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I signed up for TruFusion as part of their special opening deal- $30 for the first month and a locked in rate of $120/month after that. Having just moved here, I was looking for a new gym to become a member of. I am still in the one month trial period of TruFusion and I can report so far that I have enjoyed my experience. The studio as a whole, is very clean and well equipped. There are several workout studios, some are heated and some are not. There is a wide variety of classes and class times which is great for people who have differing work schedules. Barefoot Bootcamp is probably my favorite class because it combines weights and cardio in a heated room. The class is fast paced and high energy. I would not recommend this for a person who is new to working out and is unfamiliar with using weights/kettlebells. I would start off with one of the kettlebell classes since they go over the form in those classes. Vinyasa Yoga was a positive experience. The instructor was great at providing multiple options for beginner and more experienced yogis. Hot Pilates was also great- it was more fast paced and cardio heavy than I expected. I’m not sure if that is always the case, but since I enjoy cardio, I enjoyed it. Kettlebell classes are great because the are a bit slower paced and the instructors usually go over proper form. I would recommend taking these before some of the other fast paced classes like Barefoot Bootcamp and Circuit. The instructors there have all been very nice and encouraging. They remember your face and make you feel very welcome. If you are new, they are great at explaining things to you like where to find equipment, what you need for the class, etc. They offer free class passes so I would recommend asking for them if you want to give the gym a try without any formal commitment. The only thing that I wish they had was cycling. Other Trufusion locations offer cycling/spinning classes but since Soul Cycle is located downstairs, they did not want to compete with them. It would be great if they offered a discounted rate if you opt to take classes at Soul Cycle.

• TruFusion South Austin Menu with Prices 4211 S Lamar Blvd, Austin
• Soul1 Studio – Menu with Prices – 17961 Sky Park Cir unit A, Irvine
• Shred415 University Hills – Menu with Prices – 6305 E Hampden Ave Ste 102, Denver
• Sutra Studios – Heritage – Menu with Prices – 350 N Gilbert Rd Suite 106, Gilbert
• Shred415 Highlands – Menu with Prices – 642 Baxter Ave Suite 101, Louisville
• Cat’s Corner – Menu with Prices – 2174 Market St, San Francisco
• 24 Hour Fitness – Menu with Prices – 2300 Fort Worth Ave, Dallas
• Summit Climbing Yoga and Fitness – Plano – Menu with Prices – 525 Talbert Dr, Plano
• SM Stretching – Menu with Prices – 111 N La Cienega Blvd Suite B, Beverly Hills
• GritCycle Huntington Beach – Menu with Prices – 7454 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach
• YWCA Laniakea – Menu with Prices – 1040 Richards St, Honolulu
• Canal Place – Menu with Prices – 333 Canal St, New Orleans

TruFusion South Austin Menu with Prices 4211 S Lamar Blvd, Austin

TruFusion is it. In a city where everyone looks like a gosh dang fit Lululemon model, it can easily get discouraging to connect with a gym and the trainers here, but I found it with Tru. I first joined the gym in July and have been just about everyday, (sometimes two-a-days!) when work travel isn’t conflicting with my schedule. The classes are difficult, but the instructors have made me feel so comfortable, welcomed, and encouraged. Here’s the why to my 5 star: Women Empowerment I have to recommend my favorite instructors: Dalia, Katie Rose, and Katia for Barefoot Bootcamp, Ride, and Pilates. It’s apparent that these women truly care about the work that they deliver. What I appreciate most is that they’ll walk around class and help you with your form to ensure you’re getting the best out of your workout, and most importantly, aren’t hurting yourself. I have to show extra love to Dalia; she has been so kind during my fitness journey and has always found ways for me to connect (and listen!) to my body. She’s truly one of the most encouraging trainers I’ve met, who has actively helped me reach my goals. Cheesy or not, I’m stronger mentally and physically because of her guidance. A quote she’s said during class that will forever resinate with me, “While you may not be able to do something today, you will in the future. And that’s okay.” (Guess which thick mamacita can do burpees nowwwww?!?!) Community Tru is focused on building community within their members so they actively greet when you walk in and get to know you. I’ve had employees I didn’t even know call me by name and ask not only how classes have been but how ~I~ have been. I have also met some of my closest friends here and we’ll coordinate our schedules to go to the same classes. Feedback This team is always listening to feedback and will adjust accordingly. Music too loud? Great. they’ll lower it. Classes get full too quickly? Perfect, they’ve added more classes. Cycling shoes to buy? They’re working on it ? If I could provide a nudge… is that I’d love the ability to reserve a spot for class. I get anxiety driving through downtown traffic in hopes that I get to a class before it fills up. Phew. I could write more but I’ve gotta drive to my next class.

Soul1 Studio – Menu with Prices – 17961 Sky Park Cir unit A, Irvine

Edit: had to take my review down to 1 star. Without warning, there was a schedule change and two of my favorite instructors are gone (Joisa and Ana). Ruckus and Ashley are still there and are great but not enough to meet all my fitness needs. (Only 2 days /week and the new class times weren’t convenient for me). Since there was no notice of these changes, management did refund my money for the remaining classes I purchased in advance. I was excited for the opening of this studio because I have taken Joisa’s classes at other locations, and she had always been one of my favorite instructors. Her classes are energetic, upbeat, and physically vigorous, but so fun they seem to pass too quickly. I purchased a class pack, but i realized I’m going to burn through it in no time, because ALL the instructors are AMAZING. Seriously. Joisa’s hip hop cardio and kickboxing classes are a favorite, as are Ruckus’ dance fitness and Ashley’s hip hop 8. I’m looking forward to trying the others as well. There are a variety of classes – hip hop cardio, kickboxing, pilates, sculpt (weights), stretch sculpt, and reggaeton fusion. The studio itself is very nice any clean. I particularly like that it’s a long, narrow room, with a wall of mirrors. There is room for about 3 long rows. That means that even if the class is completely full,you will have a clear view of the instructor. Being on the short side, I hate deep studios because I can never see the instructor from the back of the room. I strongly recommend

Shred415 University Hills – Menu with Prices – 6305 E Hampden Ave Ste 102, Denver

I originally came here for a Yelp event, but I loved it so much that I came back! Thank you for the trial pass, Shred 415! My cousin and I have been wanting to try fitness classes — this was such a great opportunity. Anyways, onto the review…. If you want a motivational, fast-paced effective workout, this is the spot! + The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Being new comers, they explained how it works and gave a tour of the facility. It’s totally judgement free and they are willing to help. + The full body class was four 15 min intervals between weights and the treadmill. The class is fast paced and with so many people, the instructor can’t be at your side the whole time, but they are looking out for you and willing to help. The set up to get fit is all there, but you definitely have to put in your own effort and push yourself since the class is tailored to all abilities. You choose your pace at the treadmill and your weights for the floor exercises. It’s dimly lit, which is nice because you can get in the zone. + Amenities! So many! They have beverages for purchase, child care, filtered water to fill bottles, clean towels, lockers with usb charging, lululemon apparel, tampons, dry shampoo, showers, etc etc. They’ve got it all. + The location has plenty parking and is right off the highway, which is really convenient. – During busy hours, it can get a little cramped. There isn’t a ton of space between the workout room and the bathrooms, so that hallway seems to get crowded during transition times between classes. I love this place! The first class is FREE for anyone who wants to try it out. To all those seeking New Years resolutions *cough cough me* this a great place to start.

Sutra Studios – Heritage – Menu with Prices – 350 N Gilbert Rd Suite 106, Gilbert

oh my gosh, Becky look at her This studio might have become my new spot to come get a good sweat it! If you’re looking to get your heart rate up and get a good workout in I would highly suggest coming in for a class. I attended one of the barre hiit classes and WHEW. I was sweattting girl. The structure of the class was great for those who can’t stand long amounts of cardio. I also really liked how the exercises focused on the lower body (tryna get this booty right) while also getting some high intensity cardio in. Rebecca did an amazing job explaining everything we were doing and made the class so motivating! I will say though, this class may not be suitable for those with knee problems, as there is a lot of jumping and bending, but there are many other classes to attend so worry not hehe I love that they have a coffee/juice bar in the studio. That alone would make me go back to take a class! The interior of the studio is very conducive to a calm and relaxing time; i loved the cute farmhouse decorations and design as I felt like it really fit in with the downtown Gilbert area ? Any of these classes would be great for beginners looking to kick start their fitness journey, or someone who is looking to supplement their normal workouts ? check out the schedule and I’m 100% sure you’ll find something suited to your needs

Shred415 Highlands – Menu with Prices – 642 Baxter Ave Suite 101, Louisville

Shred 415 has been open at it’s highlands location for 6 months! I’ve been going to classes at Shred 415 for 2 months. I took advantage of the option to take my first class free. After my class I filled out the survey that was emailed to me which gave me the option to attend a second class for free. After my second class I was hooked and signed up. Shred 415 has multiple class pack options to purchase. The entire facility is very clean and the provide quality equipment to use in class. The bathroom has everything you would need to prep yourself after class…. showers, towels, hairdryer, dry shampoo, hair spray. I enjoy that the class is in a cool temperature controlled studio. I’ve never been disappointed with the music playlist chosen for a class. I always catch myself singing along or pushing myself harder because of the beat. Shred 415 offers one hour classes that are divided into intervals, alternating between treadmill drills and strength training. Most classes are the standard four 15 minute intervals. I like that some instructors switch it up and do six 10 minute intervals or 2 fifteen minutes, 2 ten minutes, and 2 five minute intervals. I like to rotate between starting on the treadmill or on the floor. I try to attend a class 3-4 times per week. Shred 415 uses the MindBody app to sign up for classes. Each day they list multiple times with the instructor and the type of class (total body, arms & abs, butt & legs). I prefer to work out in the morning and they offer multiple class times for me to pick from. Some class times even offer childcare during the class, and it’s clearly marked on the MindBody app. My first class I made it very clear that I WILL NOT be running on the treadmills … the owner and instructor assured me that the treadmill intervals will be at my own pace. Approaching the end of my first two months and I’m occasionally running on the treadmill while in class. I love the entire staff at Shred 415. When I walk in the front door the staff knows my name and checks me in. The instructors give name shout outs to encourage during class…. and sometimes hearing my name gives me that extra push that I needed! The owner, Kathleen, very friendly and present. She quickly responded to my emails and made signing up a breeze! Thank you to Kathleen and the entire staff for making my morning work outs great! Come give Shred 415 a chance!

Cat’s Corner – Menu with Prices – 2174 Market St, San Francisco

Cat’s Corner might be the BEST nighttime swing event in the city: *Live band every week *GORGEOUS, atmospheric club *Tasty cocktails *Addictive dance classes I’ve taken classes with different instructors, but Nathan Dias remains a favorite. He’s relaxed and patient, but very clear: he has a knack for breaking down the dance into easily learned chunks. Bonus: guest instructors cover different levels and different dances in the swing family in the back room! Here’s the amazing thing: for only $10 you can check it out! That includes a drop-in class suitable for (really) absolute beginners. You can also just come to hear great live music and have a drink. I DO recommend you try the dance, though; swing really changed my life for the better, and ANYONE can learn! Recommendation: check the website before you come. Some nights the Swedish American Hall is unavailable, in which case the party moves to another (also nice) location. Also, you might want to check ahead to see who’s playing: some of the bands are world class!

24 Hour Fitness – Menu with Prices – 2300 Fort Worth Ave, Dallas

If you are a 24 Hour Fitness member I am certain you would agree that most 24 Hour Fitness locations are severely lacking when it comes to both equipment and facility maintenance. With the exception of a few locations, most do well to command a 2 star review. I recently came across one of those exceptions; actually, this location is a big exception as it easily earned a 5-star review from me. For openers, this is a new location that opened at the end of June. While it has many of the same cardio machines and weight stations that the other locations have, they also have several new ‘state of the art’ additions. Add to it, because it is a new location, everything is in working order. Also, this is a Super Sport location so make sure your membership includes access to it. The new items that stood out to me are associated with the group exercise rooms. Starting with the cycling room, while it is used for tradition classes with someone leading the class, if a member finds it empty (i.e. no scheduled classes underway) there is a virtual setup that allows the member to participate in a ‘Peloton’ type class. The nice thing is if someone has a virtual class going is very acceptable for others to hop on a bike and join in. This same virtual setup is also available in the group exercise room used for ‘Body Combat, Body Pump, Yoga, etc.’; if there is not an instructor led class underway one can setup their own virtual class. As for cardio equipment, they have several ‘zero gravity runners’ in case one wants a running experience without being on the ‘dreadmill’. In the weight area, there are 3 squat racks, a few hip thrust machines, and few newer type machines for chest and back workouts. This location has a nice sized basketball court, a dry sauna, a steam room along with a large pool and hot tub. While all the extra equipment is nice what stood out most to me the staff. They genuinely seemed to enjoy being there and helping members. The staff members I encountered were friendly and engaged in conversation. This should not be that big of a deal but trust me, it is not the norm at the 24 Hour Fitness locations I frequent. Usually the front desk staff is too focused on their phone to greet members as they enter. That was not the case here. Again, this is a new location and it is off to a great start. Hopefully they can maintain the momentum and be the model location that all others need to reach. I look forward to more workouts at this location.

Summit Climbing Yoga and Fitness – Plano – Menu with Prices – 525 Talbert Dr, Plano

Summit is the premiere climbing gym in DFW, and that status is solidified with the opening of their new Plano location. This place is huge and has everything you’d want from a climbing gym: tons of rope rope, lead climbing, and bouldering. Plus classes are included in the membership. There is also a weightlifting and cardio section, I wish there were more promo pics because I wanted to see it beforehand. They have essentially big cages where you can do squats, bench, etc with all the bars they have up there. Plus free weights, boxes, which are the basics to what you need to lift. There aren’t any machines for weight lifting, though, something to keep in mind. There are also a number of row and cycle machines. Then there’s a separate room with two glass walls which has treadmills and a stair master. I’m a new climber and I’ve already met really nice and encouraging people here. I’ve heard the climbing community is a huge selling point and I’d have to agree. No judgment here as I waffle through my beginner routes. The evenings and weekends are pretty busy so far (not so much that you can’t climb) but if you prefer solitude then come during the day and there is barely anyone here. I paid for a day pass with gear (~$22) which is almost half the price of the student membership ($50), but they conveniently let you return the day pass if you sign up for a membership. That’s what I did and now they got me hooked on climbing, how devious lol. Membership includes gear rental for the first month (shoes, chalk, harness) while you work on basics before investing in your own gear. Overall, a great place to climb for beginners and experts. Summit as an organization has a really positive and welcoming vibe which the employees embody. If you’re looking for a workout (sore arms tho) or just something different to try, I’d recommend Summit.

SM Stretching – Menu with Prices – 111 N La Cienega Blvd Suite B, Beverly Hills

Took my first full body stretch class here and loved it! 1. It’s energized – not like a yin yoga class. Upbeat music + encouraging instructors. 2. The studio is gorgeous and very clean. The equipment is all set up for you when you arrive. I didn’t see a water refill station, but could’ve missed it. Fill up your reusable bottle beforehand just in case. 3. I was a little worried it was going to being intense Russian ballerina vibes, but the instructor and front desk staff were so friendly and welcoming. There were also a lot of other first-timers in class. 4. Updated lockers (with a built in lock) to store your stuff. 5. Ample street parking on La Cienega and also a $5 valet lot (cash only) in back. 6. You can go barefoot or wear socks in class. I opted for barre grip socks, but regular socks would’ve worked too. 7. Had a little trouble hearing the instructor over the music, but she demonstrated every movement well. 8. Lots of hands-on adjustments to help you get deeper in the stretch. Definitely inform the instructor of any injuries beforehand.

GritCycle Huntington Beach – Menu with Prices – 7454 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach

GritCycle HB is a great place to get a good workout in only 45 min. If I wasn’t already familiar with how this type of workout classes were structured, I would have no idea how to set up my bike, or how to ride to the beat, or how to use the locker. I think they could do a lot more as far as helping first time riders, when it comes to the staff. Same with the instructors, The first class I took the instructor wasn’t using a mic, or the lights, and he wasn’t clear on what foot to ride to, and he wasn’t on the podium for me to look at as an example, it just seemed unstructured. I took another instructor at 5:45 AM and they were late, and there was no music for 15 min which I thought was so weird, nothing to do warm up to? Nothing at all, I was so surprised how we were in a room with no sound waiting at the butt crack of dawn with no music to wake me up. We were all given a complimentary class so that was good of them. Also, if you miss a class, or cancel a class outside the canceling time frame, you’ll be charged 15$ for a no show or canceling fee – not a fan, I canceled a class on accident on the app and was automatically charged, and lost my class I had paid for. I also would like to be able to see the music each instructor plays on the app, not just a Spotify or Instagram link. As a new studio, they should really try to keep the bikes clean, if you look in the crevices of the bike bars it’s a little crusty, and some people might be ok with that, but I feel a little grossed out by it. Another thing I found strange was one instance there was a woman who had just came out of a class, and she was hanging out behind the desk, and she wasn’t on the clock, not scheduled to work, not in uniform, talking to me as if she works there, like I’m suppose to know she’s staff, as I’m grabbing a bottle of water to pay for. I didn’t think it was appropriate of her to be behind the desk if she’s not scheduled to work, like if they need more staff they should schedule more people, don’t let your staff who are not working behind the counter, that’s just not professional, and the way she was talking to me like “did you pay for that water,” like, I’m sorry do you work here, because it looks like you don’t, and you are coming at me rude and unprofessional like, if you do work here. I really believe they need to train their staff better, and with a more positive attitude coming from SoulCycle. I’ve only been to Grit because they are down the street from me, but honestly I would drive further just for the simple fact that the staff is so much nicer and the instructors are a lot more descriptive and professional at Soul. Change my mind GritCycle because I really want to like you. Maybe I need to go to a different city?

YWCA Laniakea – Menu with Prices – 1040 Richards St, Honolulu

Since Kaiser offers a free gym membership for those willing to visit a minimum number of times per year, I figured I should make the effort to be less of a lazy pants. After researching several gyms, deciding that I wanted to find a place that wasn’t going to be packed 24/7, I discovered the YWCA would be a good option. The building is absolutely gorgeous and there are several workout areas that offer all sorts of classes. There is a large, heated pool that offers time for laps, free swim, and swimming lessons. Classes take place either in the gym or in room 201. The gym is also available for basketball, although from what I’ve observed, only the guys play. (I’m sure they would be open to a woman playing, but it seems to be mostly men on their lunch break.) The classes are for all ability levels, from high-intensity CrossFit-like sessions to low-impact chair yoga. Most of the high-intensity classes are offered very early in the morning (before 7) or after work (after 4). Sometimes they will offer lunchtime classes, too. They post the monthly class schedules online, but you can also take a printed sheet home with you. Note that the entire YWCA facility is closed on Saturdays, so if you are a weekend workout warrior, this may not be the option for you. They also have a room with weights, treadmills, recumbent bikes, stairclimbers, etc. Some of the equipment in the room is rather old. They have one really nice treadmill and one really nice bike, but the others are really basic. Of course, everyone wants the better equipment, so it’s a roll of the dice for what you’ll be able to get. If you plan to work out at the Y, be aware that you are probably going to be paying for parking. There is very limited metered parking right outside the Y that’s free before 7AM or on Sundays/holidays. There is also parking at Iolani Palace ($1/hr) or at the surrounding parking garages, like Ali’i Place. During prime times (like lunchtime), parking can be sparse. The bus is also a good option, since there are several major transit points right around the Y. In all, the YWCA is a good option for a gym, especially if you are taking advantage of your Kaiser membership benefit.

Canal Place – Menu with Prices – 333 Canal St, New Orleans

Visited the Canal Place mall for the last 3 Thursdays for their Winter Wellness Series! It’s great that they offer the space for a community work out! They also offer discounted parking rates while the class went on! The employees at the concierge desk are always extremely friendly! After our last class, we stopped by Cinebarre for drinks! The only reasons that I didn’t give 4 stars are: -the parking garage is extremely short, I’m not sure that a larger car could enter with the clearance requirements. -all of the shops and other restaurants appear to close at 7, which is just a bummer after the work out classes (& I realize the classes are not ongoing).