3DFitness Coaching Studio at 75 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, Pennsylvania.

I have been working out at 3D for about 6 weeks now and so far, it's been great!

I never thought I'd like a boot camp style environment. I had been a member at the gorgeous Ambler area Y for a while because I liked the variety there and I like the indoor pool for swimming laps. But, I wasn't going so I wasn't getting any benefit from the nice facilities, the pool or any of that. I think I am overwhelmed by all those choices. What weight lifting exercises should I do today? Boy, I hate cardio, but which boring machine should I work on for 30 minutes today? When will the pool be less crowded? What classes can I take that actually happen when I'm not at work? It was all too much.

3D is less than a mile from home and their classes are offered every hour on the hour in the mornings and evenings. You never have to worry about a crowded gym and whether or not you'll be able to use the equipment you need. This gym has limits on number of attendees per class, there is enough equipment for everyone. There is no excuse for not being able to get there as long as I'm not traveling on business. The workouts are super efficient - I am literally back home in just over an hour after I left, but there's a huge sense of accomplishment because the workouts feel effective.

This gym does not believe in machines. They prefer free weights, body resistance and old school calisthenics that foster a better range of motion, safe instability to work all your muscles and proper form. The coaches are phenomenal. Somehow they manage to oversee a fast-paced group class and still provide individual attention, help with proper form and advise about modifications suited for each person's fitness level. I attend Chris' class in the mornings, and he has always been helpful, encouraging and courteous. In the evenings, I take Shelly's (spelling?) metabolic class on Thursdays, and she is the same. Excellent! She even gave me personal time after a class to help me individually with an exercise.

The workouts are a circuit with different stations - if you don't like an exercise, it will be over shortly! You move through the stations, and before you know it, you are done. They tell you exactly what to do. I take two strength classes and one metabolic class each week. I am not doing a weight loss challenge as my goals are different. While I'd welcome some weight loss, my goal is to simply exercise consistently. Doing so will mean my body gets stronger, resists injury and it's better than taking anti-depressants!

This gym isn't pretty, it's not a resort. It is a functional space where you may get grossed out about laying on the floor to do an exercise (GASP - where people have walked and maybe even sweat before you!!!). You will sweat, a lot. So will everyone else and you will touch things after them. I'm not a fan of that, but I get over it. The benefits of exercise on my immune system far outweigh the potential for cooties. At the end of class, everyone is responsible for spraying and wiping down equipment and putting it away.

Some constructive criticism: Other than what you can get from your trainers before and after class, I find there is not a lot of helpful information on the website. The website is meant to market to new members, which I understand. For example, I just found out that even though I am not doing a challenge, I am entitled to one body fat scan/analysis once per month. I never knew what that cool looking contraption was in the room until Chris told me I should do a scan.

All said, I recommend this gym. The atmosphere is fun. The group is encouraging and helpful to new members. It takes time to learn the exercises, but if a trainer is not around, experienced members will often help you with an exercise. Everyone seems to be pulling for everyone else, and that's quite different from the intimidating environment I've experienced at other gyms. Sign up for a free class to try it out - then, do a month and see how you like it. I'm glad I did!