I've been coming here since they opened in March of 2018 and I've noticed a change in my flexibility, my endurance, my strength, my mood and overall vitality. I look better, feel better, and have more confidence. Because of this, I am compelled to write them a review.
In the last half decade I've dabbled in different boutique gyms and memberships - you could say I've been around! The workouts at Lion's Den leave no muscle unturned, and will challenge and test you.
What's the workout like? It's an hour workout, with (currently) Mondays focusing on lower body, Wednesdays upper body, Fridays Hinge mechanics/glutes, and Saturdays are kind of a summary of the workweek/full body work. They focus on form and the reason behind it, because.. science! (you will inevitably learn a lot!) The beginning of class is a warm up, with the core work out containing 3-4 sections of a mash up of different compound movements, and the last part of the class is mobility (think of deep tissue massage that you give yourself using equipment to help blood flow/speed up your recovery).
As for equipment for the workouts, you can expect to use a mix of body weight exercises, kettlebells, barbells, dumbbells, medicine balls, battle ropes, sled, bands, clubs and maces - yes clubs and maces! (I tap into my inner battle-mage when doing mace 360's and warrior squats. :D) And for mobility you will be using things like rollers, balls, and bands to help work out knots and stretch/lengthen your muscles.
The demographic at the gym is very diverse with members of all different ages and fitness levels. The workouts are all modifiable - so if you are fighting an injury, if you really want to go heavy and push, or if you are new to this whole "fitness" thing - the workout can be tailored to fit. Their goal is to educate and help each individual be that "complete and balanced athlete."
In order to do the above, they keep the class sizes small and with this the instructors are able to watch you and give you one on one feedback. With the class sizes also being small you are able to build friendships with other members - Lion's Den has done such a great job of creating a fun, supportive, positive community.
To make things easy, they have quick grab healthy bites from Zeal - I love the pineapple jalapeno cold pressed juice, as well as their really addicting protein balls. They also have locker rooms and showers if you need to get ready right after the workout.
I've included photos so you can get a better idea/sense of the place too.
If you are looking for a gym that will challenge you, that you can learn from, that you can grow from, that you can call home - give them a try! I hope to see you in class! :) read more