I've been taking classes here for about 9 months, and have tried all of their classes, including private training. I work out here almost exclusively, with a sprinkle of yoga classes or kickboxing classes elsewhere when there's a promotional deal. I keep coming back to Jane DO day after day because 1) I've noticed a huge difference in my body, 2) it continues to kick my a$$ every single class, and 3) the trainers are so warm and friendly and they just make me happy.
I joined Jane DO (previously The Sports Barre, "Jane Doe" is any woman, and Jane DO empowers every woman to do what they want by building physical and mental strength) primarily for the Barre Naked classes, because I used to take barre classes in Hoboken and the isometric movements were great for shaping my arms and core. I had also just finished 5 months of private training at another studio with heavy, heavy weights, so I was looking for an equally tough workout. I started at Jane DO with the Barre Naked, Sports Barre, and Dance Your A$$ Off (DYAO) classes, and even though I'm terribly uncoordinated, I left each class completely spent but feeling great. The trainers always give options to make certain moves harder / easier, and they challenge you to go for the harder options. Also I love their signature workout tanks and have a whole collection of them :)
At this point, I've taken all the classes, and I really can't pick a favorite because they each serve a different purpose:
-DYAO: cardio / weight loss, dance party to fun music, totally ok if you can't dance
-Tramp Stamp: cardio / weight loss, high intensity but low impact because the trampoline absorbs the shock of jumping, good for those who think you're uncoordinated because there's a limited range of moves
-Barre Naked: low impact but super hard because you work the tiny muscles in your body that you didn't know existed and it huuuuuurrrrrrts so much / so good, great for toning muscles
-Sports Barre: all-in-one class if you only have limited days each week to work out. You get spurts of high-intensity cardio (e.g. squat jumps, burpees) in between muscle toning sets
-Step It Up: kind of like DYAO or Tramp Stamp but with the added challenge of a step. I found this one to be the hardest class of all because of the step and because I think it requires more coordination to turn around on the step while doing moves. This probably gets easier once you learn the range of moves over several classes
-Private Training: yes it's expensive, but your trainer (thanks Taylor!) will really get to know you and your strengths / weaknesses. I get pushed to do harder moves, plus I learned a lot more about my body and how to take care of it. Every workout is new and completely different and incorporates a range of equipment (e.g., TRX straps, bosu, swiss ball, heavier weights - 10 lb max, step, trampoline, ankle weights, jump rope, agility ladder, stairs, barre, mat, pilates ring, etc.). If your session is scheduled when class is going on, your session will be in the small private training room on the 2nd floor. Otherwise, you will be in the main studio, which means you might have to do laps around the room :)
As for the instructors, I love them all. I've taken class with every one of them, and they're all equally charming / tough. I like that they do the workouts with the class (except when they walk around to adjust people's form) - it is inspiring because they prove it's not impossible to keep going, and it shows that these trainers seriously have buns/arms/abs of steel.
Some classes can get cozy because the studio is small and the classes are often completely booked. I hope they have continued success so they can expand the Jersey City location! read more