Grit Fitness

No Grit, No Pearl!
After my first class, I was hooked. I finally realized I’m not the typical gym goer so I started searching for studios. This is the best studio, hands down.
Everyone is so friendly and encouraging: the ladies at the front desk, the instructors, and fellow members.
You will work and have fun doing it. I have taken powerbelle, aka Barre on Crack, and dance club cardio. You can get everything you need in one spot: HIIT, body sculpt, turbo kick, yoga, and more.
The shirts are so cool but you can’t buy them, they are earned by taking classes.
You will not be disappointed with GRIT! The owner is opening another Dallas location soon which will include cycling classes.
Arrive early to check-​in, bring water (they also have a water machine in the group exercise room), & prepare to smile while sweating.

This is by far the most addicting workout studio in Dallas! Brit, the owner, has such incredible energy and makes everyone feel like family. My favorites classes are Grit HIIT, Body Sculpt and Powerbelle which are all are fun and efficient full body workouts. Also, I’m not a huge yoga fan but Flexin Flow is all sorts of amazing with uplifting music and neon lights. This studio is definitely a must-​try for fitness lovers in and around Uptown. Can’t wait for the second location to open this summer!

For my 500^th Review…
So I had long known about a place called 305 Fitness out of NYC that I wanted to try and wished was here… low and behold, doing a little search on Unilocal for «dance cardio» and Grit Fitness was the first thing to pop up. Really enjoyed the owner Britt’s story and was excited to try a few introductory classes for the $ 10 trial week. I tried the hip hop class and the dance cardio classes on back to back days.
I could not have had more fun, and I’ve since bought the 10 class drop in. The hip hop class was less of a work out and more learning dance moves, although my thighs burned for days on one of the moves we practiced. Most of the students (all females) were a wide range of talent/​skill level, with only two seemingly pretty good, but everyone was very friendly and encouraging. I’ve always thought of myself as having good sort of natural/​fun moves but not necessarily highly choreographed… only downside was the teacher, who was really great, but had to go back and forth frequently to change/​adjust the music, and the space was a little tight. Apparently she’s signed a space to move to the design district (which is a bummer from the location but a plus in the increase in space). 305 Fitness was also known for having DJ’s at every class.
The dance cardio class was my favorite — great cardio workout, nonstop movement, doing a lot of different styles of dance including country, ballet, and hip-​hop, with some moments of free style. Teacher was awesome, and she also had the best use of an applewatch I’ve ever seen, coordinating the music from her watch.
Can’t recommend this place enough!

Fact: I attended my first GRIT class while experiencing my first hangover in my 28 years of living.
I bought a week’s trial pass over Labor Day weekend 2015. I didn’t know if I can push the start date another week, but I wasn’t about to waste the pass, so I went to the most horrendous 7a HIIT class of my life. HIIT is the toughest class they have. It’s weightlifting + cardio on steroids. It kills your spirit, and shames your bad decisions. I took frequent breaks because I didn’t want the teacher (also the owner, Brit) to know I need to barf. Little did I know, it was the best decision of my life. After a shower and some nutrition, I was a-​okay by 10am. From that day forward, I am the biggest Grit Fitness cheerleader that is not a staff member. I talk about Grit to almost everyone in my life — sometimes even multiple times. You’d think I had stock in that company.
PROS:
1. They have a variety of classes at several times of the day. I have late hours but I’m able to attend every single class they offer because they spread it out so well. I just actively avoid hip-​hop because #twoleftfeet.
2. They do monthly challenges for members. If you do 15 classes a month, you EARN a Grit tank top. You can’t buy it — only earn. It sounds dumb but I haven’t been able to obtain one so I added it to my New Year’s Resolutions, for serious.
3. They start the class by making you introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. It humanizes everyone. Instead of thinking «oh snap, that girl is showing me up», you’re all «Tracy is ROCKIN’ that move — what!!»
4. They charge $ 15/​class for no-​shows. You can cancel until the last 15 minutes of class. This is in my pros list because sometimes I am just too damn lazy to get out of bed — then I realize that I’m about to get hit with a fat tax so I get up and go.
CONS:
1. You don’t realize how out of shape you are until you try a class.
CLASSES:
1. HIIT (see above) — Awful, awful class that is also my favorite. In 30 minutes, you experience hate for your instructor, embarrassment for your weakness, and pride for completing such a challenge.
2. Body Sculpt — My second favorite! It’s like a slower pace HIIT — an hour long and fully worthwhile. They work every single muscle so plan to sit for the rest of the day after this class.
3. Powerbelle — Seriously barre on crack. You use like 1−2lb weights that you scoff at but HAHAHA I dare you to do this class with 5 – 8 pounders.
4. Flexin’ Flow — Energetic power yoga set to upbeat music and dim lights. During class you feel like you’re stretching (which is needed if you do the above classes regularly), but the next morning things hurt that you didn’t realize existed.
If you’re on the fence about trying this place out, I urge you to do so (try Brit’s class — her energy is INFECTIOUS). I was almost turned off while doing research because I thought the studio was too expensive, but I am so glad I gave it a shot. The classes max out at ~22 so they can monitor and correct you — and let you know they see you half ass a move without calling you out directly. My favorite part is they use little to no equipment. You learn exercises that you can do in hotel rooms and at home. To me, that is well worth the monthly membership.

So far I’ve taken TurboKick and Body Sculpt here. I love that it’s all women, it’s much less daunting. Having said that, that doesn’t mean the workouts are any less intense. That Body Sculpt class with Brittani? Amazing.

Great gym with awesome classes and effective workouts!!!

No grit, no pearl. This place is amazing. The ladies will inspire you while whipping your booty into shape. Each class is a little different and options run from 30 mins to an hour of body sculpting, HIIT, barre type, cardio dance, yoga, etc. Large variety in class choice with the common theme of positivity and great music come together to leave you feeling stronger both physically and mentally to take on your challenges. Try it — you won’t regret it!

I tried out GRIT Fitness with a week pass and took three classes – all were killer. HIIT was intense for my fitness level but I’m glad I tried. Power barre and kickboxing were more up my alley. The ladies who instruct classes and workout at the gym are all so welcoming, kind, encouraging, and supportive. I felt very comfortable working out here, which is super important to me.
I was planning on taking advantage of the Fall N2 Fitness program but I procrastinated too long and missed out. I would LOVE to get a year long membership here but the prices are steep for my income. Wish I could! One day…
Go to GRIT – it’s something you won’t regret!

I’m a big fan of this studio!
I’m pretty out of shape and am just getting back into it and I’m in love with the Dance Club Cardio classes. They’re hard, they give me a great cardio workout, and I definitely get that after-​workout soreness that lets you know you did real work. The classes are fun and it doesn’t feel as onerous as an hour spent with other kinds of exercise because you’re just dancing and shaking to fun music! The classes are pretty full, no matter what day of the week I’ve come, and each instructor has their own flavor and style, so no two classes are the same.
They’re very inclusive and are there to make you comfortable, so you introduce yourself to the people around you, and they dim the lights to keep you from being self-​conscious.
I tried the Hip Hop class and it wasn’t for me. You learn real choreography and my dance skills just aren’t good enough for me to keep up in that class, but maybe I’ll try again later when I’m in better shape overall.
I haven’t tried any of the other classes yet, but Turbo Kick and Powerbelle look really intense so I will have to work my way up to those as well.
One HUGE pro to this place is that they’re a part of the Studio Hop group of fitness studios, so as a Studio Hop member, I can take Grit classes and mix it up with other studios as well. I am definitely going to do at least one Grit class a week, but I really appreciate the fact that they’re flexible and participate in Studio Hop instead of requiring an individual membership only.
I’ll be back!

OBSESSED! After checking out Grit Fitness via my StudioHop membership, I’m mad at myself for not coming and checking out this studio earlier.
From barre to hip hop, kickboxing to yoga — Grit has everything you need to get into shape all while having fun.
Personally, I fell in love with Dance Club Cardio. With several different teachers, each with their own style and vibe they are all great.

Do you want to discover muscles you never knew you had? If so, then get your butt into Grit Fitness because you’ll be feeling soreness (the good kind!) in these newly discovered muscles the next day.
I’ve taken two different classes so far at Grit (Body Sculpt and Grit HIIT), and both of them kicked my booty. Like «dripping sweat by the end of the workout and sore the next day» kick my booty. In my experience, the 60-​minute Body Sculpt class really focused on an all-​body workout with fast-​paced drills that targeted the legs (lunges, squats, skaters), abs (planks, crunches), arms (curls, thrusters). On the other hand, the 30-​minute Grit HIIT class was similar in some of its workouts as the Body Sculpt, but I think it was heavier on leg /​thigh and ab drills with an emphasis on giving 120% in 20 second spurts. The shorter breaks for HIIT definitely made it incredibly challenging.
Aside from these minor differences, I found that the common denominator in Grit Fitness classes was its attempt at building community. The instructors try to get to know you, and they ask you to introduce yourself to the other participants so it has made it a more supportive workout environment than other studios I have visited.
Cubbies are available in the workout studio to store valuables, but try to get to class a little early! Grit Fitness is located in a strip mall off of Ross Avenue, and the parking lot it shares with other businesses is very small so space may be limited (~5−10 spaces). If worst comes to worst, there is a DISD building adjacent to Grit Fitness, and most people are gone after 5PM so that parking lot is relatively empty.

This studio is great! They offer several different types of classes, which I love and it’s so hard to find some of those formats anywhere but Life Time or Equinox! The instructors were upbeat and well prepared, and the music selection was on point. And since its a newer studio the class sizes are smaller, which means more room for me to booty shake.

Pat Baby has me on lock and has banned me from (most) late night dancing escapades. It’s alright though because I joined the «Dance Club Cardio» class one day and it is way better than being cramped in a club trying to dance in 6″ heels with nasty thotties trying to steal your man.
The studio even has flashing colorful lights that they turn on for the class and it really feels like a club when the lights are dimmed. The music is pretty much my kind of club music too with plenty of booty shaking moves that you can look back at. Booty Shaking is so much easier in athletic shoes and the other moves used in class are basic enough for me to perform.
What I really like about this studio though is how much positive energy is circulated around. The instructor was super friendly, motivating and always smiling. Even the other Grit goers were friendly too. I’ve been to some studios where everyone seems to give you the stink eye and I surprisingly felt very relaxed here.
This was definitely the most fun I’ve had in a workout with a guaranteed no walk of shame afterwards ;)

Oh man. I’m not typically a morning person, but if I could start everyday with a Flexin’ Flow class I’d start going to bed early and suck it up.
If you have a yoga practice and want to incorporate some boot camp aspects to your workout — this is the class for you! It’s like a Vinyasa yoga class, but then you’ll find yourself in chair pose then doing squats and back into chair… FEEL. THE. BURN.
It’s so relaxing and invigorating and I’m slightly obsessed.
The studio is very clean and nice. My instructor Melissa was lots of fun and very sensitive to those in the class who were more/​less advanced, offering inversions and adjustments based on your experience level.
Can’t wait to go back!

***DISCLAIMER: I wrote this review 3 months ago when I was a newbie at Grit. I ended up liking the studio so much, that I actually got certified in group fitness and now teach classes there. Haha! So the below review was NOT a shameless plug (in the words of Sweet Brown: «Ain’t nobody got time for that!»). It was just my honest opinion before I ever dreamed of teaching. :) –Updated ⁶⁄₂₀₁₆
I typically wait a couple of days before writing a Unilocal review, but let me tell you, I just can’t help myself right now. Grit Fitness is ON FIRE.
I’m a fitness junkie and I’m always looking for new ways to get in shape, so I have tried all sorts of studios in Dallas that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed so far. However, Grit Fitness is (by far) my new favorite obsession. I saw it on ClassPass a couple of weeks ago, and for some reason, I just knew I was going to love this place. Luckily, I wasn’t let down… It was even BETTER than I expected!
If you like challenging+engaging workouts with upbeat music, and you are the type of person who dances in front of your mirror all the time (no shame!), then this is the studio for you. I haven’t tried the other instructors yet, but Brit is an AWESOME instructor who gets you so excited to be there. Let me just say: Her Turbo Kick class will WHOOP YOUR BOOTY. It is the best cardio class I have done in years!
I also stayed for Brit’s Flexin’ Flow class after Turbo Kick which was fantastic. My A.D.D. goes on overdrive with yoga/​pilates type classes, but Flexin’ Flow was more upbeat with fun music and disco lights. I mean, we did Warrior poses to Tina Turner, Beyonce and Taylor Swift…
(Drops the mic)
In a nutshell, the entire space just puts you in a good mood. The classes are dimly lit with colored lights, and all of the workout beats are beyond sick. I can’t wait to go back and try their Dance Cardio and Hip Hop classes (these are the two I’ve been looking the most forward to since I found out about the studio!). So I guess you could say I’m officially obsessed with GRIT Fitness. You should do yourself a favor and check it out immediately. I mean it when I say: You’ll thank me later. ;)

Forget Groupon-​hoping around from studio to studio, Dallas Grit Fitness is where you need to be. I haven’t found anything else like it in Dallas. It’s a one-​stop shop for fun, high-​energy, and muscle burning classes. They offer classes like PiYo, power yoga, kickboxing, hip hop, cardio dance, and body sculpting. Why go to 6 different studios when you can go to one?!
I’m not a fan of working out… but the instructors here make it SO. MUCH. FUN. Seriously! They’ve got lots of positive energy (not the annoying kind), the perfect amount of sass, and they make the routines challenging enough for you to get a good work out (but not so impossible that you feel like you want to give up).
They turn the lights down for all the classes so people don’t get all self conscious. Not to mention, with the synchronized neon lights, you feel like you’re in a club ready to get your party on. (do people still use that term anymore?) The classes are heavily music driven, which I love because you get that much more into your workout when you’re listening to some awesome music.
This week is grand opening week and all classes are free, so try it out yourself! After my PiYo class on Monday, my thighs were definitely burning. I tried out the cardio dance class tonight and was still on an energy high when I got home. Loving this studio so much that I’ve already signed up for monthly memberships!