Ford&#x27;s Gym

(71 reviews)

1.8 mi

Visited Capital Fitness as a drop-in while in Madison for work. This place is awesome; they have…read morenearly all of the equipment you could want, including a TON of squat racks and lifting platforms, they have a reasonable drop-in fee, the locker-rooms are clean and spacious, and they even took me on a tour to show me everything. I'll definitely consider dropping in again the next time I'm in Madison!

Great gym! Good benefits like a sauna and with an upgraded membership you can join pilates/yoga…read moreclasses which are amazing

Bottom floor has weights and a men's locker room.

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Pinnacle Health + Fitness - Madison

4.2

(13 reviews)

2.0 mi

I almost hate to review, because I don't want the secret out. I only go to the Fitchburg facility…read more I was a member of EastY for decades, but this is so much better. The only downside for me is the commute to Fitchburg. As a swimmer, the pools were the selling point. Not huge, but they are all salt-water. Indoor 4 lane, indoor warm-water pool and outdoor 3 lane with adjacent shallow area means lots of options and a good way to direct people toward type of activity. It's not a facility that is geared toward kid memberships or programs, which is nice if you want people and facilities focused on fitness. I feel like there are a number of triathletes working out here. They do have a Masters Swim Club as well, which I might try. During COVID, they closed and cleaned every day for an hour, and I've seen that they've been maintaining the twice-daily cleaning schedule without closing (2:30pm and 8:30pm). I feel like the surfaces stay pretty clean, and there isn't excessive debris in the pool. Downside is that they aren't always the best communicators about how they are changing things up--more than once I've headed to the pool to discover the lanes are being used for a private lesson or a group class (like a Sunday night by the pool yoga). The upside to that is that they're working on finding ways to encourage fitness and interest, so kudos there.

These folks are clean. Service Oriented. Eager to serve…read more The class schedule is something of a drawback BUT met my needs. The bootcamp classes could be included but seems like no one does it YET they had free trials this May & June but all in all.... Location = 5 Whirlpool, Sauna, Steam Room = 5 Hours = 4 (sometimes 24 hours would work) Deals = 4 Service = 5 Cleanliness = 10+

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Capital Fitness

(1 review)

2.4 mi

There are so many great things to say about the new West Wash location!…read more 1) The size is perfect- not so huge that it's a daunting task to reach the water fountain, and now so small that you're bumping into people trying to get to the treadmill. 2) They've got all the equipment you could need, and all the equipment is in great condition ( minus the one treadmill that makes a weird noise when you run at high speeds, but I think they're fixing that, lol) 3) The staff are great. The faces of a business can often make or break it for me. At Cap Fitness, the staff are always smiling and happy to help. Long chats about vegetables with Francie are the highlight of my workout whenever she's working :) 4) their smoothies are to die for. they've got fresh ingredients, and aren't sticklers about crazy ridiculous upcharges when it comes to substitutions and additions. So awesome to have the option to have a quick, refreshing refueling smoothie after a work out. The only downside is that you lose wifi when you're by the water fountain.

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The Barre Code Madison

4.9

(16 reviews)

2.3 mi

Barrecode is one of my favorite studios to go to in the Madison area. I love how there are so many…read moredifferent classes from HITT, Total Body Conditioning (TBC), Brawl, Classic Barre, and Barre Restore. With such variety, no two classes you take during the week are the same which keeps all the classes interesting and engaging! Studio and all the equipment is always clean, the barre room is really large, and there's always hair ties, dry shampoo, etc. if you need it. All the instructors are really friendly. Also the classes vary in time so you are are daring enough to do a double, they will be 2 different types of classes. During the class, the instructor is guiding you the whole time and coming around to check on form, which was extremely helpful for me when I first started doing barre. A lot of the positions aren't regularly done so form is important to get your best workout in. Even after class, I always appreciate the community Barrecode fosters through their social media, sending the message of encouragement and support to everyone no matter where they are in their fitness journey and taking these goals beyond their health to their everyday lives.

Let me start by saying I have NEVER taken a barre class before and was actually pretty nervous…read moreabout it. That all went away as soon as I got there. The ladies at check in did everything they could to make me feel comfortable & confident: showing me around, helping me grab the stuff I would need for class, and answering all my questions. The class I went to was a classic barre class, so there was a focus on core, glute stuff, some upper body stuff, then more legs. The music was upbeat, as was our instructor, and that helped keep me going for the 50 minutes. I was surprised how challenging these little moves could be and as I type this my right butt cheek is feeling it. I was also surprised to not be dripping sweat by the end. Anytime I run or spin, it looks like I just got out of the shower, so this was a pleasant surprise. However, I still appreciated that the lights were dimmed during class. I am not great at doing things in time like leg lifty things, so I appreciated being able to retreat to the shadows. At the end, a really friendly stranger (who clearly knew what she was doing because I noticed & envied her on-time leg lifts/lack of shaking legs) came up and said she'd only been there a few months but it gets easier. She also said that none of the classes she's been to have been the same, so it stays challenging/interesting. Overall, positive experience! I would especially recommend it if you were interested in starting barre classes, but didn't know where to start.

Cute little area to freshen up

Storefront

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Madtown Fitness

(2 reviews)

4.9 mi

If you take strength training seriously, this is the best gym in Madison. They have tons of…read moreequipment. Some of my favorite things they have that you dont see at every gym: weighted sled, bars made specifically for different lifts, micro plates, heavy clamps, the list goes on... Theyre never crowded (at least compared to Gold's Gym in Fitchburg). Ive waited for a bench to open up once and ive shared a deadlift platform a few times but thats it. The atmosphere is great too. They have dank lifting memes all over the place, a life-sized yoda replica, and a john cena cut out. They play loud metal and rap music all day too. The gym is 24 hours. If you come at odd hours, you might get the gym to yourself and have to let yourself in with a key fob. They dont have group fitness or a swimming pool though, so look elsewhere if you need those things. Also, if you get intimated easily by people who are stronger than you, maybe look somewhere else. Despite how strong and experienced most of the clients are, everybody ive met so far has been very friendly and helpful. I find the other lifters to be inspiring instead of intimidating, so i suggest you give Madtown Fitness a try if youre trying to take your strength to the next level.

Visited Madison this weekend to see an old college friend and checked out Madtown Fitness after…read morelooking at a few places in Madison. I don't think I can say enough positive things about this place. I went to their new location on the east side so I am specifically mentioning that gym. Atmosphere- unreal. Perfect warehouse type gym that is extremely motivating for those that take fitness seriously. Staff- Dan, one of the owners, was very helpful and got us set up for the day immediately. He showed us how to use a few of the pieces of equipment as well since there are some machines that I have never seen before. This is a testament to the care that these people take in selecting equipment. Equipment- I have been to dozens of gyms since I travel for work and Madtown had the best selection of strength equipment I have ever seen. If you powerlift, bodybuild, or do any combination of the two this place is perfect. If you want to watch TV and walk on the treadmill, sit in a steam room, or have a pool the this place isn't for you. If I didn't live over an hour away I would have signed a life long contract here. Rates are reasonable and this is the first serious gym I have been to that gives access 24/7 while having 2 locations. Seriously check this place out if you want to make changes to your body.

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Supreme Health & Fitness

4.7

(26 reviews)

6.9 mi

I love Supreme! Excellent classes. Outstanding staff. Clean facility. I have made many friends…read morehere.

I started ten years ago when I retired. Over time I have reduced the time and intensity of my…read moretraining. In the past I've been a serious marathon runner, 2:52 for my first, 2:30 for my PRs. I started thinking I might race some again butter the club offered a pleasant environment to train, broaden my training to more strength and things that help in aging and Supreme was a great plane. It has all the equipment with staff to help, has good classes with a lot of interesting and friendly people, many of whom are still there a decade later. It lacks almost entirely the annoying lot loud, inconsiderate types I have seen in other places. They pricing is very competitive and I even got my non-athletic wife to work with a trainer and now she has started with it for a year and a half, which is surprising and important fitter our family as we age.

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Wisco Barbell Club

3.4

(5 reviews)

2.3 mi

I've been going to HIIT classes at Wisco Barbell Club for about a month now and plan to keep going…read moreback! I love how this gym is bright, clean, and open compared to other places I've worked out in the past. Group classes keep me motivated and the HIIT class is awesome. Dakota does a great job challenging and encouraging everyone. He gets to know everyone individually and helps modify the exercises if needed. I definitely recommend working with him as a personal trainer or trying out the HIIT class. There are also fun events and challenges they do at the gym and around town, they stay active in the community! Also they have a mini fridge with cold brew and other goodies from Crescendo coffee which I absolutely LOVE. Can't recommend this place enough.

I texted Mike as directed by the website and I was met by one of the rudest staff members I've ever…read morecame across. I simply asked if they allowed tours of the gym before purchasing a membership and he immediately called me poor and I'm better off at planet fitness. Genuinely was shocked at this response. He also claimed he's one of the owners there. Honestly just weird behavior and I would not recommend this place to anyone!

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Dragonfly Hot Yoga - Downtown

4.4

(16 reviews)

2.3 mi

Nice that there are multiple locations. Enjoy the YogaUP and flow classes. Appreciate that there…read moreare a variety of class formats

Friendly staff, clean environment and experienced yoga instructors make the idea of attending yoga…read moreclasses everyday inviting! I lost more than 20lbs by participating in their 30 day challenges ;) They have fitness, yoga and barre classes. Classes are often full so please book early! Would recommend to anyone.

View into retail and tea lounge area.

Tea lounge.

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Front desk.

Anytime Fitness

(8 reviews)

0.2 mi

Clean gym, credit where credit is due. Lack of equipment, albeit a small space the layout could be…read moremuch more efficient. There's one scale; similar to one you'd find at a garage sale for 50 cents. Lots of room for improvement.

Great Gym. Awesome peeps who care and are always willing to help. comfortable environment.read more

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Sense of Community

Monkey Bar Gym

4.1

(10 reviews)

0.4 mi

Highlights/Lowlights…read more 1) tough workouts 2) some really friendly staff 3) deals available on groupon occasionally We did the groupon for two which was an incredible deal! We thought the groupon was for a six week membership to the gym, however upon arriving for our consultation we found out that it was actually just for the boot camp classes. Th boot camp classes are offered 4-ish times per week. The staff person who helped us out at our consultation (required) was just ok. Not overly friendly and seemed annoyed by the questions I was asking. However, the trainer who led our classes during our short membership at Monkey Bar was great! She really pushed all of us to do our best while maintaining great form. The classes themselves are really challenging but a great work out! The workouts change so you only do the same workout 2X per 4-6 week period. I know that sans groupon Monkey Bar is pricy. Unfortunately we found that the gym equipment wasn't super nice and the space itself could use a refresh. Good workout by quite pricy compared to what you would get from other gyms in the area for the same price. Overall, definitely worth a try but maybe try and find a deal to see if you like it first!

I bought the groupon for Monkey Bar Gym and I was extremely nervous (as I am not a particularly fit…read moreperson), and now I am definitely going to get a membership. When you first sign up they require you to come in for an initial consultation. They will show you around and give you information about how the classes work and what to expect etc. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have and learn how the facility runs so you don't feel so lost on the first day. The trainers recommend a plant-strong diet and encourage all participants to log their workouts. I had my initial consultation with Raquel. She was amazingly helpful, and encouraging. It was nice to know one of the instructors before I had even taken a class! They post the daily workout on a whiteboard so you can check it out before class starts. They also have a binder that has all the workouts for the month, if you like to look further ahead. The workouts change all the time so you're never bored. Monkey Bar does a wonderful job of explaining/modeling how to do each exercise. They make it a point to go over every exercise you will be doing before participants begin the workout. The whiteboard also has a section that is divided into "stability" "strength" and "power". Here they have suggestions for modifications/challenges for participants who want to tailor their workout. The trainers are always helpful when it comes to finding an alternate exercise. The trainers and members at Monkey Bar are very friendly. They ask you to get with a partner for some exercises and I have had no trouble finding a partner and striking up a friendly conversation with them. Members often say encouraging things to one-another during the workouts as well. One day after the workout I was getting a drink and a man (who I believe is an owner, or at least another trainer I hadn't met) asked me if I had recently joined. I told him yes and he enthusiastically welcomed me. Overall, Monkey Bar is great. The workouts can be very intense but I always feel invigorated afterward. Great experience! :)

Getting Strong, Healthy & Happy!!:)

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All the Black Belts 2011 in Chicago for BJJ seminar

Goodman Pool

(14 reviews)

3.3 mi

This pool is everything. Especially on a hot day in Madison!…read more This Sunday we went here on a whim for the first time. It was so nice! So much space for all people. There's areas for lap swimming/more adult centric activities, and kiddo friendly sections. And it has a slide!!!! No need to wait for hours at a water park to go down a slide. This slide gives you the thrill you seek, with no wait. Less the kiddos also waiting for their turn! The chairs are ready great quality for a public pool. They aren't the most comfortable thing in the world, but they are sturdy and do the job. Water was clean. I saw one hairball in the drain, which was a little gross, but for a public pool I felt safe. I didn't venture into the bathrooms this time so can't speak to those. My partner went to see the snack station and said there were plenty of affordable options should you get hungry. You are allowed to bring in food and drink, but there is a designated area to eat them. I saw a full season for residents is $85 and a daily was $6 (at time of writing this review). It's worth checking out for how reasonable it is. I'll definitely be back again!

We love Goodman pool. There are concessions back now - Ice cream, chips and candy plus sodas and…read morewater. Big community pool with two fun slides and two diving boards. Lifeguards do a great job. Tons of deck chairs plus lawn to sit on. Zero depth pool for the little ones. Super family friendly. Diverse attendees unlike pretty much every other pool in Madison. All inclusive swim and dive team and morning swim lessons too. We love it here!

View from the deck chairs

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Prairie Athletic Club

3.8

(30 reviews)

9.5 mi

Great family experience, whether you are practicing a sport or just getting in shape to play your…read morebest game. The PAC has everything you need to excel. Friendly people, fun activities & great classes!

Do not sign a two-year contract with them they are nickeling and diving everyone billing will not…read morework with you super snotty people even though they are nice to your face when you walk in. I do not suggest going to this pyramid scheme athletic club and people should know about the fact that they have outrageous fees for everything bad place to do business and sign a two-year contract with.

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James Madison Park

(12 reviews)

1.8 mi

what a beautiful park! great at all times of day i assume, lots of green space to sit down and…read morestare at the lake!

We came for the beach. Maps said it had one. It was so tiny, filled with seaweed, dog poop, and…read moregarbage. A huge dumpster is sitting right next to it where people were dumpster diving. We did play at the playground for a few minutes. It was fine, but small and some parts were broken. There were spiders and wasps, but not many. There were a lot of young people there playing different sports and walking/running on the trail so if you are looking for that type of fun this will be a great place. It's a large space. We wouldn't go back. My kids kept asking to leave.

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Beautiful summer morning

Machinery Row Bicycles

I've been a customer for twenty years or more. I've bought all my bikes here and come here for…read moreservicing. Always get treated well. Bikes last and hold together. Repairs are accomplished while consulting and advising me so I get the best equipment I can afford. Also I get informed about what to expect in the near and long term so I can do preventive maintenance. In particular I have to mention Derek, a person in the service department of machinery row bicycles in Madison Wi. A great diagnostician, advisor and technician. The best in the business as far as I'm concerned.

We had a good experience renting bicycles here. Even though you do have to pay for 24 hours and we…read moreonly use the bikes for three hours, it was worth the $50 per Bicycle. They were in good shape shaped and worked well to do the ride around lake Monona the team was nice to help size us for the proper bike and get us ready to go. They have helmets available if you need one. Clean restroom. It's also a fun and large Bicycle shop which we enjoyed visiting.

Chipped, touched up paint.

My new Salsa Fargo

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The paint was missing in this 3-5" section and terribly touched up.

Vitense Golfland

3.7

(104 reviews)

7.1 mi

Took my 3 year old here and he LOVED it! I personally preferred the course outside on the right…read moreside and didn't really care for the indoor one, but still all fun. Restaurant was good. My kiddo ate most of his burger and chips! Bathrooms clean. Ice cream place was yummy!

Babe's at Vitense has excellent food and drinks right where there's lots of fun to be had! Their…read morecovered open air patio even has cooling fans and sports TV. Such a lovely space. We tried out Babe's at Vitense for a weekday lunch. The restaurant has lots of natural light and beautiful golf-related photo enlargements covering the walls. We both were impressed by the food: Fried cod sandwich with side salad and a cheeseburger with house-made potato chips. The breading on the cod was stellar with the perfect crunch and peppery flavor. Memorable dishes that make us want to return!

Cod sandwich w/side salad

Bucky Burger

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Budget Bicycle Center

My wife and I rented bikes from Budget Bicycle Center this May to ride on the Capital City Trail…read moreand the Lake Monona Lake Loop. The ride was beautiful, the weather was perfect and the bikes were excellent for our purposes. Great service and advice, and an excellent interaction all around. 10/10 would recommend this bike shop for anyone wanting to rent bikes for a cruise around Madison.

They do a good job but they are quite expensive and no student discounts, which is a drag…read more I guess to me, the name implies that they are moderately priced and perhaps good for people and students who are on a tight budget. Compounded by their proximity to campus and tons of students. They know what they are doing, so they will do a good job fixing your ride, but if you are expecting middle range prices, it would be best to go elsewhere. Including fixing flats.

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

2 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Hana M.

3

2

0

13 years ago

Weight equipment, cleanly, great and knowledgeable staff. Excellent boxing program.

Deana T.

0

43

0

11 years ago

Best Place to work out in Madison!

Ford's Gym - gyms - Updated August 2026

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Madtown Fitness

(2 reviews)

If you take strength training seriously, this is the best gym in Madison. They have tons of…read moreequipment. Some of my favorite things they have that you dont see at every gym: weighted sled, bars made specifically for different lifts, micro plates, heavy clamps, the list goes on... Theyre never crowded (at least compared to Gold's Gym in Fitchburg). Ive waited for a bench to open up once and ive shared a deadlift platform a few times but thats it. The atmosphere is great too. They have dank lifting memes all over the place, a life-sized yoda replica, and a john cena cut out. They play loud metal and rap music all day too. The gym is 24 hours. If you come at odd hours, you might get the gym to yourself and have to let yourself in with a key fob. They dont have group fitness or a swimming pool though, so look elsewhere if you need those things. Also, if you get intimated easily by people who are stronger than you, maybe look somewhere else. Despite how strong and experienced most of the clients are, everybody ive met so far has been very friendly and helpful. I find the other lifters to be inspiring instead of intimidating, so i suggest you give Madtown Fitness a try if youre trying to take your strength to the next level.

Visited Madison this weekend to see an old college friend and checked out Madtown Fitness after…read morelooking at a few places in Madison. I don't think I can say enough positive things about this place. I went to their new location on the east side so I am specifically mentioning that gym. Atmosphere- unreal. Perfect warehouse type gym that is extremely motivating for those that take fitness seriously. Staff- Dan, one of the owners, was very helpful and got us set up for the day immediately. He showed us how to use a few of the pieces of equipment as well since there are some machines that I have never seen before. This is a testament to the care that these people take in selecting equipment. Equipment- I have been to dozens of gyms since I travel for work and Madtown had the best selection of strength equipment I have ever seen. If you powerlift, bodybuild, or do any combination of the two this place is perfect. If you want to watch TV and walk on the treadmill, sit in a steam room, or have a pool the this place isn't for you. If I didn't live over an hour away I would have signed a life long contract here. Rates are reasonable and this is the first serious gym I have been to that gives access 24/7 while having 2 locations. Seriously check this place out if you want to make changes to your body.

Capital Fitness

(71 reviews)

Visited Capital Fitness as a drop-in while in Madison for work. This place is awesome; they have…read morenearly all of the equipment you could want, including a TON of squat racks and lifting platforms, they have a reasonable drop-in fee, the locker-rooms are clean and spacious, and they even took me on a tour to show me everything. I'll definitely consider dropping in again the next time I'm in Madison!

Great gym! Good benefits like a sauna and with an upgraded membership you can join pilates/yoga…read moreclasses which are amazing

Wisco Barbell Club

3.4

(5 reviews)

I've been going to HIIT classes at Wisco Barbell Club for about a month now and plan to keep going…read moreback! I love how this gym is bright, clean, and open compared to other places I've worked out in the past. Group classes keep me motivated and the HIIT class is awesome. Dakota does a great job challenging and encouraging everyone. He gets to know everyone individually and helps modify the exercises if needed. I definitely recommend working with him as a personal trainer or trying out the HIIT class. There are also fun events and challenges they do at the gym and around town, they stay active in the community! Also they have a mini fridge with cold brew and other goodies from Crescendo coffee which I absolutely LOVE. Can't recommend this place enough.

I texted Mike as directed by the website and I was met by one of the rudest staff members I've ever…read morecame across. I simply asked if they allowed tours of the gym before purchasing a membership and he immediately called me poor and I'm better off at planet fitness. Genuinely was shocked at this response. He also claimed he's one of the owners there. Honestly just weird behavior and I would not recommend this place to anyone!

CrossFit MadTown

4.1

(9 reviews)

Awesome gym! Coaches are helpful, community is on point, and the workouts are fun & challenging…read more Highly recommended for a quality CrossFit experience!

Disrespectful, junior high school behavior. Not professional in any sense of the word.read more

Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping

(6 reviews)

This is not just a gym it is a community! The support, the classes, instructor are awesome!read more

Joining Farrell's was the BEST decision I made in 2021!! When I joined the things that stuck out to…read moreme from the owners (yes-- BOTH of the owners were there the day I joined the gym and they get to know each member personally) was that they stressed that this gyn was different. And it is. Not only are these workouts some of the most fun and dynamic 45 minute workouts I've ever done, the community at Farrell's shows that this gym is about much kore than just a physical transformation. The instructors, coaches, owners, members, and challengers create the most supportive environment to help each person reach their own level 10 in a positive and safe way. I can't recommend this place enough!! If you're interested in kickboxing or just want an inclusive, non-judgmental, challenging, safe, and positive fitness environment give Farrell's in Madison a try.

Transformation Center - Madison

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I joined the Transformation Center this spring and I can't say enough good things about it! Dustin…read moreand Tessa and their staff do wonderful things to help you get fit, stay motivated and actually make it a work out center you want to come to and are disappointed when you can't attend. I love the training that specifically fits people my age - Fit Over 50. There are also groups called Fit Moms, Sweat Fit, and Killer Kurves. This is the first gym I have ever stuck with on a consistent basis. I highly recommend it, if you are looking for a place to workout.

I was a member for 2 years and enjoyed the classes themselves. However, the owner used an…read moreembarrassing picture of me for promotional purposes without my knowledge or consent. I contacted him to tell him that is illegal and ask that it be removed and his response was demeaning and belittling. The same picture was used 2 additional times, again without my knowledge or consent. Both additional times I contacted the owner to have it removed again and received similar demeaning and belittling responses. The advertisements promise a safe and supportive place to workout, but I found his behavior to create the opposite.

Burn Boot Camp - Monona

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I joined in August and have seen such a difference in my energy levels over 3 months! They have…read moreplenty of times to choose from which make it convenient if you want to work out in the morning one day and afternoon another! I love the trainers, Logan and Kristina are so motivational and they always remember your name. Only critique is they seem to focus on the same people for social media and it'd be nice to see some new faces and friends online working hard :)

The trainers and people are amazing! The atmosphere is so much fun. I love the weights, the music,…read morethe different options for different levels. You guys are awesome.

The Barre Code Madison - West

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This is one of my favorite places to work out, they've rebranded to Mad Fit Club and branched off…read morefrom the main franchise, but have kept up with the classes, schedule, and vibe. My favorite class is Fight, fka Brawl, which is basically zumba kickboxing. They switch up the routine on a weekly basis and Tori is the best instructor. The music playlists are fun and it's a super clean space that also offers normal barre classes, boot camp, and HIIT workouts. If you are looking to switch up your workout routine, definitely check this place out!

Complementing the downtown location that opened in 2016, the Barre Code has opened a second studio…read moreon the west side! The studio space is huge! The studio is located on the main floor of the relatively new apartment complex. The staff rotates from the Downtown and West location. Has all the same amenities as the Downtown, but with a kids room available for mommies to also come and sweat! Also, there is PARKING! A major plus here to not have to worry if you will find parking. I love this studio just as much as I love the Downtown one, but this one is conviently located for me and has become my new stomping grounds.

Unbroken Strength