Frustrated with my recent poor customer service experience, which now downgrades it to a 2-3 star. I've been an extremely loyal member to I Love Kickboxing for the past 2 years, and typically went 2-3 X/week, depending on the season (more in the winter, when I can't run outside) and my work schedule. I had purchased approximately 240 classes (and still have 160 classes to go) and paid in advance ($1000+, rather than monthly). I also had referred several hockey teammates (with no referral bonus or acknowledgement) and wore their gear (fav t-shirt) with style.
First, the pros:
1) You get a good workout at your own speed (if you can't keep up, you can slow down)
2) You get cardio, core and stretching all in one hour (approximately 20 minutes of each)
3) You can take out all your stress and frustrations on a punching bag
4) It has several classes a day for those who have a flexible work schedule, which is great
5) You definitely sweat and get a good workout
6) They offer frequent Groupon deals so you can check it out without any major commitment to see if you like it.
The cons:
1) The classes can be packed (especially in Q1 when New Year's resolutions start or weekends), requiring that you share bags
2) I worry about the sanitation, as have no idea how often the mats and punching bags are disinfected (I got my first wart - which I've never had in my life - on my punching fist when I first started the class, and people drip sweat onto the floor mats while working out barefoot)
3) The music is REALLY loud (See Star Tribune article here: http://www.startribune.com/now-hear-this-if-you-still-can-after-being-blasted-by-loud-workout-music/352373131/)
4) The constant marketing (2-3 minutes of announcements of how to get more of your friend's to join or social media blitz for them) at every class gets old
5) Their 5-minute policy on being late*
6) Some instructors are much better than others so there is variability
7) You have to partner with someone the last 10 minutes of class for exercise and having physical contact with someone who is dripping sweat (including yourself), which is pretty disgusting.
*Last week, I was late to my first ever class due to an unforeseen circumstance, and wasn't let into the class (as they were warming up). While I understand this for people who are chronically late, I had never been late before (as I'm always 10 minutes early to get my favorite punching bag). Frustrating to have already paid for all my classes and not be able to enter when it's never happened before. Frustrating more by their passive aggressive responsive on social media to rectify the situation. Frustrating with the "come to the next class" which honestly, made me lose loyalty to their cavalier, rude response (We're all busy, who has time to drive back, right?).
Overall, good gym workout but it can be expensive. I like the combination of core, HIT (high intensity training) and kickboxing. Boo on the poor customer service experience, however. read more
