DT
Dominic Tsang
Oct 15, 2024
This new studio has a modern design aesthetic but lacks the functionality of a full CPY studio that we all expect. The studio staff are very welcoming and friendly humans, so I do not fault them at all for things I describe that are completely out of their control. Shout outs to founding Area Manager Morgan T. for being a shining star in the morning and instructor Billie M. for a fun, versatile C2/HPF hybrid class.
Parking is plentiful in the lot across the street from the studio. The front desk area is small but pretty. The lounge bench adjacent to the front desk is cushioned and has the new LED lighted studio name backdrop above it. The retail variety by the front desk is pretty standard with mostly women’s apparel, yoga accessories, and a small selection of men’s apparel.
The studio rooms are smaller than average just due to less square footage. When attendance starts to mature, expect classes to hit waitlist. The schedule does not have CR, C1, C1.5, nor HPF/HY at the moment.
Minus one star for no locker rooms nor showers at this “concept studio”, only two single-stall restrooms and a shared vanity sink area. As a frequent traveler on the go, this is majorly problematic! Members expect consistency of services and amenities across all studios because that’s what they’re paying for and a selling point of having access nationwide. You’d think Corporate would’ve applied knowledge from previous negative feedback of studios that don’t have those amenities by now! I was very fortunate that I stayed at a hotel nearby, but leaving the studio sweaty and sticky after class feels disgusting and unhygienic, and leaves me and others pondering about premium-membership value when competitors have attendant-maintained locker rooms with Keyless.co locks and branded bath products.
Another demerit is that the communal changing hallway has a limited number of smaller-sized lockers (will not fit a large gym duffel) with doors that have no way to be secured, even if you bring your own lock. And expect no privacy when changing. Shoe cubbies should have been built outside room entrances so that sandals aren’t puddling the doorways, a missed strategic design opportunity from legacy studios that have figured it out long ago. I didn’t notice any mat and towel drop bins anywhere.
Another minus point is that the studio rooms do not have humidifiers, only infrared heat panels (yuck!) and weak forced heat. DuctSox isn’t installed on the ceiling so the heat is distributed unevenly and takes a very long time for temperatures to reach the class range. The corporate real estate team really needs to go back to the drawing board and lease bigger footprints and intelligently blueprint larger studios with proper locker rooms and showers stalls in future builds to compete with more premium contenders such as Lifetime, Equinox, and Hot 8 Yoga, which embraces forced heat, high humidity, and luxurious spa-like fitness experience.