I recently completed a Groupon trial of one month of unlimited classes at Elite Bodies. I must preface my review by saying that I understand that every fitness program is unique and thus I approach every new situation with an open mind and a positive attitude.
Pros ~
Fitness app that allows you to register for class and make payments - innovative and convenient
intimate setting
variety of exercises to work and challenge all areas of the body
convenient location and class times
great for those who don't care for the typical gym setup
one on one attention (blessing and curse, elaborate later)
Jairo, Tues & Thurs a.m. instructor was far more personable, accommodating and respectful
Cons ~
There were two incidents that stuck out to me. One, on an unseasonably warm day during my trial period, we took a fun run. It was dark, we ran down a heavily trafficked sidewalk, and the class contained mostly women. I was a bit disturbed at the fact that Jeff left a number of the women behind and hustled back to the gym location as opposed to making sure that everyone got back safely before proceeding upstairs to complete the HIIT portion of our workout. To me that was a liability waiting to happen as it took a number of the women some time to get back. Jeff didn't check on any of the women, to make sure that everyone was ok. Instead he stood in the doorway telling the stragglers to hustle up. (and no I wasn't a straggler) What if someone tripped and fell or God forbid got hit by a car. The instructor is back at the facility while his students are injured. NOPE, not a good look.
The second incident was during a session, after Jeff demonstrated the exercises he then instructed the participants to "partner with someone you like." Now as an Early Childhood Educator and someone who has also instructed adults, telling a group of people who have not been introduced to one another to "partner with someone you like," is not only juvenile but insinuates that there may be individuals within the class that no one wants to work with. It was a disturbing statement to me because he didn't say it once, nor twice but three times. Not sure what was the purpose of repeating it, but it just didn't sit well with me. Perhaps instructing the class to simply "partner up," would have been more appropriate.
With regards to the ONE on ONE coaching, I say it was a blessing and a curse because during my time there, Jeff took it upon himself to use this time to also inform me when I didn't do something correctly whether it was an exercise or something administratively. For example, I signed up for the class incorrectly via the app. Jeff decided that he would question me during the minute and 30 seconds I had to do my exercise as to whether or not I had signed up for that particular session. I was bothered by this simply because two weeks prior to signing up for the class I contacted Jeff via email inquiring as to whether I should come early for an orientation to his program and was told no. Well, had said orientation been done, I might have used the app and participated in the program the way Jeff would see it. I have to admit that this not only made me UNCOMFORTABLE but I began to develop a bit of ANXIETY because I just never knew what to expect from Jeff. Funny I didn't seem to have any problems when Jairo was the instructor. hmmm
Even though I currently have a gym membership I was really looking forward to continuing with the sessions, due to the fact that the location is so convenient and I actually enjoyed the group classes. However, there were moments when I felt singled out and it appeared as if I just...couldn't...get...it...right, according to Jeff of course. I must also add that I have a bad knee that will flair up from time to time if I do too many strenuous exercises. If I happened to make an adjustment to reduce the pain Jeff sometimes didn't take too kindly to my adjustment. However, whenever Jairo would demonstrate the exercises he kept that in mind and would show an alternate prior to us getting started.
All in all my purpose of jump starting my fitness regimen after being down for 8 months was accomplished. I gained some great exercises to add to my list and my body has kicked into full workout mode. I'd say that it is a good program for anyone whose intimidated by bigger gyms and still wants to workout. I wouldn't deter anyone from giving it a try, but I just know based on how I was treated it's not for me. read more