Strength Haüs — Local services in Philadelphia

I could wax poetic about the crew at Strength Haus forever, but my review in a nutshell: they offer tough but genuinely fun workouts in a fiercely inclusive space, with talented trainers who are also funny, multifaceted, and friendly people in general. If that sounds like your vibe, you’ll like it here!

Before I go deeper, I’ll share a little about me so you can decide how relevant this review is to your interests: After over a decade of starting and stopping fitness regimens, a handful of gyms, several fitness phases (anyone remember Kayla Itsines?? I hope she’s doing well), and shelling out for personal training and small group personal training… I’ve learned what works for me and what doesn’t. I know I like group classes (personal training is too much attention 😅) and I know that planning my own workouts isn’t my thing (my brain is chronically “on” in every other aspect of my life, so working out is not something I care to be particularly hands-on about). I work out primarily because it’s good for my body physically and mentally, and getting stronger is cool af. I don’t enjoy the intensity, condescension, or upselling that often come with the fitness industry.

In short, working out is not my WHOLE LIFE, though it’s something I know I will need and want to do for my whole life. I appreciate spaces that don’t make me feel guilty about that and trainers who I trust and actually enjoy spending time with. At the same time, I’ve picked up quite a bit over my years of personal/small group training, so I’m also not a noob and I know good training when I experience it (and vice versa). With that in mind, I also think you’d enjoy it if you do love to nerd out on strength training and are interested in mixing up your routine, as I know the coaches here would be delighted to get into it with you.

Lastly, if you’re new to kettlebell workouts and feel intimidated, rest assured you are in good hands here. The trainers will coach you through all the movements, so don’t worry about feeling lost and embarrassed for an hour straight (like I did the one time and only time I tried a Zumba class). In my opinion kettlebells are more fun and feel somehow simultaneously harder and easier/simpler than dumbbells and other weightlifting equipment, though they do have those things too if/when you’re into that. I also appreciate their partnership with Juniper Muay Thai for other types of classes, since I enjoy a little variety — I especially love yoga/pilates, but I’ve also dabbled in kickboxing in the past.

I’ve been a member at a popular gym in Philly for 5 years and I thought I’d never leave, but joining Jon and the Strength Haus team on this new adventure was a no-brainer for me. The classes are fun but a serious workout and I genuinely enjoy spending time with the people who gravitate to...

This gym changed me into someone that enjoys working out. I've tried a ton of gyms in the city and have enjoyed them to varying degrees, but Strength Haüs has classes that have made me strong and a community that encourages me. The coaches and clients are the coolest, nicest, best version of gym people out there. I love being able to measure my strength in the kettlebell classes that absolutely obliterate me, and Barbell Club classes (especially with Coach Parker, motivating royalty) have taught me to lift on my own in a way I never thought I'd be able to.

Some extra touches outside of the coaches and classes are the little candies as pre-workout, socks/barefoot only so you can move with ease, and the design being the opposite of an eyesore. Huge for me! The membership being flexible/no cancellation fees is also incredible.

My kid loves it here too - he has a weekly lesson with Jon that is making him confident in his movement, gets his energy out, and makes him love his body and what it can do. The community he's found through Strength Haüs and the connected/sister gym Juniper Muy Thai has been an absolute game changer at home and school, so we really appreciate what Coach Jon, Coach Molly, and Coach Mike (who instructs at Strength Haüs and Juniper Muy Thai) have done for that.

tldr: go here to get jacked...

I became a Strength Haüs member after over 6 months at another kettlebell gym and I’m so glad I switched! I left my plateau and gained muscle here much faster. I also corrected a form issue that was causing my lower back to hurt. I came in thinking that 12K was my heavy bell, but after just a few months I use 14K, with 16k as my heavy. I feel so strong! My friends are all commenting that my butt is looking especially good. The coaches are fun and welcoming. Everyone is great at demonstrating without being intimidating. They challenge me but also encourage everyone not to have an ego so we don't get hurt. There's a big variety of strength levels in the classes with modifications offered to make things harder or easier. The community is welcoming and the playlists are on point. Lastly their online booking...