Resources

1.⁠ ⁠First impressions really matter.

Every great experience started with a warm, genuine welcome. The studios that provided tours, or simply greeted us in a friendly way stood out above the rest. It sounds simple, but it’s everything. That first “hello” sets the tone for someone’s entire session, and it was such a good reminder that we can never underestimate the power of that connection.

2.⁠ ⁠Simplicity wins (every time).

The best classes weren’t the most complicated. They were the ones delivered clearly, confidently, and with real presence from the instructor. When the programming is clean and the delivery is authentic, people can actually feel the experience. Personality and clarity beat complexity every time.

3.⁠ ⁠Community moments matter, even when they feel a bit awkward at first.

Some studios were beautiful but lacked connection.
Others were simple but full of belonging.

The ones that stayed with us?
The ones where members greeted each other, where instructors knew names, where people lingered after class, where it felt like a family not a facility.

We did a few sessions where the instructor encouraged sharing, connection, high-fives, fist bumps, things that can feel uncomfortable for a split second. But when it’s done authentically, it genuinely strengthens the sense of community. We walked out thinking, “Yep — that’s why we lean into those moments at Therapy”, and felt super proud of our incredible, supportive community back home. 

4.⁠ ⁠Inclusive cueing is still not the industry norm (and it’s felt).

Across all the studios we visited, the instructors who made an impact weren’t just talented movers. They were grounded, connected, and emotionally aware. They could shift a room’s energy with a sentence. We were surprised at how often we still heard body-focused cues, calorie talk, and a lack of regressions. Doing up to five workouts a day, there were times we absolutely did not want to give 100%, and in some studios that permission simply wasn’t there. It reinforced how deeply we believe in meeting people where they’re at, offering options, and even when inspiring people to push hard, or break through any limitations, how it can be done in a supportive way that makes people of all levels feel successful.

5.⁠ ⁠Unique, signature experiences stand out above everything.

Some of our favourite classes, the ones we still talk about, weren’t necessarily the hardest,  they were the most intentional. 

The ones with their own method, their own identity, their own magic. Whether it was the way a class began, how the energy was built, or the moments of reflection sprinkled throughout, the top studios created an emotional journey. It was a huge reminder of our strength, and what lies at the core of everything we do at Therapy. Creating exceptional, immersive experiences for physical and mental wellbeing, not defaulting to generic classes you can get anywhere. Staying true to our purpose-driven methods is exactly what makes us different.

6.⁠ ⁠Protecting the experience is essential (late policies included).

Most of the top-tier US and UK studios had strict late cancel policies as well as no-late-entry policies, just like us, and being in those rooms reminded us why. In the places that didn’t enforce it, you could feel the difference immediately: doors opening, light coming in, instructors getting distracted, the immersion breaking. It reaffirmed that these values protect the experience, rather than take away from it.