This will probably be the most challenging Yelp review I ever write. I was a consistent 4-5 classes/week customer for 4.5 years in the Morrisville location until earlier this year when I decided not to renew due to various reasons. I believe in the concept of The Body Mechanic and want to see some MAJOR improvements, so it can grow and become the business it CAN be.
At this time, The Body Mechanic offers 2 consistent classes: Dynamic Power Training (taught by Jeff Wooten AKA The Body Mechanic) and Yin Yoga (taught by Candace Seidl). They also offer a few less frequent classes including a weekly Deep Breathing webinar, a Flow/Yin combo that is taught about once a month and a self-defense seminar that is offered on occasion. Jeff Wooten and Mary Wire also offer a variety of massages.
Dynamic Power Training (DPT) is a unique form of exercise that was developed by Jeff Wooten. It is a blend of martial arts, yoga and calisthenics. In my opinion, it is an AMAZING class that definitely got me hooked years ago. It is not a high intensity form of exercise, but the combination definitely contributed to me getting in the BEST shape of my life. Be prepared to do sit-ups, push-ups, yoga poses, walking lunges, random stretches and more in this class that is paired with fun high-energy music. No 2 classes are the same. This class is for men and women of all ages/shapes/sizes. There are many modifications to make the exercises more or less intense for students. At this time, Dynamic Power Training is offered:
* Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 AM
* Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM
* Saturday at 8:00 AM
* Sunday at 5:00 PM
Yin Yoga is a GREAT class to pair with Dynamic Power Training or on its own. It is an opportunity to slow down and hold many poses (seated, supine or prone) with relaxed muscles for several minutes. When Candace originally offered this class, I had NO desire to attend because it was such a drastic difference from Dynamic Power Training and required relaxation (which I have never been great at); Candace convinced me to try it one Saturday morning, and I am SO GLAD she did. It is such an amazing class that has taught me so many unique ways to stretch and relax. I am such a fan of Candace and her teaching methodology and practice. It is SO clear to me how much she cares about each student. We are all so different and she makes a HUGE effort to make sure everyone is comfortable and getting a good stretch. If they are unable to do the pose (due to surgeries, body structure, whatever) that the class is doing, she will find them another pose that will work for him/her. I have learned so much from Candace and encourage anyone to take the class and learn from her during class or just though conversation. At this time, Yin Yoga is offered:
* Wednesday at 6:00 PM
* Saturday at 9:45 AM
The Body Mechanic is owned and managed by Jeff Wooten. Unfortunately, Jeff has not identified someone else who can/will teach Dynamic Power Training, so he is the ONLY instructor. Jeff takes at least 4 days off every month to relax/recoup. This means Dynamic Power Training and regularly scheduled massages are cancelled on a regular basis. There is no official schedule for these days off, and clients receive an email a few weeks to 2 months in advance. I am a planner, so I would prefer this be scheduled more in advance to allow students to make plans or schedule vacations of our own. In 2014, Jeff cancelled 45 DPT classes; in 2015, Jeff cancelled 65 DPT classes. Candace has been able to offer a Flow/Yin combo class on the Saturdays when Jeff is out; she also has offered a few other yoga classes during the week when he is out. I hope Jeff works with her more in the future by communicating with her his planned vacations and finding out when she is available to teach during his absence; this is currently a 2 step process which isn't a great experience for the clients.
One of my other complaints (hate to use that word) is the business is DIRTY. There is so much dust, hair and other dirt that really needs to be addressed. I believe Jeff uses a dust mop at least once a day, but that tends to move the dust, dirt, etc. around the room rather than pick it up. He only "cleans" the mats in the main exercise room, therefore there are plenty of other areas in the room that remain dirty. Keep in mind, classes are done barefoot and we are on the mats a lot. I am not a fan of seeing hair, bugs, etc. inches from my face when I am exercising or deep breathing.
I truly hope Jeff is able to take my suggestions/advice to heart and make some major improvements to the business as they relocate to Cary in the coming months. I truly believe that The Body Mechanic can be a very successful business, and I want it to be a HUGE success. read more