Conbody

1

Conbody

New York City, USA

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The Conbody Story

Coss Marte transformed his mind and body in a tiny jail cell, losing 70 pounds in 6 months using just his bodyweight. He left prison dedicated to turning his life around and with a desire to share the fitness method that kept him mentally and physically fit and strong while incarcerated. With an inspiring journey and story, Coss founded Conbody in 2014, and the company now proudly hires released prisoners as trainers at their first branch in New York, as well as in their East-London location in the UK.

Conbody proudly skips the fluffy extras such as eucalyptus towels and plasma screen TV and just focuses on delivering no-nonsense training in a judgment-free zone that gets you results.

How Did Conbody Score Overall?

The full client experience at Conbody was excellent, achieving The Fit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class was also very good, winning our Class Experience Award of Excellence.

The Highlights

A highlight was the class, which was challenging but the coach did a great job keeping the vibe fun and engaging.

The prison-themed public areas also stood out.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“There was a really lovely, friendly relationship between the staff and clients.”

“The public areas were simple, but despite the ‘prison-like’ vibe, everything was clean and comfortable.”

“Our coach consistently gave advice on which muscle group the clients should be engaging.”

What To Expect From A Conbody Session

The Conbody method was developed in a prison cell with no equipment and little space, and it clearly works. Founder Coss used the method to help other inmates lose over 1,000 lbs of body weight, and he now offers those training techniques in his studios on the outside to help others get fit and lose fat.

In a typical Conbody session you can expect plenty of body weight exercises and plyometrics such as push ups, squats and burpees, with each day offering a specific focus, such as Better Booty Wednesday, Hard Core Thursday and Full Body Friday.

The trainers have done their time, and now they’ll help you ‘do the time’ needed to get results in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The Reception Service

The club was not reachable by phone despite multiple attempts.

Upon arrival, the receptionist greeted us warmly, and the registration process was quick and efficient. A verbal orientation was provided, including directions to lockers and guidelines about the training room. However, there were missed opportunities to enhance the experience, such as confirming the booked class, advising on where to wait, or offering information on water and towels proactively.

The departure experience was the highlight, with the coach/owner displaying enthusiasm and a strong sense of community. Their passion for the club was evident as they engaged in a conversation about classes, membership options, and special offers. They made a confident attempt to close a sale, discussing the January promotion and advising on how to follow up with additional questions. While there was no personalization through our evaluator’s name or tailored questions to assess their needs, the overall interaction felt genuine and welcoming, leaving a positive impression.

The Class Experience

Conbody received The Fit Guide Class Experience Award of Excellence, making it one of New York’s stand-out offerings.

The workout delivered a challenging and rewarding experience, led with high energy and expertise. The coach fostered a positive and fun atmosphere, encouraging participants to push themselves while maintaining a strong focus on safety and proper technique. Special attention was given to those with injuries, ensuring they could modify movements and continue with confidence. The session was well-paced, with clear instructions and a strong emphasis on motivation, leaving us feeling accomplished by the end.

While the class had a lively and engaging vibe, more personalization, particularly for first-timers, would have been good. Although the coach checked in with clients before and after the class, there was limited effort to learn individual names or tailor the experience for beginners. Additionally, while modifications for injuries were provided, alternative exercises for plyometric movements were not always offered.

The sense of community was a highlight, with a welcoming environment and camaraderie between regulars and staff. First-timers were invited to take part in a playful post-class tradition, adding to the sense of belonging. Overall, this class provided not only a tough workout but also a glimpse into a tightly-knit and supportive fitness community.

The Equipment And Studio

The training room was simple and unfussy, reflecting the no-nonsense style of the brand. The space provided ample room for clients to complete their workout without any equipment, staying true to the straightforward approach of the session.

The low, orange lighting and the "Do the Time" message painted on the back wall tied seamlessly into the brand's identity, creating a cohesive and intentional atmosphere. The room was clean and well-lit, with a high-quality sound system enhancing the overall experience.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The studio delivered a memorable experience with its unique, prison-themed branding that was executed thoughtfully throughout the space. The commitment to providing career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals was seamlessly woven into the design, with artwork and infographics reinforcing this mission. Despite the industrial, minimalist aesthetic, the space was clean and comfortable, with small but meaningful touches like on-brand laundry carts for towels.

While the public areas were impressive, some practical features were missing. Lockers lacked locks and high-quality hangers, and there were limited beverage and food options beyond water. However, the inclusion of showers, ample towels, and well-stocked amenities was appreciated. Overall, the studio’s dedication to its brand mission and clever use of design made for an impactful and engaging experience.

Digital And Technology

The club’s website and branded app made booking straightforward, with no technical issues during the reservation process. Claiming a first free trial was seamless, but the website lacked class descriptions and preparation guidance for first-time visitors. While the cancellation policy was clearly stated in the FAQ section, onboarding instructions were missing. The brand’s values were strongly reflected in the website copy, but the overall email communications lacked personalization.

The website was professional and mobile-friendly, offering easy navigation and well-placed calls-to-action, such as "Book Now." However, coach bios lacked detail, and automatic emails lacked a distinct brand experience beyond the logo and imagery. Social media accounts were consistent with the brand and frequently updated, with the Instagram Linktree providing useful booking and schedule links. Response times to social media inquiries were a bit slow.

The club utilized a branded app and offered livestreamed and on-demand classes.

Pricing

First-timers at Conbody can enjoy their first class free.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available, such as $250 for unlimited classes.

Drop-in sessions are available at $38 per class. Class packs start at $170 for a five-pack, but offers are often available, such as the "Winter Deal", six classes for $80.

Top Scoring Categories

Class Experience
four
Equipment & Studio
five
Public Areas
four

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