Erica Dixon's fitness classes have changed my life! Her Zumba classes are hands down the most fun…read moreand challenging Zumba classes that I've ever taken. Not only are her choreography and songs are amazing, but the other people that attend her classes are encouraging and friendly. I've also done her fit camp classes and those are difficult yet effective for building endurance and strength. She offers online classes during the pandemic and they had been equally as enjoyable.

Erica Dixon is one of the best Zumba instructors I've ever had, and I am very picky about my Zumba…read moreteachers. I do not like Zumba classes that feel like aerobics, and I have low tolerance for instructors who can't dance, who have no rhythm, and who can't tell the difference between the various genres of Latin and world music. I haven't encountered any of these problems with Erica. She keeps to the beat, she's very energetic, and she knows what's up. Her class is challenging, but you will have a lot of fun and you will sweat! Students with a dance background will appreciate her choreographies. And her music is awesome. No Pitbull! She plays soca, dancehall, reggaeton, West African music, hip hop, and r 'n b, plus authentic salsa and merengue, with accurate moves to match. One of her routines has a bhangra flavor too. When we do squats we do them to the go-go classic "Da Butt" Erica currently holds classes 4 times a week in 3 different locations in South Durham and RTP: Monday 7:30 pm at Learning Tots Academy, Tues 7:30 pm at Bethesda Elementary School (you have to go around to the back of the main school building! I learned this the hard way), Thurs 7:30 pm at the Bethesda Elementary School gymnasium (separate building from Tues nt's class), and Sat 9:30 am at Learning Tots. She also does some special events, and she sells Zumba gear. The walk-in rate for classes is $7 (going up to $8 soon though) and she offers discounted passes (punch cards) for 5 or 10 classes each. There are about 50 students at each of her classes! but there is plenty of room to move around, and her students come in all shapes and sizes, so don't be shy. Bring water and a sweat towel!

Outdoor boot camp. You might not feel Marine-ready after, but you :will: feel like a bad-ass. On…read moreTuesday and Thursday, they offer Boot Camp and Zumba at 7pm, for $5. You'll pay, start with 5 laps, and a warm-up of jumping jacks, high-knees and so on. Then you'll split into groups of ~6-8 and start the real work-out. The day I went, it consisted of quick weight-lifting intervals done with makeshift equipment -- sand bags, heavy poles, etc. -- and/or body weight. I thought there was a good mix of upper- and lower-body focus. And my heart rate stayed up for most of the hour. Frankly, I thought the exercises could have been more challenging. But given the heat, and dirt, and bugs that come with working out outside, the less-intense level was kind of nice. The instructor offered some encouragement, and engaged with the group to keep us motivated, but also keep the mood light-hearted. There were about an equal number of girls and guys, and the group's fitness level was very diverse. So it's not too intimidating! Parking is kind of a pain-in-the-butt (my car got blocked in behind a few layers of late arrivals), but there's a neighboring lot that I noticed other people were spilling over into, so I'd recommend doing that.

A great place to get fit! I first started coming here…read morebecause of a livingsocial deal, but I can't get enough. The workouts are fun and challenging. My favorite classes are the extreme outdoor bootcamp and the full throttle class. At bootcamp you get pushed to your limits with burpees, hurdles, tire flipping, and more. Full throttle keeps cardio interesting with intervals the treadmill, row machine, strength exercises and more. I appreciate that it's affordable and you can walk -in without a membership (although they do have a membership option). Although I have a gym membership, I've found myself coming here more often than the gym.

So I'm sitting here beside a bag of Nestle chocolate chips, watching the umpteenth episode of…read moreSYTYCD, probably slowing undoing everything I've accomplished here in the last year... Sorry, Coach! Since my last review B2B has actually moved locations. The downside, for me, is that it's a further commute which often winds up translating into me being late for class. But there are far more upsides. The new space, while similar in size, is much cheerier, with bright white walls and sunlight filtering in. It also has AC, which not only makes a more comfortable gym environment, also allows for class to keep schedule even in these hellacious 110-degree months. Harold has added a lot of additional equipment over time, including double-end bags, speed-bags that size down as small as a grapefruit, and some bane-of-my-existance ab wheels. And I still love coming here. From mitt-work to footwork, weight lifting to interval training, heavy-bag speed drills to track, it seems like we've done it all. But as soon as I start thinking that, Harold introduces something new and challenging and interesting. And it's effective. I've dropped weight, gained muscle, and really seen myself grow. In a recent push-up challenge to failure, I completed 81! Eighty-one push-ups, ya'll. From not being able to do a single chin-up, I can now knock out 3. Harold's been a big component of helping me reach my potential, but also to keep looking beyond that and strive for more. If you're looking for a truly unique workout in an intimate environment where you're sure to benefit from a personal approach to workouts, from an instructor who meets you where you are fitness-wise, do yourself a favor and check out a class here. A few quirks: no music & no mirrors (so no distractions; though sometimes I wonder about my form without being able to see it). Also no water cooler, so remember to pack a big bottle because you WILL sweat.

My wife and I joined this gym after moving to the downtown Durham area. We use to train with the…read moreowner (Harold) at LA Boxing in South Durham and when he opened this gym we followed him here. We checked out several of the downtown/central Durham gyms and none of them were quite what we were looking for. CrossFit was probably the closest but it's much more expensive. When we stopped in at Danny Daniels Fitness Studio we found the owner to be disinterested. The YMCA seemed very crowded. There were other gyms further away and many of those seem to change owners every year. What I like about this boxing gym is that you get to learn technique and you also get a great workout. Nearly every muscle in your body gets exercised. The warmup and cool-down routines usually incorporate exercises such as squats, push-ups, pull-ups, jump rope, etc. The main boxing routine usually includes different combos on a heavy bag. Some of the drills are more focused on speed and others strength. Since this gym is new, classes are generally small -- which I really appreciate. Right now we do just boxing but Harold plans to begin offering kickboxing routines as well. As for the facilities, they have 6 heavy bags and various equipment such as pull-up bar, jump rope, and dumb bells. There is no A/C but this has not been bothering me (think of it as Bikram boxing). I've been working out in the evenings when the outside temperature has reached the 90s. The fans do a nice job of keeping the air circulating.

I love this place and the service it provides . Teachers…read moreare really nice and the participants really get into the work out. It is a bit expensive and there are not many classes offered each day..

I checked out this studio through Classpass... it's a one room studio located beside a CrossFit…read morebox. They share the parking lot and on the day I attended there was no issue with parking. Perhaps a tad tight but no major issues there. This studio is simple enough, it has a stage for the instructor which would be helpful for a larger studio or with lots of people. I'd say it's probably half the size of the Cary studio off Buckjones. My instructor was a replacement sub who had never worked at that studio before. I'd say the class was alright - I think I'm more partial to Zumba classes versus Jazzercise, so take that for what it's worth. I still tried to have fun and do what I could to sweat. The instructor did provide low impact and high impact options for us to choose. I may go back and check out different instructors to see if that may sway me one way or the other.

I'm hard pressed to say what is the most outstanding feature of AKT, but I'll start with the…read morepersonable and amazingly warm staff. (Enthusiastic shout out to Candace and Ashley.) They make you feel special and part of a family and that already sets them apart. I love the variety of classes and that content changes every three weeks. For me it's so easy to get into an exercise rut, but an AKT both your body and your brain are constantly stimulated. They utilize a variety of equipment with a range of difficulty and challenge. I've been a gym rat for decades and this is the most fun, the most effective, and the most friendly workout place I've ever experienced.

I'm incredibly disappointed and honestly disgusted with how AKT Brier Creek treated my mom,…read moreespecially considering how much support she had previously shown this location. My mom attended workouts here, but she also went out of her way to support this business professionally. Through her marketing work within the shopping district, she helped them with marketing videos, events, and other promotional efforts. Unfortunately, she later lost her job and shortly afterward had to undergo emergency surgery. During an already incredibly difficult time, she called AKT Brier Creek to cancel her membership and explained her circumstances. She was told that she HAD to physically come into the studio to cancel and that they would not allow her to do it over the phone. My mom lives an HOUR away from this location and, after emergency surgery, was in no position to make a two-hour round trip just to cancel a gym membership. She also wasn't going to be physically able to make that drive anytime soon. Instead of offering her a reasonable alternative or showing even a little compassion, they continued attempting to charge her card and ultimately sent the account to collections. When I contacted the studio myself and asked about their cancellation policy, I couldn't even get a clear answer. Instead of transparency or accountability, I was met with defensiveness. This is exactly the kind of business practice people deserve to know about before signing a contract. If someone loses their job, undergoes emergency surgery, lives an hour away, and CALLS to explain that they physically cannot come in, there should be some reasonable way to cancel a membership without eventually being sent to collections. Policies are one thing. Refusing to work with someone facing legitimate extenuating circumstances is another. My mom supported this business when she was in a position to do so. When she needed basic understanding in return, this is how she was treated. If you're considering joining AKT Brier Creek, I strongly recommend getting every detail of their cancellation policy in writing before signing anything. At the end of the day, this experience made it feel like collecting $$$ mattered more than treating a person with basic decency.

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT GET A "MEMBERSHIP" HERE!!! Membership?…read moreMore like long term commitment with no possibility of cancellation. It's absolutely ridiculous the hoops I'm having to jump through to cancel my membership, sorry I can't pay $70 a month anymore??!!! Don't sign a contract to anything here unless you want to be committed into a 2 YEAR WITH NO CANCELLATIONS agreement.

I don't even know where to start. My time as a member here was constant problems at a very premium…read moreprice. The equipment and gym itself is okay, some machines are broken and being fixed all the time but can be worked around. The downfall comes to amenities. My first morning workout after joining I find out that they have no towels ( sweat/showers ) I thought that was a bit odd but okay, I started bringing my own towel. During the entire winter of 2024 they had no hot water . It took months and months for them to repair the hot water. Taking an ice cold shower when it's 30 degrees outside SUCKS . Then there's cancellation. I tried to cancel for so long and I got the run around so many times that I ended up just blocking them on my card. After all this they tried to send me a collections letter as well. That will not be paid. As I have joined another gym, with a full size pool, brand new and nice amenities for less than 50 dollars a month and you can cancel ANYTIME. Highly do not recommend this place, there are so many other competitive gym options to go to.

Had a wonderful Pilates class while in town visiting. Amber was such an amazing, fun, patient, and…read morecaring coach, I would absolutely return to take a class with her again! Everyone was personable and very welcoming and made the entire process from start to finish a breeze.

Educated Pilates instructors that focus on technic and individual goals and instruction even in a…read moregroup setting. I have taken classes from all of instructors, and they all are talented. Special call out to Megan who makes the class fun but challenging!!!

If you're looking to get in shape while spending time learning new skills in a great atmosphere…read morewith an awesome small group of people, do not hesitate to join classes at the Durham School of Martial Arts! Sifu Keith is incredibly upbeat and energetic and takes time to get to know each student personally and recommend an exercise plan both inside and outside of his gym. I have been attending his cardio kickboxing class 3x a week for 6 months and have lost weight, gained muscle, and gained confidence. The class is welcoming to both beginners and more advanced individuals. Highly recommend!

From the owner: We offer more than just karate classes or martial arts classes. We prepare participants with…read moreconcepts and knowledge gained from the application of practical and effective training methods in a safe, friendly, professional, and pleasant learning environment. We promote self-improvement by developing focus, awareness, resourcefulness, confidence, and fitness amongst our students. Kenneth Keith, a martial arts instructor, is both the founder and head instructor of Durham School of Martial Arts. He has been training for over 30 years under the tutelage of Master Sifu Erwin Villezon. Master Sifu Kenneth Keith also teaches Mixed Martial Arts at Duke University. Certifications: Personal instruction in Jeet Kune Do, Grappling, and JKD Boxing under Guru DFan Inosanto (Bruce Lee's number one disciple), Los Angeles, California (1998) Certification in Muay Thai Boxing, under the personal instruction of Master Surarhai "Chi" Sirisuta, Los Angeles, California (1996-1997) Certification in Jeet Kune

I was hesitant about doing another yoga class. It had been 2-3 years since my first yoga class and…read moreI wasn't impressed. But Josephine The instructor made it relaxing and personable. She made the experience amazing. Thank you.

My favorite yoga studio in the triangle! I was nervous to try hot yoga at first, but the staff and…read moreenvironment were so welcoming. Classes are warm & heated but not too hot. Definitely work up a sweat! Grateful that there are props for use and mats to rent before I got my own. Always a balanced flow with lots of options and accommodations.