It really pains me to write this review. I've been taking classes at RippedPHL since shortly after…read morethey opened. Of the various treadmill workout studios in the area that have come and gone over the years, it consistently was my favorite. It had been in my regular rotation for a while until they changed the Thursday night class that best fit in my schedule to a strength only class. Since I really like the treadmill portion I hadn't been here in several months. During that time they made some changes, and the class names changed. I was hoping it was just the names, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I'll start by saying that I'm a runner - I run regularly, most often on trails with lots of hills. Although I am squarely a back of the pack, party pace runner. Ripped's treadmill programs have three options of increasing difficulty. They also have a high incline hiking option that I was excited about when they launched, but never ended up trying once I saw that it hits speeds of 4.0 MPH and higher. That's not a realistic hiking pace for me, especially when you're at double digit inclines. I've always found level 1 of the running programs challenging, but doable. Now, however, level 1 is significantly harder. When the first treadmill interval kicked off, instead of the usual 3.8 MPH warm-up pace, the level 1 warm-up pace had jumped to 4.5 MPH, which is a pretty significant increase. And it just got harder from there. At one point the speed was at 6.5 MPH, which used to be a flat road sprint speed for level 1, but this time we were mid-hill on a 5% incline and going up from there. The second tread set started off with 5.0 MPH as the warm-up. For level 1! That's not a warm-up for me - that's my race pace. I had to completely tap out with this new program. I know some people like the challenge of striving for goals out of reach and find that motivating, but I'm the opposite. If I wanted to try something harder and currently out of reach I could try levels 2 or 3. Finding myself completely unable to keep up with the lowest level option as someone who identifies as a runner outside of class, let me feeling really bad about myself. I used to leave these classes feeling tired and challenged, but confident and accomplished. I left this class feeling defeated and bad about myself. At a time when it seems like a lot of studios are making an effort to accommodate people at all levels of the their fitness journey, Ripped appears to be going in the other direction. And yes, I realize I can modify and reduce the speed or walk when I can't keep up, but those numbers I'm supposed to be attaining and failing to reach are right there in front of me challenging how I feel about my performance. One of the benefits of fitness classes for me is the boost they provide to my mental health, and that isn't going to help me think positively about my fitness journey and performance. If your approach to fitness is different than mine and/or you're further along on your fitness journey in terms of performance, I encourage you to try RippedPHL. It really is a great studio - the instructors are amazing and the front desk is always awesome and welcoming. And I'm assuming their regular members asked for this update and like the harder programs, which is why they've made the update. I wish the studio the best, I really do - we've lost too many fitness studios in Philly recently. But I feel like I stepped off the train for a minute and it sped away and left me behind. So I'm going to have to explore other options that work better for me for where I am on my physical and mental fitness journey.

This was located on a third floor walkup in Rittenhouse. I was exhausted by the time I got to the…read moretop of the stairs, but I guess that is a good pre-workout to get you ready for the class. Malik was the instructor. For someone that wants to get into running I really think that this is a great motivation. Everyone is on treadmills and the intensity of the speed and workout varies during the workout. Each treadmill is state of the art and they have large vivid screens that were streaming images of streets of NYC. It was engaging to watch. You would alternate from the treadmill to the workout benches and on the benches there were different weights that you could use for activities like dead lifts and sumo squats. There was also a variety of stretching exercises. The workout room was a bit cramped and dark for my liking but maybe that is something that just takes some getting used to.

There are not enough good things that I can say about Matt!…read more Let me start by saying I am NOT the ideal customer. I have had two back surgeries, genetic issues with my knees, shoulder and ankle issues... Basically I'm a mess! AND that is exactly why I choose to train with Matt. When I was looking for a trainer I needed to make sure the trainer had a background in Physical Therapy/Rehab and it was also important that my trainer was a trainer full time. Not to offend those trainers whom hold down a full time "regular job" and also train for extra money, but I wanted someone dedicated to his/her craft. I was not disappointing after starting to work with Matt. Our initial consultation focused on range of motion and goal setting. We progressed gradually the first few sessions focusing on activated core breathing, something extremely important to preventing injury and having good form as I learned in my many physical therapy stints and reinforced by Matt. After getting into the flow and habit in the gym Matt began to push me harder responsibly testing my boundaries. Keep in mind it had been a good decade since I've been to the gym, and even then I never loved it. Being as stubborn as I am, Matt continually had to find new ways to get through to me and keep me interested. He was always up to the challenge! I've taken a new position at work which has taken all my free time and then some, but prior to moving to this new position and taking a hiatus from training with Matt he put my needs in front of his and worked up a couple programs I can do in a hotel, and body weight exercises I could do anywhere. I cant wait for things to settle back down so I can begin training with him again! He is a stand up guy that cares about those he is training first and foremost.

Prior to my first consultation with Matt, I hadn't slept through the night in nearly 6 months due…read moreto constant back and knee pain. At age 35 and far from ready to stop playing sports, I'd tried (and paid for) everything short of a surgeon - rest/ice/heat, flexibility training, PT, etc - with moderate results at best. Matt's philosophy of injury prevention through strength training intrigued me, and despite what initially seemed like a high cost and something for people much younger than me, I decided to give his "Fast Gains" program a try. Fast forward to a year later - with an unrelated shoulder injury and surgery sidelining me for 4 months, mind you - and I am now stronger, healthier, and more injury-resilient than I've ever been. Matt's extensive knowledge of physiology and movement led to the discovery that my problem wasn't lack of flexibility, but hyperflexibility, and his relentless emphasis on proper form set me up to succeed and progress through every workout from day 1. He is a passionate, knowledgeable, and empathetic trainer who cultivates those same traits in his trainees, and I can't recommend him highly enough.

I've been a member of Forza Wellness since February 2019 after training at other big box and…read moreboutique gyms in DC and Philadelphia. Forza's approach to fitness includes a focus on changing your mindset to connect physical fitness, nutrition and recovery to achieve my desired results. Specifically, I train with Davide, the Founder, and I appreciate his motivation, energy, knowledge and attention to detail in planning for and executing workouts 2-3 times per week. The workouts are challenging, but I leave feeling a sense of accomplishment, even on days when I'm not at my best. Throughout the past year, I've seen increases in endurance, strength and muscle due to Davide's guidance and lots of hard work in and out of the gym. The icing on the cake for Forza is the new location at 1528 Walnut. This location includes upgraded equipment and more space for pre and post workout stretching, body movement and group training sessions. A lot of time and attention has been given to every detail. The recent addition of group training sessions has been a welcome add to my routine. I'm thoroughly enjoying these sessions and the opportunity to work with other trainers. The Forza team is extremely welcoming of all fitness levels and many of the members have become friends outside of the gym. Forza has and will continue to exceed my expectations. I'd highly recommend.

I do strength-training web sessions (Skype, FaceTime, whatever decides to work that night) with…read moreDonna from New York. *I cannot recommend her more highly.* This is the *only* workout regimen that I have stuck with consistently, 2x per week for almost two years now. I almost even look forward to our sessions! (Don't misinterpret; that is a huge compliment that I almost look forward to getting my ass kicked!) For anyone: Donna will create a personalized workout for you, and you will be sore the next day, and you will see results. The end. For New Yorkers: I literally cannot stress enough how awesome it is to work out with Donna. In NY, a one-hour class becomes a three hour ordeal that includes subway rides in which you are lugging your gear along with you. Maybe there's a shower at that group class; maybe not. You know what I'm talking about. It's the worst. Donna works with my schedule. We train before I go to work, or at night when I'm home. I workout from the comfort of my own apartment, using my body weight, hand weights, and even furniture! It is the most convenient and effective thing ever. EVERYONE SHOULD SIGN UP TO WORK WITH DONNA. TLDR: CONTACT DONNA!

I highly recommend Dr. Charlie Seltzer and his entire practice. Dr. Seltzer not only stays on top…read moreof the ever changing research, literature and international health and longevity practices, he also really listens to his patients and customizes a plan for each patient's individual needs. Dr. Seltzer truly cares and wants to help all of his patients live their best life. He has made a huge difference in my health and quality of life. I am grateful my friends recommended Dr. Seltzer to me, years ago. I hope this recommendation can help others as well.

I have been going to Dr Charlie Seltzer for 2 plus years. I lost 30 lbs in the first six to eight…read moremonths and have maintained that weight loss without medication. I continue to follow up with Dr Charlie Seltzer to keep me on track, to discuss any barriers, and to work towards long term goals such as gaining muscle mass and preventing loss of bone density. I highly recommend!

My trainer, Kara B., was great. She kept me on track, helped me gain muscle, and worked out…read moreadaptations to accommodate my past injuries. Very knowledgeable and motivating. I highly recommend her and the other trainers at Platoon. The facility was always clean and the manager was easy to get a hold of. Great location for people working around Old City/Center City.

I've been taking Platoon's free classes at the Comcast Center for the past four weeks and I…read moreabsolutely love them. The trainers, Michelle and Malik, are awesome and inspirational. I'll admit, I begrudgingly went to the second class dreading the various cycles we had gone through the week before. I assumed that because the classes were free, they would be exactly the same. Wrong! Every single class has been different. Each has been painful in its own special way, but for me, not knowing what's next makes it easier to push through. This has kept me going back for more week after week. Although I already have a gym membership and pay for another boot camp in NJ, I am seriously considering looking into Platoon's programs.

I quite enjoyed my time at he Bellevue for a while that it's done a complete 180 in the last…read moreseveral months. The good: Very big and nice facilities with amazing great variety of equipment. A TON of group fitness classes if you're into that including free reformer Pilates classes (if you can get in.) Issues (that are unacceptable in general or just completely insane to have at the membership price point...these are things you deal with a budget gym or someplace you go for free): Constant elevator issues which cause lines and long wait times during peak hours. And for the last 6+ months they've only had two of three functioning if that. You know it's an issue, fix it for goodness sakes. Good luck if you rely on parking here. The entrance are closed half the time causing you to have to detour for a good ten plus minutes to get in and then exiting you're stuck behind trucks delivering in the alley they've left "open" for you to get out. And yes the validate but they randomly increased the price from $11 to $12 one day. Not a huge deal but why not tell members in advance? It's just sloppy. The sound systems are suboptimal for group classes especially in the HIIT studio. It is a vibe killer for sure. The spa that we were promising was coming soon when we joined in November of 2023 is still nowhere to be found. The locker rooms are adequately maintained but there are so many privacy issues. Often there are signs that there will be men working in the women's locker room. And the phone use is NUTS. People are on video conference calls! How is this allowed?? The cafe hours stink for early birds. If I'm done with my workout before 7am and I want coffee, I'm SOL. It's also insanely expensive. I cannot speak for the food there because I won't eat it after I saw a mouse in the cafe area while I was working from there one day. Treadmills are constantly broken. They added a bunch and now there's somehow less available because they cannot seem to maintain them. Out of service for a day or two is one thing but it goes way longer than that. Good luck and Godspeed accessing an assault bike or a ski erg between 10:15 and 2pm on weekdays. They're fully monopolized by the turf class and the HIIT studio is used for classes including mat Pilates (??) Generally speaking maintenance seems to be an issue. A pedal was hanging off one of the two assault bikes on the main floor this week when I was using it. A tread was sticking a few weeks ago when I started to run on it. I couldn't strap my foot into a rower the other day. It doesn't seem like it would be too much to ask that they keep their eye on this. I do feel like it used to be under control but had fallen off a cliff recently. Too many people here are shooting footage for social media. I cannot complete a workout without being concerned I'm in the background of someone's selfie-video or photo shoot. Hotel guests have full access to the gym. It adds to the insane crowds on the weekend and needs to get in check. Many of the trainers and instructors are great but a handful of trainers that either do personal training or turf classes are flat out RUDE. I was treated disrespectfully and even bullied by one of them while minding my own business just trying to complete my workout. This is embarrassing for the gym and needs to be addressed. Ultimately, I could no longer justify being a paying member with so little care shown by management about the member experience. Perhaps spending less time posting less on social media and more time listening to an addressing member feedback would be helpful.

There's a lot about this gym that's phenomenal, but the phone use in the locker room and sauna…read moredrags this place way down. This is a serious privacy violation, whether someone is intentionally taking pics not. (Sometimes they are taking pics.) Most people have camera permissions enabled on their phones for lots of apps. A sauna or locker room is a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, but the phone use means you do not have privacy here. It gets worse: the same people using their phones in the sauna are usually the ones who wear their dirty socks and gym clothes in there (sometimes even their sneakers), and you can even tell when it's empty, because the wooden benches are dirty from it. Gross. This isn't an occasional problem with only a few offenders. If you walk past the sauna (it has a glass door) you'll often see 4+ people in there scrolling their phones. The gym does have a couple of signs telling people not to do either of these things, but the signs are ignored. At $200 per month, this is considered a high end gym. The other high end gyms (Fitler, Equinox) in this area don't have the same problems, so I don't know what's going on here. I guess someone started doing it, no one stopped them, and now others see this and think it's ok? This is a shame because the equipment here is good, there are tons of great classes, and the space overall is very nice.

I am wowed by the handsome facilities and the variety of exercise equipment, and I am delighted…read morewith the training offered by Ryan, who is skilled, sensitive, and entertaining. As a woman of advanced years (close to 80), I obviously have limitations, but I still want to work towards fitness. He pushes me enough to make the sessions challenging but is careful to avoid using types of exercise that would overstretch my capacity. I have confidence that with Ryan supervising my workouts at Elevate I can gain strength and meanwhile enjoy my experience there.

I had met Justin (the PT) and Carla (the office manager) at a networking event. Shortly afterward I…read morefractured my kneecap. PT was inevitable and I'm so glad I met them, as I was dreading PT. My last two places were, in a word, awful. They assigned one therapist to 2-3 people at once, so you'd spend an hour for 20 minutes of actual treatment - if you're lucky. They point you to a machine and move on to the next person. Justin was with me the entire hour. He tailored the workout to me. He knows when to push (think football coach) and when to ease off because your body won't take it. He knows physiology and has an exercise for everything. And he's got a terrific sense of humor. (Be sure to tell him about your cats - he loves them.) Justin is also totally honest. Unlike some PT places in the city, he won't try to rope you into more sessions than you need. When you're done, you're done. My knee healed really fast, just a few months after the break, I'm way ahead of where most people are at this point. (Of course I went to all the sessions and did exercises at home too. Justin gave me very good diagrams and they've got online capabilities too. The location is fantastic. It's convenient and well-appointed. Where else do you go to PT and see a waiting room with tables, coffee, fruit and the New York Times? It's the classiest PT place in town. Their rates are reasonable. I couldn't believe what I was getting when my insurance paid the same (or more) for PT that was a waste of time. I'm writing this during the lockdown. I was so impressed that, when we're allowed to go to gyms again, I'm going back for some personal training. And I can't imagine going anywhere else for PT.

The 1 S Broad St location can't possibly fit more than 3 people in the locker room at the same…read moretime while maintaining social distancing. It was always filthy also... Black mold on shower curtains etc. The billing company, ABC financial started billing me again out of the blue and will not waive the 60 day cancellation policy even though I feel uncomfortable using the facility due to COVID-19. They are scumbags. I have been a SWEAT member for 4 years, they have gotten plenty of my money but are greedy and don't care about their customers health... I also belong to Bellevue who have a huge locker room but understood my concerns and waived all cancellation policy. I feel bad for the staff, they were always friendly. And the only reason this place gets 2 stars instead of 1.

One of the worst gyms when it comes to canceling your membership. Members be aware! You need to…read moregive them 60 days notice. You can't really do this by talking to any person on the phone or any of their staff who work at the gym! You need to send an email to two email addresses! They really don't have a customer service or customer care person for this basic function. You need to send an email to their money collecting company called ABC Financials. Make sure you email both sweat and ABC Financials. Apparently they don't really talk to one another--so the responsibility falls on you, that is this is all your job to do to cancel your membership. Email support@sweatfitness.com as well as customercare@abcfinancial.com and good luck if you don't use emails and online portals. *** Don't forget to go online to your membership portal to ALSO CANCEL IT THERE!!! I am filing a complaint with FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Easily the best gym in Philadelphia. Great coaches who care about your health and progress. Very…read morehelpful nutritional coaching too. I was always intimidated by fitness culture, and Leverage changed all that for me. Cannot recommend it enough.