Essential Strength

I tried to join this studio, but they gave me the wrong time for my first orientation. They…read moreverbally confirmed my second orientation attempt but didn't enter it into the system. They also gave me the wrong pricing. The monitors are way inflated at $120+, and they offer a 50% off deal, except they really don't. The most frustrating part of the weeks-long experience trying to join is they almost never answer the phone. There's no way to easily work out the inaccuracies. Now they have all my personal information so I'm anticipating OTF spam for the rest of my life. If you're not sure about trying this place out, I recommend trying other places first.

Wanted to wait until after completing my first transformation challenge to post so I could talk not…read moreonly experience, but results, as for the price, this matters to me. Highlights: Pros- 1. The instructors- they are friendly and energetic, many take time to encourage class members by name which is real motivation, additionally, they essentially conduct a group personal training session, giving just the perfect amount of personalized attention to ensure perfect form but not so much that you can't go at your own pace. 2. The ambience- the lighting is perfect, dim and cool, the music is great, and the atmosphere is contagious. 3. The results- I get a great sweat every single class, and am seeing and feeling some excellent results, you really can't help but get into shape... and you can do so at your own pace. 4. The cancellation policy- this is definitely a mixed bag, however, knowing I will be charged $12 for a no show or canceling less than 8 hours in advance means when I commit I really commit ( non premier members lose the class, value approx $28). While some people may find this frustrating it is just the extra push I need. Cons- 1. The location- nice spot in the east end but can be a parking challenge 2. The price- I do think it's worth it but at approx $60-$160 a month, it's definitely more than a workout, it's an investment 3. Scheduling- for the most part this has steadily improved and you can count on being able to book two weeks out at 9 pm each evening but sometimes that isn't the case and typically by 5 am the next morning classes are full, I've had to stay up until as late as 1 am to get into a class... or forgotten and been locked out entirely... for $150 a month I almost feel spaces should be guaranteed 4. Technology- sometimes this goes down, once or twice a month since I started, and nothing is done about it... the problem is you then have no record of your workout and the record is a big plus Ultimately, I would highly recommend OTF to anyone who needs an extra dose of motivation, who wants to get fit fast, who struggles to get in a full body burn, who wants to have fun and is ready to invest in themselves!

Week 1 vs Week 8 OTF Transformation Challenge

See all

Fitness Factory

4.6

(55 reviews)

This place is unlike any gym I've been too it's a funky almost hippie vibe with neon lights and…read moremusic.

I got a day pass for $20 at Fitness Factory, and was so excited to try it out since I was staying…read morein the area. It is an old school gym with a cool vibe, but unfortunately, the equipment was lacking. I am fortunate to be able to go to an amazing gym in Las Vegas, and in comparison, there was no speciality equipment here that I am used to using. The leg equipment was basic, and the dumbbells made my hands smell weird. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back, but got everything that I needed to done.

See all

Priority One! Fitness

(6 reviews)

1.2 mi

Thoughtful and injury-preventive training. Great staff and welcoming environment. Highly recommend!read more

Great place for personal training. Experts on issues brought on by injuries, rehabilitation after…read moresurgery and common back,knee, neck pain etc. Clean and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend Priority One!

See all

Ekstasis Movement Studio

(2 reviews)

Awesome studio with solid trainers!!! Well rounded, well guided workouts. Dorian pushes you but…read moreemphasizes the importance of making the workout your own. I look forward to every challenging workout!

Wonderful studio doing everything right for feeling fit and challenged. Standing O for Dorian and…read moreHannah building a brilliant fitness business. Congratulations changing lives and bodies!

See all

The Letto Group

4.7

(22 reviews)

0.1 mi

What a great workout class! They offer different types of classes and different durations! I took…read morethe lightweight 30 minute class and it was amazing! Worked just about the entire 30 minutes! The instructor was amazing and there are screens with descriptions to help you follow along! Can't wait to take another class at Level Red!

This place is amazing. Best staff, care, and training you will find for anyone who is considered…read moreboxing or getting into great shape. If I lived closer I'd be here every day. This is a gem!!

See all

MÜV Integrated Physical Culture

(3 reviews)

0.4 mi

I have been going to MÜV for several years now. The trainers are insanely knowledgeable and…read moreattentive during group classes. They have helped me improve my form, build strength, and prevent injury. The skills I have learned here have also made me a better yoga teacher, and a better yoga practitioner. Bonus- within the first few months all of my pants were too big! Classes are always varied and fun so I never get bored or plateau. I have found an awesome community at MÜV through attending the group classes- everyone is always friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend to anyone looking to step up their game.

The short version: This place and everyone in it are amazing. Jhon and Jessi are incredible…read moreteachers and everyone there is fun and supportive. No matter what your level of fitness, trust me, you want to Muv. The classes are amazing, one-on-ones are game changers (I just left one this morning with Jhon feeling brilliant!) and you will be infinitely pleased with yourself for making such an awesome choice. The deets: A little over a year ago I was bouncing from gym to gym and workout to workout trying to find something I could stick with. I hated working out. I'm clumsy and neurotic and always felt like I didn't belong/fit in anywhere. Then I met with Jhon at Muv. I signed up for their First Muv package and knew immediately that this was going to be different. From day one, everyone took the time to show me how to do things at my level and my pace to work out safely and effectively. They approach it from a very holistic place, and it influenced every area of my life. Plus, everyone in class is SO supportive. Every class (especially the 6 am!) is full of jokes, high fives and a ton of encouragement. I've gone from being that girl who was too afraid to workout for fear of being judged to that annoying person who gets cranky if they go too many days without it. A year ago I couldn't run to the end of my block, lift a water jug, or think about a push up. Now I'm training for a half marathon, say things like, "I deadlift more than that that before breakfast" when a male colleague tries to change the water for me and my push up game is...getting there! This morning I did a personal training session with Jhon after feeling like my legs were on fire post weekend 5k. Within the hour he had pinpointed the problems, helped me work on them, and gave me ways to keep working on it. I left feeling infinitely better, both physically and mentally. This place is MAGIC. (Okay, it's science but, let's be real, that's kind of the same thing.) So, what are you waiting for? Come in. Meet awesome people - and one awesome dog. Learn awesome things. Be amazed at what your body can do.

See all

terraFITNESS

(14 reviews)

I've been training with Alex at terraFITNESS for over a year now. We do strength training twice a…read moreweek with some high-intensity interval training mixed in. From someone who can be really hard on herself, training with Alex has made working out fun for me again. Through working with Alex I have been reminded that it's consistency that is key, not necessarily doing everything perfectly all the time. I appreciate his knowledge of and passion for health and fitness. You can tell it's something he really loves. He cares about his clients and helping them meet goals. Our training sessions are enjoyable - Alex constantly works in new exercises to mix it up and keep it interesting. He practices what he preaches: always listen to your body. You are the one doing the exercises and you know best if something doesn't feel right. Starting to train with Alex really jump-started my fitness journey - I never thought I'd be one to say I love weight training! I found a way to stay healthy and fit that I know I'll enjoy for life. The facility at terraFITNESS has everything you'd want in a gym - free weights, TRX, cable machine, (new) squat rack, hexabar, even a punching bag. They're constantly buying new equipment - and it reminds me of a mini crossfit gym.

All of the trainers are amazing! Rae pushes me to be the best version of myself. I leave every…read moresession dripping in sweat. The environment is chill and there is definitely no judgement anywhere in this place. I have never felt so comfortable being at a gym.

See all

X Shadyside

3.7

(82 reviews)

0.6 mi

Recently signed up again and just wanted to note that there have been some changes around the gym!…read more- Cardio equipment used to take up the bulk of the 1st floor. This space is now reserved for personal training only. - Cycle studio and floor space is where all of the cardio equipment has moved to - The room on the 1st floor everyone used as a dedicated leg day room is now officially the squats/hip thrusts room - Studio space upstairs (zumba, yoga, etc) is now a turf room with a rowing machine, some medicine balls, etc - Mens showers are closed down - womens seem to be open? They told us the showers are shutting down for good thought - Looks like some of the mats and small equipment is behind the front desk now - just ask and someone will grab it for you Selection of machines and free weights remains solid. They've got everything I need for a good workout. Front desk staff is nice. They play music - not so loud you can't hear your own headphones, but nice if your phone is dead. Gym membership was $55 per month for the first person + $45 per month for the second person. Then there was a startup fee -- I think $50 and $25? But I might be mistaken

The front desk is always super great and welcoming! The gym is clean and spacious. I never have to…read morewait for equipment and a very welcoming workout environment.

Website states there is a free consultation. This is a lie.

See all

This is a fun class too spin!! Get ur sweat on

LA Fitness

2.1

(204 reviews)

0.7 mi

Great experience at LA Fitness!…read more The staff was friendly and welcoming, and I appreciated how attentive the team was. there was active cleaning happening while I was there, which made the space feel well cared for. Loved the added perk of towel service, and there's a great variety of group classes to choose from, including Pilates by LA Fitness! Super convenient location too! just a simple walk from the hotel through the skyway bridge, which made getting there quick and easy. Definitely a solid spot to get a workout in while in the Bakery Square area

Wherever I have traveled, LA Fitness gyms always look so nice and upscale. While visiting my…read morebrother in Pittsburgh, I was having back problems that I can usually alleviate with a trip to the gym. So, when I looked around at all the gyms offered in the city and suburbs, I chose this one because it's in one of the toniest neighborhoods and looked quite sophisticated. Looks are deceiving. This is one of the worst gyms I've ever visited. In fact, it's nothing more than what I call a McGym, which is a facility where someone goes in and dumps a lot of equipment into a big room and calls it a gym, but it lacks the other amenities that make it a true gym. Despite the size of this place, it has no walking or running track, and there is plenty of room for it. They also have no swimming pool despite the fact they actually advertise aqua classes on their website for this specific gym! It has no whirlpool or steam room, which you could find at the dowdiest YMCA in a rundown town. Before I could get my opportunity to sample the gym, I had to listen to the sales pitch from one of their associates. When I ask about a pool, his response was, "Not anymore. Anthropology (a store downstairs) didn't appreciate their things getting wet so we had to take the pool out." Well, I didn't appreciate the glib response and I also didn't appreciate being told that if I joined, I could use the pool at the Bridgeville gym, 25 miles away in the suburbs! So, having no pool or whirlpool, I could only do my usual weight routine for my back problems. After I showered, there were no hairdryers to be found. When I inquired about them at the desk, they told me that most people brought their own. I've never been to a gym in my life where they did not offer hairdryers, and again that includes the seediest of YMCAs. This LA Fitness has a lot of the flaws that many commercial gyms have. The staff pretends to be friendly but comes off as placating and condescending. Hence, I'm wondering why LA Fitness is So expensive when Planet Fitness offers pretty much the same amenities. I am attaching two pictures of their website to show that this location advertises water aerobics after removing their pool. Avoid this gym and go to a Y, where you'll find what you really need.

See all

Dormont Pool

4.5

(27 reviews)

7.5 mi

For just $8?! It can't be beat…read more Had a lovely Sunday Funday at the Dormont Pool. They have lots of parking and you can't bring your own chair and float. It wasn't nearly as crowded as I expected it to be-there was lots of space to spread out. I was also impressed with how clean everything was. The snack bar had lots of tasty and affordable options.

Super-popular pool in the South Hills, very close to downtown Pittsburgh. It's another of my…read morefavorites. Been going to this pool since I was in my late teens and often took my daughter to this pool when she was young. Living in the city it was nice to make a mini trek to the pool for something different. I've been known to swing by when home for visits as well. The pool is huge with lots of space to sprawl out and hang out on a towel or blanket when not in the water. Very well taken care of.

Volleyball net and raining mushroom

See all

Forsythe Miniature Golf & Snacks

I finally made it to Forsythe Mini Golf and Snacks. Such a cute farm woodsy decor with hanging…read morelights, mature trees and split rail fences. I stopped by after a walk in Carnegie Park, literally next door, for a snack. Their speciality is homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches. I split the s'mores with my hubby and was surprised when they offered to cut the sandwich in half... what a nice service. There are a couple of tables to the right of the snack stand. Highly recommend this indulgent summer treat!

I have been going to Forsythe for mini golf for a couple of decades now and have seen the changes…read moreand it's all great. Heck, if in season when I'm home for visits, friends and I still like to swing by and play. Get it? Swing by...lol. It's such a cute mini-golf set up that has stood the test of time. A fixture in the Carnegie landscape. They're always busy (great thing) and service is always super helpful and friendly.

Party Sandwich with a party cookie (white chocolate chip and sprinkles with birthday cake ice cream)

Part of the course

See all

Don't forget a pup cup

Kniess' Miniature Golf

4.6

(56 reviews)

5.6 mi

We had such a wonderful experience at Kniess' mini golf course yesterday! Mary, the owner, was…read moreincredibly kind, and all of her employees were very accommodating and welcoming throughout our visit. You can really feel the friendly atmosphere from the moment you arrive. The golf course itself is beautiful, well-kept, and full of unique character. There is so much cool paraphernalia and fun trinkets all throughout the property that make it interesting even between holes. Every hole was set up so neatly, with creative layouts, multiple drops, and thoughtful details that kept it fun the entire way through. I especially loved that they had an easier course for younger kids, which made it perfect for our children, and we also noticed the moving/more challenging course, which looked like something my husband and I would love to come back and try on our own. The seating areas placed along the way made it feel relaxing and enjoyable, and there was so much to look at that the whole experience felt special. One helpful thing to know before you go: it is cash only, so make sure you come prepared. It was $25 for 2 adults and 2 kids under 6. Overall, such a fun family outing with a lot of charm -- we will absolutely be back!

So delightful and whimsical and fun. I went with a group of 4 and it was the perfect amount of…read morepeople. It's a bit older, but definitely not run down. I think they should offer more refreshment options because we were out there for like 2 hours in the sun.

See all

Dragon

Paradise Island Bowl and Beach

"The beach is open," I explain to my husband, tossing him some sunscreen. "Lather up," I said…read more The outdoor space at Paradise Island is open May - September. It has an upper level with a bar and cornhole setup. The lower level has a stage, another bar, and lots of tables. You are right on the river so you can dock your boat or relax by the water. Drinks are cheap especially during happy hour. Service is prompt. I wish I could get draft beer out there, but it's okay.

I've been to Paradise Island many times, and it's always a great time. One of my favorite parts is…read morethe outdoor beach area--relaxing on the couches with a drink is the perfect vibe. Inside, there's plenty to do as well. The bowling and other indoor experiences make it fun no matter the weather. During the summer, the beach atmosphere really shines, and the live bands are the best--great music, great energy, and such a fun crowd. Paradise Island is an awesome spot whether you want to relax, be active, or just enjoy a summer night out. Always a go-to for me!

Stage and left bar

See all

JCC of Greater Pittsburgh

3.4

(57 reviews)

1.6 mi

I absolutely love this facility!! They truly encompass the best of a wellness facility and fitness…read morecenter!! They offer so much to their members. Women's locker room has a sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, a cold plunge tub!! They provide towels, and ohhh my addiction, Starbucks!! Yes you can sit in the resting area and enjoy a nice cup of Starbucks!! They also have great exercise equipment! This place offers the best of everything, coaches for dietary needs or physical training. My only regret is not joining a long time ago!

This is an amazing place for working out or just relaxing…read more Right in the heart of Sq.Hill. It's a welcoming space for everyone.

Not accessible for the Deaf.

This motto failed! Not Deaf Friendly at all

See all

Bob O'Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park

3.5

(14 reviews)

1.6 mi

Hidden gem course that really tests your ability to elevate the ball. Very friendly staff too and…read morereasonably priced.

Some of the coolest views I have seen on a golf course, the staff is great, and there is amazing…read morebang for your buck. Are the greens fast, no... are the tee boxes turf... yes... but it's $20 a round and for that price, in my opinion, it's worth every penny.

Beautiful sight lines and lush course at Bob O'Connor.

See all

8th Teebox

Arsenal Park

4.0

(12 reviews)

1.6 mi

This park has an awesome playground! It seems to be newly renovated. It's all turf which I love for…read moremy newly walking toddler. They even have a toddler-sized playground set. There's a small splash pad too. There are new indoor restrooms that were very clean and spacious. Picnic tables with a small pavilion. It's street parking and I found an easy spot on 39th street. This will definitely be our new go-to!!

Not the worst city park and not the best. I like coming here for walks, runs and planned events…read more It's not a bad park to relax and unwind if you find the right spot. Nice little areas for a picnic too.