Exceed Physical Culture

I discovered Exceed through ClassPass and I absolutely love it! Very clean facility, welcoming staff, and for a small studio they offer many different classes per day. I also love that they have 8PM classes during the week since I work until 7:15PM everyday so that’s the only time I can really make it to the gym.
Halston is by far my favorite instructor. She’s so upbeat and encouraging and you really feel like she wants you to do well and succeed! She seriously goes above and beyond — I highly recommend her classes.

I’m totally afraid of bootcamps. I’m not super athletic. I’m not fast. Pushups are hard for me. I can do I think four? And the fourth one is big time struggle bus.
My very fit colleague saw a deal on Gilt for 10 classes at the Tribeca location right around it’s grand opening that was dirt cheap. I signed up because there is nothing like spending money to conquer a fear, right?
The first time I went I was all, how hard could it be? It’s not like it’s Crossfit or Barry’s (which I suppose I thought were super hard?) so I went into it thinking sure, I could do this. If I hated it, maybe I could sell my extra classes to some sucker or gym rat.
So we go. The instructor says we will start with Kettlebells. I’m looking at him all «what are those?». He was nice and described each move really well. I was able to keep up. I learned about so many things that day! Bosu Balls, Burpees (which I knew about but had never done), TRX, Kettlebells. It was hard. It kicked my ass. I was so tired, but felt as though I had actually accomplished something. Fun! I would come back!
I did come back. For a total of 13 classes. I actually really liked it. I wish the instructors would do a little more walking around and help you with your form, since I have exactly zero idea what I’m doing and an injury would be the most perfect excuse ever to let these muscles get all soft and flabby again. I went from the lowest weight for Kettlebell swings up to something much higher. I got fast on the rowing machine and found out I can do 10 pushups! It’s a tough workout and I’m crazy fatigued when it’s over, but I sort of liked it. I could feel my muscles in my arms and legs and was completely shocked by this.
I felt like we worked out so many different muscle groups and I liked that every class is very different, even when taught by the same instructor. I think sometimes the classes are a bit crowded, which for someone lazy like me, meant I could slack off and not have the instructor come yell at me. Which I totally did. I know, I KNOW. That’s not the point of boot camp, but I just get so tired!
It’s also insanely hot in the locker rooms and there isn’t a ton of room to get ready. They have a really strict late policy, so come early! The staff were super nice and accommodating though always ready to help out when you needed it.
If I still lived in the city, I would still go to Exceed for the sheer ass-​kicking they serve up daily. It made me sore and tired, but I looked good!

I am usually intimidated by cross fitness type classes, but Exceed did a great job of making my workout a pleasurable experience. Upon walking in I was welcomed by the receptionist and instructor and told where everything was. The space seemed neat and clean and slightly less torturous than I imagined.
The class had eleven people which was a manageable size for the space and allowed us to work in groups of three or four through the circuits. The class started with a challenge that included squats, burpees, and sit-​ups and then moved onto several different circuits. The circuits included TRX, box jumps, rowing, Bosu balls, kettlebells and jump roping. Some circuit stations were more difficult then others, but knowing each only lasted 45 seconds made them seem achievable. The instructor, Amy, was friendly and helped me feel comfortable during my first experience at Exceed.
I did not have the chance to see the locker room downstairs, but I was told there were showers. The lockers upstairs that I used had a keypad lock. The location down in Tribeca is not super convenient for me, but I liked the class enough that I would venture out of my way to try it again.

I always walk out of here sweating bullets. Great workout with high intensity intervals and circuits. Little break to no break time. Recommended for all levels. Class is usually small from 10 – 12 people. Small space working space as you alternate between circuits. I learn something different each time I come here.

I just finished the intro special at the Tribeca location – they are offering 2 classes for $ 32, which is a great way to try out the gym. The problem is, now I’m addicted, so I’m going to have to shell out some serious guap to continue, since I want to go at least 3 times/​week. I actually have a gym membership somewhere else, but these classes are so much better. I took 2 classes with Marianna, and she is absolutely fantastic. She pushes you beyond where you think you can go, but is also encouraging. She makes sure your body is where it’s supposed to be for each workout (usually mine is not, haha) and gives you modifications to the workout if you are a newbie to any of the circuits, such as TRX. She’s not handholding, but is definitely keeping an eye on everyone in an unobtrusive way to make sure you’re not injuring yourself.
The gym is spotless, bright and airy, has great A/​C and is very large. I’ve been going to the 7AM class and there are usually around 10 people. The workout space is large, though, so everyone has room to spread out. I haven’t felt any need to compete with anyone else, and some of the exercises are group-​based so you have to be somewhat encouraging.
By the end of the class, I am drenched in sweat, my arms or legs are usually shaking, and I want to jump into a pool of ice and call my mommy. It’s one of the best workout experiences I’ve had in NYC.

I am torn with this place. The few classes I took with gabe were wonderful and well structure.
The last one I took with woman instructor which I don’t remember name was awful.
The struggle was obvious. Because she told us to pull ourself to the bar that over head. Which is really advanced and I can’t do that.
Also I know I’m weird but I can’t skip rope and she told us to do 100 each for like 3 times and I can’t do that either.
I’m not sure if the class is tailor to all level. It seems very advanced to me.
So from that’s point I just didn’t return

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place
instructors are GREAT and you will not leave this class without feeling extremely accomplished and also dripping in sweat!
i try to come at least once a week (unfortunately i attend through classpass so i’m limited to 3x a month)
class sizes are good. i normally like to come during lunch time so the class sizes aren’t too packed

I love HIIT/​circuit training classes and Exceed is one of my fave studios for these types of workouts. The classes are usually capped at 15 or less. The studio is pretty big. The workouts are always varied and challenging. Rowers, kettlebells and TRX make consistent appearances but a good variety of other stuff is also in rotation (jump ropes, hurdles, boxes, bosu). Ironically, I feel like the male trainers here sometimes take it easy on women but the female trainers here are some of the best I’ve worked with. The classes usually have a good mix of men and women though the ratio tips just a bit to more women (but still less so than other studios like Fhitting Room, Drill Fitness, Body Space Fitness).
The locker room is just a little bit cramped though.

This is one of my favorite places to work out!!! I try to take a class here at least once a week. The instructors are awesome, encouraging and supportive.
The workouts range from instructor to instructor but overall it’s a total body workout via rowing machines, kettle bells, TRX, weighted ropes, jump ropes and medicine balls. You’ll be dripping with sweat from the warm up alone.
There are electronic lockers and showers in the women’s locker room and the space is always clean.
Go there NOW!!!

Finally got around to taking couple classes at this boutique gym & am pleased to say these classes are the real deal. Def for those looking for more focused workout for that extra push. Awesome clean studio, with all the up to date equipments these days. They also provide small stretching area outside. Lockers are nice and clean as well. Staff are friendly & helpful.
Come ready to sweat and work. Instructors def push you and give you options if are unable to perform certain movements. Very few if any breaks, quick timed transitions. Class has nice balance of strength and cardio movements to really get a full body workout. Looking forward to taking more classes here. Classes I took had wide range of levels and ages, not an intimidating environment for those that are new to fitness.
Def worth a shot if you’re into fitness.

I had a class here the other day. I guess I’m not really into weight lifting and do it like once every 2 years, but if u r, this is definitely the class for u. The studio is spotless– extremely clean and very modern looking. They have automatic locks for the lockers which is great and towels r fresh. Instructor and front desk peeps r very friendly.
This studio is very competitive. They have a writing on the wall that says Smt like if u r not the first then u r the last. I mean it’s not that inspiring
Class– they turn on edm and it’s great but I feel it’s lacking the motivation the fun and the energy overall. The class is small like 6 people but There were times when I knew my form was totally incorrect because I just do n i rarely lift weight (I have a private instructor who comes to teach me 3 times a week so I know how each muscle is supposed to feel and how ur back should be etc) and the instructor corrected like 1 in 5 of my bad forms.
Also the instructor I had said Smt like do 50 squats w 12lbs weight n repeat w other sets then go to the wall when u r done. Then it became competitive coz u obviously don’t want to be the last one on the floor. But if u r then other ppl just stare at u n put u on the spot which can get extremely uncomfortable. I freakinf hate that! Instructor also didn’t bother to get my name.
I would recommend this to people who live in TriBeCa n have had some experience w weight. But I think u can also get similar type of this workout somewhere else

It’s…fine. I know not every studio can have superstar instructors, but maybe they can try a little harder. I’ve been a handful of times to the lunch time classes and have been left underwhelmed. Never been asked my name or heard the instructors call out regulars’ names to cheer them on and have never seen any modifications done. Maybe I need an in on who are the good instructors and try their classes. On the plus side the facilities are really nice. Just an overall meh experience.

I finally made it to my first class at Exceed (Tribeca). I think you can effectively call the studio the «Dungeon of Doom». I walked into class and saw the TRX straps, the kettlebells, the rowers, medicine balls and traditional weights and my stomach nearly went to the floor. I was NOT ready for this class.
The class begins with a very quick warm up just to get the blood flowing. I think it lasted all of 3 minutes, then the real work begins = the CIRCUITS. We started with a warm up circuit and the class split into teams of three. There were about 12 of us in class so we had 4 groups thus 4 stations. I complain, but I loved it. The circuits make the class go by so quickly and while the stations remained the same throughout the class, the workouts varied with each round. The circuits really help the class go by quickly and I appreciate the instructor coming around to correct form.
Locker rooms here were also ok. I think there were about 4 shower stalls, which is helpful though getting dressed /​ready room was quite limited.
All in, great circuit /​strength class and pretty good facilities. I’ll likely be back.

For the price I was underwhelmed. Facilities were perfectly clean and staff were there to help. The overall tone of the class was very transactional and didn’t flow. There was no element of motivation and the room was so small it required the instructor to keep running around rearranging things. He was a nice guy but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t have gotten from a normal gym’s classes (e.g. NYC Sports Club).

This class is amazing! I booked this class through Classpass, which I might add is really difficult to book because this class fills up FAST. (I’m really tempted not to submit this review so it doesn’t get even more difficult…) That’s what’s great about the class though– it fills up fast because each session is small. My class only had 9 people and the instructor was able to pay attention to each person.
Most of the equipment we used was foreign to me (I really hate going to the gym and I’ve never had a trainer) so it was really exciting to learn a bunch of it in one class.
The studio itself is really clean. The women’s locker room is a decent size– not small and not exactly big. It’s just right for small classes. The lockers have built-​in locks which is convenient. And there are multiple shower stalls. Since the class is so small, there’s usually no line.
The class is non-​stop and pretty intense. The instructor gives clear instructions and he is attentive. I’ve taken various bootcamp classes and this was way more challenging. I’m not going to lie– I thought I would throw up at some point. But hey, that’s when you know you’re working hard!
If you’re looking for a real workout and real results, definitely check this out.
If I wasn’t on class pass, I would probably occasionally shell out $ 32/​class (they also have other packages — 5 for $ 160 and 10 for $ 310).

Last night was my first time at Exceed, and it crushed me – in a good way. It’s a tough, full body circuit workout using TRX straps, jump ropes (this was fun), medicine balls, and kettlebells. It’s a nice mix of cardio and strength, and the circuit format keeps it from being boring since you’re switching every minute or so. And I’m inspired to buy a jump rope again cause that shit is hard.
The kicker was the partner work where you alternate between burpees and forearm planks. We started out with 10 burpees while your partner does plank, you do 8, 6, and so on so forth. This came after the circuit work so I just about died. Burpees = the worst.
Overall, Exceed is good for people who want a challenging and intense workout but don’t need a lot of attention or guidance. People seem like just like they’re just here for the workout and want to get in and out as fast as possible.
My only complaint is that it was a really packed class, probably because of the time of year, so it felt impersonal. I can’t help but compare it to Body Space Fitness (another circuit format studio), where you get tons of instruction and adjustments. Here the instructor had a tendency to go really quickly through the demonstrations so it was confusing at first. I’m sure it was because of the size of the class that night though. I’ll still come back if I ever want to kick my own butt.

I’m a newbie to Exceed and I was really blown away by the work out and the facility. The downtown location is clean and
spacious and locker rooms are kept well. I took Kelly’s class and got a really good full body work out. I don’t normally work out and so as a beginner, I was a bit intimidated. However the classes are kept small, the trainer walks around and checks on everyone. I didn’t feel judged, this class was very motivating. You go by your own pace and she teaches you various exercises. The class went by fast by the constant movement and variety. Best part was to walk out of there learning something new and knowing I could do it on my own! Would def. come back and recommend Kelly.

I wouldn’t go anywhere else for Cross Body training. Everyone is so friendly, the instructors are great. You get a sense that everyone really cares there.
Take Marianna’s class! I find hers the most challenging, even though they are all great. I always leave her class feeling amazing… she definitely pushes you and varies the exercises each week. It is definitely a challenge, and I can begin to feel how strong I am getting even after a month of her classes.
The space is very clean and well maintained too.

Love this place! Always a great workout.
Pros: Instructors are great. Today I had Kelly and she was wonderful. Was really attentive to everyone’s form. The venue is clean.
Cons: Bathrooms/​locker rooms are small but hey, it’s nyc.

I love exceed. The classes are small and the instructors care. They will come up to you to correct. The workout is challenging as well. They have all the props to make every workout different. I like how I get many different variations in each class.
The facilities both at ues and TriBeCa are amazing. Very clean and the showers are great. Hair ties for the ladies are included, but you should bring your own water. I found that the water fountains aren’t very tasty…
If you’re looking for a good workout and you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves for a challenge then this is the place. It lives up to its name.