Arrichion Hot Yoga + Circuit Training Durham — Attraction in Durham

Final update: I decided to give this place another try. The instructor apologized for what happened during my previous visit, and was very helpful during today's class which was quite challenging (in a good way!). I appreciate it, and hence removing the person's name from my review below. Cheers!

Class: 5 stars | Employee Attitude: 3 stars

I previously took a class at the Raleigh branch after a friend invited me using her guest pass and I really enjoyed it. Since the Durham center is closer, I decided to try the introductory 2-week plan. Today was my first class at this center, and unfortunately, I don't see myself continuing here for a full time membership due to an instructor's rudeness. Instead of a warm welcome as a first-time customer, I was mildly accused (incorrectly) of doing something wrong. It didn't feel nice, and I would rather not work out at a place where you don't feel welcome.

Details:

I was asked if I'd been here before, to which I responded that I'd been to the Raleigh center. To this, the instructor said, you're not supposed to do that, i.e., use the introductory 2 week offer. I then further explained that my Raleigh visit was using a friend's guest pass. All he needed to do was say something along the lines of Oh I'm sorry. I found him to be needlessly rude. First, even if let's say I had taken the intro membership at a different location (which I hadn't), the onus is on the business website to not let such customers purchase another intro pass. As opposed to the expectation that we're "not supposed to do that". Second, he could have either withheld making an accusation with limited info, or said a quick sorry. It goes a long way. I thought he might realize his mistake on his own later, so I thanked him as I was leaving after the class, hoping he would say something or at least ask how my first class was, and I would have brought up what happened, but none of that. I might just drive the extra 20 minutes to the Raleigh center instead, though I may try a few more classes at Durham to see if this experience balances out with other instructors. The pilates class was good!

Update on response from owner: I was NOT in violation of company policy. Everything that happened is in my review. I don't see why it is on me to spend more time talking/texting. The least I think I ought to have been offered is a refund since I bought a pass, but not actually utilizing it because of their...

TLDR False advertising: You have to have secret knowledge for the "doorbuster" sale.

I'm relatively new to the Durham Arrichion. I tried to take part in their annual "doorbuster" sale. I was there 15 minutes before the doors opened and took my place (third in queue). It was very cold (19F), which is why I had decided to only come 15 minutes early. A few minutes before the sale, some 7 other people came over to the door, and formed a new queue. They told those of us in the original queue that it wasn't actually a doorbuster sale. All you had to do was be in the parking lot. I pointed out that there was nothing about waiting in your car in the sale advertisement. The new queue ignored what I said. The person who opened the door glanced at our queue, turned back to the queue with the older members, and without asking any questions, gave them the "doorbuster" prizes.

Now, I appreciate if Arrichion wants their customers to be safe and warm. However, if the rules are that you wait in your car, then they should advertise as much. I would have happily arrived much earlier.

Since they did not post those rules, they privileged their older members who had been to the sale before. The place is cliquish, and I'm not sure if the favoritism is accidental or intentional. I hope it's an oversight, which is partially why I'm posting - maybe Arrichion will read this and do better in the future. If they don't ...well, that's the other reason I'm posting: I hope this warning and information is helpful to someone else...

For the past 3 years I have been coming to Arrichion Durham, and it has become the highlight of my day. I struggle with several health conditions that make it very difficult to have the energy and motivation to exercise. The owners (Marissa & Steve), teachers, and people who go to Arrichion turn a studio full of hot, sweaty bodies who come through the doors from all different walks of life, into a place where regardless of age, appearance, or fitness level; all are welcome and all belong. My doctors are astounded at how strong I have become and the quality of life I am able to maintain because of Arrichion. The classes are a great mixture of hot yoga poses, flow, weights/cardio, and they even have a non heated class! They also give you the chance to meet the people you are around each day to further develop relationships with the people you see often. Thank you for the opportunity to experience a place like this...I don't know anywhere else you will find such great personalities, or a Marissa and Steve, [especially A STEVE...who, shows he’s most excited you’re a part of his classes if he yells at you—you will end up loving him as much as all the rest of us]. Thank you for creating a unique family, and making a room full of sweaty people who over half you don't know that well, feel...