This fitness center is incredible. There are multiple memberships and packages offered at this…read moresplit-style gym. On one side there is a 24/7- access area with a nice variety of cardio and strength equipment. The other side is where classes take place. I have been attending classes for the past month and have never had more fun than I am here. I've tried many kickboxing, boxing, HIIT, lifestyle gyms in Metro area and none compare to GIDF. The staff are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. They have genuine interest in getting to know all customers. They're well educated in training techniques and exercises; if modifications to skills are needed, they always accommodate. The coaches know how to flip the motivational switch to provide you with a great, diverse workout every time you walk through the door. Change in body, mind, and spirit will happen as an engaged member of this gym! * Parking lot and street parking * Acoustics and sound system is high-quality * Clean space and functional equipment * Varying class sizes with an easy sign-up using the Vagaro app

Let's chat energy...if anyone has it, it's Jose at GIDF who does... it's contagious and makes your…read moreworkout soooo much fun! This place has kickstarted my love again for classes and hitting my own fitness goals (do the trainers kick your butt so much that you feel like you pee'd your pants...yes) and I def look forward to it weekly! Give this place a look they offer so much for memberships from challenges to unlimited classes plus 24/7 gym access. One on one training... check it out!! I look forward to GIDF being apart of my success story.

Everyone here is super friendly. The first workout might feel awkward, but that's how it is trying…read morea new gym for the first time. Everyone is awesome and there to help! This is a great space for anyone who may not typically feel comfortable at the gym. Very inclusive.

This review is based on my experience with Solcana both before, during, and after the state-wide…read moreCOVID shutdown. I'll leave the obligatory note that COVID is still a real threat to everyone's health, and I am glad Solcana is one of the businesses in Minneapolis that is truly taking it seriously. I've been a member of Solcana for nearly a year, and before COVID, the gym itself operated much like many crossfit gyms, with lots of classes, good equipment, and a friendly atmosphere. There has always been a strong focus here on equity and equality (at least as long as we have been members), and that's one of the main reasons why we chose to join. That focus has only become stronger over the past year, and I will touch on it a bit later. When COVID came around, Solcana, like all other gyms, shut down. I have to hand it to them though, they really tried hard to keep delivering a quality product to members, mostly through online classes. After the state started allowing gyms to open up on a limited basis, outdoor barbell classes began again. I've observed quite a few post-covid outdoor classes run by other gyms (whether out on a bike ride or in the park by my house), and many of them have seemed to completely ignore social distancing guidelines. Solcana has been completely different; all of the outdoor classes have felt really safe, with specific areas marked out for every athlete, small class sizes, and strict cleaning practices. This week, we were allowed to go back inside. However, that didn't mean Solcana relaxed their commitment to safety...if anything, they strengthened it. Indoor classes are even smaller, the distance between athletes has grown, masks are mandatory all of the time, and they are making sure everything is cleaned between classes (and there's at least an hour between classes). There are also still outdoor classes, depending on what type of workout you want and how safe you feel indoors. Even with all the new safety practices, the programming has been great, and we feel like we are getting a lot out of our membership, despite not being able to go as much as we were able to before (due to smaller class sizes and fewer classes, there is now a limit on classes per month, but that's completely understandable). Back to social justice...in the wake of the tragedy surrounding George Floyd, Solcana made an even stronger commitment to promoting equity and equality for all, and that's included doing even more with the BLM movement. The gym as de-affiliated from crossfit because of their comments/positions following the tragedy, but aside from not using that name any more (or giving them any money), the programming is pretty much exactly what you would expect from that type of gym. You will also find that this gym is extremely welcoming of all athletes, no matter who you are, what you look like, or how you identify, a trait not all CF gyms share. All in all, this is a wonderful, welcoming fitness community that promotes social justice AND takes COVID very seriously. The owner herself told me that she wants to be the safest gym in the Twin Cities, and so far, it seems they are succeeding.

Studio Me focuses on personal training and small group training, with some bootcamp and yoga…read moreclasses. The facility is a little hidden, and only accessible through a door inside the parking garage (see photo of mural near the doors, and the buzzer). When I went, the buzzer wasn't working, so I was stuck in the garage for a few minutes until someone saw my email for help and came to let me in. There is free parking validation for the parking ramp available. The workout space and changing area was very nice- colorful, clean and with lots of plants as decor. I was part of a semi-private training group of 4 people. The coach was professional and friendly, and rotated among each person to supervise or demonstrate movements. The workout started with foam rolling and some warm-up movements, then transitioned into high-rep low-resistance activation movements, incorporated 3 different higher-weight movements, and ended with a short cardio finisher. The entire workout was guided by a tablet, onto which the class plan for the day had ben pre-loaded. It had a timer and listed the weights and reps for each movement. When you finished one set, you simply clicked "continue" on the screen and the next exercise you had to do would appear. I think this tool is useful for keeping track of individual progress (both with overall weight progression over time and during a particular workout), especially when in a group setting, but I found the constant required engagement with the tablet to be annoying. I really didn't like having to click after every set of every exercise. It made me feel like the tablet was telling me the workout, rather than the coach, and given that the studio only allows access for guided workouts, this didn't work for me. (Note: when you sign up, you also get access to 8 bootcamp or yoga workout sessions a month in addition to your personal training). The studio was having an upcoming 10th anniversary celebration, so there is a community of people who utilize the offerings. Studio Me also offers fit testing, and quarterly challenges for clients. They want you to come consistently and ideally at the same times each week to ensure you progress. I can see this kind of workout being good for people with a very specific goal (like they say on their website, some kind of physical therapy or lifting goal), but it wasn't the right fit for me, as I didn't feel like I got a full-body workout from my 45 minutes, and I didn't like the tablet system. The sessions are also super expensive: 2 sessions a week under a 6 month contract costs $359, 3 sessions $539. 2 sessions a week under a 12 month contract costs $327, 3 sessions $490.

If you're someone who usually dreads working out, StudioME is the place that will change your mind!…read moreI'm not a gym person by any stretch, but the trainers here are simply amazing. They go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, and they genuinely meet you where you're at, be it through fitness coaching or private training. They never push you beyond your limits, but instead, encourage you in ways that make you want to keep going. What really stands out is how welcoming the atmosphere is; there's no judgment, just a sense that everyone is there to feel their best. The trainers take time to understand your goals and challenges and adjust routines in ways that feel manageable, which has been huge for me as someone who feels intimidated by fitness. Every session feels like progress, and I leave each time feeling accomplished rather than overwhelmed. StudioME has really shifted my perspective on working out, and I'm actually excited to keep coming back! For anyone who feels hesitant about the gym scene, I highly recommend giving this place a try.

I was referred by a friend and tried CrossFit for my very first time here! I cannot say enough good…read morethings about Jorge, who taught the class. He was friendly and empowering from start to finish, and always made sure I was accessing the workout. When I tried to back down,he productively pushed me because he knew my limits better than I. After the workout, he was helpful in recommending a fitness plan based on my needs. Thank you, Jorge!

Took a yoga class with a couple buddies of mine and I am a pretty regular yogi elsewhere. I was in…read moretown for the holidays and got in a class with Logan on Saturday morning. It was blissful and humbling and I appreciated that he cued well to athletes. Great voice, awesome balance! Will come back when I am back in town!

I've belonged to Core for nearly a year and a half. I had never taken pilates previously and…read moreimmediately fell in love. My practice has created a better mind-to-body connection. I'm stronger and more aware of my body in space. Exercises are challenging with stretches built in. All the teachers are great, but I often find myself in classes taught by Heather, Sophie, and Samantha. I would suggest Core to anyone wanting to try something new or deepen their relationship to their body.

I have been going to Pilates Reformer classes at Core Pilates for 5 years in the Active Aging…read moreProgram with Vickie. This has been one of the best decisions of my life. Core is a small, very welcoming studio and can accomodate levels of practice from beginners to more advanced practice. I have been helped immeasurably to recover from more than one surgery. Personal limitations are taken into account and modifications are always available if needed. This is a very respectful atmosphere which helps to inspire continued participation.

I have been to so so many gyms. Group classes, trainers and membership gyms. This space is by far…read moreone of my favorites. I love the energy every time I enter! Whether it's just me and a trainer or it's filled with a handful of people working out. From the lighting, to the music and layout, TightenUp just gives you the energy to get a good workout in while keeping it fun. The people who are part of this gym might be my favorite. It's such an encouraging group who are striving to be their best (and strongest) selves. I could see how this gym could be intimidating if you don't workout, but trainers like Colton and TJ are amazing at laying out the plan and keeping you lifting heavier than before. I'd say my personal favorite was working with Colton - he's always improving my form and giving tips on how to get the absolute best workout in! I love the critiques so I can be aware of how to improve and be even more confident when I lift solo. Big fan.

This is such a fun environment! The people here are fun and you really get to know everyone. I love…read morehaving one on one sessions because I have so much to learn. It's so helpful having a person trainer because then I know if I'm doing something correct and they also push me to go harder! When I work out I usually do the bare minimum and never push myself. So it's so helpful someone is there to tell me to grab heavier weights and finish strong. I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone at any fitness level! I started off with literally no experience of working out, but now I love it!

I was visiting home for longer than a weekend and needed to get a workout in so I opted for a…read moreTuesday lift and core class at 6am. I arrived about 7 minutes early for class and the large gym space had about three people inside. The front desk was empty and there was no real way to know what to do to get checked in. I asked another person what I should do and she told me the instructor would be there any minute . A few more people came in right before class along with the instructor. The direction was to do the warm up. As someone new I expected a little bit of an overview and a warmer welcome. I introduced myself and said this is my first class so I don't know what to expect. The directions weren't much different than "warm up". I asked a few questions so I could understand the format of the class. Once I got this was strictly weight training with a circuit like format decided to just go with the flow. The workout itself was slow in the beginning, there was quite a bit of downtime and talking from other people in the class. While the workout was challenging I felt the directions and modeling were lacking. The gym itself was much like a large auxiliary gym and it appeared to be a shared space that isn't well managed because things were out of place, dusty, and someone else was trying to use the same equipment as the class during the class. Overall I think I got a good workout but there is some room for improvement to the space and operations.

Killer place for athletes that are serious. Staff is expert. Very welcoming to new people.read more

Our group of 11 friends tried a private pole dancing class for a friend's birthday and had so much…read morefun! Allison was a great instructor and dancer. There are 6 poles inside the classroom, so we took turns during class. They have a nice little gym and the friendly owner greeted us as we walked in. Bathrooms and showers on site were clean and well lit. The location is not convenient from my home, so I may not return often, but it is a fun place to try out.

Cake Body Club is not a typical gym. It's focused, intentional, and full of fun, feminine energy…read more Dani runs a tight operation with a strong eye for detail. The space is clean, organized, and designed for real training. From beginners to intermediate levels, you feel comfortable quickly. Every session is guided and purposeful. No wasted time, no guesswork. The energy stands out. It's supportive without being soft, and motivating without being overbearing. There's a real sense of community without it feeling cliquey or forced. The mix of yoga to strength training, workshops, pop-up events, and pole work builds confidence fast. You leave feeling stronger, more coordinated, and more connected to your body. No membership fees removes friction. You show up, train, and get results. If you want structure, accountability, and a space that delivers, this is it.