The Training Room ATL — Local services in Atlanta

I got up on the morning of Mar 29, 2025 looking for a good HIIT class and came across The Training Room through a quick Google search. I had never heard of this business before today--but after my experience, I won't be returning and can't recommend it.

I arrived about 10 minutes after an 11:30 AM class had started. After paying for parking, I realized I was likely too late to join and figured I'd check with the front desk to see if there were any other class options later in the day. That's when things took a troubling turn.

Before I could even finish my sentence, the front desk attendant cut me off with, "I'm going to have to ask you to leave." No greeting. No attempt to understand why I was there. Just a sudden and dismissive response that felt more punitive than professional.

I asked if I was being treated this way because of the color of my skin. Rather than engage with the concern, the attendant grew defensive, and the tone became even more uncomfortable. Later, I received two follow-up calls from the business. The first caller claimed the attendant "felt scared" because I challenged her response--even though that same caller admitted the situation could have been handled better. That framing--where a Black man simply questioning poor treatment is spun as a threat--is not only tired, it's dangerous.

The second call, from someone identifying as a manager or owner, was the most disturbing. Instead of showing concern or professionalism, she took an even more condescending and defensive tone. She accused me of "playing the race card"--a classic tactic used to deflect from accountability--and then said, "Good luck navigating life" & also stated that "my life is going nowhere." Those comments were clearly meant to demean and dehumanize me, as if to remind me of "my place" for daring to speak up. This is the very definition of racism: I raised a concern about being treated differently due to race, and her response was racism--dismissive, disrespectful, and retaliatory.

What should've been a simple inquiry about a class turned into a demeaning and racially charged experience. From the front desk to leadership, the energy I received was exclusionary, unprofessional, and deeply offensive.

If you're looking for a gym that treats everyone with dignity and...

Avoid if you’re being cautious about COVID-19. Mask policy has been spotty since reopening and a lot of the stated corona policies are inconsistent: stopped in to buy supplements right after Kemp said gyms could reopen (TR was one of the first local gyms to reopen) and I was the only one wearing a mask despite their stated policy; front desk person had on just gloves. I hurried out horrified and texted friends who are also members and the one who’d opted to return to in-person confirmed patchwork enforcement.

I was a member for 2 years but just cancelled out of how they’ve handled things since March. Arguing over charges during lockdown, multiple billing issues, very rude owner, and most of my favorite coaches have left. Management doesn’t hesitate to tack on premium charges to already expensive membership; the Unlimited TR classes for $189 has to pay an additional $30 for open gym time if they want that; new outdoor classes require purchase of an expensive piece of equipment that the owner models for. Zoom classes cost extra.

Really bummed, I liked this place a lot except for the biannual programming overhaul that would happen right when I’d start to love a class (RIP Boxing, RIP Animal Flow, RIP Switch Cardio Agility). The positive: Coach Colleen is the lifeblood of that place and she’s wonderful; the variety of workouts keeps you on your toes; it’s challenging; they emphasize proper form and technique. I made a lot of friends here... many of whom have likewise opted not to return...

The Training Room is the first gym in years I found that worked, I enjoyed, and I stayed! My body composition has changed dramatically; I've replaced fat with muscle, I look better naked AND in clothes, and most importantly I'm stronger and more confident in MY body. I've been a loyal TTR member now for a year, going 3-4 times a week, coming off years of no strength training (and despite being a distance runner, it showed).

The programming is designed to prevent common injuries you hear about from other gyms, but is also FUN, challenging, varied, and everything you need to hit your goals to lean out, build strength, sculpt, and/or condition. The trainers are encouraging, highly skilled and experienced in their field, happy to modify movements if needed due to prior injury, and look to correct and improve each individual's form throughout class.

For a gym of its type, the facilities are very well equipped, organized, and clean. They are constantly reinvesting to enhance the gym's equipment, classes, and amenities because they truly care about members and continuous enhancements in programming.

The programming is why you join TTR, but if you're the type to invest yourself into relationships, you'll find comraderie and a supportive gym family here as well. Hope to see...