DEFINE: barre, cycle, yoga | River Oaks — Local services in Houston

I began Define back in 2012 I believe & got into the best shape of my life before my wedding. Then life happened and fitness went to the back burner for a number of years. In the midst of quarantine and COVID, when things began to re-open, I gave Define another try. I find their COVID and social distancing protocols to be in place consistently and their workouts are even better than I remember.

It's a small teaching crew these days so you get to know the teachers if you are coming to classes in person and you also have the option to take classes online, from your home. I love the in-person experience even though there isn't much socialization these days with everyone still taking COVID seriously. The music, lighting and equipment all create an ambiance that make classes as much a getaway as they are a workout. For an hour, I'm in a different mental and physical space - and it's a realy comfort.

I always leave the gym feeling stronger, healthier and better than when I walked in. It's hard to ask for anything more than that. I haven't had a class I didn't love or a teacher that I didn't think knew their stuff. Inevitably you end up with your favorites but the reality is, there isn't an instructor here who doesn't thoroughly...

Terrible experience here the past few weeks. I've been attending classes for a year, but a month ago the men's wearhouse began towing cars. I had to run out and stop my car being towed last week. My friend had already been towed. There are less than 10 parking spots, but classes often overlap and each can have 30 people. It took me 15 minutes to park today and when I got to class they were starting and the room was pitch black. It was very difficult to find a bike and setup in the dark. Similar cycling studios will walk you in with a flashlight and help you if class has already began, but the staff here didn't care at all. A gym this expensive should provide the basic amenity of parking. I will be going to Ryde and Ride until the heights studio opens with hopefully...

I had such an amazing experience at the barre class today! Marlene, the instructor, was absolutely incredible—her energy and guidance made the class both empowering and uplifting. As a former Barre Girl, it’s been a challenge to find a class or studio that truly meets my needs, but Marlene’s class was exactly what I needed to kick-start my day.

From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming. I even had a chance to connect with Kelly, who was so kind and took time after the class to chat with me about my fitness goals. The entire experience exceeded my expectations, and I left feeling stronger, motivated, and ready to come back for more....