The Training Lab

1

The Training Lab

New York City, USA

recommended

The The Training Lab Story

The Training Lab was founded in 2017 by former Marine Ruben Belliard and is based in Midtown Manhattan. The Training Lab states that they are ‘for those hungry to take their fitness to the next level’ and much of their vibe and workout style takes inspiration from the founder’s time serving in the Marines.

How Did The Training Lab Score Overall?

The full client experience at The Training Lab was good, achieving our Recommended rating.

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

The Highlights

The studio had an extensive range of high-quality equipment in great working condition.

Another highlight were the wall murals scattered across the two floors of the training space that were memorable and on-brand.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“The coach was attentive, highly engaging and motivating”

“The training space was well equipped and designed in a way that would be exciting for anyone serious about their training”

“The strength & cardio equipment were from reputable brands like Rogue, Assault and Concept 2”

What To Expect From A The Training Lab Session

The Training Lab offers 55-minute high intensity, total body conditioning sessions as well as strength-focused sessions. Both class types incorporate a main lift (deadlift, squat, bench press, pull ups or overhead press).

The Training Lab puts a huge emphasis on ‘training hard, training smart’ and being ‘for those hungry to take their fitness to the next level’, so expect to be pushed through a challenging program that requires a high level of effort. 

The Reception Service

We weren’t able to contact the club by phone to make an inquiry.

The reception experience didn’t make the best first impression, as no one was present when we arrived 15 minutes before class. When the receptionist did arrive, interactions were minimal and factual, with no personal engagement. We weren’t given guidance on the studio’s unique two-floor setup, and while the coach provided a brief orientation, there was no effort to help us feel settled.

Departure felt just as impersonal. The receptionist didn’t ask about our experience or encourage us to return. There was no proactive effort to recommend classes or tailor packages to our needs, and the process was delayed due to reliance on an unbranded, internal-looking price list that wasn’t client-friendly. Overall, the lack of enthusiasm, personalization, and clear communication made the reception experience feel transactional.

The Class Experience

The Training Lab has received The Fit Guide’s Recommended rating for its notable class experience.

The class was high-energy with a strong community vibe, but it didn’t fully meet expectations. We had anticipated a deadlift-focused strength session but instead found a conditioning-heavy workout. It wasn’t made clear in advance that the session would be advanced, which could have helped manage expectations. While our coach was enthusiastic and provided individual encouragement, key elements of session structure and beginner-friendliness were missing.

The warm-up was fun and engaging but didn’t build gradually toward high-intensity exercises. Instructions were clear, and some modifications were offered, but regressions and progressions weren’t consistently provided. Breaks weren’t clearly defined, and adding extra exercises for early finishers disrupted the session's flow. The class also ran 10 minutes late without a cooldown.

While the coach was professional, attentive, and clearly passionate about teaching, the lack of clarity around class structure, limited beginner accommodations, and the missing cooldown took away from the overall experience.

The Equipment And Studio

The studio showcased impressive branding consistency and attention to detail, with on-brand colors, wall murals, framed quotes, and a prominently displayed logo on the wall and floor mat. These elements created a professional and cohesive atmosphere, elevating the overall impression. The strength equipment, branded by Rogue, and cardio equipment from reputable brands like Concept2 and Rogue was high quality.

Despite some wear and tear noted, the space was well-lit, clean, and spacious, providing a comfortable and effective workout environment.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The public areas were clean and well-maintained, with branding elements like wall quotes, murals, and the American flag adding to the studio’s aesthetic. However, the club was hard to find due to a lack of exterior signage.

Lockers with numerical locks were conveniently sized, and complimentary towels were thoughtfully placed at reception and in the changing rooms. The two showers were clean, had strong hot water, and included amenities like hand wash, moisturizers, and deodorant, though some wear and tear was noted.

The waiting area was spacious with ample seating, but there was no free water refill station. Paid drinks like protein shakes and BCAAs were available, but no food options. The lack of sensory elements, such as distinctive lighting or music, made the space feel less elevated.

Digital And Technology

While the booking process was straightforward, we didn't receive a confirmation email, and had to manually check the schedule on the website.

The website had a professional design, easy navigation, and clear class schedules. Class types and the brand’s values were well-represented. The social media presence was strong, with a schedule accessible on Instagram highlights which was a nice feature. However, inconsistent posting schedules and delays in responding to client messages undermined the social media experience.

Email communications were minimal but professional, though they lacked strong branding elements beyond a basic logo.

Pricing

The Training Lab offers two weeks of unlimited classes free for new clients as long as they reside locally.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from $244 for six classes per month up to $449 for unlimited classes on their Plus package. Clients willing to commit to a six-month unlimited package pay $375 per month (classes only).

Drop-in sessions are available at $46 per class, with smaller commitment packages also available, starting at a five-pack for $225.

Top Scoring Categories

Equipment & Studio
five
Public Areas
four

Get exclusive fitness industry insights and discover the world's best clubs and studios.

Insider knowledge, statistics and valuable analysis based on our deep data set. Delivered to your inbox, every Wednesday.

Newsletter

Get exclusive fitness industry insights and discover the world's best clubs and studios.

Insider knowledge, statistics and valuable analysis based on our deep data set. Delivered to your inbox, every Wednesday.