I tested out Fitwall their first week and have been a member ever since. The concept is awesome, the coaches are passionate, and it really encourages the healthy lifestyle change I needed. I've never been interested in gyms, but the Fitwall classes are social, structured, and timely. You come in, follow the workout, and you're on your way in 40 minutes--and there is a lot packed into those 40 minutes. I couldn't be happier with the results I've seen during my time at Fitwall, and I look forward to being a member for many months to come.
The next few paragraphs are more anecdotal; feel free to skip below for the TL;DR.
Before Fitwall
I lived a very sedentary lifestyle. I work a desk job 8+ hours a day, never really exercising more than short-distance walking. My diet was mostly fast food, I was always tired, and my confidence was non-existent. A normal gym just never really did anything for me; I could never get serious about going. I always ended up self-conscious, never knew what to do once I was there, and just all-around hated the experience.
First Day
On my first day at Fitwall, I couldn't complete the workout without vomiting. One of the owners, Jen K, was taking the class and she was nothing short of compassionate and caring. She pulled me aside, helped me catch my breath and finish the class. From that point forward, I was sold on Fitwall. Between the class environment, the passion of the coaches, and the truly caring nature of the owners, I knew it was for me.
The Workouts
The workouts are different each day of the week, and the workouts change each month. They are generally either fast-paced cardio or slower, strength training using TRX-type straps or tension bands. The heart rate monitors help you workout efficiently, showing you when to slow down a bit or speed up. The music matches the movements and is varied throughout the week.
Results
I lost ~40lbs of fat pretty quickly (~60 days). Even after just one month, I felt notably better. I wasn't as sluggish, I wouldn't get winded walking up the stairs, and it was nice to make friends with the other members. As I noticed my body changing, my focus on weight loss has morphed into building muscle.
First Challenge
Within a month or so of starting Fitwall, the first corporate-sponsored challenge started. I refuse to do any 'extreme dieting'; I wanted a more long-term, reasonable diet plan. The first challenge really helped me through this. I found that meal prepping actually works very well for me, and I haven't stopped doing it since. I'm eating healthier, but still indulging responsibly. The challenge was the best choice I made as a new member; my coach (Kash) really fostered good habits, from sleeping, to eating, to drinking enough water. I was being held accountable--this was ended up being the ultimate driving force in getting healthier for me.
One Year Later
The workouts change every month (different workout each day of the week, change each month). They are still exhausting. I still sweat just as horribly, and feel the same sense of accomplishment at the end of a workout.
Fit+
I'd recommend this as an add-on once you've been doing the regular Fitwall classes for a while. These classes are designed for eight or fewer people and focus more on building muscle.
Focus Training
'Semi-Personal Training' with up to four people. Each person gets a structured workout routine designed for them specifically, and the coach will work with you on a diet plan, too.
Final Thoughts
I don't care for normal gyms, and I don't care for treadmills; I've tried Orange Theory, but it just wasn't for me. Fitwall classes seem more personal than the other options I've tried, even in a full class. The workouts are short enough to stay interesting, but long enough to be a good workout. The exercises consist of practical movements that make you truly stronger, not just look better.
TL;DR
Awesome people, awesome place, awesome results. Highly recommended to anyone!