Frame

The classes at Frame are awesome, so are the teachers and the team working there are always friendly. The overall concept is great.
However, being a member does not come cheap and the studio offers no basic or essential extra amenities for their clients. You have to pay for towels (that feel limp and don’t feel clean) if you forget your hair tie you are charged, there is no water fountain to fill up your bottle and on top of that the studio is not at all cleaned well.
The toilet/​changing room is filthy, small and can get seriously over packed and sweaty. The yoga/​work out mats smell gross and the boxing gloves basically smell like stinky feet, which then sticks to your hands when you are done. :S
They really need to do a way better job at cleaning and looking after the work out equipment especially for the prices they charge.

Like other reviewers I think Frame has great potential, but due to low competition in the market (especially in the area) they don’t have to do as much to have a steady supply of students.
I took a ‘method’ class and while it was an ok workout. I didnt think the teacher’s interest was there in correcting and instructing people to really understand what muscles they were working or proper form. It felt like she was going through the motions, and thus we all did. I’ve taken a lot of classes and can self correct, but I cheat like the rest of them and looking around the class I saw so many people doing the exercises all wrong. Forget not getting a workout, it’s also bad for your knees and back if you’re not doing things the right way.
I’m coming from the States where these types of studios are prolific and hungry to attract students. Perhaps its the lack of workout culture here but I was disappointed… it’s a great space but that’s not enough to keep me coming back.

I never did any exercise until my mid 20s but ever since I joined frame a few years back I’ve been working out on a regular basis.
The concept of having a different classes instead of a room with weights and treadmills is great. The classes range from regular ass&abs to dance, pilates, yoga and aerobic. I’ve tried most and like the signature classes the best.
On the downside, it is super crowded and even though the changing rooms have been updated recently it’s hard to find a space in there. I also agree it’s not the cleanest place.
Nevertheless it’s definitely the best ‘gym’ I’ve ever been to.

I love Frame, especially the Shoreditch branch! Even though I belong to a gym full-​time, it doesn’t offer Pilates reformer classes, so I frequent Frame whenever I can. I have an online account, which I strongly recommend to handle bookings and save some money. They run monthly promotionals, such as 2 for the price of 1 classes. Let me be perfectly clear — this is a facility of workout classes. There isn’t equipment to use whenever — you sign up for classes, and the variety is quite appealing to all. However, if you’re not one to collectively sweat with a group of others, then this might not be the place for you.
The Shoreditch location is very central and easy to get to. The reception sells equipment, snazzy clothes and healthy nibbles after an intense workout.
The staff is super friendly and helpful. Although they have a 24 hour cancellation policy, they are quite forgiving (if you’re a somewhat regular client) when you call in sick and reimburse you the money. The prices for their classes are quite good, especially for Reformers Pilates, which is a class that can be quite expensive in London. The instructors are solid: understanding, helpful and knowledgeable. I just LOVE Frame!

Amazing pre and post nat classes. Have great deals and times fittef around work. Never made to feel different was great when you already had a good fitness level x

I have such mixed feelings about Frame. The space feels like it was full of energy and innovation a few years ago, and has slowly slid downhill.
The mats and floors drip with sweat, which is awkward when the instructors try and make you do floor work in the dance classes — hands covered in grime and shoes slip as it’s so sweaty.
Evening classes are so packed that moving about without crashing into someone is unlikely. Even the more unique dance classes like Rave and Dancefit felt really similiar, and not very unique, and there’s not a lot of instruction so you just muddle along.
The yoga is good and the teachers are great, but expect to hear the pumping soundtrack from next door’s workout class. And classes are packed back-​to-​back so there’s not a lot of time or room to move. And the front desk and space is not very welcoming so I still feel like I’m awkwardly hanging around waiting for a class.
However, I’ve done yoga on the move with them at Lyst and the beautiful space and treats afterwards felt really luxurious and peaceful. Tying up credit with them is also annoying — I had to top up £50 to book a £7 class. The scheduling is also a little awkward — no dance classes over the weekend, and weekend classes stop at 4pm.
I just think it needs a bit of a refresh again, as a space and as a workout.

Frame is a great gym concept.
I love going there for:
— Teachers
— Interesting classes and new moves
— Accessories in the changing rooms (Shampoo, conditioner, towels, hair dryer, and straighteners) perfect if you want to go out afterwards in Shoreditch.
Bad sides:
— Receptionist not welcoming AT ALL
— It’s not very clean and I agree with some comments, mats are REALLY smelly
I’ll keep going there for the location and cool atmosphere but if I find the same concept with welcoming people and clean facilities, I’ll be switching my subscription for sure.

Dropped in here for the cardio kettle bell class while on a city break and loved it.
As an avid Crossfitter I found the class tough and fun. Working a whole lot of other muscles with high energy.
Facilities were cleaner than some higher end gyms too. Online booking was easy and fast and staff really helpful.

Besides the fact that I found the website and membership offers confusing and not practical or useful, I thought I would call and arrange to speak to someone about membership and give it a chance as the classes sounded fab and the place is nearby.
From the moment I walked in I was made to feel that I didn’t belong there. I’m a pretty positive and friendly person but all I got in return were smug smirks and an aloof welcome. I explained that I was pretty unfit and they could see that I was overweight, or at least didn’t look like the usual trendy hipsters that seems to have congregated around Shoreditch. Instead of offering to sit me down to go through my options, they didn’t even get up or welcome me oroffer to take me around. I asked about which classes would be best for me, and they had no ideas and were incredibly aloof. I don’t know if they had a clue what they were doing and seemed to have a relaxed approach to work.
I asked if I could have a look around and they just left me to go on by myself. It was utterly horrible how dirty it was! I am convinced now that these trendy places that focus so much on the standing out with novelty ideas have forgotten to add substance and lost sight of maintaining the basics of a business; making customers feel welcome, knowing your own products, and cleaning the place!!!
I left feeling shit and had a kebab but the next day my husband cheered me up and I went and signed up to Clissold Leisure Centre… they could not be more different! They welcomed me, went through all my options and booked an induction for all the equipment with the most amazing trainer… I love going there. And as for my progress… I can’t say there’s much improvement yet in my weight or fitness… but I love going there and feel comfortable in my own skin… isn’t that the most important thing?

I’ve been going to Frame for about 4 years and have a bit of a love hate relationship with the place.
I do think it is one of the most reasonably priced for reformer pilates (which is mostly all I do there now — didn’t like any of the yoga classes I used to do) in Central London however definitely agree with other posters re: bathrooms are disgusting and need a thorough clean — they don’t even look like they are cleaned daily. Often there is no toilet paper and if you alert the reception staff to this it seems like a massive inconvenience to them. The lack of ventilation in there is quite something else!
Also agree re: the reception staff are often pretty stuck up and act annoyed that you have interrupted their gossiping… some of the instructors could do with getting a smile on their faces also — get some zen in your life people!
It is a fantastic idea but not executed as well as it could be but they get the bums on seats so they are definitely filling a gap in the market it seems.

Frame has such potential. It has a huge class selection with diverse and interesting classes, from restorative yoga to Frame Rave and classes are offered throughout the day.
Annoyance #1: convoluted booking system. Prepay 50£ for a frame card and get discounted classes, though a few times that discount didn’t go through for me.
Annoyance #2: ick factor. What Frame needs is a good cleaning. Like a serious disinfection… It’s pretty gross in there and it’s hard to zen out and enjoy yoga when the room smalls foul and you just feel dirty.

I’ve had mixed experiences with this place, but it gets four stars because, in actuality, it’s a great concept. I’m in favor of anything that makes people move their bodies and get active, and Frame is one of the best at doing that. Their range of classes is fun and different, ranging from music video dance classes (which vary in difficulty and interest, depending on the song and the teacher) to rebounder (trampoline!!!) class (which is an insane sweatfest of a workout that won’t hurt your joints) to kettle bells. I haven’t tried them all, but I’ll go back. The locker room facilities leave something to be desired, and it sometimes feels a little too trendy. But it’s grown on me and has so many fun options, I’ll definitely go back. I likes it. It can stay.

The good: I really like the loft layout of the space and the convenient location. I loved Brad’s Frame Method instruction. Great music, great movement. Like a much funner and lighthearted version of Bar Method.
The bad: The place needs better upkeep. Damp, dark, overcrowded changing rooms. Brick walls covered in dangling dust bunnies — I was dreading having to do bar work facing the wall again for fear of breathing one in. The communal mats made me not want to go go barefoot in a class.
This place has the makings of something great but it’s just not pulling it in. Some deep spring cleaning & regular maintenance would take it far.

This is a very mixed review after attending a rocket yoga class.
As a 40+ mum I was very excited and amused to see all the young cool kids in one place. The space is very interesting, built in archways under the freeway, exposed brick everywhere. Locker rooms were standard (read, moist, yucky, but fine), and the yoga room was fine if a teeny bit cold. The class was fab, Marcus is great, but the mats smelled so badly I almost gagged.
Know what you are going there for. They offer many different types of classes. I for one, will for sure be going back for the rocket. With my own mat!

So Frame is one of those places I’ve always wanted to go, but never got round to. Till today.
I signed up for a yoga inversions workshop, which was reasonably priced at £25.
Frame is a bit weird, the studio is pretty nice and yuppie looking, lots of wood and 3 studio rooms. They even have Lululemon clothing for sale. But the huge downside are the changing rooms. They are disgusting. They were really dark and humid and the showers and the toilet cubicles are right next to each other, so everything is dank and soaked in condensation. It’s like going to the bathroom in a dirty nightclub. There isn’t a chance in hell I’d ever want to shower there.
The studio room itself also got extremely hot and covered in condensation. They must have no ventilation in that place. I have to agree with Katie, there aren’t even water fountains here, what’s the deal with that?
The saving grace of Frame is clearly the teachers. The lady who taught our class was funny and personable and it was a great experience.
Frame is obviously a great concept with awesome classes. They need to just get it together and find a better venue.
I just don’t understand how a place that is not cheap like Frame can have such terrible changing rooms.

My first experience with Frame was a couple of years ago when a friend invited me to try out one of the Frame signature classes with her after work. At this time I was mostly either running or doing bikram yoga for exercise. The class was Frame Method, and after just one I was sold — the micro movements that at the time seemed like just nice stretches were definitely felt the next day. Though I reserve Frame mainly for weekends (Ass and Abs anyone), it never disappoints and makes me feel less bad about rewarding myself with a phở from many of the surrounding restaurants nearby. All of the instructors I’ve had in the past year or so of coming have been great — always getting a good read of their class and pushing you to your limit.
Though the prices can at times seem hefty — they frequently run deals so look out in your inbox. The best bargain for the more casual goer is probably the 50 quid top up where you get discounted classes.
One other note: I’ve also loved how on top Frame is on the other goings-​on in East London — they maintain partnerships with some local businesses (The Painted Lady) and even got wind of one of my friend’s popup restaurants when it was first coming to life — Love also supporting this local business for the support it brings to others around the area!

I want to say good things about this studio but there are too many cons from the classes I have had.
My first visit was «ok». I could barely hear the box fit trainer and kept slipping on the over-​waxed floor.
The second visit has my questioning whether I should come back. I attended «Frame Barre» expecting a traditional barre class based upon traditional method. What I ended up with was exactly the opposite. Typically, barre classes are very relaxing but challenging. This woman kept screeching like an over-​zealous teenage girl and had me wanting to pull my hair out.
I would be surprised if she had any certification or fitness training. Instead of leading moves that are physiologically beneficial, she encouraged us to do a lot of skipping in barefoot across a wood floor (bad for your knees if you don’t have practice), an excessive amount of crunches on the floor (at best lead to neck strain, at worst lead to a slipped disc), and had us performing jerking movements with too heavy weights — the lack of control will destroy your joints… However she kept screeching to go faster. I actually ended up switching to my own modifications based on other practice and my neck is still sore based upon what I did do which she was leading.
The fact that this place would hire this woman who obviously knows nothing about safety and fitness has me wondering if I should come back here.
Lastly, I don’t think they clean the equipment. I grabbed a sticky mat and assuming it was cleaner residue I used it. Then after class all the women were putting our mats back where we got them with no cleaning. Gross.

Please don’t judge this review on the stars alone, I just have to be honest with you!
This is such a good idea. lots of fun and interesting classes to do! You do tend to get a lot of very fit looking folk here, but don’t be intimidated, Im sure they had to start somewhere too!
The reason I’ve taken off two stars is they do not really advice about fitness levels. I went to a «quickie abs» class and thought, ok, 30 minute, I can do that… I couldn’t do half the stuff and the instructor was not at all helpful at giving moderated versions. There were others in the same boat as me, and we just had to sit there feeling foolish!
I also did a couple of «Dynamic Stretch» Class and can honestly say it was the best class I’ve ever done! Its sort of like yoga, but faster and to music. If, like me, you find yoga a bit boring, this is the class for you! The instructors were fun and engaging and you could tell they enjoyed it. One even begun the class with «I’ve been looking forward to this class all week». And it was superb.
While we were waiting, there was a hip hop dance class which looked really fun and I might do. Although knowing me after a few glasses of wine, I’ll think I’m beyonce and make a tit of myself!
Once my work schedule calms down, you can be sure I’ll be back. Who knows, maybe I’ll be one of the gymbodies soon!

Mea culpa, mea culpa!
A mere few days after my updated review, I was contacted by Rosy at Frame apologizing that I was not warned about the credit expiration. It was a really thoughtful and personal email.
Customer Service at its finest, and I feel totally happy to re-​update my Frame review to 4 stars… they handled this like true professionals and I’ll definitely be back to get myself whipped into shape, the Shoreditch way. :)

For months now, I’ve been composing my review of Frame in my head. This place has truly pushed my Unilocaler morals, in that I both love it, appreciate it, but also have many a bone to pick. It is also a small place, and I’ve been hesitant to Unilocal honestly because I need to face them (including the owner) on a nearly daily basis.
As others have described, Frame is a small space with 4 studios (one with treadmills, Pilates reformer, and vibe equipment, one yoga studio, and two dance studios). There are male and female changing rooms with showers (though the clientele are overwhelmingly female). They have a variety of memberships in addition to pay per class options, ranging from £200 for all classes, all times, to the one I have, £65 for all non-​equipment classes (no Pilates, no vibe) with limited hours (M-​F, 8:30am-5:30pm).
But finally, here we go. I’ve decided the best approach is to break up the review into separate topics. In an effort to end on a positive note, I’ll start with my biggest complaint, the facilities:
— As a former member of Equinox, I am used to paying a solid portion of my paycheque to a good gym. Given that the full monthly membership fees are near Equinox prices, you’d expect clean, decent facilities. I am rather often grossed out by the amount of hair and dust (and sometimes pebbles and crumbs) on the floor in the studios. I see a cleaning lady there sometimes, but she needs to be there all the time. They need more frequent sweeps in between classes. Full stop. The changing rooms are simply problematic in that there is no ventilation (I realise they’d probably fix this if they could) and it is likely a structural issue… but this is a major structural issue). They are obscenely humid, crowded at peak times, and, near the showers/​loos, smell strongly of mildew and urine. I avoid showering and changing here whenever possible. In one of the studios, they have these fake mirrors on wheels that warp the way things look and tilt so you can’t always see the instructor if you stand in certain places. Perhaps there are structural reasons for this, but it comes off as just cheap. Sort of like charging for towels… They also have no drinking fountain or way for refilling bottles other than the sink, which isn’t great.
+ The actual studio spaces are nice and well-​air conditioned, however. So as long as you don’t have to shower here, the actual instruction spaces are nice, well-​lit, and well-​ventilated. Overall, the equipment is in decent condition as well. They also have a nice brand of shampoo in the showers (though refilling the bottles with hand soap at the sink make me wonder if they shampoo in the showers is even the brand it says it is…). I love their online booking system and its integration with iCal. This is really great.
The actual fitness/​instructors/​classes:
+ This is why I stay with Frame. I love AJ, Holly, Brad, Diana, and the other instructors. Their signature classes have great music, are fun, innovative, and make you sore the next day. For someone who was a dancer as a child, the classes are nostalgic and whimsical in the kind of way that makes you look forward to going to the gym. Personality drives my enjoyment of fitness, and the staff they keep at Frame really make me want to come back, push harder, and actually smile whilst working out. For the instructors and classes, Frame really is 5-​stars. Did I mention great music? Nothing I hate more than non-​descript techno remixes of hits from three summers ago. With the exception of a few instructors (particularly in rebounding), there is very little of this crap here. Also, class sizes are small, so it never feels claustrophobic, even when full. I love Frame Bar, Method, and Work, their signature classes.
— I wish all the Dancefit classes were like AJ’s class (different dances to different songs in a Zumba style where you don’t spend most of the class learning choreography). They really should make more of the other instructors use AJ’s format. The whole reason I go to Dancefit is not for boring, unimaginative aerobics, nor is it to learn choreo to the same dance for the whole session. I don’t want to use my brain, I just want to have fun moving about in a guided yet constantly changing (with each song) way. I also wish there were more of their ‘fun, unique’ classes like Rave during the off-​peak hours. With the Off-​Peak membership, they offerings are really quite repetitive and limited. Throw us poorer members a bone, please?
Though not related to instructors, some of the front desk girls can be a bit stuck up in that way that people often complain about Shoreditch… When I came in at 3:45pm to join, she told me I ‘came in at, like, the worst time’ (sorry! I didn’t know!), which put a bit of a sour taste in my mouth from the get-​go.
Overall, I love Frame and look forward to coming here. It is just that, for the price, they really need to step it up in certain areas to make it feel entirely worth the investment.