Elevate Group Fitness – Ocean Avenue

I used to come here 3 times/​week for a full year before I injured my back recently, darn! The ele_​sculpt and ele-​barre classes were just fabulous! Ps. Ele_​strong was really too much for me. The classes are a good mix of yoga, pilates and barre, with a little hint of cardio, which makes you sweat. After attending the classes for about a month, I realized that my body is way more toned, and I feour poses. I really love the studio and hope to get better soon to get back to my routine exercises!

This review is based on Elevate Group Fitness customer service and not their instructors. It takes a lot for me to write a bad review because I always like to give a company an opportunity to make things right before warning others on such a public forum as Unilocal.
In today’s world, customer service is paramount for small businesses. I’m truly taken back with my recent experience with Elevate Group Fitness and hope that my experience will help others and help them improve the way they conduct business and treat their customers.
To try out Elevate Group Fitness, I purchased classes as a special offer from Groupon. I was enjoying their classes but during my trial period, I twisted my knee from an existing injury and was not able to complete the last three classes from my paid trial period. I reached out to them to see if they could extend the last three remaining sessions, as a one time courtesy. Well, this request turned into something quite bizarre.
They replied and said they would extend my expired 3 classes if I requested a medical hold with accompanying medical documentation and signed physician letter with date of accident and date to return to regular exercise. I explained that I have been back exercising regularly at Elevate with no problem and would not be visiting a doctor.
Next thing I know, I get a new message from one of the co-​owners, Johnny Law, stating that he froze my Elevate account, including the 20 new sessions that I purchased and don’t expire until March 2016.
As a business owner, it may be your prerogative not to provide a courtesy extension on three expired classes but to freeze an account without the option of getting a refund is not right. What’s strange is that at first I was able to return to Elevate with a medical release. When I told them that I had been exercising regularly at Elevate and would not be visiting a doctor, they refused to let me back to any Elevate class now or in the future, due to my disregard to their policies. When I asked for a refund, they demanded that I release them from further action. Now they are stating that All Sales Final. Why would a business owner not call their customer to see how they can resolve this matter. Just a string of emails that are abrupt, conflicting and contradictory.
I understand they don’t want to be liable for anyone getting injured but that’s why everyone signs a Liability agreement.
Liability Agreement states:
«I acknowledge my participation in these Programs is at my sole risk… The Instructor and Elevate employees & owners (hereinafter „Team Members“) are not responsible for monitoring my compliance with my physician’s recommendations… I hereby agree to expressly assume and accept sole responsibility for the risk of injury or death by Elevate and /​or my Instructor.» In a separate area it states, «in the event of a serious injury or a medical condition that prevents class participation and with a signed physicians note on letterhead («MD’s Note»), you may request a Medical Account Freeze.
I agreed to their demands for a refund but a week has passed and no check. I’ve begun a credit card dispute and thought I’d reach out to Johnny Law, once again, in hopes of putting some closure to this bizarre mess. In short, he told me, «The studio has policies that you agreed to however you have some belief you can simply rewrite the rules.» In closing, I was only to contact them through the merchant account dispute center.
Wow, it’s simply not worth it. Who wants to go through all this trouble with membership and class purchases. Shouldn’t the place you exercise be friendly, welcoming and stress-​free.
WARNING — All the five star reviews here may be because Elevate’s Liability Release form states:
«Negative statements posted to the Internet and social media will be regarded as willful defamation and will be asked to be removed within forty-​eight hours. Noncompliance will result in a charge of one thousand dollars for each instance to cover punitive damages. We want to make Elevate an exceptional experience for you and appreciate having the opportunity to do so. Honest online reviews are always welcomed, encouraged and appreciated.»
Hum, you be the judge!

I started going to Elevate back in June 2015. My friend told me about this place. Elevate provides the mat, water, and towels if you need it. It is very convenient. The classes are fun and never exactly the same. Even when our muscles are burning and in pain from pulses, we still enjoy the classes. The instructors make us smile and laugh during tough moments. The instructors are all friendly and easy to talk to if you have any questions. I trek from the other side of the city to attend these classes. Street parking is easy to find on Faxon. Even when I am tired, I feel better after I attend class. If you are looking for an enjoyable group exercise class, this is it! I know because I have tried The Bar Method and The Dailey Method and I didn’t enjoy going so my routine never stuck. Recently, I purchased the unlimited monthly package since I have been attending four to five days a week. It is my me time and I love it.

I’ve only taken the barre and sculpt classes here. The instructors are so energetic and helpful. The music is great. Everyone at the studio is so friendly. The studio itself is very clean and welcoming. So far, my favorite instructors are Jada, Annie, Erika, and Kendra. They’re amazing!

I am so impressed with Elevate. The workouts are ingenious – a great combination of Pilates, yoga, ballet, TRX, and cardio – as is the Yoga Wall with the straps and barre. Every workout is new, fresh, and different, and time flies by. The instructors are all knowledgeable and kind and motivate us to challenge ourselves while also offering modifications for folks with injuries. The space is beautiful and inviting. I am so happy to be here!

Elevate Group Fitness is a top notch studio for fusing yoga, a quick burst of cardio to get the heart rate up, and a fantastic set of resistance training. They offer a nice select of classes to either focus on the upper body/​core or lower body/​core and Strong — which incorporates the TRX-​like training. I truly enjoy the unique/​different styles of teaching from Jada, Kendra, Liane, Erika, and Annie, who give it their all. I feel great when I leave class and energized for the rest of day or evening. The classes are a much-​needed addition to my movement regimen and I’m so happy to have found this studio!

As a devotee to her classes from way back in 2011, I always remember Jada as an inspirational, knowledgable and poised instructor. I was excited to discover she opened her own studios, and when I took my first class at the Ocean location, I immediately noticed the positive energy flowing throughout. I’ve practiced pilates and yoga regularly for 5 years, and I found the workouts Jada designed to be an innovative, unique combination of the two– plus cardio! I also appreciate Elevate’s competitive pricing, and their less rigid cancellation policy leaves me less stressed and more focused on my workout. Can’t wait to try the Hayes Valley location. Love this place.

I’ve been taking classes at Elevate for almost two years and love the studio, the workout, and the instructors. I’ve had multiple injuries in my life, the most serious was a fracture in one of my vertebrae. Because of this, I’ve always been worried about the intensity and lack of individual attention in a group workout setting. The instructors are knowledgeable, provide modifications, and various levels to accommodate all levels and abilities.
I take classes at both studios and love Liane’s barre class, Kendra’s sculpt, and anything Jada teaches. The strong class is a good challenge that mixes TRX with cardio and yoga. One of my favorite things about all of the classes is the yoga warm up and the stretching cool down.
I still deal with chronic pain, but I’m the strongest I’ve been in a long time and I’m more open to continuing to challenge my body. Thanks Elevate!

I have been coming to Elevate for over a year. I attend as much as I can based on my schedule and both locations. However, every time I attend, I feel so good (hurting in all the right places). Most recently I had a problem with my leg and have had to slow down. I still had several classes left that were about to expire. I requested an extension and it was granted beyond the time I would have expected. Great customer service! I look forward to going back and continue my fitness as much as possible.
Sonia M.

Elevate Group Fitness is beyond awesome. I was hooked from the first class I took. I walked in on a first time class free pass, and walked out after purchasing a class card. The staff are all so friendly and helpful. Jada, the owner is wonderful and the classes she teaches are tough! Jada is always so accommodating with any questions you may have regarding your account or class schedule. I love how the classes are a combination of Pilates, cardio, yoga, ballet and TRX. You always get a complete body workout and the classes are never the same. The instructors keep the classes challenging, while offering modifications for each exercise, for anyone who may have an injury or different level of endurance.
From the moment I walked in, I felt very comfortable. The studio is very clean, bright and spacious. I love that all equipment is provided for each class. All you need to do is show up, ready to workout. The bathroom is always spotless and the extra touches with inspirational quotes, fresh towels and cold water, all go a long way in making your work out here very enjoyable.

It’s about time I wrote a review since I have been coming on and off now for a couple years! The studio is beautiful, very bright, neat space. I almost instantly feel better when I walk in and the space is so inviting. It is definitely an awesome plus that they provide hand towels and mats free of charge (and purple too!). They also have a water jug where you can get a quick drink or refill your bottle. All of the instructors are so so nice! Annie’s class last night definitely pushed me in a good way! She kept the pace up through the whole class and the hour just flew by. I love elevate and hope to continue to practice here for a long while.

I just started two weeks ago, and I am already in love with this place. The teachers are amazing and very perceptive. The place is always clean and organized. Classes start very punctual! I have gone only to 4 classes so far and I can feel and see a great change on my body. Love the sculpt classes. I am definitely continuing with this classes. Thanks to Groupon I know this place now.

I have been coming to elevate since January 2015. I had a goal to lose about 40 pounds and as of June 2015 I have reached and passed my goal. A huge part of this reached goal came from attending classes at elevate.
The classes are amazing!
Yoga, Pilates and Barre… I get a good mix of all three. I often leave feeling great and then the soreness hits the next day… or even that evening! I work out muscles I didn’t even know I had! They switch up the exercises so we don’t do the same thing every class… last nights class was epic. I can barely sit! :)
The teachers are GREAT!!! Nice, sweet, helpful, knowledgable… and best of all… you can tell they LOVE what they do! THAT’S who I want instructing me… someone who is passionate about what they are teaching.
The class times and locations work with my schedule and parking isn’t an issue.
Everything from the music they play, to the quality equipment they have, to the non-​pretentious attitudes the staff have makes this my go-​to place for workouts!
I am in GREAT shape and I owe a huge chunk of it (literally!) to elevate! I now am an unlimited member and attend 3 – 4 times every week. Love it!
Thanks Jada, Annie, Andrea and Sheena! Love you ladies! :)

The studio space is so cute, bright, and clean! They have all the equipment ready for you — yoga mat, bands, etc. They even offer complimentary filtered water, hand sanitizer, and towels :)
My fave are the ele_​Sculpt classes because of the combo of cardio + strength/​resistance work + teeny bit of yoga. All the moves can be easily modified for beginners/​injuries. Don’t expect to come out dripping with sweat, but it is an overall good toning workout and the hour passes by suupper quickly. The instructors also change up the routines and exercises each time, so you’ll never be bored!
Almost all the instructors I’ve had have been awesome, upbeat, and give adjustments when needed.
Mainly (free and metered) street parking, but there is also a free parking lot a couple blocks away near Walgreens.

I have been attending classes at Elevate for over two years. I walked into the studio one day simply hoping to get out of my workout rut. I discovered not only a group of kind, knowledgeable, and inspiring instructors who definitely pulled me out of my rut and upped my fitness level exponentially, but a wonderful community. Classes are both challenging and fun! Each instructor and type of class is different so I recommend trying all of them to find what suits you best. I especially appreciate that all of the instructors care more about form than speed and are always careful to make sure clients do not injure themselves. It’s the perfect place to either get an energizing start to your day or to unwind in the evening.
Jada, the owner, has done a phenomenal job of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that is judgment-​free. Her warm personality and passion for fitness are infectious. She is genuinely invested in meeting the needs of her clients and is truly receptive to feedback. The studio space is also clean and comfortable. I have found that Elevate nourishes my soul as much as it does my body and I am incredibly grateful to everyone there. Thank you, Jada, Johnny, and the Elevate team!

Terrific workout! Thoughtful and complete series of exercises that worked the entire body. If I could wrap the experience into one word I would say exemplary. So if you want a well guided, kick-​a** workout, with a small group of people (16 max), in a tidy and clean space, then this place is for you!

The ele_​Sculpt and ele_​Barre classes are GREAT for TONING and sweating (i.e., Blake’s classes)! Each class is a total body workout — focusing on the thighs, abs, and arms — also utilizing resistance bands.
The ele_​Yoga class is GREAT for gaining flexibility — and utilizes wall belts = pretty amazing for STRETCHING!
The instructors are GREAT, too! Very positive, and each instructor looks over the attendees during the class to ensure proper form & technique. I’ve really enjoyed classes with KENDRA, ANDREA, and BLAKE! And, ele_​Yoga with KASIA; she’s very kind!
Btw, clean studio. Also, I’m very pleased with their choice of music tracks during the workouts. And I *LOVE* how each class begins and ends with an inspirational quote or so = very uplifting in my opinion! Thank y’all for being AWESOME!

Best place for full body exercise. Jada is a great Instructor.

Great place to get a full body workout!!! Blake is a great instructor & Jayda was very nice to talk with! Highly recommend!

Okay. I stopped being a pansy and started taking more fusion classes with Blake.
You will sweat. You will hurt. You will ask yourself WHY WHY WHY am I putting myself through this torture?!
But you will have fun.
But you will love it.
And most importantly, you will feel great.