Only one star because there is no option to give less. My experience is such that I feel compel to share and write this extensive review.
Simple. You get what you pay for, no real sophistication to this operation. If you want quality and a supportive environment, go elsewhere. I read the reviews and decided to buy a 10 class Groupon. I quickly noticed things aren't really like reviewers post.
The Environment
-Give me a break, in a women dominated gym, reviewers are saying it's not competitive. Laughable. Women in the classes compete over everything, space in class, clothing, bodies, etc. Even the teachers comment on what you are wearing, your hair or share unsolicited personal stories.
-Inviting place, absurd. You feel like you are back in the dreaded high school days, where you have to make yourself stand out for attention. Those that blossom at this place are loud, obnoxious and many times rude. Favorite students. Teachers that only engage with the favorite students. Clicks of women that gather before and after classes. Need more?
-I learned that Mondays is not a good day for "new" people, Tuesdays is no better. Hit or miss other days. Classes like Piloxing is a pre-rehearsed workout that doesn't wait for a new person. Salsa---expect to pay more $.
-Also, if you aren't a skinny and little don't expect to receive the same respect from teachers in the difficult classes. It would be nice to receive positive reinforcement sometimes.
The classes
-Welcoming to all levels of fitness. Not real. I registered for a Wanda dance class, not knowing what to expect. I wanted to be as close to the front as possible to see the teacher. I was quickly "embraced" by looks and questions about why I was in the front. One woman tried to be helpful and said, "first line is reserved for Wanda's dancers." I didn't think anything of it, took a step back to the second line. But in the middle of the dance routine, Ms. Wanda herself "gently" in front of the students, asked me to move to the back of the room so I could "follow better". I couldn't follow, felt embarrassed and isolated.
-Online you can see the number of registrants. Late Saturday night, I notice only 2 were registered for a Sunday AM class. So I drove from VA, I participated in the salsa class with two other women that danced like professional dancers (again, not for all levels). At the end, the front desk person tried to collect money from me. I was told I had to pay because it's a "special" class. Extra $ was so not clear.
-Classes fill quick. So you are stuck with the low-attended classes. They must be low attended for a reason, right? I attended a Tai Chi class, empty class. How about swapping for a duplicate of a popular class?
The studio overall
-The floor, never gets cleaned. Hair, dust mites and dirt can be found in every part of the workout space. Street shoes are allowed on the same floor that barefoot and yoga classes are held.
-Ring the bell to enter, but you may wait a long time for someone to notice the bell is ringing.
-Waiting area is tiny. You must arrive 15mins earlier or you'll be in trouble. There is only space for about 5 people in the waiting area, but classes are for like 40. People crowd around in the waiting area, all separate in clicks. 40 exit the dance floor when the other 40 are trying to enter. A total mess.
My experience, your decision.
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