First thing first, these trainers are not in it for the money. They will not set you up to fail--they do not want you to sign up for MELT and then never show up; so you should know, before I get into my review, that you will automatically get a week free trial to make sure this place is right for you. This is risk free. Why sign up for something you will never go back to? Make sure you enjoy it; then take the official plunge. It's a fair system for sure! At the time I came to M.E.L.T Fitness Studio, I wasn't very athletic. I had played many sports in High School, but not in college, and certainly not in the few years following college. I had started going to a local box-gym, but didn't do more than walk 10 miles on a treadmill and think that I was doing something productive for myself--I mean, come on, it's 10 miles! My brother had been going this gym (MELT) and always came home talking about it, looking tired, but satisfied. It took me a couple months of hearing these stories about his "crazy" workouts, and seeing his few-month physical transformation (many inches by the way--but he was a guy, so I was skeptical, more on that in a moment), to actually ask him if he "thought I could handle it". Knowing me, he didn't hesitate in saying yes! I reiterated to him that I hadn't had a decent workout in almost 5 years (and, let's be real, my effort in high school wasn't exactly perfect...) but he said, again, that it honestly wouldn't be a problem--"there are levels, you just do what you can, really, just go try it--you can make it easier at first, and then harder as you go". He convinced me to go--but I wouldn't go unless he agreed to be there with me! When I first got there, I was very nervous, but the trainers were very enthusiastic and welcoming. During the workout, someone was always helping me with my form--something that is VERY important in the MELT community, more important than lifting heavy and making personal records--and showing me a regression to the same exercise. I never felt like I was being called-out for not being able to do something that just wasn't at my level, yet. (In the future, the trainers were really great at making progressions for me, as things became too easy!) And even though there were other people in the class, and I thought they were looking at me and seeing how I couldn't do the exercises as well as them, I learned quickly that it wasn't true! Everyone is doing their own workout, worrying about their own goals, and own form. I wasn't the center of attention--thank God! Well, let me tell you--the first workout was tough, and I was sore, but I hadn't felt so accomplished in years. And, something I was really, really impressed with: the next day, a trainer took the time to call me personally, to ask how I was feeling and what was sore. He gave me some tips and stretches to do so that I would feel better before my next class. MELT makes their workouts fun, with theme-bootcamps (I mean who wouldn't want to do pushups in an ugly Christmas sweater or be trained as someone dressed as Cat Women!?), transformation challenges, teams for 5k runs, and much more. Laughing while working out is like a double workout--and that happens A LOT at MELT Fitness Studio! It is a very happy, accepting, welcoming place. And the trainers work really hard to get to know you on a personal level. Even if I just rolled my ankle over the weekend, they are quick to make sure that I take it easy, and always seem to remember to check in before the next workout. They know EVERYONE'S name. Honestly, I don't know how they do it--I'm a teacher, and can't imagine knowing everyone's name, but they do! This fun, personal touch to everything makes me come back 6 days a week. I don't feel like a number. I don't feel like I'm just "Wallet" to them--they are in it for my successes just as much as I am. So, that's great, but what about my results--does the place actually "work"? Absolutely. I have lost over 30 pounds, and an uncountable amount of inches all over my body--but they will tell you it's not all about the numbers (get off your scales!). Results: my first day plank was for less than 10 seconds, now it's a solid 30 before I even start shaking. Results: I used to do half-squats with no weight, and it was hard; I just did sets of full squats, with a 70lbs kettle bell, last week. Results: I never ran. Ever. I just did a Spartan 5k last month, and have done multiple obstacle races over the past year. Talk about a confidence booster! I recommend this studio, 100%. This place has changed my view on so much: myself--much more confident--how I eat, how I workout, and what I am capable of. Just give it a try--a week free trail! But be warned, you will certainly enjoy it!! read more

I tried my first M.E.L.T. fitness class a few months ago on the advice of a good friend, who, as it turns out, gives great advice! I have never once looked back on my decision to join. I have never been much of a gym person. Mostly for the reason I found it too easy to stop doing an exercise on a machine. I would rather go for a run or bike ride knowing I had to finish if I wanted to get home! I did enjoy taking classes at the gym, but as I look back and compare that experience to the M.E.L.T. experience, classes at the gym weren't very personally encouraging. At M.E.L.T., I feel as though I am participating in a personal training session. From the beginning, the coaches not only encourage you, regardless of your age or abilities, they train you. Based on your strengths and weeknesses they teach you proper technique as to avoid injuries and address existing physical conditions. I have had both shoulder and knee surgery and have sciatic and lower back issues. Having just turned 50 and out of shape, I was naturally concerned about avoiding any additional injuries. In my short time at M.E.L.T., I can honestly say I have yet to get bored. I am amazed that even after a few months, I am constantly introduced to new exercises. You never know what to expect. You just know it is going to be tough, but effective. And, you know that between the coaches and other members encouraging you, you can and will do it. Everyone is so positive. I don't know what I would do without starting my day off without a M.E.L.T. workout! read more

I have been a member to countless "Big Box" Gym's over the years. I was always very excited at the beginning but my interest waned over a short period of time. About 21/2 years ago I was introduced to MELT. MELT has been a life changing experience! I did the work but MELT did so much in helping me succeed! They understand every individual need, they get to know their clients, the trainers build relationships with their clients. My trainers know if I'm there or not. They also know if I'm giving it my all at every Bootcamp or if I'm slacking off a bit. They encourage me with each exercise to constantly improve, more reps, more weight etc. The trainers #1 concern is safety of their clients. They take the time to explain the routines, they make corrections to your form if needed, always watching you and adjusting. My trainers are also teaching me and all other clients about water intake, nutritional advice, proper rest etc. I have lost 85 lbs., 12" off my waist and all my blood work #'s have gone dramatically in the right direction. I attend 5-6 times per week, I'm part of an advanced warrior group, I have also taken up running, doing 5k & 10k's as well as some obstacle course endurance events. Thanks to Joe Carabase for everything he provides for me. A special thanks to my main man Aaron Granahan, he's my trainer, my mentor, my pal and kicks my butt every day to make me stronger & healthier! Love you guys! Ray R. read more

I started working out at M.E.L.T in February of 2013 on a Groupon from a recommendation of a friend. It only took two bootcamps and I was hooked. This facility and it's trainers are far beyond anything that I have experienced. Believe me - I have tried them all to lose weight and be fit: Zumba, cardio kick boxing, weight watchers, spinning, typical gym with cardio machines. They all failed me. I have lost more inches in the last 9 months then I have in YEARS of other options. The trainers at M.E.L.T. don't know how to fail. They truly want to help you become a healthier you. They will push you hard and make you sweat, but they will also modify the workouts if you need them to, making sure you know how to do the exercise correctly without the risk of you hurting yourself. They will offer you a food plan that is DO-ABLE! A way to learn how to eat "clean" for the rest of your life, no fad diets. It's about hard work, but they also have fun - we have themed bootcamps each month and they do charity bootcamps too. When you walk into their doors, you will feel "it". I can not tell you what "it" is, you have to experience the feeling to understand. If you are ready to make a change - don't look any further, come in and take a peak at M.E.L.T. Once you walk in the doors, you will not have to go anywhere else. read more

I started at Melt Fitness April 2011 and I have made the best transformation of my life!!!! I started making my transformation in January 2011 and was fortunate enough to have met the owner Joe Carabase the previous year. He inspired me to get back into working out and to being healthy again. Since I started, I have lost 55 lbs to date and have taken off 14 inches and possibly more from my body and each week I am reshaping my body and making differences. With each week of working out I am getting stronger and noticing the tone in my muscles in all areas and feeling great throughout the process. Although I know it took a long time to gain the weight it has taken me less time to achieve my weight loss and the most important thing melt did for me was never let me give up on myself or think that it was not achievable!! This is truly a non judgmental zone for working out and always a positive and encouraging experience. I know that I still have a ways to go but I know I will never feel the way I used to. Working out at Melt fitness has completely changed my attitude in life, I live well, laugh a lot and enjoy my boot camps to the fullest!!!! So if you're looking to make a change for the better or looking to tone up and have great workouts then Melt is the place for you!!! read more

I have been a member at Melt for about 4 months and I truly dont know how I lived without it. As someone who has always struggled with self-motivation, and never had a huge passion for working out, I bounced around from gym to gym, taking spin classes, working out on my own. I saw some changes in myself, but nothing in comparision to the changes i have acheived since joining Melt. Since joining, I have lost over 4 inches around my stomach, and gained muscle definition in places I never had before. I take classes 4-5 days a week and find that I hate days that I am not Melt-ing! The coaches are motivating, and push you to work as hard as you can, while making sure you maintain the correct form and dont hurt yourself. The encouragement from your fellow boot campers is amazing too, it truly is one giant family. Since the class sizes are relatively small, you really get the attention and guidance to make sure you acheive your goals. Classes are only 30 minutes, it is nearly impossible to not have the time to get to class- who doesnt have 30 minutes of their day to give!! If you are looking for the right place to get in shape, or challenge yourself, Melt is the right way to go. Take 1 class and you will be hooked, just like I was!! read more

I have been a member at Melt for about 4 months and I truly dont know how I lived without it. As someone who has always struggled with self-motivation, and never had a huge passion for working out, I bounced around from gym to gym, taking spin classes, working out on my own. I saw some changes in myself, but nothing in comparision to the changes i have acheived since joining Melt. Since joining, I have lost over 4 inches around my stomach, and gained muscle definition in places I never had before. I take classes 4-5 days a week and find that I hate days that I am not Melt-ing! The coaches are motivating, and push you to work as hard as you can, while making sure you maintain the correct form and dont hurt yourself. The encouragement from your fellow boot campers is amazing too, it truly is one giant family. Since the class sizes are relatively small, you really get the attention and guidance to make sure you acheive your goals. Classes are only 30 minutes, it is nearly impossible to not have the time to get to class- who doesnt have 30 minutes of their day to give!! If you are looking for the right place to get in shape, or challenge yourself, Melt is the right way to go. Take 1 class and you will be hooked, just like I was!!! read more

I joined M.E.L.T. in South Windsor the first week in February. Initially I was skeptical questioning how a half hour workout, three to five times a week, could make a difference. All of the trainers made a true believer out of me! In less than 6 months I've lost over 20 pounds and I'm stronger than I've ever been. I no longer use the excuse that I don't have time to work out. If I havehave half an hour to sit down, thenthen I have half an hour to work out. I have learned and maintained healthy eating habits thanks to M.E.L.T.'s grocery lists and nutritional tips. One of the best perks was the travel work out plans M.E.L.T. provided me. I travel weekly for my work, with the travel plans I'm able to work out in my hotel room without missing a beat. My goal was to be fit for my daughter's wedding this September. I've gotten that and so much more! II can't think M.E.L.T. enough for providing me with a fitness membership that I'm actually using and not paying an annual fee and never going. Looking forward to continuing on my journey of being the best I can. I highly recommend this program to all of you busy professionals who think you don't have enough time in your day - go for it, what is stopping you? read more

I cannot put into words how happy I am with M.E.L.T. I've struggled for years with trying to find a workout routine that yielded great results, and in just the three short months I've been going to the gym, I have seen more results than I ever have with any other program. The workouts are intense, but so convenient. I lead a hectic life, and the 30-min workout fits perfectly. Within one hour I get there, get in an awesome workout, and am back home. The trainers are amazing. When I started, I was a few months out from tendon reconstruction in my ankle. I talked through this with all the trainers, and said there may be things I can't do right away. To this day, every trainer I have class with still checks to make sure my ankle is holding up, and offers alternates if I am struggling with something. They are encouraging, and will push you to get outside your comfort zone with an exercise. I have done higher levels of exercises than I ever thought I could do. They also create a great, family-like atmosphere. I highly recommend M.E.L.T. to anyone that wants to change their outlook on exercise, and see incredible results. Thank you to Joe and staff for all you do for your members and the community! read more

A business associate asked me to join him for a boot camp workout. I always wanted to try this type of exercise but was nervous that I wouldn't make it through it. I figured 30 minutes how hard can it really be. Well it was challenging and I did survive barely but I loved it. I especially like that is only takes 30 minutes and they work muscles that you didn't even know you had. I am excited that I have lost inches, feel better and my balance has improved. The trainers are wonderful and supportive, each day they have a new set of exercises so it is never boring or monotonous. They even know your name and provide supportive and encouraging emails. So I quit the gym (where I found myself trying to figure what I should be doing or generally socializing more than exercising) and I joined MELT. No matter what your fitness level is when they explain the exercises and the music starts you are so focused on getting through the exercises you don't have time to judge or be judged. It is a great community of people. read more

I hate gyms. I've always found them uninspiring, intimidating, and pretentious. After years of wasted money and time at various gyms in the Hartford area, I decided to try that "x"-tremely popular at-home dvd workout system. I broke a sweat and lost a few pounds, sure. But after a few months, I was too familiar with the routine, which made it very difficult to motivate myself to "push play". Then I discovered M.E.L.T. Fitness Studio. This place has all the elements of a great workout environment: - Friendly, approachable, knowledgeable trainers - An ever-changing 30 minute workout routine that challenges all levels of fitness - Motivated, judgement-free members of all ages and experiences In the year I've been with this group, I've lost (and kept off) 30 pounds and went from a pant size 36 down to a 32. I have more muscle definition, stamina, and energy. If you're motivated to reach the fitness milestones you've always wanted, you can't go wrong with M.E.L.T. Fitness Studio. read more

Great place!! The trainers, Joe and Aaron, are so personable and attentive. They literal run around each interval making sure everyone is working out correctly and to their full potential. They get to know you and your strengths, so they know your personal limits but also know when your not pushing yourself. Last week I was slyly handed the heavier medicine ball, hehe. It's really an awesome boot camp. Music is fun and energetic and the work-outs are actually fun too. Last week one of the intervals was a game of Tag! When was the last time you played tag?? Also the work-outs are rarely the same. I've been going for 5 weeks, and I think we've only once repeated a routine. Each routine targets a different muscle, so you get an all around good great work out. Being there for just over a month I already feel much stronger, I'm at level 3 of most of the exercises!! I love this place. They keep it interesting yet challenging. I would recommend this place to anyone. read more

This fitness studio is the best around! The instructors are very knowledgable and genuinely care for the clients as individuals, not just a money making business like most of gyms or studios. I have a background in physical fitness and health and here I am able to learn something new more times than not. They stay current with fitness trends but stick to their own philosophy! I also have to mention, having been in many different exercise types, this is one of the only places that is appealing and challenging to men & women, teen to elderly, and beginners to experienced exercisers. Not many programs are able to do this in one same singular session, and that is a hugo kudos to them! Everyone leaves sweating, and with a smile on their face! They make friends and it truly is a comfortable place to be. Lastly, the instructors always appreciate feedback and constructively do something with it! It is definitely worth a try and I am sure you will love it as well! read more

Are you ready to have a blast while blasting fat, getting stronger, making friends, and feeling fantastic inside and out? If so, this is the gym for you. I am a working mother of three, and I can always make time for my 25 minute MELT workouts. The classes are convenient, fun, challenging, and upbeat. The instructors are all fitness experts and very motivational. The classes are appropriate for ALL fitness levels and all ages. Also, if you have an injury, the instructors will modify an exercise for your ability. The atmosphere at MELT is very friendly, including fellow members, the instructors, and the owner Joe. I have also signed up my three children for the child/adolescent classes when they are offered. My kids also really enjoy the fitness experience offered. Give it a try...after just one class I was a believer in the MELT philosophy (More Energy Less Time), but also a believer in myself, which is a win in my book! read more

I tried MELT due to a referral from one of my clients. She was losing a ton of weight, felt great, looked great, and enjoyed the work outs. Once I moved to CT, I immediately joined and haven't looked back once. I am not a person to run, do weights on my own, or even do a treadmill or elliptical machine. The staff here is professional, knowledgeable and continually challenge me. They always have numerous levels for each exercise which allows my body to continually challenge itself. I could not do a plank before I came to MELT, now I am doing Planks with my legs on the wall. I have less back problems, and I enjoy the work out. To top it off, the work outs are 25-30 minutes long, which is short enough for me to get it in with my 60-80 hour work week. MELT is great if you want a good work out, in a quick time, with knowledgeable staff and results. read more

I used to go to a gym all the time but was so bored with it and had no motivation so I ended up spending way to much time there. My friend told me about melt so I tried it and fell in love with it!! 30 minute workouts plus they make sure you stretch before and after and even get your heart pumping and then do a cool down at the end. It perfect! The coaches are all great and push you to do your best. I love that they always have 3 levels and ways to change a work out because of injuries. That really helped me a lot! Within 7 weeks I lost 6 inches off my waist, toned up so much and went down 4 dress sizes!! I met my goal of being confident in a bikini this summer. And I'm still loosing! Nothing feels better than having your clothes so loose now you have to get new ones!! I would recommend MELT to anyone! read more

Having been a M.E.L.T. member for over a year, I can honestly say I am never bored. This is the only thing that I've been able to stick with, and the only thing that allows me to constantly see results. Even though I've been going regularly for so long, there is rarely a day where I'm not bright red, out of breath, and sore. The coaches are always attentive and will always modify exercises (making them harder if you aren't sweating enough, or easier if you have an injury), making this the most accommodating fitness studio around. The M.E.L.T. experience fits in perfectly with my busy schedule. I couldn't imagine not going there. I highly recommend M.E.L.T. to anyone who is looking to get in shape or who wants to maintain their current fitness level, as well as anyone who wants to try something new. read more

WOOHOO I LOVE MELT!! I will tell you why. It's a 30 minutes workout. "You can do anything in 30 minutes." That's what was said to me when I started a year ago. And I'm not turning back. I look forward to going to the workouts. Its fun, you meet people and you feel awesome when its over. I was a member of a gym and didn't want to continue to go there. So because I wanted to continue to workout, I joined MELT. They care about your well being and want you to feel better about yourself. Gyms don't do that. You can say you're going to the gym and then of course don't go or when you do go you're standing there and feeling overwhelmed by all the equipment and saying to yourself "what now." Well I decided that MELT was the place for me. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. read more

I try to stay fit, and tried MELT ("More Energy Less Time") because I was bored with my routine and losing motivation. My expectations were fairly low, as I've tried other "fads" (bootcamp) before, and not found them inspiring. MELT is different, and I've now spent over a year there. I love it because the trainers are friendly, interested, knowledgable and upbeat - all the time. The class is different - every time. The clients are as diverse as it gets, yet the trainers tailor every session to each and every participant, offering challenging alternate exercises for beginners, advanced, and those with specific issues (like me - bum knee, and bad shoulder). The trainers truly care about you from the minute you walk in the door - it's a great atmosphere. read more