About System of Strength
System of Strength offers one of a kind group fitness sessions, including cardio burning, timed interval training and muscle scorching "Control" classes for body toning or weight loss. The heart and soul is found in the group fitness training staff, who utilize unique backgrounds to provide leadership, instruction, and accountability. Instructors are very friendly and accommodating, the format is unique and interesting, and classes are well-designed. Many find the instructors pleasant, helpful, and top notch, making sure workouts are executed safely. The studio has taken steps to ensure cleanliness and safety, and booking is an absolute breeze thanks to the app. However, not much attention is given to form corrections during class compared to other gyms. There can be very little coordination between instructors, so you could end up doing three leg days in a row. This is a front-body focused gym, which works for shoulder or leg toning, but some found classes perpetuated muscular imbalances related to posture. Customer support is described as nonexistent, making it feel impossible to get ahold of someone to cancel a membership; the website is also confusing. Furthermore, the gym smells like industrial chemicals and the hot room on weekend mornings has an unpleasant odor, with concerns about adequate ventilation in the building. Despite these issues, many love the studio for its unique classes and excellent instructors, recommending it for those into group classes.
If I'm putting in the effort to attend a fitness class, I want to get my money's worth, which is 100% the feeling I get at SOS. The workouts are challenging, engaging, and utilize a variety of techniques and muscle groups which leave you feeling great all-over. I love how every workout is different and always keeps you moving for the full hour. Instructors are excellent as well!
As with Jamie who also posted a three star, I felt this atmosphere in the Clintonville SOS was conducive to competent, enthusiastic instruction and surprisingly unpretentious clientele. It simply is not gauged to my fitness goals and metabolic profile. I am interested in maintaining muscle and bone mass and keeping my weight on an even keel. This system does neither. It is all about tone and high-rep, intense cardio and light weights. Classes are often so overbooked I was not even able to schedule the “Ebb and Flow” to check it out on an introductory package. It seems designed almost purely for late 20’s 30’s and early 40’s professionals....read full review
High & Tight. First class! Great class & burn! Class could be done either barefoot, in (grippy) socks or sneakers on your yoga mat (or a loaner). I'd bring both socks and sneakers just in case. Light weights, 3lb or 5lb, with lots of slow repetitions. Loved it! Next time, I'll bring my knee pad as a few exercises we're done on 1 or both knees, ex. donkey kicks, cat/cow. Definitely bring a towel, you'll be sweating.