SWET St. Pete — Attraction in Saint Petersburg

SWEAT overall is a great group fitness studio that is welcoming for all levels of strength training enthusiasts. The interactions with the crew is unforgettable, they are extremely friendly and welcoming, from the monthly social outings to greeting you upon entry in the studio. Each coach pays great attention to the members working out, shouting encouragement to you, you never feel like you have to push yourself dangerously and only as much as you can handle. I never feel bad going at my own pace and always end the class dropping in sweat with a nice high-five from the coach. If youre looking to build your strength, stamina, and certainly tone up, I would always recommend the LIFT classes and to start with Fridays LIFT Total Body so you can get an idea of what you would expect if you did LIFT Mondays (Legs) or LIFT Wednesdays (Arms). Because I dont want to bulk up, I always go lighter than whats given usually on the weights for arm day LIFT for example.

While the studio currently excels in strength-focused classes (LIFT and SHRED), the recent removal of cardio related and HIIT options was disappointing for those seeking a well-rounded workout regimen. Similarly, the absence of the Sculpt Sundays class, which blended strength training in faster paced circuits was also a bummer, pretty much the only classes I really went to got removed haha. I personally enjoyed the HIIT classes that focused on arm strength as finding a cardio class that you can stick through without it feeling like a chore is tough so it was sad to see that go. I was told that SHRED and HIIT would be merging at that point, but honestly SHRED alone was wayyyy too difficult for me when I just wanted to focus on the HIIT classes as those were more manageable for my stamina.

Perhaps I missed the announcements but I think addressing the absence of the cardio related classes, or providing alternatives from other local businesses for those looking for those options as a balance, would further enhance the studio's appeal and cater to a broader range of fitness...

2019 UPDATE* I wrote the review below in 2017 and continue to train daily with Jodi and her team of trainers at Sweat St.Pete. The name has changed and the gym is bigger (and even better) than before, but the skilled and personalized training is still the best. I am 51 years old and healthier and stronger than ever thanks to the workouts and nutrition education I've received at Sweat St.Pete. It is more than just a gym; it is a community, and I'm thankful for the amazing friendships, relationships and support systems I've found there.

From 2017: I’ve been attending personal training and group classes at the Body Shoppe since the opening day and in less than 2 years have transformed my body. Thanks to Jodi’s expert training, ongoing support and positive motivation I’ve become stronger, leaner and healthier than I ever thought I could. The Body Shoppe gym is clean, organized and stylish and the camaraderie with the instructors and other members is great. If you are serious about getting fit and enjoy a challenge, but want to do so in a friendly atmosphere, then I would highly recommend you give The Body...

When you look at photos of the people at The Body Shoppe, and see a group of fit people, don't think for a minute we started that way. Jodi and the staff at the Body Shoppe made us that way. When you take a class at the Body Shoppe, you start out thinking "I can't do this" and end the work out thinking "I did it and it felt great - can't wait until the next one!" Jodi and her staff will push you to your limits, while encouraging you to do your best. They will teach you proper technique, at whatever your skill level is. You will never get in a rut because you never do the same workout twice. The nice thing is that you don't have to sign up for a gym membership to take classes - you can pay as you go or buy a package. You're not stuck in a contract. But, you'll go back, because these workouts are addictive. You have the option of group classes (Sweat Shoppe) or semi-private (Small Shoppe), or Open Gym (go at your own pace). You can do any or all. If you're ready to stop messing around and get fit, this is the place. ...