I remember searching last summer for pole dancing classes and not being able to find any. This year…read moremy search led me to hustle and flow -- tucked in the west end near Reiche elementary, this is a little gem on the third floor where you can try being J. Lo for an hour, and stick around if you really like it. Heather is the primary teacher and Victoria is her teacher aid in training. Both have their own styles and both are mesmerizing to watch. Their pole classes work a bit differently than their others -- you're required to take a few intro pole classes to see if you like it and get to feel your body and how everything works, and then they can recommend you to the level 1 class. I've been wanting to try it out since a friend of mine told me how sexy it made her feel. The intro classes are easy in a sense where you're not huffing and puffing, but hard in the sense where you're using and twisting your body in ways you're probably not used to. They start you off with some warm ups -- a combination of regular stretching with yoga and warming up the joint muscles, then rotate through several pole moves to try out. I don't look good at all, but it's quite fun! The classes are small but you do share a pole with one other person, which gives you time to take a break. Some people like bringing their 10inch heels and trying it out that way, but I like sticking to the bare toes. In the summer it's slightly warm so the feet stick more (making turns have more friction). Definitely try it out, the teachers are great and never make you feel bad about messing up!

I chose Hustle and Flow to host my bachelorette party pole dance class and let me just say IT WAS…read morePERFECT!! I had no idea what to expect when walking in, as I had never done a class like this before, but the pole instructor Victoria (Poletoria_Portland on IG) made us all feel so comfortable and welcome! The class was a perfect beginner course that also let us try out some pole tricks and even a sexy dance routine! If you are looking to take some pole classes for fun, or hosting a bachelorette do not think twice about Hustle and Flow! I would highly recommend this studio!!

If you're trying to stay warm on a December trip to Maine (not the most ideal time to visit, but…read moredamn it's still beautiful under a foot a snow), Ebb and Flow is here to help. this medium sized yoga studio offers a plethora of heated (and unheated) beginner and open level yoga classes. The staff was very friendly, and the instructor was down to earth. The studio itself has a lot of amenities, including separate changing rooms and a shower. Mat rentals are free. The best part was pricing. 14 dollars for a drop in class, 25 for two weeks (introductory rate). They are in mind body so you can sign up in advance, all you need to do is give yourself two extra minutes when arriving to fill out a personal info/acknowledgment form.

This place is amazing! I cannot recommend it enough. Weekend classes can be crowded and tough…read more There are regulars who have gone for years. I haven't taken a bad class or had a bad instructor yet.

I've been to two Routine barre classes. The vibe is great, people are friendly, workouts have been…read moregood, space is beautiful. I wish they had 5am classes!

Beautiful studio with friendly, welcoming, skilled instructors. Great workouts. Clean,…read morewell-appointed locker rooms. Coffee! Bubble water! Can't ask for more.

Smaller focused classes offer specific training assistance on your specific needs. They offer…read morestrength, cardio, TRX, spinning and more. The natural light comes in with big windows and its convenient to the Back Bay for a walk if you have time. Excellent instruction focused on form and safety. Highly recommend!

I just finished my first class at Fitwell, (first class is free!) and I loved it. Karen, the owner…read moremade me feel welcomed and comfortable, and made sure everyone knew each others' names. She was positive and encouraging and the workout was great. The location is bright and sunny, and it is immaculate inside. I will definitely be back.

SH/FT is the most comprehensive and effective training facilities that I have ever worked out in…read more The space is absolutely beautiful with modern, clean lines and an open floor plan with stunning floor to ceiling windows. It's easy to get to, located just outside of the main tourist and traffic area of downtown, and very rarely do I have any trouble parking. What truly sets SH/FT apart though are the trainers, who quite honestly have become more like family and friends for my husband and I (as well as many of the other members). Not only are the trainers highly educated in health and fitness, but they are constantly improving their knowledge and techniques. For me this has provided an incredibly dynamic personal training program that has given me results that I could have never imagined possible. I have never felt so fit, so motivated and so strong - while also constantly being challenged to take it to the next level. And coming from someone who has been working out since about age 5 this is a pretty bold and authentic statement. This attention to detail also carries over into small group training and classes, where the workouts are always challenging, creative and planned with an ultimate goal of full body fitness in mind. I would highly recommend SH/FT to anyone, no matter what your goals are they will help you to reach, and if your experience is anything like mine, exceed them.

Shift is more than just a gym or training center. Shift has become a community for me. The…read moreinstructors and the people that go to small group training have become my friends. Between the personal training and small group classes, I am excited to attend session because it's fun, challenging and improving my health and wellness. I have been working out at Shift for about 2 years and the change has been incredible for me. We all need to exercise to live a healthy life and I feel fortunate that Shift keeps me motivated and having fun while exercises. Their facility is incredibly clean, bright and welcoming. The restrooms have showers lockers and amenities. There are Pelotons bikes, treadmills, free weights, smith machines, TRX bands and not to mention highly educated instructors that are complete geeks about body mechanics and training.

Wonderful establishment and excellent professionals. They are attentive and serious about their…read moresupport.

Amazin staff and classes,you feel it is like a private class because the teachers give you so much…read moreattention

It's clean and well taken care of. However they seem to be saving money by not keeping the…read moretemperature regulated. It is insanely hot compared to any gym I've used, even in the winter. The summer is just unbearable.

When I first walked into this gym, to check it out prior to signing up, I could not believe it was…read moreonly $15 a month. In fact, I forgot the last time I saw a gym, especially in a major city, for that little per month. After my "gym tour" with the one of their very kind staff members, I knew I had found my new local spot for workouts. The gym itself is quite big. It has two levels, with most cardio machines being on the first floor and the weights/dumbbells on the second level. I've been going for a few months now, and these are some of my favorite things: - Always clean - Lots of locker space - All machines have been working flawlessly - They follow Covid-19 protocols, so certain machines are blocked off - 24 hour access (!!!!) - Lots of machines, so I never have to wait around to use a tread, for example - Doesn't get too crowded even during peak hours For $15, I get a LOT more than what I expected. I can cancel at anytime and I didn't even have to pay a fee upfront. They do charge you a $39 one-time fee during the first 30 days of signing up, which apparently locks in your membership price in case of any increases in the future. You can also upgrade your membership to their "premium" version which includes tanning, access to the Theragun and a few other perks.

I've been an older (of the younger students) here for quite a while, getting to know this place…read moresomewhat as a little kid and as, well, not a little kid. It's a great community here, very well known, the type of business to sponsor a local sports team not out of a potential form of advertising, but with a love for the community. When you walk in on your first day, they're very welcoming and open hearted, and also the deeper you dive into the community, the better it gets. I've realistically had one of the more unique experiences at Centerpoint being older then most, but the thing is, no matter who you are, they'll always treat you the same. This also goes for any accommodations. About some of classes (And what happens there): (Ages may vary) Ages 5 and under - Excellent kids: This class teaches kids to be their best self, and helps them be quite healthy and even such a young age Ages 5-16 - Kids karate: This is definitely one of the more popular programs, while at first only teaching the fundamentals of Karate, classes get more difficult and a slow and do-able rate. Teaches kids good morals and keeps them fit. Requirements may vary - Sparring: Teaches students (who have a bit of experience), how to fight in some more realistic scenario. This is done with pads on to insure that people don't get hurt, and is good if you're trying to break a sweat. (For info on other classes, check their website, they probably have much better descriptions then I do) Overall, I've been going here since December 2018, and I'd totally recommend it if you're looking for not just somewhere to workout, but somewhere to learn and enjoy yourself.

I love kickboxing. Throughout my college days, there was nothing like punching, kicking and…read moresweating the stress out of every day life. Since then, I hadn't taken any classes until a friend told me about Centerpoint. In the classes that I have taken in the past, it has always been kickboxing in the air. However, at Centerpoint, they have stationary punching bags to punch and kick, which added a unique, but tough experience. The space is nicely laid out with cubbies to keep your stuff in, and then a padded floor area to do the kickboxing. The instructor made it a point to introduce herself to me, and she was a phenomenal instructor. If you get the chance to take a class with Esther, I would strongly suggest it, as she was supportive, but also kept the class challenging and fun. Throughout class, there was plenty of opportunity for cardio with a warm-up, a punching rotation, a kicking rotation, a section for upper body and abs, and then a cool down. The 45 minute class went by quickly, but boy, did I sweat! At Centerpoint, your first class is free, so it's definitely worth giving it a shot. After that, they have unlimited monthly memberships for $150 a month, or you can by 10 classes for $100. Their drop-in fee is $17. I definitely plan on coming here more to mix up my workout routine!