Let me preface this review by saying that in the past, I've been a workout studio slooter. I've probably tried ten to fifteen different studios in Phoenix, mostly because I get bored and I'm a sucker for a good deal (hello, Groupon!).
That being said, I feel like I've found my soulmate in CoreBalance. The studio has tons of different classes (yoga, spin, barre, piyo, circuit training) and variations within each type (yin, hot, and vinyasa yoga, etc.). The variations keep things interesting, and you will never feel confined to one type of practice, which was my qualm with a lot of yoga studios.
Compared to similar gyms in Arcadia, CoreBalance comes out ahead. At Madison and the Village, classes are so full all the time that it makes it hard to get one-on-one instruction and frankly, it's gross when other people are so close that they sweat on you or your mat. I've never had that problem at CoreBalance--the classes are always small and spacious. I'm hesitant to even write this review because of that, but this is a studio that deserves success! Also, an unlimited monthly membership at CoreBalance is $30 cheaper than the others. And, as an added bonus, you also don't have to put up with the judgment that comes from the clientele at those places.
Another gush-worthy characteristic is the instructors. They all take time to learn names, provide one-on-one attention, motiviation, and are generally just awesome and fun to be around.
CoreBalance, you had me at hello.