Babes of Wellness — Local services in Compton

I began my search a few months ago for a personal trainer in the South Bay area and stumbled upon Babes of Wellness, a private all-women’s gym offering 1-on-1 training, group sessions, and fitness classes. I was excited to learn it was owned by a WOC, Kat. On our kickoff call, I explained that I was committed to a year of private training but needed flexibility due to a demanding work schedule. I also needed a trainer experienced in rehabilitation because my top goal was rehabbing a severe knee and shoulder injury. Kat assured me Babes of Wellness could support that, so I signed up for their one-year private membership (~$800/month for two sessions a week).

PROS Alexa!!! She’s the only private trainer at Babes, and she is phenomenal. In just three months with her, I lost 10 pounds and, more importantly, my knee pain disappeared. She understands the body so well and tailors every workout to strengthen the muscles that support my injuries. She focuses on form above all else, which made our sessions more effective and gave me confidence I didn’t know I had. Alexa researched my injuries, created modifications, and explained each exercise in detail so I knew exactly what we were targeting and why. She’s encouraging, motivating, and trustworthy. I went from struggling to walk up stairs to being able to do squats again! She gave me so much value and truly changed my health.

CONS Flexibility: With Alexa being the only private trainer, scheduling is tough. She worked hard to accommodate me, but overall class times and availability are limited. When you’re paying this much, it’s frustrating if you can’t get time slots that fit your schedule.

Culture: Outside of Alexa, the culture didn’t feel positive. Kat often uses sarcasm that comes across as demeaning. I know some people may find it funny when your trainer talks down to you and even call it “tough love,” but that’s not how I operate. I came to BOW in a very vulnerable state and expressed to Kat my fears of losing mobility at such a young age. So when I’m in a private 1-on-1 training (which takes place at the same time and area of group classes) and she makes fun of me for not being able to lift as much weight as her Señora Babes classes in front of everyone, I definitely took offense to that. There is also a subculture of women who are obsessed with being in Kat's "inner circle" and they create a toxic air of exclusion, especially if you do not have a membership. Some people can’t afford a membership (heck, I barely could!), but that doesn’t mean you should be iced out of conversations, ignored, or shamed.

Value: For the cost, I didn’t feel the membership offered enough beyond Alexa’s training. Group classes aren’t included; open gym isn’t an option; class slots fill quickly; and memberships can’t be paused, so you’re charged regardless of attendance. Make-up sessions were hard to schedule, given availability issues.

Cancellation: I understand that the cancellation policy states that a final week will be charged for a fee, so you can take this critique with a grain of salt, but I had 5 sessions (technically 6, but it is what it is) to make up. I asked Kat if she was willing to waive the final cancellation fee, considering I had already had $600 of sessions still to make up. She said no and said I can just make up the training sessions whenever I have time.

All in all, I can’t see myself returning to Babes of Wellness. Alexa gave me everything I hoped for in a trainer, and I’ll always be grateful for her, but outside of her, the experience didn’t feel supportive or worth the price. I believe fitness spaces should empower women to feel included and safe, not pressured or dismissed. I hope Babes can evolve in that direction, because the foundation of what they’re building could be amazing, if handled...

BOW is an incredibly supportive and welcoming gym. I struggle with social anxiety, therefore it’s taken me a while to find a gym where I feel comfortable. I recently completed a few different classes and each instructor was kind, attentive, patient, and enthusiastic!

I started with a restorative yoga class taught by Karen. The class was calming and the poses were easy to follow. Karen walked around making sure everyone was comfortable; she adjusted my poses and added props to make it easier for me. I’ve also taken a yoga class with Noemi and she was great as well! I felt relaxed while getting a good workout.

My next class was with Katalina where we focused on strength training. Katalina was very welcoming and led the class with an upbeat attitude. There were a few moments where I felt anxious but it was easy to get back into the work out, especially when the coaches are so supportive and the environment feels safe.

I then took another strength training class with Jenny. It was my first time ever attempting to lift weights and I kept struggling with my form. Jenny and Alexa were extremely patient with me; I’m genuinely so grateful that my first attempts at weight lifting were with them! Jenny and the other coach always had a smile on their face and they went out of their way to find the right amount of weight and best modifications for my needs.

Cristina’s pilates class was so much fun! It was such a wonderful start to my day. She was kind and gave me great feedback throughout the class. The pace and instructions were beginner friendly.

Although I haven’t taken a class with Coach E she was responsive, kind, and informative through email.

Thank you Alexa for going out of your way to correct my form and being so attentive, kind and supportive. Katalina, I appreciate how you go out of your way to make sure everyone is seen in class! I’m excited to continue taking classes at BOW. I appreciate the patience, kindness, and feedback given at each class. They definitely go out of their way to cultivate a warm and inclusive...

I started coming to BOW since September 2022. I started with the yoga class and slowly moved into the other classes they have. I was never a person who liked working out and I have always made excuse on why I could not work out (kids,work, etc…). And I did make an attempt to go to the big chain gyms but it felt like a meat market. I was more uncomfortable than focus on my workout. But let me get back to BOW, I have never felt uncomfortable and I always leave feeling empowered to be a Latina women. Kat is amazing at encouraging me to challenge myself. Karen is a replica of Kat but with a lot of energy lol. SP is also a great motivator and very helpful when she’s training me. Also, BOW is making a difference in the members life by hosting life changing classes that enhance my quality of life. I am a proud member of BOW and the community of babes that encourage me to keep going and hitting new PRs (personal records). Keep up the great job BOW and I know the best is yet to...