Team Workout at Fitwall - Sunday RUNday
Today, the Michigan Birds of Oiselle and I met up in Brighton for a workout at a new gym called Fitwall. I was bubbling with excitement because it was the first time I was meeting up with the Michigan Birds and I was trying a new gym. I’m not your typical everyday exerciser. I consider myself a real fitness enthusiast. I have a genuine interest in exercise, trying different gyms, competition, sports, and in general, sweating.
I drove 45 minutes to Fitwall in Brighton to hang out with Oiselle Volee. Happily sporting my team singlet, I strolled into the gym, nestled in the cute downtown area of Brighton. The facility was quite small and felt new. Two other teammates were there when I arrived, and we all paid our $20 fee and gave email addresses to sign-up. A minute-or-so later, a trainer came out to say hello. We were told to head into the studio and get comfortable while we waited for the rest of the girls.
I snapped some photos and took in the sights and sounds of this gym. There were multiple Fitwall stations, equipped with a little iPad at the top and attachments for additional equipment like bands and bars. One large TV took up the back wall. The studio was clean, nicely equipped, yet simple. As everyone else arrived, we made introductions and prepared to sweat. The trainer asked if we were interested in a “different” playlist for the the, a bit of an unedited mix from Spotify. We of course all agreed and giggled at the question. The trainers demo-ed a few moves we would need to know and we watched the clock countdown for us to begin.
The workout started and we watched our own personal monitors for the clock and additional visuals for each movement. We did things like cowboy squats, planks, burpees with a jump onto the wall, hip strengthening exercises, ab stretching, and more. I kept careful watch of my heart rate. Sprinted when I was asked to sprint. Worked hard during the other intervals.
It was really nice meeting my teammates today and of course, checking out a new facility. Here’s a more in-depth review:
It only took up 40 minutes of my day.
The facility was very clean and well-done. They had really nice finishes like clean paint, nicely appointed bathrooms, lots of windows, etc.
The Fitwall allowed for some different movements I haven’t done before. Who doesn’t like switching up their moves?
In my opinion, I didn’t connect to the trainers. If you’re reading this, being a trainer is more than just yelling out “good job” or running your own little “show.” It all felt very surface level to me as a customer.
The music was terrible. If that was your Spotify playlist, I question your taste. Who wants to workout to country music? Not me. I know, I know, it’s all personal preference. I’ve been on both ends as a customer and as a trainer. It’s a tough spot. I just wasn’t feeling it.
The workout was not hard. I could barely get my heart rate to 150. That’s like warm-up zone for me. There wasn’t a lot of sweating for me today.
Heart-rate isn’t tailored to me.
I was never asked to sign a liability waiver.
Some of the moves didn’t feel safe. When asked to run up and down the wall, my foot often slipped and came crashing to the floor. I was worried about scraping off my entire shin. That gave me reason enough to slow it down on those moves.
I realize some of my negative feedback may be isolated to this specific facility. I also realize that I took an introductory workout and that some of the other classes may be a bit more challenging. But I will say, when this facility moves into my neighborhood (which is planned), I won’t be going back. It’s just another gimmick. And this one, simply isn’t for me.
