Formula3 Fitness

This is 100% my favorite fitness studio in Lafayette. I'm so thankful it opened because the other studios nearby don't even compare. If you're considering checking it out, DO IT. You won't regret it!

VIBE:
Inside it's modern and trendy without being overly done. There are 2 studios, one for the "fire" and "forge" classes and one for the "flow" classes, which is more like a yoga studio. I've seen a mix of age ranges here and everyone is super friendly.

AMENITIES:
The space is brand spanking new - both studios are equipped with swanky lighting, fans, AC, speakers etc. The Fire/Forge studio 3 large TVs as well which display the workouts and reps for you.The main lobby area has lockers (with combo locks built in), a cubby wall, a water fill station, 2 showers and men's/women's restroom areas. There are blow dryers, curling irons, deodorant, hair spray, hair ties and all the goodies you could need.

CLASSES:
There are 3 types of classes at Formula3 - Forge, Fire and Flow. I've tried them all, and really like each one for different reasons.

1) The Forge class is mainly strength training with some cardio mixed in and a light stretch at the end. The cardio is usually on the "sprinters" where you do a ramp up, sprint and chase circuit based on RPMs. The strength training comes in many forms, TRX bands, sandbags, weights, medicine balls etc. I like how each workout is thoughtfully put together, and each move is shown by the coach and then easy to see on the TV for reference.

2) The Fire class focuses on cardio, with a bit of strength training added in, and again a light stretch at the end. The cardio is mainly on the "sprinters" and the rowing machines. This class is tough but really feels good. I'm not a "cardio-person" by any stretch of the imagination, but I can keep up in this class without feeling embarrassed.

3) The Flow class is most akin to a yoga class, with some pilates/barre movements thrown in. I found this to be a great recovery class in between Forge and Fire classes. There are yoga mats provided, as well as blocks.

COACHES:
Everyone I've had a class with really knows their stuff and leads an empowering and mindful workout. The coaches are hands-on, helping correct/perfect movements, and will give modifications when needed. Everyone has their own flavor, as you'd hope, but clearly all well trained.

I loved this studio. The instructor was really welcoming and super helpful with explaining how everything works. It's pretty straight forward, but I liked that they have a video up to remind you of the moves for each round. This was an amazing work out. Definitely kicked my butt! I will be back!

Great skilled knowledgable trainers with a super friendly and supportive vibe. They push but don't shove and offer nothing but encouragement and good feeling...a very generous and super welcoming place. Anyone would feel very comfortable and supported here whatever their fitness/health goals. FWIW, I'm a serious outdoor cyclist who had to stop riding for a medical reason and my wife helped me find this welcoming community to try to keep my fitness. Really good folks with a solid proven fitness program in a welcoming environment.

I recently moved from Southern CA to Lafayette CA. In my search for a good nearby club I found Formula 3 - I used to be a member of Equinox in Southern CA. Formula 3 is by far the best gym I have been a member of. The staff is professional, helpful and fun. The programs and equipment are just about right. Formula 3 is one of the major reason for me to decide to remain in Lafayette as opposed to move to Berkeley as I had intended to eventually move to.

My friends and I took a Forge (strength) class here and had a fantastic workout! The space was super clean and nice. Our coach, Benji, was great - he explained all the moves clearly, corrected our form when needed, and provided good energy and motivation.

Our specific workout utilized the rowers (super nice machines!), medicine balls, mats and our body weight, but each class changes. Loved the playlist too - you know the right beats can really make a difference!

I live in the area and drive past this fitness studio daily. Have been meaning to check it out, and finally popped in this last weekend to start my one-week free trial. So far? 3 days, 3 classes, 3 different instructors - 5 stars!

Pros:
- Solid sweat & workout: Have taken 2 Fire (cardio) and 1 Forge (strength) class. All incorporated rower/strider as well as weights/TRX. You push yourself as hard as you like, and the music and coach give you the boost/support you need. I have felt that the weights/strength component of my other fitness studio is lacking and focuses more on cardio. Even the Fire (cardio) class at Formula3 had sufficient strength training, which I liked!
- Clean & modern space: Super clean facility, large workout rooms, all new equipment (duh), two shower rooms with separate make-up/hair counter (complete with DryBar hairdryers!), lockers, parking on-site (free before 10am daily).
- Great & friendly customer service: Benji (the manager?!) is superb and everyone here makes a point to know your name. (I've been a regular client at another local fitness studio for nearly a year, going 1-2x per week, and they have never made a point to address me by name.)
- Revised package offering: When they first opened I think they only offered monthly memberships, which deterred me. Now you can do a 20-pack. This makes way more sense for my lifestyle (working full-time, two young kids, busy weekends) and hopefully will help them boost attendance.

Cons
- Can't think of any, to be honest. Classes are small (4-6 people in each of the ones I've attended) and that may not be a draw for folks who thrive off the energy of a large class. Would love to see this place gain more traction in the community because IMO they offer a better workout, far superior customer service, and have a cleaner space than other fitness studios nearby.

Summary
Although I don't think I'm going to totally abandon my other fitness studio, I will likely purchase a 20-pack when my trial is over and mix both into my weekly routine. This place has so much potential and I'd love to see them survive and thrive in downtown Lafayette. Strongly recommend grabbing a friend, workout partner or neighbor and checking them out!

These guys are f***king AWESOME!!! I recommend you come try a free class and you will leave feeling f***king awesome yourself!!

Went for my first outdoor class today and was disappointed that the manager told the class they didn't have to wear a mask if they didn't want to. Folks were somewhat distanced, but the bank of elliptical were fairly close. With people huffing and puffing with no masks, it made me uncomfortable. Why take the chance? Keep your clients safe. Please reconsider Benji. I want to come back. Was excited about the class. I won't risk it. Low rating for no mask policy.

I walked in to find out what they do and I was immediately met by a super upbeat associate named Mariah. She showed me the whole studio and explained how they do things.
This is not a 'gym'. It's a class based group fitness facility that pretty much checks off every area of fitness that I was looking for!
I like to run but I know I need more strength training to round out my fitness regimen.. Mariah suggested I try their Forge class, which is pretty much a one hour workout focused mostly on strength and I still got the cardio I love!
The place is clean and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful.
I ended up taking all three of their classes and got my butt kicked in the best way!! I'm so glad I finally found a place where I can reach all of my fitness goals!

They do have showers, but bring your own shower towel ;)
Parking is metered starting at 10am, but I'll take that after the amazing workout I got!

They also have a special right now that if you sign up after your first class your first month is $50!!! that's insane! I signed up and I'm officially a Formula3 member :D

This Studio is very Special! I love coming here. The staff is amazing! I absolutely love the classes and instructors...Benji, Shelly, Sue, Laura and Lindsay totally kick my booty! Mariah and Jori at front office are so sweet and helpful. I actually followed Benji here from Danville when he opened Formula 3! He's so awesome! Worth following!!!

As for the workout and most important for me (since I have injuries)...is that it's a very safe but also incredibly challenging! I get that huge cardio burn (intervals / HIIT work) that I'm looking for on elliptical during circuit (also rowing) - plus the strength circuit is thrown in there for balance. And I'm able to modify anything that I can't do because of my injuries. But trust me, they push you to go harder and become stronger and better. Exactly what I want and need! I can now do "real" pushups! Not on knees!
At first I really only wanted to take the "Fire" Classes which are 2/3 cardio circuit (elliptical / rower) and 1/3 strength... But after taking "Forge" on the opposite days since that's how it's structured - I do see the benefit (balanced workouts). The Forge is 2/3 strength (TRX, Sand bags, weights) and 1/3 cardio.
This program gets you in shape fast! And the time flies by fast since it's fun and they play great music! Everyone that I've met here (members) seem nice and friendly too.

This is definitely my favorite workout... I look forward to it - unlike going to a "gym". The only thing that would make it even better would be to have Fire Classes in the afternoon on Saturday and/or Sunday. Hint hint...

On a side note - in case you are like me and like to get a coffee after a workout - both Starbucks and "Coffee Shop" are in the same plaza... pretty convenient.