Lithe Method

I was here once for a Unilocal event but arrived late so I was not able to attend the class. They have a strict no entry 5 minute after class has started policy which I can respect. I actually like that. Other rules include: no phones in the classroom and a fee for last minute cancelations. These rules should be in place everywhere. Basic courtesy.
This place is on the 4^th floor of a building in an alley way. Haha when you look down Cuthbert St. you will see Sweet Fitness. It is to the right of Sweet Fitness. Hit the buzzer to get in the door and take the elevator up.
Take off your shoes before entering the office, sign in on the left and make your way to the free lockers. The locker room and restroom is pretty well maintained with supplies for the females.
My friend then brought me back here to try a Thinny workshop with her. This is a sculpting class with half hour of lower body and half hour of upper body using the bands.
Tip: Wear long pants that covers the ankle. You can also bring sweatbands. If you are doing a class where you need to pull on the ribbons, bring workout gloves.
First timers can try a class out for free by registering on their website. Select the complimentary option when checking out.

Classes are great. A little cramped sometimes. Clean. Bathrooms and showers provided. Also have lockers for you to use.

I attended my first Lithe Method class last night at 5:45pm with instructor Jennifer L in Old City. I had heard about this boutique-​style workout a few times and was encouraged to attend using my Classpass! I had no idea that it was founded in Philly! I attended «Twiggy». Each class has a different quirky name and some are more cardio based and some more strength based, from my understanding. Twiggy was cardio based.
Upon arrival to the studio, I was greeted by a kind front-​desk staff member who introduced me to the studio, provided me a quick tour, and recommended I use wrist sweatbands for the workout. (she was going to lend me her personal set, but for $ 4 I bought my own!)
She directed me to the room where my class would take place. I entered a room with ballet bars along each wall, yoga mats scattered across the floor, and exercise bands suspending from the ceiling. I chose a mat, strapped into the bands (velcro straps go around your wrist, hence the sweatbands!) and got started!
(Ps I also used the locker room, which includes one toilet, 2 showers, LOTS of lockers with keys provided, and 2 sinks. They provide hair ties and lotions for those in need! Very clean!)
The instructor was very energetic and knowledgeable. I didn’t have to read her bio to know she must have a dance background.
Most of the workout consisted of repeating the same sequenced (cardio) choreography over and over, with a few other strength pieces mixed in about 10% of the time. There was no doubt that Lithe Method was created by a former cheerleader– there are a lot of cheer elements! The class got me sweating a LOT and I left feeling great!
I would definitely attend another class at Lithe! I think I will check out the Rittenhouse location next week. I gave 4 out of 5 stars only because this was my first and only class.
Thanks, Lithe!

Have you tried Lithe yet? If not, what are you waiting for?
I started lithing after years of marathon running and Lithe (alone) got me into the best shape of my life. Now, more than 3 years later, I still lithe almost daily — in part so I can get in a killer work out, but also so I can see my friends, buy tasty juices /​food, and experience whatever new workout twists Lauren and the wonderful Lithe instructors have in store for us. Most importantly, Lithe offers a friendly environment where all women can feel comfortable in their own skin. I couldn’t recommend Lithe any higher.

I’ve been «lithing» for two years, and the workout itself is 5 stars all the way. Of the exercise régime’s I’ve tried, this is the best total body workout around. Certain classes rotate in and out, depending on the season, but there is still a good deal of variety in the course offerings each month. I really credit Lithe with jump-​starting big changes in my fitness level and overall health. Some of my favorite instructors are no longer on the schedule (i.e. Nicole — loved her) or are at different locations (i.e. Cory), which is a bummer. But, I’ve generally liked all of the instructors and have found them to be approachable and concerned that their clients get a great workout. They each bring their unique strengths and approach, so the same class might be quite different across different instructors. Some are better than others about starting and ending on time. Through a costly parking ticket in my first few months here, I learned to add an extra 15 minutes to the parking meter, just in case.
Although the workout is great and the facility is mostly good (big, bright, has lockers), there are a couple of studio-​related things that sometimes irk me. The biggest issue I’ve faced is that it gets really (I mean REALLY) hot in these studios (esp the bigger one) during the summer months. I like to a get a good sweat going during a workout, but there have been times when I’m so hot that my workout suffers (too tired to push through, feel a little dizzy, form is compromised). I think they set the temp to somewhere b/​t 70 – 75, but once the class fills up and we start moving, it gets way hotter. This can be especially uncomfortable during band classes, when the ceiling fans are turned off. I’m not sure what the solution is. It’s an old building so I’m sure the A.C. was retrofitted; maybe standing fans located in the front of the room might help? The only other issue I’ve had is that there are usually tumbleweeds of hair rolling on the floor. You can mostly avoid this, unless you take a class that requires direct contact with the floor, rather than using a mat (e.g., watershed, hot legs).
Other than the sometimes hot studios and hairballs:), it is a really great workout. I’ve tried other things, but keep finding my way back to lithe.

Ok, I think I’ve officially reached the level of Lithe Addict. I love the classes, I read the blog (I actually make references to it in normal every day life conversation), I’m considering doing their detox program… I mean I could go on and on. I’m hooked.
Yes, the whole régime has many elements to fall in love with me but for me, it’s simple. I love what it does for my body and how it makes me feel. It’s like nothing else so you never feel stuck in the same old work out régime. It always keeps things interesting!
About the Old City Location:
This location is a fantastic space for Lithe. It’s a lofted space so it’s much less scary jumping around flinging your arms and legs around with the bands. Having the feeling of more space makes me feel like I get much more into my workouts and I love that. The lofted space also makes for some great natural lighting! All in all the whole studio always feels very clean, organized and the staff is friendly. My only complaint? I wish the locker room was a little bigger. It can get a little nuts after classes but I can deal with it.
If you’re thinking about trying Lithe, do it. I thought about it for a year and after my first few classes, I couldn’t believe I waited as long as I did. Just do it!

Lithe is a killer workout, and has transformed my body in ways that just heavy cardio have not been able to. It’s given me more of a shape, rather than just overall fat loss. I wouldn’t call it «fun» the way some do, but it’s work that gives rewards. Classes usually have a very positive vibe. (Something about classes themselves that drives me NUTS is when movements aren’t in time with music!!! ESPECIALLY choreographed, dance inspired movement! it makes my musician brain scream.) Lauren Boggi especially is an excellent teacher, and getting in some classes really shows you what Lithe is all about. I was nervous the first time I took a class with her, but she’s so encouraging and positive, and a leader without being intimidating. Now the downsides… Obviously Lithe is expensive. It’s more than I really should be spending. However, I place a premium on taking care of my health, and it’s worth giving up some other stuff to be able to make it work. I totally get how it’s just not possible for everyone. For that reason, while I’d like to be able to take classes daily, I keep with 2 – 3 a week and fill in my gaps with other exercise. Going along with that, their cancellation policy is brutal. You’re already paying a lot, you need to book well in advance (usually at least a week, 2 weeks for some classes) and sometimes life happens– you get sick, your cat gets sick, you get stuck at the office unexpectedly… having to swallow $ 20 – 23 because there was no way of knowing you couldn’t make class six hours in advance is really tough. I understand the theory, but there’s got to be a better way without nailing loyal lithers so hard. Even refunding HALF the cost would be better than nothing. Another thing that’s irked me is the introduction of towel service at Rittenhouse and Old City– for a rental fee!!! Come on– other gyms that charge $ 60/​month have towel service included. Surely one that charges $ 210+ a month could absorb the cost. Finally, as someone mentioned before, spacing can be a real problem. I’d honestly rather not get into a class because it’s full than be stuck squeezed into one where I’m frustrated because I can’t do the workout properly. Since I’m reviewing on the Old City studio page, I’ll mention that it’s my favourite studio. Parking can be a pain, but it’s a beautiful, well kept space.
Edited to add: I’m not particularly comfortable with the «cheerleading» aspect of Lithe. I feel that it’s basically the antithesis of feminism… but it’s a pretty subtle part of the workout, and I avoid the «cheer heavy» classes (pom, rocksteady). It seems that lately they’ve been amping up the emphasis on cheering, and to me, it loses credibility of sorts in that…

Joined the cult. There are so many reasons why this place works.
1). An ever changing schedule keeps you trying different techniques so you don’t get bored.
2). Clean spaces. You watch every other member wipe down their mat at the end of a class with an amazing smelling cleaner provided by lithe.
3). No contracts, no fees, no automatic monthly deductions from your bank account. You pay by the class or can purchase class cards. This way, you do the classes when you can pay for them, or when you are ready. They are not cheap which will motivate you to actually go to class.
4) The instructors seem to love what they do. Never had a class with a miserable teacher who seemed bored. They are all motivating.
5). Do a class and go. No lingering around waiting for a machine. The crowd is constantly moving.
Things I would like to see happen:
1) PLEASE open a location on East Passyunk Avenue, or just in Passyunk Square somewhere. Even if it’s just one room. Please, please, please.
2) At the Old City location, maybe allow one less person per class. On more than one occasion, I have had to alter the move because there is not enough space between me and the girl next to me.
I am setting a goal to go 2 – 3 times a week all summer long. I think I may have found a way to enjoy exercise.

I was normally attending Lithe classes at the Rittenhouse location but I was trying to attend a Lithe 101 class. I don’t live in the city and I commute so an 8 pm class was hard to get to. I went to this location instead.
Both locations are about the same but this location has lockers instead of just shelves. Not that I’m overly paranoid that someone might steal something. but I guess it could happen. The Rittenhouse location has one big room while this location has two. But the room I was in for Lithe 101 was much smaller. We took in a few extra people for this session and didn’t have enough equipment for everyone. I did feel uneasy about using the aerial bands because it felt like we were going to hit each other.

Old City Lithe! *heart*
When I talk to people who don’t know Lithe, I’m guilty of just saying «I’m going to pilates» rather than confess my cardio cheer obsession. Now that I work practically across the street from this studio, I’m excited to be a more regular face after about a year of mashing some living social deals together and biking over to Rittenhouse Square for 8am classes (I had a weird work schedule).
A class I went to last week was a classic Lithe moment — for whatever reason, this lunchtime class only had 5 of us students (a rare treat!) and the instructor diverted from the regularly scheduled programming to use HULA HOOPS in class. You can’t imagine how I lit up. HULA HOOPS you guys. Fun central. Of course it was a killer workout, but I wanted to add a review of the Old City location to profess my new-​er-​found love for them (and lockers! I love that this location has lockers!)

Lithe is like nothing ive even done before, the lithe 101 class explained it as fa fusion cheerleading workout using various props. all the classes have funny names and target the entire body which is a plus in my book .The studio is clean, inviting and the blast house music ! It took me 25 minutes to walk home after my first class because my legs felt as if they not actually apart of my body.
Ive done various classes to target my trouble areas and i even gave the band classes more than one try sadly Im not a fan of the band classes they seem difficult (for me at least).
My only gripe is that you have to schedule classes wayyyyyyy in advance and its sort of annoying. I get that this work out is super popular and some classes are alot popular than others. I have yet to try skinny jeans (even though i really want to) because its alway full at both locations ive been too. SAD.
IMHO charging as much as this studio does and have the popular classes fill up so quickly warrants me to use my 200.00 (the cost of 10 classes) to something i can actually get into. I will try a few more classes before i make the switch to pure barre but im leaning towards that because of connivence.

I purchased a Living Social deal for two 101 classes, three fitness classes and a Lithe juice. I was a little nervous, as I just finished rehabbing a leg and ankle injury, but the 101 class was a great way to get the proprietary moves down and to get some advice about modifications before being thrown into a regular class – and, I definitely broke a sweat! The proximity to my house and the variety of classes was also a big draw – I LOVED the «Cinch» and «Skinny Jeans» classes and I found that even with the modifications, the workout kicked my butt. The instructors are friendly and the playlists are great. I prefer group classes to individual workouts and the extra motivation of having to use the class or lose the investment really helped (especially when it’s so cold!). I’m totally a convert.

$ 4210 — that’s how much I like LIthe. Just looking at my purchase history from the last few years — minus online deals and items bought in the studio (so I’ve spent more) — this is how much I’ve spent on this workout, at minimum. Yep, I’m definitely a member of the cult.
This workout isn’t necessarily unlike other workouts I’ve done before, but the whole pricing structure and online reservation system, and blog, and branding makes me stick with it, along with the proximity of the studio to my house. It’s a genius setup. Because it’s expensive and if you miss class, without cancelling early in the AM, you are still charged. What a motivation! And the classes aren’t cheap!
It’s all females — but I did actually see a DUDE (!!!) in a class last week — awesome — so that’s definitely a plus, normally. The music is mostly great. I hate the radio and top 40 and it’s mostly none of that, so I’m typically loving the mixes. Nowhere else will you work out to a mix of Dilla beats and unknown remixes of your favorite Tribe Called Quest songs, or house music, or downtempo awesomeness. Their DJ definitely has excellent musical taste.
It’s not perfect though. I will say sometimes the attitude of some of the instructors or fellow students can be slightly off putting — and I’ve been going for years. Lately some of the the gimmick-​filled classes and gimmicky products have left me rolling my eyes. Can we please just kill ourselves working out in Split or Sculpt and not worry about frantically moving my arms in High Waisted? And what’s up with the garbage pants? I know wrestlers in middle school used to run with them to lose water weight prior to weigh in. I’ve taken far too much anatomy and physiology in college to know that losing water weight is not permanent. Not to mention they look silly. And when the instructors make us do moves off-​beat to the music it just kills me. Makes me want to walk out of the room.
Some of the instructors are really great and you’ll learn to love them. My favorites are Nicole, Kim and Barry. I encourage everyone who can afford it to try it, you’ll probably become hooked for years like me.
Additionally, I have never gotten so many compliments on my ass. Even a car full of GIRLS once stopped me on the street to compliment me. I definitely attribute this to Lithe workouts.

Lithe’s location in Old City is so great because it has two studios (a small and a larger one) and the community vibe there is very welcoming. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, try a 101 or the Immersion. I aim to take the 6 or 7am classes so I don’t have to worry about paying for parking :)

As a distance runner, I’m always looking for new ways to cross-​train. A few of my runner-​friends suggested lithe, so I checked it out. Took one 101 class, which I found to be very helpful, as it was a sampling of what some of the other classes offer. After that, I was hooked and signed up for hipster. For someone whose hips are super tight, this class was HARD! However, I loved the challenge and the following day, my hips were on fire (but in a good way). I’m excited to try more classes, but beware — classes fill up fast. Thankfully, there are a variety of class options, times and locations. I can’t wait to try them all!

Love Lithe!
I started in the beginning of October and called ahead to make reservations and to find out more about it. I had initially read about Lauren in Philadelphia Magazine about a year and a half ago and she had spoken about how great Lithe is. What got me most intrigued was she had said that she was able to eat a cupcake a day. Me, being a sugar addict was intrigued. :)
I spoke with a woman and she had suggested to start with the immersion and go from there. I was nervous since I was not in the best of shape but she reassured me that I would be fine and it’s my best option.
I’m addicted. Coming from me who has zero attention span and doesn’t like to visit the gym… EVER. The instructors are great, the classes are phemonimal. I’ve been doing Lithe for about a month and it’s the best decision I’ve made in quite awhile. Try it! You’ll love it.
See you in class!

Lithe is a GREAT workout!
At first you have to take either an Immersion or a Lithe 101 class so that you are prepared for the moves (proprietary) that youll have to do in the other regular classes. I took 3 Lithe 101s because I wasnt used to the barre and wanted to make sure I didnt look stupid in class :)
The OC studio is great, theres one large room and one small room, locker room area, bathroom, and then the reception area which has Lithe Foods and the Lithe clothing line for sale.
Classes are varied, theres ones specifically targeting your abs, butt, arms, etc. You use bands, balls, the barre, steps, hulahoops, its NOT boring! Youll be shaking in a good way afterwards!
Buy the 10 class card and youll save some money, or keep your eyes on
and groupon for deals!

I am surprised that no one has rated this studio yet. Please see my posts for the No Libs and Rittenhouse locations for more of my thoughts on Lithe, but I wanted to say that the Old City location is definitely the best studio. It has two rooms which = more classes and a great view of the city. It is a little hotter though in this studio than the others (due to all the windows) so I would suggest dressing light in the summer.