For those that are thinking about ISI Apex, you need to understand some pros/cons of this studio. I don't say these things to discourage people from joining as these are my words and opinions; however, I do want someone to be informed about what they are signing up for and what they can expect from this studio at this time.
PROS:
+ the workouts are great. You are definitely going to be pushed to your max and feeling sore later that day and the next...which is a good thing!!
+ the people are great to work out with.
CONS:
+ one coach will say "yes" to any question that is asked, yet doesn't have the power to follow through on any promises. It's always "yes, we will get that tomorrow" and then weeks later when you ask the studio manager, it's "no, we can't do that"???
+ one coach has little to no experience, has a superiority complex when teaching, and has been rude and unprofessional to the members. She/he does a good job technically, but has no experience working with people/athletes and it shows in her leadership in class.
+ barbells only go up to a total of 88 pounds. So, forget about lifting heavy for any barbell work unless you want to use the dumbbells, which changes the workout.
+ for those on the shorter side (less than 5'2"), forget about using the SkiERG because you won't be able to reach the handles. The only alternative is to get help reaching the handles (from a member, NOT a coach because a coach doesn't help) or to do some other modification. Instead of providing a step to get to the handles, one coaches suggestion is to "just jump to reach the handles" (not safe at all).
+ the airflow is non-existent. When asked multiple times to one of the coaches it was always "yeah, we will order fans tomorrow". But, weeks went by and then asked the studio manager and it was a flat out "no, we are not getting fans". So, they refuse to handle the stagnant air problem with a simple solution (fans); just be ready to not be able to breathe when it's hot out or there are lots of people in the studio working out.
+ the space is setup so you can probably fit about 10-15 people comfortably working out (depending on the workouts). The studio has had more than 20 people working out and you are in very tight quarters trying to find your space to workout. They want to get up to 30+ people in the classes...which only makes space an even bigger problem.
+ the studio has been closed 4 times in the morning (5:00am class) in their first 2 months due to coaches sleeping in or not having a key. No communication is made, no apology is given, and no refund for those that get up at 4:00am to get to a 5:00am class. But, be sure that you will get charged for missing a class because you slept in!!
NEUTRAL:
+ high-fives -- the building of their community is all about high-fives before, during, and after workouts. I personally am not against the high-fives but it seems forced when they are like "ok, 5 high-fives before we begin". I am personally not a fan unless it's after a workout.
+ music -- if you like every workout to be a remix, then you will love the music. The music has a good beat and is loud enough to get the blood pumping, but every day doesn't have to be a remix playlist. read more