Your Reviews
Your Reviews of Health and Fitness Personnel and Establishments
Get a Be Fit NOLA t-shirt for writing a review! Express yourself by writting a review of any health and fitness establishment within the Greater New Orleans area. Love where you take Yoga? Got a favorite healthy place where you eat? Want to show your appreciation to your wonderful personal trainer? Wish your gym had better equipment? Got the world’s best chiropractor?
We’re not asking you to run, bike or swim…we’re simply asking you to share your opinion(s) and enlighten us and we’ll give you a t-shirt for it.
Locals Speak Out (email us contact (at) befitnola (dot) com)
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Salire Fitness Boot Camps from Courtney Sutherby
Last September, I wanted to put that extra kick into my workout. I walked my dogs, spent time on a treadmill, but was ready for something more. I was lucky to hear about Salire Fitness Boot Camps in City Park.
Once I got used to waking up in time for the 6 a.m. start time, I looked forward to each session. My trainer, Lewins Walter, is supportive of all of us, often promoting what he calls “Boot Camp Unity.” These camps offer something for everyone, no matter your fitness level. When I first heard the term “boot camp,” I was worried that it would be military style, with lots of yelling… Not the case at all. Lewins pushes us, but in a positive way that makes us want to do our best.
Within just a few camps, I could feel that my clothes were fitting better. After taking the last couple months off to heal an injury (not sustained in boot camp), I can’t wait to get back out there on March 1. I hope you’ll join me!
Oh–One other reason I love Salire is because founder Nolan Ferraro believes in giving back to the community. A percentage of the already-low Boot Camp fee goes toward Susan G. Koman for the Cure, Desire Street Ministries, Louisiana SPCA, or City Park. You get to choose which cause you’d like to support!
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Salire Fitness Boot Camps by Melissa Jagers, CPA
Just after my 29th birthday I decided I was ready to start a new chapter in my life, particularly when it came to my health. Since I had never been a fan of the gym, I knew a real change could only occur if I found a fun but challenging form of exercise. I discovered Salire Fitness was holding a boot camp near my house so I decided to give it a try. My first day, I was amazed to see people of all ages, sizes, and athletic abilities in the camp. I was motivated when I saw the trainers’ vigor and enthusiasm towards all of the participants no matter how much they grumbled and complained.
Since joining the Salire boot camp I have lost weight, inches, and my negative attitude toward exercise. My success is attributed to hard work and dedication but I believe the entire Salire Fitness boot camp community has played a role in my success. I get so much encouragement from fellow boot campers cheering me on, sharing tips key to their success, and receiving phone calls from the Salire staff every month checking on my experience. Most of all I attribute my success and attrition to my trainers Lewins and Nolan. They provide a fun and jovial atmosphere but the hard work is never diminished. The trainers have a keen sense of my physical boundaries, but also have eyes in the back of their heads knowing if I cheated on a few reps and need to prolong the set. I think Lewins and Nolan believe in me and genuinely want to see me succeed, which keeps me coming back month after month!
My 30th birthday is soon approaching, but thanks to Salire Fitness I have already began the next, healthier, chapter in my life!
Thanks Nolan, Lewins, and the Salire Fitness Family!!!
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XLR8 Fitness Boot Camp by Paula Scheidt
Last August a friend convinced me to try boot camp. I have to admit I was terrified. I’ve never been a gym rat or been big on group exercise. Six months later I still attend XLR8 Fitness Boot Camp five days a week. Our trainer, Emily Eoff, makes exercising fun. She motivates without yelling or intimidating. She has so many tricks up her sleeve I find myself looking forward to going to boot camp to see what’s next. Because of Emily’s motivation and support I have signed up for my first ever half marathon! And her influence does not stop when class is over. She encourages participants to keep a food log and helps you make healthier food choices. I’ve learned that exercising every morning is the perfect way to start the day on a positive note. It makes you want to eat healthy and be more active throughout the day
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XLR8 Fitness Boot Camp by Brandi Marcade
Since November, I have been attending the Xlr8 Fitness Boot Camp with Emily Eoff (trainer), and it has changed my life. In the past, I paid money to attend gyms and in the end, it was all me. I had to motivate myself to keep going. I have never really been athletic so exercise was not something I looked forward to. I could think of so many reasons why I never had time. It never fails, I always wound up just paying until the contract was up. A friend of mine spoke so highly of Emily and knew that I was struggling with weight since I had a baby 2 years ago; so, with a little persuasion I made my New Year’s resolution a little early. I was in the military years ago, but this is not what you think of when you hear “boot camp”. The instructor is not in your face yelling and demoralizing you. Emily is a great teacher, motivator and inspiration to the members of this community. I am on my 3rd Boot Camp and I’m hooked. I don’t have to do it alone anymore. I tell everyone I know about all the accomplishments I’ve made. I believe in myself for the first time in a long time. I’m a work in progress, but I feel better than I have in years
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Yoga 108 by Tracy Preston
Yoga 108 on Oak Street, led by Bruno Teyssandier & his team of instructors, is a wonderful Bikram yoga studio! My journey with Bikram yoga began in June of 2006 when I took advantage of Yoga 108’s introductory rate of only $29 for your first 30 days, unlimited use (this offer is ongoing.)
As a cancer survivor and someone who was quite overweight, I was very leary of the infamous hot Bikram yoga method. However, I found that with the consistent 26 postures every class, my body was able to create muscle memory, adjust and move on, deeper into my postures with each class; the heat aided in keeping my muscles warm and allowing toxins to be eliminated through sweating and, under Bruno’s expert guidance, I was able to do variations of poses until my body was able to perform them as intended.
For my first two years of practice, I averaged 3 times a week and had some success in regards to weight loss (5 lbs here, 2 there, etc.) and was very happy with how much healthier I felt. But in October 2009, I made a commitment to myself to average once a day and really focus on my practice. Since then, my body has changed immensely! I have gone from wearing a size 16/18 to a 10/12, the inches seeming to melt off me with every class I take! I have, to date, lost a total of 65 pounds and I feel healthier and lighter and better and better and better each day!
When I discuss my love of Bikram yoga to friends, many seem concerned about the heat. But it really is not that big a deal. Your body adjusts, you sweat, your sweat soaks your clothes forming a cool blanket almost & keeps your temperature down. The heat helps your body through the process. Truly.
This is not twisty pretzel sort of yoga. This is a hard core workout. I have seen professional body builders, runners, dancers & various athletes in class, as well as home makers, students, average everyday people. All have benefited from their Bikram practice.
At an $18 one-time drop-in rate or $29 unlimited use (as many classes as you want!) for the first 30 days, you just can’t beat the opportunity to discover what Bikram yoga is all about.
Bruno & Pedreaux & Kara & Krystall & Amy are all wonderful instructors and their passion for yoga and compassion for their students is unmatched. AWESOME yoga studio!
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Fit Body BootCamp Mandeville (LIFT Training Studios) by Amy Dalton
I found Fit Body Bootcamp on Facebook. I recently went back to work full-time and with two little kids I needed to find a new solution to working out. I needed a kick in the butt to get it rolling in a big way!
I was a fan of LIFT Training Studios on Facebook and saw their offer for a 21 day bootcamp for only $97!! That fit my budget and so did the time of day 5:45am – 6:45am. (A 9am-10am class is also available.)
I HAVE NEVER worked out that early in the morning. I’ve always been a late afternoon/early evening exerciser. However, if I was going to do it, I had to do it at that time. It was the only time I had available in my day.
So now I get up at 5am to make the class which is located at the Mandeville Sports Complex. Amazingly, the class is full every morning! The part I love best is that we work out on the spring floor the gymnasts use. It is great on the knees and feet! And since it is a spring floor it does require more effort to balance when doing lunges and such. Added bonus!
The trainers are Mark and Samantha. Samantha is a well known personal trainer on the Northshore and owns LIFT training studios with her husband. Mark is a very passionate, high energy, funny motivator! He runs around the class making jokes, pretending to be our drill sergeant but most of all leading& motivating us to keep pushing!
In just 7 days of the class I have lost a few pounds and can definitely see the changes in my body. My strength has increased and I just feel so much better overall.
Finally, here are my top 5 reasons for loving this bootcamp!
- All body types and fitness levels are in the class!
- How great I feel and the changes in my body I am seeing!
- Showers available for post class race to get to work!
- Spring floor!
- Price!
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Anytime Fitness (Robert E Lee Blvd) by April Allen
We have been a member of this gym for over a year and have really enjoyed the experience. We chose Anytime Fitness because of the flexibility of being able to work out anytime we like. Having two young children and full time jobs does not leave a lot of “me” time, so the ability to work out as early or late as needed makes a big difference. There is also the advantage of being able to work out at other Anytime Fitness locations, this is great when traveling and I have been able to work out at another location that is close to my daughter’s dance school. Getting in a workout is much better use of my time than just sitting and waiting for her to finish her class.
The equipment in the gym is kept in good condition and I always find it to be clean and orderly. They ask that everyone clean up after themselves and re-rack weights after use and these request seem to be followed. They have all the needed equipment for a total workout, cardio, weight machines, free weights and they seem to always be adding new equipment to the list. The bathroom and shower areas are always clean. There is also a tanning area and they offer group classes such as spin, yoga and turbo kick. There are personal trainers available for hire and hours when the staff are on duty and able to answer questions or help with any problems you might encounter. My one concern with a 24 hour gym that has unstaffed hours was safety but I quickly found that was not an issue. I have never been alone in the gym, there are always several other people working out, no matter the time of day. They also have a phone available for emergencies and personal devices you can wear if you want “immediate” help in an emergency…I have never felt the need to use one of these but it’s nice to know that they are there and the management is thinking about safety.
My only complaint would be that since the staff is not always available there are times when people are talking on cell phones or being disruptive having conversations and there really isn’t anything you can do about the distraction. But maybe that wouldn’t bother everyone, I’m just the type of person that is going to the gym for one purpose and socializing is not it!
Overall it’s a very positive and productive place to work out, we will definitely continue our membership and hopefully continue to BEFIT in NOLA!!
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New Orleans Adventure Boot Camp for Women by Krisite Palermo
I’ve been doing boot camp since October 2009 and I really never thought I’d love working out so much! I’ve never had a trainer before and I think what I love the most about boot camp with Jonas is that even though I’m in a class with 50 other women, I feel like I have my own personal trainer. Jonas does a great job of pushing us and not letting us take shortcuts. He’s even a little funny when he’s breaking us down. Every day is different and I like that I never know what’s coming next; it keeps it interesting. I also enjoy the emails that we get from Jonas. There are lots of great tips on eating healthy and living right and the weekend workouts help me not get lazy when Jonas isn’t there.
It’s funny; there are people that they think I’m crazy that I look forward to getting up at 5am to get my butt kicked by Jonas. These same people are noticing how I’m looking better and feeling better. ..I’m doing my best to recruit them. 
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New Orleans Adventure Boot Camp for Women by Katrina Ariel
I am so glad I decided to do the New Orleans Adventure Boot Camp! I’m really amazed how quickly my body has responded by becoming stronger and leaner. I have more energy as well, which is really great. I actually wake up before my alarm in the pre-dawn morning excited to go work out. I never would have thought that possible.
I think the reason I love this boot camp so much is that it is so totally challenging, and yet I feel encouraged and have fun. I work as hard as I possibly can, and that feels really satisfying. The other women are all different shapes and abilities, and I think it’s such an excellent thing that we’re all out there together, taking care of our bodies.
I would recommend this boot camp to anyone who wants a fitness program for their health or to lose weight. It takes the excuses out of exercising – you’re motivated by an awesome boot camp leader, and you get your workout out of the way first thing in the morning, so you don’t get too busy to do it later. New Orleans Adventure Boot Camp is one of the most fun and effective workouts I’ve ever done!
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New Orleans Adventure Boot Camp for Women by Sarah Bock Waggenspack
Jonas Deffes is a fantastic trainer! I very much enjoyed his boot camp at Audubon Zoo. Mornings are not my favorite time of day and yet I always looked forward to getting up for boot camp. The workouts
were always different and creative and, most importantly, effective. I did a 3 day/week boot camp and saw results. I was very happy with the experience.
I really appreciate Jonas’ emails, newsletters, workouts, recipes and blogs. They are very motivational and educational. I’ve made several of the recipes and they were delicious. The workouts are a great
addition to my cardio training for half marathons. Receiving Jonas’ emails keeps me focused and encouraged.
Jonas is a great personal trainer! Thank you, Jonas, for what you’ve done for me and my body, mind and soul.
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St. Charles Athletic Club by Jim Amodeo
I’ve been a member of the St Charles Athletic Club for almost a year now. Although not the biggest or shiniest of clubs in town; the facilities are clean, the equipment plentiful and well taken care of and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Compared to many of the gyms and clubs I visited the dues are pretty low also.
One minor complaint is the cardio area can seem a little crowded and sometimes the machines are all taken. But that is usually only at certain times. They do offer personal training at reasonable prices and the trainers have been very successful. Towels are provided For the showers. The lockers really don’t lock very well however. The gym also provides parking stickers for the private lot behind the gym. I have never had trouble with parking. It’s pretty much a no nonsense kind of gym with few in any posers, people come in, work out, go home. Supplements and training accessories are also available behind the counter.
The gym also is the home to RAW 504, a NOLA Powerlifting Group.
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Elmwood by Susan Whelan
I have been a member of Elmwood Fitness for nine years. I am primarily a member of Elmwood Fitness at Heritage Plaza, located at 111 Veterans Blvd. Elmwood’s main location is Elmwood Fitness in Harahan. With my current membership, I am able to use the club in Harahan on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sundays. I am also able to use Elmwood Fitness Downtown, located in One Shell Square. I used this club for awhile when I had a personal trainer there, but I prefer the location at Heritage Plaza. I started using Elmwood Fitness at Heritage Plaza when I lived in Lakeview and worked in the building, but I have lived in the University area for the last eight years and still find it to be (fairly) convenient.
The club at Elmwood Fitness at Heritage Plaza is small, but it has an ample selection of elliptical trainers, treadmills, stair climbers, and a few bikes and other machines. It has two types of weight machines upstairs and an additional type of equipment downstairs in the free weight room. It offers a wide variety of classes including yoga (the Zumba class looks like fun), as well as spinning. There is a tiny lap pool. The locker rooms and facilities are adequate. I enjoy using the weight equipment upstairs and the elliptical machines (I am usually able to get on a machine without waiting, with the possible exception of the first few Mondays after the New Year). Every cardio machine has its own television, so you can watch what you want. This is important to me, as I need the distraction of television when I am working out.
The Elmwood Fitness in Harahan is the shining star. This club is huge, featuring a dizzying array of cardio equipment, classes, two weight rooms (one I have never entered), racquetball courts, an indoor and outdoor pool, and more. There is internet access, televisions, a Café, and outdoor snack bar. It costs slightly more to be a member of this gym as your primary location, and requires spending $10 monthly at the Café or snack bar. This club is very nice. I prefer the weight machines at this gym. I usually use the weight room or the elliptical trainers.
I have not visited the Downtown club in several years, but it is the smallest. It seemed to have the oldest equipment. It does, however, offer a wide variety of classes, so if you are a class person, and you work downtown, this club may still be a good option for you. It is also good for the person that finds location to be most important (i.e. the person that wants to work out before going home). Personally, I did not mind the short drive to Heritage Plaza from my old job downtown, and it took me the same amount of time to drive home from either club.
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