Akemi Fitness Method

Akemi Fitness is one of my favorite fitness studios. I love that the class sizes are manageable and small group. I also loved the classes with both Jocelyn and the sub, Jade. I’ve only taken the mixed barre class but yogalates is definitely on my radar of me wanting to try it out!
The classes are really wonderful — each one is a little different and evolved but the best part is how much time they take to really stretch you out between the different exercises. I’ve definitely taken classes that kick my butt and then, afterwards for days, my entire body is sore. Mixed Barre definitely kicks my butt BUT because of all the stretching and personal care that we do during the class, my body is a bit sore but not so achingly sore that it hurts to even move! The space is a bit hidden in an alley but inside, it’s beautiful and blissful. Looking forward to my next class!

I’ve been attending Akemi after buying a groupon a few months back. The Groupon was literally the best deal going, I think it was about $ 50 for 20 classes for students. I like Akemi and think it’s a good place to take classes if you can get the classes at a discount. Pros of Akemi are:
1) Classes are small. I think the largest class I’ve ever been in is 4 – 5 people. I don’t know if this is a reflection of their lack of popularity or what, but you can always get into classes last minute and you never have to worry about being crowded at the bar.
2) You’re supporting a local business. I prefer going to studios that are locally owned as opposed to supporting big chains.
3) They seem to have a lot of deals going on where you can get discounted classes. I would only recommend Akemi if you’re paying the discounted rate.
4) Classes are good for beginners or people who might be intimidated by Barre. I find the classes here sometimes easier than other Barre classes I have taken (depending on the instructor) and it is a pretty welcoming environment.
Cons:
1) Even though the classes are small, I have never had anyone correct my form. I know I need my form corrected constantly, so it bothers me that even in a class of 3 – 4 people, form isn’t being corrected! I am hoping this is something they can improve upon.
2) The aesthetic isn’t great. The studio isn’t the nicest looking place (although it is clean!). I think this is fine since I am paying such a discounted rate. If you want a really modern swanky looking place you are better off going to Pure Barre in Evanston or Exhale.
3) The earliest class time they have during the week is 9:30 AM. I wish there were some earlier options for people who need to get to work/​class.

Shiw: Shiw here! I purchased 20 classes through groupon and bought another 30 classes recently. Love this place a lot! Jocelyn and Felicia are both amazing instructors, motivating and welcoming. They make sure you push yourself and make the most out of the 60-​min workout. I’ve recommended this place to a couple friends!

Just reiterating my review and overall positive impression of Akemi Fitness Method. It’s only gotten better since I started working out here. The classes are constantly evolving, and new exercises being added to the routines. Some of the classes I mentioned in the earlier review are no longer on the schedule, but new ones are! There’s something for everyone.
I read through the newer reviews recently, and I have no idea what these two isolated persons are talking about. I’ve been coming to Jocelyn’s classes for years and she’s never been late even once. The other person complaining about her talking on the sidelines during someone else’s class? What a ridiculous complaint– it’s not a library. A complaint about noise in a fitness class? Ludicrous. Please don’t be swayed by two cranky people. This is a great place where you will get one of the best workouts of your life.

I love Akemi Fitness classes. I joined in December of 2013 and have been a regular every since. Joycelyn is awesome and friendly. I joined with a neighbor who had been going for some time. Despite not liking to workout I quickly became accustomed to getting there several times a week. The schedule allows me to try different classes so I did not get bored. I have fallen off a bit while moving my mom during the holiday season, but as of tomorrow I’ll be back to my regular 3 to 4 times a week. I really recommend this place for beginners and those who workout and want to remain fit.

I bought a groupon for this place, and encouraged a friend to do so as well so we could work out together. I felt so bad after our experience that I actually offered to give her her money back!
I did my due diligence and checked Unilocal prior to buying-​and the overwhelming positive reviews helped me decide to buy the month-​long groupon.
The classes were excellent. Very small class size, upbeat music, and Jocelyn is a very charismatic instructor. BUT…
1. She repeatedly runs late for classes. Not a huge deal, but unprofessional.
2. She does not consistently check her email or voicemail, and I had to just drop by to schedule my first class.
3. She took offense to me mentioning another barre-​method class when answering a question someone posed. Really? I understand competition but… she was very cold to me for the rest of my workouts, when before she had been friendly and welcoming.
4. After she was nasty to me for mentioning the other barre method place, she had the nerve to repeatedly email asking for my support in some sort of contest and try to connect with me on LinkedIn. To me, this indicates she has no idea how she puts off others by her behavior.
5. You should be warned there is a questionnaire she sends out. The results are supposed to be anonymous. They are not and if you give less than a stellar review, she WILL discuss it with you. And not in a nice-​I see you were unhappy type of way, but in an accusatory, negative and defensive type of way. This happened to my friend and she was made so uncomfortable by it she refused to come back.
Overall, I would not send anyone there-​not because the quality of the workouts (which were great) but because, with so many other options out there, why deal with funky attitudes?

I’ve been working on a project the past year that aims to find the best barre workout in the Chicago area. I was excited to try this place because of the Groupon deal I purchased. After several attempts to reach out the the owner with no reply… I will have to take my business elsewhere and aim to be refunded. Such a shame too since this place is one of the very few non-​corporate barre studios in the area (and they have so far been the best places!) and with such high reviews. But, the smaller the business the likelihood the owner wears all the hats and as a result customer service suffers.

I bought a Groupon for a month of unlimited classes and have really enjoyed taking classes here! The studio is at 518−½ Davis St (how Harry Potter-​esque!), which was a little hard for me to find the first time since I’m directionally challenged. You should just walk past 518 on the street and make a right in the alleyway and it’s the door on the right.
So far I’ve attended Full Body Sculpt, Barre Mixed, Barre Stretch, Afro Fusion, and 30 min Abs & Upper Body and my favorites are the Barre Mixed and Abs & Upper Body classes. The studio is small and intimate, which is great since everyone has a spot at the mirror where they can check out their form. I’ve taken most of my classes with Jocelyn who is fantastic! She’s very enthusiastic and really changes up the exercises, which is refreshing for barre classes since they tend to be very similar from class to class. The Afro Fusion class is also fun, but was a bit challenging for me because I’m pretty uncoordinated. However, the atmosphere is very welcoming and non-​judgmental, so I recommend checking it out if you want to try something new.
Overall, great neighborhood workout spot that I highly recommend if you’re look for a great teacher and small class sizes!

Love this place. I joined recently with a groupon and I have been loving all the classes. Jocelyn is amazing — I walk out of every class sweaty/​tired but feeling so good about myself. You will get a great workout in every single class.
In addition to Barre, they also have Bolly Aerobix, Barre stretch (Think Yoga) classes etc. I love them almost as much as I love Jocelyn’s Barre class. Definitely worth checking out Akhila’s bollywood dance classes — she knows how to make everyone sweat in a fun way.
Note that entrance is on the side so it’s not visible from main road. But once you are inside — you will find the studio to be cozy and comfy.
One thing they could improve is the towel service — they do have it mostly but do run out time to time.

The classes are amazing! They are extremely challenging, but at the same time, completely doable and fun. The instructors, especially the founder/​owner Jocelyn, are motivating and encourage their participants to push themselves. The classes work every muscle in your body and you get some great stretches in as well. These classes will keep you coming back for more!

Akemi is amazing!!! Perfect for building strength and lean muscle. I feel challenged every time I go and see change in my physique. Working out here has given me satisfying and great results! The instructor, Jocelyn, is incredibly knowledgable. She knows how to give the perfect stretches after each sequence to prevent injuries. I’ve tried other classes and videos but would have pain in my hips. The environment and instructor is great at creating a comfortable and inviting environment. Highly recommend it and is worth investing in.

Love this place! I bought a groupon and had an opportunity to give this studio a try. The owner, Jocelyn, was a sweetheart — I was late for the first class, so she let me sign a waiver so that I didn’t delay the other class participants, then stayed afterwards with me to help me fill out paperwork. When leading workouts, she is enthusiastic and encouraging. I consider myself someone who works out fairly frequently, and she still manages to get my abs so sore that I have trouble laughing without clutching my tummy the next day. There’s not many classes offered currently over the summer, but there should hopefully be more in the fall.

Jocelyn is a great instructor (very motivating and welcoming). She seems to know all of her clients by name which is very impressive! I would highly recommend Akemi Fitness.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I am trying to get in shape for my wedding and I am so glad that I discovered Akemi (and Jocelyn)! I am not super fit (yet — just started a coupe of weeks ago) but the classes are challenging and enjoyable. I feel like I am getting a great workout and the class time flies by. I just wish I would have discovered this studio a long time ago. I was definitely nervous the first time I went but was so glad I did. Don’t hesitate — just go! I am hooked! I actually look forward to working out for the first time in my life.

I had heard great things about the studio overall. Everyone said that the non-​Zumba classes are great. I signed up to take the newly offered Zumba class. The room temperature is TOO HOT for Zumba class. The air conditioner is not on and there are not any fans running for this class. Some of my friends were taking the class — but have decided not to return because of the heat. I have heard from other people that they know people who have not returned for the same reason. Unfortunately, during some 2 of the classes I attended — it got so warm in the studio that the floor started to sweat making it very slippery. That happened when it was unseasonably warm outside. That is just dangerous. Not much you can do about a floor — but if it was made cooler in the room overall, this wouldn’t be a problem.
During my last class — the owner came to sit in the class with her infant daughter. That would’ve been fine — but then she was having a conversation with the daughter of another woman working out. Hence, she was trying to talk over the music, etc. Very disrespectful and distracting to the Zumba teacher and the class. I’m certain that if the owner was teaching a class and someone did that to her — she wouldn’t like it. Why should it be any different if someone else is teaching?
Why do I keep going back? Well I bought a Groupon and am just trying to live it out until I use all of my classes. Was keeping my fingers crossed that can happen before it gets too warm outside — which brings the temperature up in that room and makes the floor sweat.
UNFORTUNATELY I WON’T BE ABLE TO LIVE IT OUT BECAUSE OF A CHANGE THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE AT WORK AND I WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL MOST OF THE WEEK. I EMAILED JOCELYN AND EXPLAINED MY SITUATION AS WELL AS LEFT HER A VOICE MAIL TO SEE IF I COULD GET MY $$ BACK FOR THE UNUSED. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BACK FROM HER. THAT’S JUST BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. HOW HARD IS IT TO CALL AND LET SOMEONE KNOW EITHER WAY? APPARENTLY TOO HARD. TOO BAD.
WHEN I CONTACTED GROUPON THEY WERE AT LEAST COURTEOUS ENOUGH TO GET BACK TO ME.

I bought a groupon initially, and I love the class and the fantastic instructor, Jocelyn so much that I signed up for a regular pass. I enjoyed the Barre Mixed classes very much, and in a few weeks I hope the attend the more advanced levels. Jocelyn has a sweet, gentle yet vivacious personality. She truly helps you stay committed through the routine, and helps you with little corrections. The class is a nice combination of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and some weight training. I finally found a class that challenges me physically yet I still enjoy it and want to go back. Always looking forward to my next session.

After going to Physique57 in New York and the Bar Method in San Francisco for several years, I was excited to find this fitness studio when I moved here for grad school last year. I have gone to 4 types of classes here: Barre Mixed, Barre II, Cardio Mixed, and ArmsAbsBooty. ArmsAbsBooty is my favorite so far, it combines the muscle toning work that you find in bar classes but mixes it up with spurts of cardio to keep you sweaty and working hard! Jocelyn, owner and instructor, is a ball of energy and the studio feels homey and welcoming. Highly recommend!

If you seriously want a fitness routine that will give you mad results, Akemi Fitness is the place to go! If you can’t tell just by looking at her body, Jocelyn is a highly-​trained individual when it comes to fitness, and she knows all of the best tricks to keep challenging her students so that everyone gets the results they are looking for. I have had several injuries that make some fitness classes hard for me to do, but Jocelyn offers modifications for those of us that need it.
Although she is very professional, Jocelyn makes it a point to make sure every single student in her classes feels welcome and successful. I highly recommend the Akemi Barre classes and Akemi Cardio Sport, both of which classes were created by Jocelyn herself!

Love, love, love Akemi Fitness. Jocelyn is a tireless, inspiring instructor. I was unsure of what to expect, being that I am not a dancer and not particularly flexible. Jocelyn made me feel comfortable with the exercises and worked to make sure I had proper form. She creates a fun, welcoming, friendly environment… and kicks your ass.
My favorite classes are Akemi Cardio and Arms-​Abs-​and-​Booty. Hello, Arms! The Akemi Barre classes are amazing as well. I am not one to love a slow/​easy workout, and all of these classes deliver. My tone and flexibility have really improved. Thank you, Akemi!

Jocelyn is fantastic and I love her studio. I have only gone twice but I bought a pass of 10 because i intend to go regularly even though I belong to a gym in the area. Her classes combine weights, yoga and pilates for a great low impact but intense workout. I consider myself fit and know my way around the weight room, but my muscles were so sore after my first class. Plus Jocelyn is so sweet and the class just flies by. Highly, highly recommend.