 minutes not many people wear clip in shoes - but you can! The strength training portion is always different. Sometimes it's weights, straps, or even slam balls. I really like that the exercises are also shown on screens throughout the strength training area - so you won't forget what you need to do right after the instructor goes through everything. It also gives the countdowns so you know how much time is left for each exercise. The yoga is the part that's a little hit or miss for me. Sometimes it is sooo incredibly fast and I don't feel like I can keep up. And then sometimes it's just right.

Great gym with great people. People there push you while making you feel comfortable and at homeread more

Terrific coaching never thought as a100 lb 74 year old I could deadlift 105 lbs or a 4 min plank…read moreand 25 weighted sit-ups Amanda is an amazing observer, instructor and Cheer leader.

Local is the oldest, most established CrossFit gym in Chapel Hill. If you are in the area and…read morethinking about a drop-in, this is the place to go. If you are new to CrossFit, this is a great place to start. VERY WELCOMING - If you are new to CrossFit or experienced and looking for a new gym, this is a great place to check out. CAMARADERIE - The members are very open and welcoming. Like any gym, you've got different constituents. Chapel Hill provides plenty of students, recent graduates and professionals of all ages - Local brings everyone together in a fun, open, environment. COACHING - Many of the coaches have been at Local for years. At any time of day you've got experienced coaches who are focused on helping your athletic development in a safe, but challenging way. Local has their own process for on-boarding coaches in addition to the required certifications. CLASS OPTIONS - In addition standard CrossFit classes, Local offers a barbell club and occasionally other focused classes (muscle-ups, double-unders, etc.). CLASS TIMES - There are plenty of morning classes on the hour, starting at 6 AM. Evenings are full with classes on the hour or half hour. SPACE - As Local has grown there is the 'Old Room' and 'New Room' - this offers lots of space and class flexibility. In addition to the interior space, the parking lot out of the two dock height doors out back provides plenty of room. 'Class outside' is common, especially in the spring and fall. EQUIPMENT - The owners know that good equipment improves the experience. Both rooms have plenty of racks, bars and weights. They've got rowers, roman chairs, an air-dyne, reverse hyper and plenty of prowlers. KID CARE - Kid care is offered occasionally during mornings, evenings and sometimes weekends. SHOWERS - There are a pair of showers / changing rooms. EVENTS - Local does a lot of events, which lets you have as much CrossFit in your life as you'd like. Diet challenges, lifting challenges and social events are common.

I attended CrossFit Local (CFL) for the better part of two years, during which time I attended…read moreabout 175 classes. I liked it a lot at first but now have more mixed feelings, and recently switched to another gym. It's a nice facility, lots of space with high ceilings and big fans, and easy access to the back parking lot for running and any other outdoor exercises. It's clean and has great equipment (maybe aside from the bikes, which aren't used in workouts anyway). Everything is maintained very well. The coaching at CFL is terrific. Members get lots of individual attention even in the group setting, with good instruction about proper technique and plenty of encouragement when the going gets tough. Classes typically start with an icebreaker and a thorough warmup. CFL also has a good member community. It's a friendly and supportive environment. Class sizes are very reasonable -- a typical class might have anywhere from 5 to 8 people. Rarely did I feel cramped during workouts, even when the classes are bigger. The programming has more of a focus on strength than conditioning. There's a particularly heavy emphasis on the Olympic lifting and powerlifting. Each class has a conditioning aspect as well, but some other CrossFit gyms offer more in this regard. In general, the workouts lack the variety of movements that I've seen at other gyms. Not much core work, for example, and no bike work as noted above. So while you will definitely get strong if you go to CFL, it's not the most well-rounded exercise experience in my opinion. It really just depends on what you want. In terms of COVID-related safety precautions, nobody there seems to care very much. The classes usually occur indoors even when the weather is nice. Members are welcome to do it outside if they prefer (which may or may not be practical depending on the workout), but most people just do it inside, with no real effort to social distance or anything like that. In that sense, it's kind of like this weird alternate reality world where COVID doesn't exist, or at least isn't a big deal. If you're not that concerned about it and don't want to be inconvenienced by preventative measures, then this could be the place for you while other gyms have more restrictions in place. But if you are concerned about it, I recommend staying away for the time being.

I've been going to Empower Personal Training for over 5 years now and love the friendliness and…read moreprofessionalism of the staff and trainers, the cleanliness of the facility, the variety of workouts and classes and the relaxed and supportive environment. Currently, I do pairs or individual training once a week with Paul and try to get to at least one group class each week. It is clear that the trainers love what they do and are passionate about helping people of all ages be fit and happy. Jessica and Ronda (co-owners) lead the way and set the tone. They are smart and hard working and its no surprise that the business is thriving in these uncertain times. Staying active and healthy is part of my family's financial plan and the money we spend at Empower is worth it! The annual decathlon is coming up again which is a month long focus on 10 events (not your typical olympic decathlon!). Some of the events include a wall sit, 1,000 meter row, suicides up the stairs, sled pull......you get the idea. You post your best time or weight lifted, pushed or pulled in each category and at the end of the month, the final rankings determine the champion team and individual for both men and women. It is very motivating and sometimes very silly. I hear this year they are going to put all of the trainers through the paces and let us "lift" the best trainer's time/weight in 2 events! Another fun thing they do, in the Spring, is Train the Trainer...you can pay (donations to go a chosen local charity) to torture your trainer! Sounds great, until that next workout, when they seek revenge. I'm looking forward to the new expanded space and additional group classes. Empower Personal Training works for me!

I believe Kyle is the best kept secret in personal training in the Triangle…read more I want to tell you he is terrible, so you won't try to schedule with him. But, that would be a lie! He has listened to my goals, my challenges. He creates a weekly practice for me and one for me and my husband that is a thoughtfully planned workout, each session building to the next. I look forward to each challenging session because Kyle encourages me to exceed my best without pushing me beyond what is safe and reasonable. I feel safe, seen and know I will exceed my fitness goals with Kylie's guidance! Kyle is one of two trainers I work with at Empower ... I can't imagine any there who do not meet this standard ... if you are thinking of giving personal training a try, just go to Empower! You will be matched with a wonderful trainer who will do the same for you!

Have been doing F45 for 6 days straight now and I really enjoy it. The staff and members are super…read morefriendly. I look forward to each class everyday and excited to see how my body changes. I also enjoy the variety of class times offered.

F45 is an awesome workout that lets you join at any level of fitness! Best 45 minutes of the day…read more JC and the rest of the staff at Shannon Road make this location extra awesome!

Courage Fitness was my first experience with CrossFit and like many people I was a bit nervous…read more about it, having heard about how intense the CrossFit community can be. Let me assure you that Courage Fitness is an extremely welcoming and supportive place to be, no matter whether you're just starting your fitness journey or are in fighting shape already. The coaches do a marvelous job of accommodating different levels of fitness and modifications for any injuries. I'm not sure how they're running things during Covid (I moved in July and had to end my membership) but previously they had two major categories of classes, the "Hustle" class which is a good starting point and is an intense "boot camp" style class, all body weights/dumbells/kettle bells. There's also the classic "CrossFit" style class scheme, with weightlifting and all that. If you've never done any weightlifting, don't worry, they'll set you up with a personal trainer (included in the starting package) who will coach you on basic form for all the requisite exercises and the coaches do a great job of helping coach you on your form during workouts. It's also a fantastic community. My first few workouts I had a hard time at points because the trainers had me laughing so hard. Yes, it a touch on the expensive side relative to a basic gym membership, but you're getting a planned set of workouts and a high level of personal attention.

CFD is an amazing gym with brilliant coaches and programming…read more Everyone is very friendly and welcoming from the minute you join. I have been going here since October 2022 and I already feel an overwhelming sense of community. The programming here is somewhat like a crossfit gym but I find it even better! I have been doing crossfit for 3 years now and I honestly think CFD's programming has pushed me further than those 3 years did. They focus on a lot of strength with good form instead of "just go as heavy as you can" like in CF gyms. I also feel like the workouts are NOT a competition like at crossfit gyms. Most programming is not "for time", it is just about moving well for a preset time or amount of sets. The demographic at this gym ranges from young to older as well as beginners to experts in fitness. CFD welcomes all walks of life! The coaches help you adjust all exercises to meet your level of fitness. Something special about this gym is that they really take the time to get to know you and your movement style. When you start here they complete a fitness assessment which basically looks at your mobility and balance in strength between your left/right and upper/lower body. It is a very helpful tool to help identify strengths and deficits for each individual. I highly recommend joining this gym. It's in a great location and the staff are incomparable. There is nothing negative to say about Courage Fitness!

It's hard to find a better gym that CF Homeward. The coaches are welcoming, the community is fun,…read moreexciting, inclusive, and hard-working, the manager is always present and greets everyone with a smile, and the owners are always keeping their eyes and ears open for how to make the gym even more awesome. The programming generally follows classic CF programming - lift, skill, metcon - though we've gone through various cycles to emphasize certain skills or muscle groups (powerlifting, Oly-style weightlifting, KB, etc), and it's very obvious how much thought goes into the programming. They also have other programs - endurance, youth, KB, mobility, etc. And child care on Saturdays! And to boot, they have massage therapists, 2 PTs, and other body work professionals IN HOUSE. It's like a one-stop shop for getting awesome. Can't recommend it enough!

This is a nice gym for a drop in if you're from out of town and looking for a box. The owner was…read morevery friendly and the coach Hugh was great to work with. All the members were friendly. Definitely going back for a drop in next time I'm in the area.

Perfect place! Cleanest studio and the best staff! Everyone is so nice and supportive in the…read morefitness journey.

From the owner: HOTWORX Chapel Hill, NC (East 54) is a 24-hour infrared fitness studio that combines cutting-edge…read moreinfrared technology with virtual instruction, offering a unique fitness experience you won'Äôt find at traditional gyms. Unlike standard workouts, our infrared sauna sessions help you achieve faster calorie burn, detoxification, pain relief, and stress reduction. Choose from High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or 30-minute isometric workouts like Hot Pilates, Hot Yoga, Hot Cycle, and more. Our studio also features a Functional Exercise Area with free weights, bands, ropes, and more. Experience the future of fitness at HOTWORX Chapel Hill, NC where advanced technology meets fitness innovation to help you reach your goals faster.

This is exactly the workout I've been looking for! I had previously tried boot camps, crossfit,…read morespin, barre... but Orangetheory is the workout that I actually look forward to doing. In an hour-long workout you rotate between rowing machines, treadmills and free weights/TRX for the perfect mix of cardio and strength training. Plus, the instructors at the Meadowmont location are fantastic. They keep you on track and motivated, and provide great instruction so you perform the exercises with the proper form. And, by using the heart rate monitor to track my effort level throughout the workouts, I've seen significant improvement in my performance over the past three months.

Love OTF.... but current Meadowmont OTF studio customer service sucks…read more After 18 months loving my OT Beat Link (Apple Watch heart rate monitor), I recently lost it. It was a great option for me so I bought a replacement OT Beat Link ($140) on Monday at Meadowmont which is currently my home studio. I finally *found* my lost OT Beat Link on Tuesday night (of course ;-), and then proceeded to return the never-used-still-in-the-box-with-all-the-parts new OT Beat Link on Wednesday morning at Meadowmont. I was informed there is a strict no return policy for all heart rate monitors... doesn't matter if the device is still in the box and has never been used. I hate to give the Meadowmont OTF studio a negative review. I have been an OTF member based at Meadowmont studio for over 8 years, and overall OTF is awesome. I wish current Meadowmont OTF management had better customer service, IMO they used to do much better. Luckily there are several OTF studio options in the area and I would highly recommend trying those over Meadowmont.... I have found the MLK OTF studio in Durham to be a superior option and there are a couple other studios in the Chapel Hill/Durham area.