I've been attending classes at Revolution for awhile now, but I still feel like I haven't gone enough. Why is that? I'm not sure, but I can tell you this: Revolution is constantly growing and changing and is still my number one choice for a good fitness class. Revolution has grown quite a bit since their humble beginnings in 2014, and nowhere is this more evident than their offering of a virtual subscription and live classes in 2020. I haven't had a chance to try the virtual offerings due to a lack of space at home, never mind the lack of equipment, but it looks to me as though Revolution has thought this through and knows what will appeal. (Marketing 101, folks.) Owners Colleen, Amanda, and Rachel demonstrated how to grow a business and adapt to changing trends and demands, all while teaching plenty of classes. Classes generally fit into two categories: cycling and strength/interval training. Indoor cycling classes are a frequent staple on the schedule. Your best bet for an intro class is RevRide, which is a more classic spin class. You'll face intervals, hill climbs, sprints, push ups, and plenty of ways to mix things up. Don't worry about looking coordinated, I gave up on that a long time ago and more complicated movements are easy to fake. For those of you looking for a more advance class, consider rhythm rides, focusing on choreography on the bike. Again, ask me how I know that it's possible to fake the movements. Look for theme rides to predict your music! The other classes at Revolution are what I like to call the "and" classes: things like row and strength, run and strength, TRX (and others), bootcamp style classes...you get the idea. I like Rev and Total Body when it's available: half spin, half strength intervals. I have a chronic shoulder injury and TRX helped me to rehab my busted rotator cuff. If it's your first time, I suggest trying a class with Mandy, as she is the most beginner friendly of the instructors. I'm happy to say that in three years, I've only been told once that I wasn't working hard enough, though I'd rather be able to say that I've never been told that at any Rev class. (I also have knee issues.) I've been lucky enough to come to these classes and do my thing. Revolution has also mastered the art of outdoor classes in the community. My first class was in the summer of 2017 at the Outer Harbor, and from there I tried a weeklong unlimited pass to confirm that I liked what I tried. Needless to say, I did. Be on the lookout for collaborations with other organizations and studios. That's not to say that a five star business can't stand to take a close look at what's going on and scan for improvements. As far as the community aspect, there are things to raise an eyebrow at. Longtime clients seem to be favored by the staff (there are VIP clients, how one becomes one is not publicized), frequently spotlighted, and there is an air of groupthink, often seen in wardrobe: "I saw Lauren wearing black Lululemons, so I bought black Lululemons". In recent years, everyone wears all black, which is a superficial thing to spotlight, but it's made me stand out like a sore, larger bodied thumb on more than one occasion. Speaking of Lululemon, ever since Revolution became an authorized retailer, prices for branded gear have naturally skyrocketed, leaving out clients who can't afford it. Speaking of the gear for sale, the chosen merchandise often favors a specific body type, one with a flat abdomen. Not everyone wants to wear a high necked crop top to the gym. This has led to Revolution becoming the gym where a sports bra is a shirt, which I hate because again, it favors a very specific body type and personality to match, and leaves out those who don't belong. If you look at Rev's social media accounts, you see a lot of the same things: young, thin, white women. I will own my old crab tendencies and acknowledge that those women sell products. But it gets old seeing the same body type spotlighted as the Monday Motivator. Rev used to be a place where "come as you are" was taken seriously. Now, there's something missing from the company personality and what you see is a generic fitness facility where the pretty girls hang out. It's hard to tell where the influence of the owners can be seen. This also presents itself in the instructors. Everyone is ready for instagram. Admittedly, I did think about auditioning, but the reason I didn't is a simple, sad one: for the first time since I became a client, I worried that I'd be told to come back after I've lost weight. Revolution is a great facility and has built a solid foundation. I do enjoy attending classes when I'm able to, even if I am a whiny "old" lady. But a good business always needs to take a good look around and make sure that the needs of all their clients are being met, even the needs of those who don't want to live their lives on Instagram. If you need a friend, I'm here and I promise, we'll work hard and sweat harder. read more