Rise Nation - NoHo

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Rise Nation - NoHo

New York City, USA

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The Rise Nation Story

Rise Nation was founded by Jason Walsh in West Hollywood, California in 2015. Jason trained celebrities and movie stars for their roles at his private studio, Rise Movement, before coming up with the Versaclimber class concept. Mark Cuban quickly became a fan of the natural movement patterns that climbing promotes, as well as the slick and sexy vibe of the class experience. This led him to become a partner as Rise Nation expanded to other US cities and countries.

Rise Nation are expanding through a franchise business model and now has four studios in the US, as well as a single studio presence in both the Philippines and Australia.

How Did Rise Nation NoHo Score Overall?

The full client experience at Rise Nation NoHo was excellent, achieving TheFit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class was exceptional, winning our prestigious and highest 5-Star Class Experience Award.

Rise Nation NoHo is featured in our articles The Best HIIT And Strength Studios In New York and The Top Fitness Studios In New York, Independently Rated and Ranked.

The Highlights

The class was a high-energy, intensely enjoyable experience with fantastic lighting effects and a choreographed music playlist. The experience left a strong impression on us.

The nicely designed changing areas were also a highlight.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“This was a really enjoyable and high-energy class, led by a passionate and professional coach.”

“The coach made a special effort to chat to the first timers and make them feel welcome and at ease.”

“There were notice boards showing upcoming events, giving a real sense of community.”

What To Expect From A Rise Nation Session

Rise Nation is a 30-minute high intensity interval training class on a Versaclimber. The retro cardio machine has seen a big comeback in recent years, in large part due to its low-impact, fun nature that engages all major muscle groups.

Climbing provides a fun, effective and efficient workout, and Rise Nation have added the coaching team, the lights, and the sound into the mix to create one of the industry’s most unique fitness experiences.

The Reception Service

The phone line was not answered on three separate attempts, so we were unable to gather information or book ahead of their visit.

Upon arrival, we were greeted promptly and warmly by both the receptionist and the coach, creating a welcoming first impression. Registration was efficient, and our evaluator was directed where to wait for the class. However, the lack of an unprompted induction or comprehensive orientation about the facilities was noticeable, so we had to ask about key amenities such as changing rooms. While the interaction was friendly, it lacked personalization and proactive engagement.

After the class, the receptionist inquired if we had enjoyed the session, however, there was no proactive effort to discuss future bookings, recommend suitable classes, or actively promote membership options. Although staff appeared knowledgeable when asked about packages, the conversation felt more reactive than proactive.

The Class Experience

Rise Nation has achieved The Fit Guide 5-Star Class Experience ward for an exceptional class, putting it amongst the very best in New York and the industry.

The class experience was impressive and marked by enthusiasm and professionalism. The coach made a genuine effort to connect with each participant, introducing herself before class and following up with us afterward. Their focus on creating a welcoming and engaging environment was evident through personalized greetings, injury checks, and encouragement offered during the session.

The class was well-paced and flowed smoothly, with clear instructions and visual demonstrations. The coach provided modifications to ensure exercises were accessible to participants of varying fitness levels while offering options to increase intensity for advanced clients. Her energetic demeanor and encouraging words contributed to a positive atmosphere, making the class enjoyable and motivating.

While the class began slightly late and ended five minutes past the scheduled time, these factors did not significantly detract from the overall experience. The coach’s warm interactions, coupled with announcements about community events and initiatives, was appreciated. Overall, the class was a highly positive and engaging experience.

The Equipment And Studio

The studio was extremely impressive, with exceptional lighting, music, and overall design that significantly enhanced the workout experience. The high-quality Versaclimb cardio equipment featured the Rise Nation logo, reinforcing the studio’s branding, while the space was clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully arranged.

The curved ceiling design, combined with dynamic strobe and colored lighting effects synchronized to the music and workout, created an immersive and energetic atmosphere. This unique feature, alongside the high-quality sound system, made the studio feel cutting-edge and distinctively branded.

Overall, the studio delivered a highly polished and engaging environment.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The changing areas were well-designed, with interesting artwork and thoughtful additions like plants on the counters. Ample showers were available, featuring consistent hot water and good pressure, along with complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and gel. However, the amenity selection was more basic, and workout towels were only available for purchase, which detracted from convenience.

The public areas were spacious and maintained a fresh and professional atmosphere. Branding was clear and consistent, with notable elements like branded signage and lighting at the entrance. Music and lighting enhanced the ambiance, and the architectural style combined industrial elements with bright, airy spaces.

Lockers were clean, in excellent condition, and equipped with numerical locks, though they lacked hangers. Complimentary water was provided, and additional beverage options, including smoothies, were available. Food offerings included protein bars and jerky.

Digital And Technology

We found the website to be user-friendly and appreciated the ease of making online reservations. Information about class types and booking processes was clear, and the inclusion of brand elements such as consistent design and professional imagery enhanced the experience. The automated email communications effectively used the brand’s colors and logo but lacked a notable tone of voice or dynamic content.

The website lacked clear and easily accessible information about the club's values and mission, and there were no links to social media accounts. Social media channels provided relevant information and consistent branding but did not facilitate the booking process or include a class schedule. While the club used a branded app for bookings, it did not leverage technology to enhance the client experience beyond standard functionality, nor did it offer an online training option.

Pricing

Rise Nation offers introductory specials. Newcomers can purchase one month of unlimited training for $149, or alternatively three classes for $30.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from $99 for four classes per month up to $219 for unlimited classes.

Drop-in sessions are available at $30 per class, with smaller commitment packages also available, starting at a five pack for $140.

Top Scoring Categories

Class Experience
five
Equipment & Studio
five
Public Areas
five

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