**This review is specifically for my experience with trying their Intro Class for first-timers…read more Warning: This is going to be a long one.** I'm an active person and I'm always looking for new ways to spice up my fitness routines. I've heard so much hype about Orange Theory over the past few years. I had to kill my curiosity and give it a try myself. SIGNING UP: The Hackensack location offers an intro class at $12 for first-timers. It's only free for specific locations. I signed up on the website and chose a 12pm class on a Friday. Keep in mind that they would like you to arrive around 30 minutes prior to the start time just so they can give you a mini "orientation". On the day of my class, I was greeted by one of the front desk employees, Jackie. She was enthusiastic, informative, and overall a pleasure to speak with. She explained what I would expect out of the class, gave me a tour of the studio, and went over my medical history/consent forms. WHAT IS ORANGE THEORY?: To sum OT up in a nutshell, it's basically a fitness studio that offers one hour group fitness classes, specifically two types: a HIIT-based one and a strength training one. I've only tried the HIIT one, so I can't speak on the other. Each class is led by a coach who instructs and guides you on the workout for the full hour. We rotate between three stations: treadmills, rower machines, and free weights/body weight exercises (planks, bicep curls, squats, lunges, etc.). The workouts change daily so there's always a new challenge. Everyone wears a heart monitor that the studio provides so we can track our heart rate. The monitors are synced up with each machine and on a giant screen so we can actually see how fast or slow we're going as well as everyone else's. There are different "zones" of heart rates, with each one representing the percentage of your maximum HR. For most of the workout, you want to try to stay in the ORANGE zone, which is 84-91% of your max HR. MY EXPERIENCE: Jeff was my coach. To put it simply, he was awesome. He had great energy, gave enough personal attention to everyone in class, and was encouraging the whole time. He also had a fire playlist, so that helped a lot haha. The other members were very friendly and welcoming. No judgment here- everyone came from varying level of fitness backgrounds, all shapes and sizes, and all ages. They have a strong sense of community, which is always nice in a fitness environment. I really enjoyed the class and I'm actually surprised at how much fun I was having. I'm not really into HIIT or cardio classes so this was a nice change from my usual weight lifting. I liked how I was able to see my heart rate and how hard I was working. After the class, Jackie followed up with me about how I felt and how I did. You're able to see your "stats" after every workout, like when and how fast your heart rate was changing and calories burned. She explained to me the different membership options and she wasn't pushy at all. Their memberships come in either a package of 4, 8, or unlimited classes each month. FINAL THOUGHTS: Although I had a positive experience, I decided not to sign up. Why? It doesn't exactly fit into my current fitness routine/goals. I'm a dancer and I also lift weights 4-5 times a week. I don't see myself taking their classes that often. At most, I might take a class twice a month, or maybe 3. I think their classes are motivating and challenging, but aren't my cup of tea. I prefer a gym floor with dumbbells, barbells, squat racks, benches, and machines... they don't have that here. Orange Theory is great for getting your cardio in and building your endurance, but I don't recommend it for those who really want to build more muscle, gain strength, and hit higher PRs. Last but not least, I think the prices are a little outrageous. $89/month for 4 classes, $189/month for unlimited, AND $100 for the heart rate monitor is not really worth it to me... Regardless of your fitness goals and experience, I still think taking an intro class is worth a try. If you like it and don't want to sign up for a membership, it's $28 for a drop-in rate + $10 for the heart rate monitor rental.

I've been working out my whole life and I was on this rut where I wanted to try different workouts…read moreso I tried OT. I love it. One hour of sweat and challenging myself - any of the workouts I do. The instructors are very knowledgeable and motivating. I love watching my splats and using the wristband to stay in the orange. I highly recommend trying as I have many friends that did not work out and they are now members.

It's a very small gym. Staff were very friendly, but there is barely any equipment and again, the…read morespace is tiny and cramped. The membership is $50 a month ($57 if you include all the fees) which is so outrageous to me and that doesn't even include classes? I don't know, I was very excited by Femme being a women-only space, but I feel like they're abusing that to up-charge women for a gym I wouldn't pay more than $30-35 with their offerings. I would definitely consider returning if they lowered their prices. But compared to other gyms in the area, this just doesn't make sense financially.

I used to come to Pham all the time when I used to live in the area. I went here for a few years…read moreand enjoyed how protective they are of keeping this women's only environment. Even with the delivery man or with workers who came to fix issues within the building. They were very good about making sure everyone felt comfortable. I did have some issues where the paperwork and the specifics of my contract. We're not always honored. For example, when I moved away, they were trying to charge me however, I had to point out to them a couple times that do the distance I was moving away as per my contract I shouldn't owe anything else. Now it would have been ideal if these were things that they were aware of and not things that I had to remind them of. But overall, I had a very positive experience here. I think if they had increased their hours or offered a more varied selection of gym classes, they could really open up anew Market here.

Five star service it is a very positive atmosphere everybody so helpful the therapist is in contact…read morewith my doctor often to tweak my progress

I've been going since the beginning of the year and I couldn't be happier. The gym is clean and…read morewell maintained. The staff is so friendly and very helpful, and it's not crowded. Although it's part of our apartment complex, it's open to everyone, not just residents. Although it's smaller than the big chains, the gym offers quite a bit: a sauna, a nice variety of machines, free weights,etc. Also included with the membership are yoga and Zumba classes. You really can't beat it.

i love this gym. the classes are the best!! i like the cafe and the equipment is in very good…read morecondition. the front desk can smile a little and try harder to look engaged and make people feel welcome. and i do not like the idea of children running around the gym and locker room. hackensack, please lay some ground rules of kids needing supervision while at the gym.

My concern regarding an incident at Hackensack Meridian Fitness in which I believe I was subjected…read moreto inappropriate harassment and interference because of the message written on my shirt. I was confronted by a male member who appeared to be upset about what was written on my shirt\. Whatever his personal disagreement may have been with the message, I believe I have the right to peacefully wear clothing expressing my views, provided that the message does not violate a legitimate, neutral facility rules. I did not threaten this individual, make threats against anyone, or engage in conduct intended to cause harm\. I also dispute any characterization of my shirt or my expression as "slander\." Slander generally concerns a false spoken statement about another person that causes legally cognizable harm; merely wearing a shirt containing an opinion, political statement, or other expression is not automatically slander. More importantly, I am concerned about the broader pattern of what I perceive as interference with my rights. On a prior occasion, I believe a woman interfered with my ability to pray. I now feel that I am being confronted over what I choose to wear and express on my clothing. These incidents have caused me to question whether I am being treated differently because of my religious beliefs, identity, or viewpoint.

I loved this gym for a while until yesterday. I go in and the girl tells me that since the location…read morewasn't my home gym I, a Black Card member, would have to pay an additional fee to use the gym at this Hackensack location. This is the only location I ever use and the reason it had Hoboken as my home Gym is because I signed up online and that's the one it chose. Then she couldn't help me at all and told me I would need to call or go online so that means I got up, got dressed and then drove all the way over there for nothing. It's like they either hire these young people who have zero clue what customer service is or the company itself doesn't know. I am so disgusted and even though I eventually went online to change it, I'm really rethinking if I want to continue going. They also made the gym recently overcrowded by allowing teen to use it during the summer which is also super annoying. I was looking forward to my summer break as a teacher finding a time when the gym is quiet but that's gone now too.

1. Staff doesn't clean they socialize (if you see a hair tie on the floor, you will continue to…read moresee it for a week) 2. Tanning booth always has a screw sticking out holding the handle. (This has been something I have complained about numerous times for the past year and a half) 3. I had a billing issue, so I called to have it rectified. Staff member who refused to give her name didn't resolve the problem- and when I asked for the contact details for corporate, she said there aren't any!!! CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE!!! 4. Girls wear tube tops 5. I have stood in line for help while the staff stares at women, to the point I had to interrupt his stare, in order to be helped. Management clearly needs to worked on and their staff is worst than the management!

F45 offers a great workout routine with well-set-up stations. I attend the resistance training…read moreclasses, and the trainers are motivating and in excellent shape themselves. The studio is conveniently nearby. However, there's one issue: members need to do a better job cleaning up their sweat. I recommend that the gym provide paper towels or more cleaning supplies to encourage this. Parking is available, which is a plus. Next door there's a great cafe with pastries

Hands down the BEST workout experience I've ever had! F45 Bogota trainers are absolutely amazing-…read moreso motivating, knowledgeable and they genuinely care about every single person in the room. If you're thinking about trying F45 Bogota ... DO IT. You won't regret it. This place is special, I'm so sad to have to leave due to moving out of the area. I will miss everyone.

I love this gym , I've been to alot of Retros over the years & this one is my fave.. They have…read moreeverything u need, it's nice & cool in the gym, never crowded when i go so im rarely waiting for any equipment, i like the way things are set up & the front desk people are friendly .. only thing i dont like is that there is only one ab machine & I've never liked this particular one.. there needs to be another ab machine & also a captains chair that isn't wobbly .. i can't use the captains chair cuz it moves way too much then there's the half ball on the back of it instead of just a pad to lean up against - took a star off for these reasons

I've been going to this Retro Fitness for over 10 years. Back then they even offered childcare,…read morewhich was amazing for parents--I used to drop off my daughter and work out with total peace of mind. I mostly take classes and absolutely love Donovan and Marieliz's classes. They know exactly what they're doing and always give a great workout. Because of my schedule, I can't always join other classes, but whenever I had the chance, those were great too. The gym is overall clean, but by the end of the day it can get a bit crowded, especially when teens come after school, and it doesn't smell as fresh. Mornings and midday are definitely cleaner. The location is convenient, there's a big parking lot, and the hours are perfect. The membership is pretty affordable, and mine even lets me bring a guest--my teenage son comes with me all the time. After so many years here, I can honestly say I highly recommend this gym.

I am somehow who is pretty OCD when it comes to fitness. i know exactly what i'm looking for when I…read moreselect a personal trainer or a health professional. You have to be highly qualified, personable and efficient. Karen Dennis is all these and more. She is an outstanding trainer who knows her stuff plus makes it fun. No guys or girls posing in mirrors here or people with out of control egos. It's a friendly relaxed yet focused environment. There is constant variety. It's a good hybrid between a personal trainer and a one-size-fits-all group training class. I can't say enough good things about her as a person and as a professional. But if you need more convincing consider this: Every time i show up at 6;00 AM FOR MY CLASS, A DOZEN PEOPLE ARE LEAVING. In fact, its the same dozen people all the time. That tells me and should tell you that she creates loyalty in her product by producing results with a loyal clientele . Highly recoomended

From the owner: Karen Dennis Power Trainer Studio is a privately owned fitness studio that offers members and…read moreclients fitness services that can't be found in today's large, ordinary gyms. Unlike generic corporate-owned clubs, we provide a fitness experience from day one with a complimentary atmosphere and exceptional customer service. We guarantee value in the fitness services offered. This boutique-style facility is designed to help you channel your energy into achieving your fitness goals without distraction. Your membership offers group training class participation as well as ongoing fitness assessments to ensure your success. Moreover, there are private and semi-private customized personal training programs and nutrition prescription plans available along with an assortment of challenging group exercises sessions that can help you lose body fat, sculpt lean muscle, improve flexibility, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and much, much more. At Karen Dennis Power Trainer Studio, you aren't

Shane is the best trainer I have ever worked with, and I do not say that phrase lightly! I've been…read moreinto fitness for my entire life and have worked with many trainers. Normally I prefer to work out solo, but with Shane, he makes me feel at ease and comfortable, while also completely challenging me! Each workout we do is totally unique and fun, and the time flies by! Not a single workout we do is cookie-cutter. Also, Shane is very aware of good form, and has helped me to alleviate some muscles imbalances and aches and pains I tend to get when I work out by myself. I also really enjoy the workouts Shane gives me to do on my own, and I have continued to have strength gains (my goal) every single week. I'm really happy with my results thus far! In addition, the gym is super clean, he plays great music, and is very professional with his communications and check-ins to see how I'm progressing, which I really appreciate. 10 out of 10 recommend!

When it comes to physical training and professionalism, Shane is one of the most gifted personal…read moretrainers in the business. No matter where you are on the strength and fitness scale, he has a program that is just right for you. Plus, he is consistent in keeping track of progress and encouraging when you suffer moments of hesitation or weakness. He is a personal trainer with the personal touch. I have known him for years, and he has always done everything possible to help me reach my fitness goals. He is a five star trainer.