DEFINE body & mind

My favorite cycling studio in the Houston area. While the facility and equipment is top notch, the service and instructors make the difference. I also happen to enjoy the music selection during the classes, which usually isn’t too loud. I generally don’t prefer to wear earplugs while spinning (personal preference) and this studio is one of the few in which I could avoid wearing them.

I typically go to define in Austin, and I was really excited to see they had studios in Houston too. Define will definitely be my studio to frequent while I’m home from school. I went to the all levels class both yesterday and this morning, and thoroughly enjoyed both. It was also nice that the classes were slightly different from one another — the instructors were both very helpful and welcoming!
The boutique style of the studio is super cute and makes working out a bit more enjoyable. My only complaint is the parking, if you go at time when there is more than one class going on (mornings), all of the spots in the lot are likely to be full. The studio was very helpful when I called to ask about other parking options, so I’d suggest doing the same if you can’t find a spot!

Due to an off-​putting experience at Define: Tanglewood, I’ve been apprehensive about trying another Define location ITL. Unfortunately, I had reached my 3-​visits-​per-​month limit at my primary location in sunny, smiling, suburban Sugar Land (ugh, not cool, ClassPass… I’m not counting, why do you have to?!), so I ended up here. I’m happy to say — this location is much bigger and friendlier than its stuck-​up sister down the block. Located on the narrow, bustling street of W. Gray, it’s easy to miss if you’re not careful. Keep an eye out for the big Kroger across the street: this will serve as a landmark, as well as extra parking if you can’t squeeze into Define’s very restricted lot. Unlike other Define locations that I’ve been to, this one has two floors: the 1^st floor contains changing rooms, restrooms, merchandise, and their Rev room for spin classes. Upstairs, you’ll find the rooms for their Body/​barre and Mind/​yoga classes. Lockers, cubbies, towels, and everything you’ll need for class is provided — just bring some water, socks for Body, and spin shoes (or $$ to rent some) for Rev.
I tried out Kathryn’s Xpress Body (quick 30min) class during my lunch break today and enjoyed it. Kathryn is pretty hands-​on and assisted me with any forms if she saw me struggling. Since Define is a chain, you can drop in and out of different locations and still expect mostly the same routines and movements — with a few manageable tweaks. I hate feeling like a n00b whenever I visit a new location, so being able to pick up the routine quickly no matter where I am is pretty sweet. In regards to other classes… I’ve heard from other Unilocalers that the Rev classes get a little TOO cramped for comfort, so be prepared for that.
All in all, I felt welcome and comfortable here. This is a Define location I wouldn’t mind coming back to.

Taking class here is so fun, refreshing, and kicks your butt. No matter the instructor. High energy, non-​stop cardio and lean muscle building. I like taking mind/​body classes to get a slow down and re-​center at the end. Get their glow juice after class, so good.

Just finished the 9:15 body class with Susan class and instructor were great. The 2 star review is for the snotty girl with the curly hair checking me in I got there at 9:25 and she says well yaaaa I mean it’s kinda late to come to the class. But I guess I can do this one time for you. Cancellation policy is no more than 15 min so I had 5 min left … Please just do your job and check me in instead of giving customers attitude. Maybe I wouldn’t be 10 min late if there was freaking parking available or circling around hoping someone leaves. I had to park at Kroger. This location has the worst parking!!!

This location has terrible parking and classes are overbooked. After circling then walking 3 blocks from parking, waiting in line to check-​in, I’m told since it’s now less than 2 minutes my space has been given away to waitlisters. They can’t fit me in later today because they’re all full. I’ll take my business elsewhere.

I have been a client of Define since 2011 and still going strong. The workouts are challenging, the studio is beautiful, and the staff is so friendly and encouraging. Define is the only workout I’ve been able to do consistently without getting bored. I also appreciate how the studio works hard to keep things interesting and different (adding rev., yoga, and hammock classes which I still need to try!). I love this place!

Today was my very first class at define body, I went to the River Oaks location for the basic body class which is the perfect introductory class. Anne was the instructor and she was really friendly, professional and helpful. I’ve taken classes at other places like my gym and found that I didn’t get the personal help I needed and the classes where always way to big for me to see what the instructor was teaching us… this however was thankfully not the case at Define Body, the class was small 10 – 15 tops. The instructor was really good at helping with posture and form, she always was there to help you if you weren’t doing a pose/​stretch right. Which I really found so helpful, and she was nice and didn’t make you feel like you wernt doing things good enough.
The class is 60mins long, which even though it was intense it seemed to fly by. I had fun, but still got the workout I needed. A single class is $ 20, I recommend downloading the Define Body app and booking a class near you, they have 4 locations. I’m definitely going to become a member!

Here’s the dealio…
Strengths: Ambient studios, free towels, challenging and varied workouts
Room for improvement: staff can be bit snooty, reinstate «teacher/​educator» discount on drop in classes
I recently moved to Austin, Texas, but I still love to drop into a Define class whenever I am in town… unfortunately I feel like they have lost their friendly touch as of my last few visits. When I lived in Houston I was an auto-​renew member (for almost 2 years). I started going to Define when there was only one studio in Tanglewood, so I know how amazing the studio, the workouts and the staff can be.
My last few encounters with their staff members have been kinda average. I think this is an unfortunate example of how a business can outgrow that fun and friendly culture that made it unique. For the amount of money paid for these classes I think that I deserve something much better than average.

This is a great place for light training and cardio exercise. The environment is clean and welcoming. Staff is nice. I really like the girl named Kirby, she is sweet.
I only stopped in for a look and walk thru but I plan to attend soon!

I have only tried the Revolution classes, they are very intense. But I burn 600 calories in 45 mins!!! I am going to try the body and mind one day… for now I am just trying to get through a whole class!

This studio is in the middle of a remodel and does not currently have all the amenities some of the other locations have. They use cubbies vs lockers and they have porta potties outside the studio right now. Parking is a bit tricky, check out their website for parking spot tips. I worked out here twice while on a trip to Houston and took a Define Body and a Define Revolution class.
There are two studios, one set up for their barre and yoga classes and a second studio for spinning (Define Revolution). Both the Define Body (barre) and Define Revolution classes were fast paced set to lively music. After taking Define Body I felt it in my shoulders and triceps big time the next day. The Define Revolution was a 45 minute spin incorporating an upper body workout too. In the spin class we were doing pushups, lifting weights and using a resistance ball on the bike.
Wear grip socks to the barre and yoga classes and bring your spinning shoes if you have them. Otherwise they sell grip socks and you can rent shoes for $ 3.

Used to love coming here. It’s a small studio and they’ve really packed the Rev room w bikes. Rev classes have become unbearably crowded and hot due to all the body heat. Both Rev room doors are shut during class so no air comes in or out. Gross. They also share a lot with Men’s Wearhouse and more than half of the lot is reserved for Men’s Wearhouse and is empty.

I love this place. I tried out the unlimited body and rev month deal as a new customer last year and while I enjoyed the Barre classes and definitely found them challenging I preferred the rev classes. I have just started getting back into doing rev more consistently and felt compelled to write a review after being in Erin Stewarts rev class. She is by far one of the most encouraging and motivating instructors I’ve ever had! She was fun bumping along to the music but she also had a way of getting every one to feed off each others energy and encouraging you to push your own personal limits. I left that class feeling pumped and like I had had a really fun 45 minute workout. Some cons to define are definitely the parking situation as well as the fact that a good percentage of the locker don’t seem to work this year… Other wise its a great place! Highly recommend it.

I’m writing the same review for both Bar Method and Define (body only, not revolution) for people who are looking to compare these two places. I’ve done a month of unlimited classes at Bar Method and am halfway through my month at Define.
The Workout Itself:
Overall, I think the Define workouts are harder than Bar Methods. They are a little bit more aggressive and have a slightly more cardio aspect in them that Bar Method does not. I’m glad I did Bar Method first because they emphasize posture and form a lot more than Define. With smaller classes and personalized attention (see Instructors below), the folks at Bar Method corrected me more and I feel like I learnt more at Bar Method about barre. While the workout at Define is harder, being on your high toes is optional at Define whereas at Bar Method its really not — i.e. Bar Method pushes you more. That said…
Class sizes/​timings:
Bar Method has 1 location while Define has a few to choose from. Between work and home, River Oaks and Tanglewood are two good options for me personally at Define. I prefer the studio at Bar Method, its bigger and brighter, while some of Define’s classes can seem closed in and are overly crowded especially if you plan to go to the classes right after work. One of the rooms at River Oaks Define doesn’t even have windows, is very long and narrow and I always feel like I’m on top of the person next to me. BUT given that Define has more than one location and some places have more than one studio, there’s many more options for classes to fit your schedule. That said…
Instructors:
Because Define has more locations and studios, they also have more instructors. I think it’s going to take time to find the instructors that you like. Bar Method being a sole studio with a limited number of instructors (I think 4 in total) and so Bar Method resulted in a more personal experience since all the instructors go out of their way to get to know you. You walk in and they greet you by name and I’m sure you’ll get there with Define too, it’ll just take a lot longer.
Parking:
Hassle at both locations but harder at the River Oaks location. Not sure why Men’s Warehouse needs so many parking spaces but thats not my battle.
Overall:
I will probably end up continuing to go to Define Body since it fits my schedule better, especially since the monthly package is more expensive at Bar Method than Define I just can’t justify it given that Define has more classes to choose from than Bar Method. It might have been different if Bar Method had more than one studio and offered more class times.
Cancellation Policy:
Bar Method has a 1 hour cancellation policy vs Define Body’s 12 hour policy (charged $ 5 for a late cancellation). Given that I go right after work and things come up, I much preferred Bar Method’s policy.
Define Body gets a –1 for: Parking, lack of corrections, crowded studios, too much lululemon clothing, cancellation policy
Bar Method gets a –1 for: Parking, limited class timings, no friday afternoon classes, easier workout*
* disclaimer: Bar Method is easier than Define IF you are pushing yourself in both classes, have proper form and are not taking it easy.

The sure sign of a good workout? My legs feel like jelly. Actually, scratch that… my whole body feels like jelly. The classes are held on the second floor and I was a little worried I might collapse on my way back down the stairs at the end.
1 hour with Elizabeth will kick your butt. Seriously, I feel like if I could just make it through the entire class doing everything she said, I would be in the best shape of my life.
This was my first class so let me share a few pro tips for other newbies:
1) Arrive early. There is some paperwork to fill out and the (incredibly nice) staff will personally help you get set up and show you everything you’ll need for class if you arrive before the check-​in rush.
2) The mirror is the front of the room. For your first class, pick a spot in the back. Nothing says «hey I’m new» like looking like an uncoordinated idiot.
3) Modify if needed and give yourself a break. This is intense and it is hard. Unless you’ve been working out religiously somewhere else, you will probably not be able to keep up with the regulars. Do what you can. No one will make fun of you for taking a quick break mid thigh killing squats or skipping the weights behind your knees in the glute section.
I bought a 10 pack and can’t wait to start getting back in shape at Define. As soon as my legs recover from today’s class that is!

Dig. Dig. Dig. Ence. Ence. Ence. Push. Push. Push. Remind yourself why you came here today, and what you want to accomplish…
The River Oaks location is my favorite Define, as it’s closer to my casa, but its my favorite layout, with upstairs and downstairs, and REV classes (these are spin classes on steroids so I’ve been told) The classes range from 6a.m.-745p.m. at night, and weekends, so the schedule is good for everyone. The teachers are absolutely the BEST with some of my favorites are Kirby, Elizabeth, Donna, and Cornilla, but seriously no matter who you go to, you will get a work out, and two wont be the same, you will work parts of you you didn’t know you HAD, and see differences in places you forgot about. Some of the best instructors have the best music and really gets the hour going. The class with challenge you and your core. You walk about of there feeling like a million bucks. As far as price, it varies, as they have many options in packages, or unlimited monthly deals per month, which is absolutely WORTH it. Great vibe, great atmosphere, and great people.
They also offer a variety of workshops, and healthy cooking and living classes throughout the month. Another thing I like, is that the Define family does a lot of charity, community involvement, and always has donation classes (both rev and body) for causes such as the Military, Fire Department, and various Cancer charities and Texas Children’s. It’s a great way to come check out a class with little commitment, and supporting some great causes.

Plus: Great workout Downside: Expensive!
At this moment I can’t feel my legs, but I feel a tiny bump starting to form. I’m hoping for a new muscle! The Rev is great spin workout, REALLY REALLY HOT — you have been forewarned. The drawback is the price — $ 20 for a workout and an additional $ 3 for shoes. I bought an unlimited pass for new members which is $ 120 for the first month.
Clothes: Make sure you wear bicycling or yoga pants, and not shorts! I made this mistake on laundry day, and it was not pretty.
The Downside: They use special shoes that latch onto their spin bikes, which are $ 3 to rent and $ 110 to buy! Ugh.

THE BEST bar yoga/​pilates workout I’ve ever experienced!
If you’re in need of a low impact, high calorie burning workout, this is the place to be! Define combines the best of yoga, pilates, core strengthening, and ballet all is one to give you the toned body that you desire. You don’t have to juggle multiple workouts to achieve the results that you want. This class does it all! The instructors also incorporate the use of light weights, balls, mats, and a ballet barre to ensure balance as you work on target areas. I like how they push you through encouragement and give you assistance when needed to ensure you maximize your workout.
Do be forewarned! You will walk out with your legs feeling like Jello if you’re going in for the very first time. But that’s a good thing!!! It means you’re getting a full body workout all within an hour.
Their classes tend to get super packed during peak hours, so get there in advance. I’ve been to a few where we didn’t have enough space.
Also, be prepared to shell out a good amount of money for these classes b/​c they are not cheap. However, most people would agree that it’s worth it for the results that you will see within a few weeks.

I loooove Define but I HATE their late cancel policy. Dude, Define — there are now like a hundred girls waiting for my place. There’s no need to charge me just because I decided to sleep in. Not cool. You’re not hurting for a buck, but that’s the reason you do it.
Obviously I’ll keep going because I like it — but stop punishing me just because my girlfriend decides she has a cold at 10pm and I’m too insecure to come alone since I don’t own enough Lululemon.
Edited to add — obviously most of this was written in jest (lulu, for instance). The owner (Hank) wrote me a very nice note explaining the reasoning behind the late cancel policy — since people on the waitlist couldn’t be notified in time if there were just no-​shows, which makes total sense! I’m definitely still a loyal Define customer.

Back in 2009, I took a few PiYoLet (Pilates/​yoga/​ballet) classes at the Dailey Method in San Francisco and Phoenix and was *SO* jelly that we didn’t have anything like it in Houston. So when Define opened circa 2010 … I was seriously stoked.
I checked ‘em out in early 2011, and let me tell you … those other places have nothing on Define. I walked out of my first class with my legs feeling like Jell-​O … but in a good way. And this coming from a gal who actively runs, does hot yoga and bootcamp. By my third class or so, I already noticed changes in my arms and lifted booty. Woot.
The classes are challenging but the music and instructors are upbeat so there’s a lot of great energy to push you through it. The place is boutiquey; there are digital lockers for your personal items; and they have so many classes, you can fit it into your busy schedule. I wish I could afford the $ 200 monthly membership, but in the meantime, I’ll just await another deal to roll around.