I'm a little embarrassed to say that I actually live quite near Envie Fitness, yet am just now…read moregetting the chance to check it out. Also slightly embarrassing is the fact that since it opened up in the plaza with Koze Teppan Grill and Café Italia, I've been getting a regular guilt trip from their sign every time I go to stuff my face with sushi or pizza. Nevertheless, I'm glad I finally got around to giving it a try.
This gym is different from most I have seen in the past-- it's a female-only gym that is entirely class-based, with no equipment that you just go in and work out with whenever you feel like. Also, they center many of their classes around something called the MyZone. MyZone is basically a band that goes around your ribcage right near your bra strap. It tracks your heart rate, calories burned, "Effort Points," etc. Effort Points are basically a function of how high you get your heart rate and for how long. It's a whole thing, and there's an app, and I will admit, it's a bit confusing at first, but I will also say that, as of this morning, I've completed three classes with it and already have the hang of it. If you have any questions or hesitation, I would recommend you chat with the trainers on staff there-- they're super helpful in explaining what it's all about.
I'll admit I was a little hesitant about joining this gym because the format is so different from anything I had tried before.... but honestly, after the three classes I've taken, I'm sold!
I love the fact that your membership fee covers all the classes, with no extra fees. This means that you get a ton of one-on-one or almost-one-on-one time with the trainers for your base fee. At many other gyms I have seen, working with a trainer costs extra, and often costs a LOT more than it does here.
The gym, from what I've seen, prides itself on an environment that is supportive, encouraging, challenging, and upbeat. All good things for a fitness studio, whether you are a newbie or a pro at working out!
Other pros:
- It's clean. Like I-don't-know-how-they-keep-it-this-clean CLEAN.
- They run really nice specials on the cost of joining! To give you an idea, the MyZone tracker thingy usually runs about $100 (I'm 90% sure), but I got it for $50. Also, since I signed up after only two classes, instead of taking the full seven day trial that I could have, I only had to pay for the MyZone tracker, and not for the actual membership-- so I got October for only $50! Additionally, they locked me in at a discounted rate of $89 a month because I signed up during a promotion. So price-wise, it's a pretty nice deal.
- I believe they even offer childcare by appointment if you have kids. So no more excuses that you can't join a gym because it isn't kid-friendly!
- They have a ton of different classes: Zumba, Spinning, Boxing, HIIT, Barre, Yoga, Boot Camps and more!
- They switch up their schedule so you don't get bored or have to take the same class over and over, because it's the only time slot that fits into your schedule. Also, they rework the class schedule every month to give even more variety. I'm looking forward to trying all the different classes that they have!
Little Known Fact: Envie is an Australian Fitness gym! In speaking to some of the staff, I learned that it's actually quite popular over there, and is just getting started here in the States. So far there are only three U.S. locations, though they do have plans for more. How cool is it that they chose to open one of their three first studios right here in El Paso?! :D
