I began my experience with a Groupon 3 week trial. Never having any experience with kick boxing, the staff was extremely attentive and patient while explaining how class time operates and how to properly wrap my hands before using the gloves. The staff is welcoming and so far have all made me feel like a valued participant rather than an outsider which can happen when starting something new anywhere. I was hesitant to even follow through with my Groupon package but it was the best decision I've made in a while! read more

I purchased a Groupon package for this. Unfortunately I wasn't aware they do these sessions in 10-week segments and when I showed up they were in Week 5 or 6. Which means they were well ahead in terms of stamina and skill than I was. Gal at the front was friendly and paired me with a seasoned veteran. You work on a heavy bag in pairs, alternating back and forth. This keeps the class moving very quick, so if you're like me, and out of shape, you'll be left behind. I felt bad that I made my partner basically do twice as much as I wasn't there to offset her. They tout it as a "you can start anytime!" mentality, but ummm, yeah no. Trust me, you need to be in some semblance of shape to begin this or you'll be dying on the floor 5-10 minutes in. read more

I don't actually go to this location, but Yelp apparently hasn't realized that there's a location on the SW side on Star Ranch Road, which is the location I go to. I didn't know what to expect from this experience -- it's studio based kickboxing 3 days a week, strength training 3 days a week. The idea is to actually go 6 days a week, which I've been surprisingly consistent with. I have only missed 1 day in my first 3 weeks (and that's because it was too nice to work out inside, so I went mountain biking). I'd liken the program to something between having a personal training and having someone at home to make sure you actually DO your P-90X videos! There's no secret to their program... they motivate you to show up and you get results because you're consistent. It's not rocket science, but it sure is fun. I grew up playing soccer and have always been pretty athletic. As I'm getting older (closer to 40 than 30), I find it harder and harder to stay motivated to work out. Farrell's takes care of this for me. It's as simple as a sign in card. Sounds silly, but the accountability gets me there. And... the kick boxing is a TON of fun. It's probably the best adrenaline rush I've had since I played soccer. And since the only indoor facilities in COS are not at all close to the SW side, this is an awesome substitute. I always go on the way home from work. I tend to be a workaholic, so the fact that I have a deadline for when I have to leave work has been extremely helpful. On top of that, prior to starting the program, I was always so stressed when I got home that I'd feel like I needed to binge on sweets or drink a beer (or 4) to wind down. Now, I go work out on the way home, kick the bag, get all my frustrations out and I am a happy camper when I get home. Plus, I'm actually energized to do things when I get home like make dinner or clean up a bit. Yes, I've only been going for 3 weeks, but I feel like it's helping make a lifestyle change that I've needed for a long time. So... how does it work??? It's a 10 week program, 6 workouts a week. Cost at the time I signed up was $389. For less than $6 per workout, it's a pretty good deal (I had gone a few times to a local bootcamp for $10 per session, but the times didn't fit with my schedule). Of course that per-visit price only applies if you go 60 times. But even if you only go 4 times per week, it's less than $10 per visit. There are 6-7 classes every weekday, 2 classes on Saturday, none on Sunday (fun day). Technically, each class time forms a "team", but you can go to any class that you want on any day. My 5:45 class is the "late" class and has ranged from 3-16 people. Kickboxing classes (3 days per week) are structured into shadow boxing and punching / kicking a bag, usually with a partner. In between bag bouts, there are intervals of exercises like sit ups, mountain climbers, push ups, etc. Strength training days (3 days per week) are divided into upper and lower body and alternate with the kickboxing days. You end up getting 2 lower body days one week, 2 upper body days the next week, etc. Strength training is all band based, which I am luke-warm on, but the instructors make it fun and the workouts are efficient, so it's not bad. There is also a nutritional piece which includes 6 meals per day. You are given a number of grams of proteins and carbs you can eat at each meal. Interestingly, they don't track fat or calories. This actually makes the food tracking much more simple than methods I've tried in the past that ended up being impossible to keep up with in the end. I suppose it could get you into trouble if all you eat is meat and cheese, but as long as you eat lots of veggies, whole grains and lean meats, I think you end up doing ok. Finally, there's the motivational factor. The catch-phrase is that the instructors encourage you to work out and to live life at "a level 10". Sounds a bit cheesy, but it makes sense. If you don't put the work in, you won't get the results out. So far, I've had 4 different instructors (1 was only 1 time) and have been pleased with everyone. They all have slightly different styles, but I find that they are all motivating in their own way, and I like that having different people mixes things up a bit. One surprising benefit I've noticed is that my flexibility has improved a lot in the last 3 weeks. We do stretch in class, but not that much really, so I was pleased to find that improving. I think it's because the kickboxing moves are so dynamic and multi-directional that you end up stretching through movement throughout the class. Another thing that's been surprising is how the workouts really do accommodate all fitness levels. Can't think of anything else to say (isn't that enough???)... just that if you're curious, go in and talk to them. Everyone is really friendly and helpful and there's no pressure. Try it!! read more

They only pretend to care about your fitness goals until you sign up, then they couldn't care less.

Dishonest, terrible customer service. They charge over $400 for a 10-week program, then 1 week into class I found a Groupon for $29 for 3 weeks. Not only that, but they advertise personalized coaching, fitness tests, etc. and there was nothing like that. It was less personal that a free class at a public gym! They also say that boxing gloves and wraps are included in the price, but I never got those either. I always had to use stinky sweaty used ones. Such a nightmare. Even worse, when I tried to reach out to management about my concerns, I was told that I obviously "didn't understand" what was available to me or that I didn't do my part to achieve results. Results or not, this was a horrible experience. read more

I tried the 10 week program at Farrell's, and I gotta say, the first couple of weeks are awesome. Working out is great the classes are great and you actually feel like they are working you to the core. But, then you start to notice some things. For example: the owner who sits at the front desk is really nice when you first walk in,but then after a few weeks he doesn't aknowledge you when you walk through the door.Only when you pay the first time is he 'really' nice. Then the groups that you are put in, the coaches seem really great at first and they later on start to play favorites.they motivate you and help you become great, but the coaches don't even seem to be putting in the extra effort to make you feel welcome or motivated enough to come to class. They charge you enough or even a lot of money to be coming to their gym and it doesn't feel worth it. All I'm saying is if you like this kind of atmosphere to work out in,by all means. But I would save my self some money and go to a high school gym if I want to be surrounded by people like the people at Farrell's. read more