As my Philly fitness tour continues, I found myself at Ranger training after some encouragement…read morefrom Katrina C. We had been taking some boot camp classes together and she kept saying I had to try ranger training. I actually used to walk by these crazy people at 6am in Rittenhouse when I walked to spin class, but with Versafit now defunct, and the sun rising too late to get in my morning run, I decided to become one of these people. I got a great deal from groupon and after returning from vacation finally gave the ranger training a try. My first experience was a positive one. There were about 8 people in the class, and we started right away with a few sets of jumping jacks. I pretty much didn't stop moving for the entire 45 minutes with running, push-ups, burpees, mountain climbers, tricep dips, and high knees all part of the routine. Sgt. Nate expects you to do what he says, but it doesn't seem like he would make you do anything you really can't do. He's also very firm with his instructions, and if you don't follow them expect to do some extra push-ups, but he's encouraging and didn't yell at anyone. He really seems committed to helping people get healthy. I'm definitely looking forward to continuing with it.

Update - I'm now ready to share my modest fitness prowess. No longer do I feel as if I'd been hit…read moreby a dump truck after my PTF workouts with Sgt. Nate. After 6 to 8 weeks of recovery pain* I'm now at a point where I feel only gentle "reminders." Bonus points & stars to Sgt. Nate because he always has the perfect stretch to alleviate my muscle woes. My results speak loud and clear - as amazing yelpers Christine B & Katrina C can also attest. When I started in the beginning of October I was not able to complete a full push up, I could do 23 rowers (situps) in 1 minute & run a mile in 7:47. Two months with Sgt. Nate and I can now do 20 real push-ups & 37 rowers in a minute as well as run a mile in 7:17. Thanks Sarg & all my fellow PTFers I couldn't have done it without you! *Note: I did NOT have a strict workout regimen before joining PTF, hence my blubbery muscles & associated recovery pain from Ranger Training workouts.

I have been to two of Nate's outdoor bootcamps, and they were both really tough…read more The regulars are really nice and will show the typical warmup people do while class is getting started. Obviously, when the instructor gets there - he goes over it with you too. The first class I attended had a lower body focus, and we did running, step ups, single leg things, squats, running, jumps .... It was no joke, and a good workout. The second class I attended was seriously killer. It was apparently cardio day, and boy did we run. We ran to the penn track area and did a ton of running, sprints, etc. He made it sort of competitive, but in a way that didn't make people feel bad. The "break" between sprinting was running up and down stairs with your hands over your head. (Doesn't sound hard, you say? You try being exhausted from sprinting and then do it. You can get back to me.) I will definitely be going back to early morning classes in the fall and spring (I am a teacher and don't so 6ams in summer. And winter is too cold for me.) They meet rain or shine (or snow?) so be sure to check them out. One thing I wish they had was a better website! But they are on classpass!

*OUTDOOR BOOTCAMP REVIEW* (2400 Walnut under the bridge)…read more Ughhhh Nate, I hate you. But I love you. These classes are legit brutal and you feel like dying the whole time. Because there are no weights, you're using body weight the whole time which is infinitely harder. Each class has a focus (upper body, cardio, lower body) 6am or 7pm. Class size approx 5-10 people , 75/25 women/men. The workouts are different than anything I normally do at the gym/other studios, again because it's all body weight. He varies it up every class and every so often so you're not bored. And most likely you're dying anyways so you can't really be bored while dying right? Be prepared to rough it! You're going to be doing pushups on the gravel so gloves help. You're going to be doing ab work on the muddy grass, so don't come with fancy clothes. And you're sweating the whole time! Nate is tough, but also super nice. I love that he compliments you when deserved so you feel so much better. He does some competition stuff, which also pushes you to want to beat the others in class, but in a friendly way. I took Nate for 2 months in the summer via a Groupon (btw very worth the $) and got a ton of comments from friends on how I looked more tone and stuff! So glad they're on Classpass!

Solid OTF experience! It's in a mall so can be a little hard to find, but we got there eventually…read more Staff is friendly, coach Patrick was great! The studio has showers but no towels so just be sure to bring your own! Convenient location for when I'm in town.

In the downtown area from California. This gym is located on the corner inside of an indoor…read moremall/shops called "One Liberty Place" - 2nd floor. Great staff & workout!

Best CrossFit gym in Philadelphia. From the coaches to the…read moreprogramming to the equipment, everything is of the highest quality. Moreover, even if the class is full they make sure to touch base with everyone and coach them, which really helps improving! In addition, the community is inclusive and welcoming, and will make you feel welcome whether it is your 1st or 100th workout.

If I were to put myself in a box, I'd say I'm typically a yogi who periodically thinks "ok, let's…read morebe open minded about other options" and dabbles in other fitness, and then in this case immediately regrets dabbling when she is sore for the next five (FIVE!) days. But the good kind of sore? I took Emily's 7:30 am boot camp class and while the playlist was straight fire, my thighs were also on fire. We were a small group, so we were able to all get personal attention on form. Emily had laid out what we were going to do and made use of the timers, so I didn't have to count down the seconds myself. We used lots of different equipment (kettlebells, weights, jump ropes, ergs) and it made the 45 minutes go by a lot faster than I usually find at these types of classes. The space is huge, literally an open box, with lots of equipment. It seems some people just stop by and use the equipment, and they also have classes. 10 packs come out to $14 a class and 20 packs $12. They also have a 21 days for $49 pack for new members (which is a great deal) and other student and military discounts. 3x a week is $90 and (this is how they get you at the Movie theater with popcorn sizes) for only an extra $15 you can get unlimited (with 6 month commitment). For a bit extra you can get all access passes. But before you box Open Box into the Crossfit box, check out the upstairs yoga studio! Unlike many gyms where the yoga class is in the same room and its very difficult to feel zen, the yoga studio here is set off, sound proofed, painted a calming color, and has great manduka mats and blocks. I did a private workshop with Emily here and my friends and I had such a good time, she's great at teaching inversions and super encouraging! Open up your mind (and wallet) to Open Box, and you may just open up your heart to them, along with, probably, your hips.

I was browsing for a jeweler to give a bad review after a miserable experience. Instead, I…read morestumbled upon this, thought this might have something to do with schitt's creek. This is Awesome!

Absolutely amazing experience! Alexis is great, she bent over backwards to work with our group…read more Besides Alexis being fabulous, everything about the actual class is a blast! You'll be dancing without a care in the world while working up a sweat. Highly recommend!!

Northern Liberties, Philly location is by far the best I have been to in the east coast. The front…read moredesk staff are lovely and welcoming, the coaches are informed, fun, motivating and supportive. The coaches' playlists are 8/10 times VERY good, with lots of variety. The facility is by far the most spacious and well maintained that I have been to.. and this means A lot when it comes to working out (machines, although close together, have a good layout and more space in between than other studios). Finally, the equipment is in good condition compared to other studios (dumbbells, bands, BOSU balls etc..) and they maintain it well. I love this orange theory location and I'm so grateful its my home base.

OTF nolibs provides a challenging and motivating environment that pushes you to do more in 60 mins…read more An all encompassing workout, you will including a warmup and stretch with weights, rowing and walking/running. Every day the class is different but the same across all locations. This provides you with consistency if you need to travel and want to stay on track. Best of all, majority of OTF locations across the globe are accessible with no extra fees while visiting! OTF nolibs has knowledgable staff and coaches, highly recommend!

I was absolutely thrilled with the personal training services offered by Malcolm at Self…read moreEmbodiment. I looked on yelp and was able to easily make my first appointment. I came to him with an aching back from work and a need to do some gym activity to get me out of my winter funk. It was proving difficult for me to get motivated on my own and I knew I needed assistance so I wouldn't injure my back. Malcolm knew exactly how to get me excited about fitness from the first time meeting him. We went over my goals and I can honestly say I feel like I achieved most, if not all of them. During our personal training sessions I was able to do weights and movements I didn't think were possible. I ALWAYS left in a good mood, feeling accomplished and proud of myself. I felt so strong! Malcolm was also great with nutrition guidance and helped me see some patterns in my eating habits that I did not recognize myself. (RIP cheese on everything). He gave me meal ideas and would check in with me in between workouts to see how I was holding up; (much appreciated/needed). Ultimately, Malcolm is an awesome personal trainer. He is kind, thoughtful and easy to be around... even while your sweating and dying from the workouts!

Malcom is the best! Meticulous training and attention to prevent injuries the best quality…read moremachines you leave feeling stronger than ever

I did a trial week at revolution fitness factory's WarriorFIT program and had a chance to work with…read morethe owner Ari My overall impressions were very positive. Class sizes are a decent size (I had no larger than 8 people in a group class) and in the 45-minute window they do a challenging yet surmountable WOD style program. I've been doing circuit-based fitness for a couple of years and it's always great to see trainers come up with new movesets that keep the workout interesting. I also got to work with Ari and he is as personable as the other reviewers say he is - if you have the chance, attend one of his classes and you can see for yourself his dedication to his clients new and old.

Love this gym! I did personal training with Ari the owner and he's great. I've also taken a bunch…read moreof classes and all of the instructors really know what they're doing. Nothing but fun positive energy here. No matter what level, size, or whatever excuse you have not to join does not apply at this gym. It's a supportive place and worth checking out.