I really wanted to have a good experience here, but unfortunately my first visit left me feeling…read moreincredibly unwelcome.
When I arrived, I went to the front desk, made a purchase, and signed up for the next two classes. I specifically explained that I was brand new. At no point was I told that one of the classes I had just signed up for was an advanced class that a beginner would clearly not be prepared for.
That alone would have been frustrating, but mistakes happen. What bothered me much more was the complete lack of effort from the coach.
As a brand-new face walking into an advanced class, I would have expected the coach to at least introduce himself, ask about my experience level, or give me some idea of what was going on. None of that happened. Not before class, not during class, and not afterward.
Instead, I spent the better part of an hour stumbling around trying to figure things out on my own before eventually sitting down. And I didn't sit down because I simply gave up. There was a woman trying to record what I assume was content for social media, and I didn't want my confusion in the background ruining her video.
The whole experience left me feeling like I simply wasn't supposed to be there.
Ironically, the one person who actually made me feel welcome was Sarah, who I'm not even sure works there. She approached me on her own, introduced herself, told me about the place, and helped me figure out where I needed to be. If it hadn't been for her kindness, I probably would have left without staying for the second class.
Unfortunately, the same coach taught that class as well. Once again, there was no introduction or attempt to speak to me before, during, or after class.
I don't expect special treatment because I'm new. I do expect basic customer service, especially after I've explicitly told the staff that it's my first time. A simple "Hey, I'm ___, have you done this before?" would have changed the entire experience.
I came in interested enough to make a purchase with the intention of becoming a regular and signed up for two classes. I left feeling invisible.
Based on that first experience, I don't expect I'll be returning.
