SLT - Flatiron

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SLT - Flatiron

New York City, USA

recommended

The SLT Story

SLT stands for "Strengthen, Lengthen, Tone" and offers a unique workout experience that combines cardio, Pilates, and strength training. Founded in 2007 by Amanda Freeman, SLT quickly found a strong, cult following that fueled its expansion through a franchise business model.

Their recent SLT Tread studio concept in NoMad opened in 2020 and offers a 50/50 mix of their trademark reformer and treadmill running.

How Did SLT Flatiron Score Overall?

The full client experience at SLT Flatiron was enjoyable, achieving our Recommended rating.

The class experience was positive and also achieved our Recommended rating.

The Highlights

The class was led by a professional coach and, while challenging for a first-timer, it was an enjoyable session.

The informative website with its slick and clean branding was also notable.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“I appreciated it when the receptionist thoughtfully enquired if I had any grip socks with me.”

“As a first-timer, I felt well looked after; the coach paid special attention to me.”

“The website was very informative and the booking process was smooth.”

What To Expect From An SLT Session

An SLT workout is built upon a foundation of three concepts: Strengthening your core, lengthening your limits and toning your body.

Their fun and fresh “no-fuss studios” offer an efficient and effective 50-minute workout on Megaformer Pilates machines, which can be adjusted to all ability levels. SLT believes that “slower = harder”, with controlled movements in all directions ensuring all muscles can be felt the next day!

Classes offered include: Essentials, for beginners; All Levels, for everyone and Hardcore for those who are “prepared to work very, very hard.”

The Reception Service

The phone inquiry was handled promptly and effectively, with detailed information about class types, facilities, and pricing provided. However, there was a lack of personalized engagement during the call, and the staff member did not express genuine interest in our evaluator's needs or goals.

Upon arrival, the receptionist was welcoming and initiated the conversation by inquiring about our familiarity with the reformer machine. However, the orientation to the facilities was minimal and only offered upon prompting. While the receptionist showed thoughtful touches, such as checking if we had grip socks, the lack of a comprehensive or anticipatory introduction to the studio left room for improvement in creating a seamless first-time experience.

Sales efforts were reactive rather than proactive, with our evaluator needing to lead the conversation about packages and memberships. While the staff member was knowledgeable once prompted, there was no attempt to explore needs.

While the reception experience was pleasant overall, a more structured and proactive approach would have been appreciated.

The Class Experience

SLT Flatiron has received The Fit Guide’s Recommended rating for its notable class experience.

The class provided a rewarding workout with clear evidence of the coach's professionalism and knowledge. The session flowed smoothly, with the coach offering guidance and encouragement throughout. Our evaluator felt particularly looked after as a beginner and appreciated the coach's effort to observe and adjust individual form as needed. The friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community among regular clients enhanced the overall experience.

However, the lack of visual demonstrations made it challenging to learn some exercises, requiring us to observe others instead. The absence of clear explanations about the class structure and goals also left us unsure of what to expect. Incorporating more visual cues, detailed guidance on resistance levels, and greater enthusiasm from the coach would have significantly improved the class experience.

The Equipment And Studio

The training area was functional and well-organized, providing a suitable space for the workout. However, it lacked branding elements that could have elevated the experience and created a stronger identity.

While the equipment was of high quality and in good working order, minor wear on the reformer machines was noted. Additionally, we noted debris on the floor which detracted from the overall cleanliness of the space. Despite these shortcomings, the lighting and sound system contributed positively to the environment, ensuring the session remained comfortable and engaging.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The public areas, while clean, were basic and lacked any notable branding or sensory elements to create a memorable experience. The club was also difficult to locate due to a small, unmarked entrance.

The changing facilities were particularly limited, with only a single space that combined a restroom and a changing area. This setup made it inconvenient when the space was busy. Although the area was clean, it lacked impressive design features and amenities were minimal, with only a few basic items provided.

The absence of showers was a drawback, and the lack of lockers further diminished the convenience of the experience. Workout towels were also not available.

On the positive side, the waiting areas were tidy, and adequately temperature-controlled. Complimentary water was available, but no other beverage or food options were offered.

Digital And Technology

We were highly impressed with the digital experience, noting that the website was user-friendly, informative, and consistent with the brand's values. The ability to view the class schedule, purchase credits, and book classes easily contributed to a seamless process. The client also appreciated the streamlined email communications, which included multiple touchpoints that ensured we felt prepared for our first visit. Branding was evident throughout the emails, which featured the logo and an upbeat tone that aligned with the club's values.

The social media presence was another highlight, with regular updates and a helpful Linktree in the Instagram bio, making it easy to access key information such as class schedules and packages. While the social media channels were informative, response times to inquiries via these platforms exceeded two hours.

Pricing

SLT offers a two-pack intro offer for $44 as well as two-week unlimited class offer for $115.

SLT offers class packages, ranging from $210 for five classes to $760 for 20.

If you are looking to attend SLT more frequently, memberships range from $160 a month for four classes up to unlimited classes for $465.

Additionally, drop-in sessions are available for $44 per session.

Top Scoring Categories

Digital & Technology
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