Studio Review: The Training Room Atlanta

This month, I used ClassPass to visit my second STRONG class at The Training Room (TTR) in Atlanta. Similar to the CrossFit gyms I’ve visited in the past—only better—the classes here are structured, challenging, and worth the early wake-up call (I attend the 6am sessions). Classes are organized into three sections—Strength, Accessory, and Conditioning—each brings a particular challenge to the workout.

I’m giving this class and the gym a 4.5/5 rating! This gym helped me debunk the myth that weight lifting/CrossFit style classes were only for the super strong and super fit—the “throw haystacks across the room type. But after this second visit, I can say I’m officially hooked! While I’m in Atlanta, TTR has become a regular hitter (both arm and leg days) on my fitness schedule. Find a brief overview below!

Instructor: Jermaine

Rating: 4.5/5

Newbie Friendly (5/5)

At the start of class, Jermaine asked if any attendees were “new” to TTR, which was such a relief! As someone who’s still getting comfortable lifting weights, I was worried about being in a class with more experienced lifters. To my relief, the instructor made a point of preparing me for each exercise he mentioned, with a particular focus on safety (I’ll get to that later).

And during the Strength portion of the class, we paired up with a partner of a similar strength/experience level and I met my first fitness buddy in Atlanta! We’ve since exchanged numbers and coordinate class schedules when I’m in town!

Safety (4/5)

When I walked into the class I had no idea how much I could deadlift or how much I should load onto the bar before starting weighted squats. The instructor helped me identify a good, safe starting point for each exercise and assessed my form and level of effort before suggesting I move up in weight.
With one instructor, however, it was impossible to have eyes on me at the start of each rep and, at times, I struggled to remember the details of correct alignment and form. As a beginner, a smaller class would have been ideal.

Vibe & Environment (4/5)

While I’ve heard a few native ATLiens describe TTR as a “pretentious” gym (it does give off a bit of an exclusive feel), I really enjoyed my time there! The music that accompanied the workout was great, the team-focused training style was comforting, and I left feeling like I’d taken my first steps to joining the TTR community.

Challenge (5/5)

Classes at TTR are designed to help you focus on personal challenge (as opposed to keeping up/competing with others in the class). So, even with my weights on the lighter end and my speed slowing during the Conditioning segment, I felt challenged and STRONG!