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Breakthru Fitness
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Gyms, Trainers [Edit]
345 S Lake AveSte 201
Pasadena, CA 91101
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 396-1700
Announcement
Breakthru Fitness celebrates it's 2-Year Anniversary! A big thanks to all of our fantastic members who have supported us.
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5 am - 10 pm
Fri 5 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for Breakthru Fitness
32 reviews in English
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Review from Debbie C.
Pasadena, CA
10/25/2011
Love this gym. I've been a member since the gym opened almost 3 years ago. Years before, I was a member of Equinox and before that Bally's. I've tried various studios that offer high-end classes (e.g. bar, kickboxing, yoga, boot camp, special DJ classes, etc.). In the end, I feel that Breakthru is the best gym for me for many reasons including:
1) When I go the gym, I need excellent fitness classes. Breakthru has fantastic classes - everything from zumba to pilates to yoga to circuit training and spinning. The instructors excel at what they do. And they get you into shape. If you are into yoga or pilates, there are classes that will please you or if you like more strength training/boot camp classes, they offer those as well. And the always fun zumba classes are popular. I'm not a big spinning person but my friends at the gym just love the spinning classes too. The classes are first-rate and there is alot of variety offered.
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2) Friendly owners that always seem to be present at the gym - The gym is owned by Phil and Michelle Dozois. They make this place special, it's not a corporate-type, salesy place. They ask opinions and listen to feedback. They are always looking at ways to improve the programs being offered. And Michelle, who is one fantastic instructor, is a force in the fitness world with a slew of popular DVD workout titles to her name to prove it (check out collage video for reviews of her DVDs).
3) Special training programs - They also offer special programs for extra fees - PEAK training classes (for the fit wanting to become even more fit), Lose to Win (focused more on weight loss), Adult Total Conditioning (adult finess classes). Participating in the PEAK program was a real challenge and one I did enjoy.
4) Family-friendly atmosphere - They offer childcare services and speed school classes for kids 6 and older. My kids love to come to the gym with me. After I'm done, we all often get smoothies from their smoothie bar.(Tip - Try the Michelle Special smoothie- a small chocolate (or vanilla flavored) shake with peanut butter for about 200-250 calories. Tastes so good I'm not sure I believe the calorie count.
5) Super cool staff - I've never met a rude person working at this place, they are all polite and friendly and seem happy to be working here.
Michelle and her crew have helped me get in decent shape by making it fun to come consistently to the gym for the past few years.
Try it out, you can sign up for a free 7 day pass and decide for yourself. -
Review from Siren F.
Los Angeles, CA
8/21/2011
I am trying to understand why this place charges $100/month for what they offer. I had a week pass and found myself trying to find places to work out. They have kids everywhere and trainers everywhere. I went once on a weekend morning and weekday at rush hour.
I gave the small business a try, but I just don't think this place is run well. ended up joining at Equinox with my company discount, instead. -
Review from Jessie P.
Pasadena, CA
1/30/2012
Clean. New Equipment, great instructors and amazing members. The owners are on premesis and constantly take feedback from the members. I switched from Bodies in Motion and gladly now pay double for the cleanliness alone. Noel's spin class is addicting and has really made me a gym person. I'm here almost every day and know most of the members now who are really nice and cool people. I can't wait for their remodel to be completed in the summer to see what they have in store. The classes get filled but their additonal programs like Training for Warriors and ATC really can kick you into shape and do it quckily for a slight additional cost. I've always been the person who goes nuts and works out for a couple weeks nonstop then doesn't set foot in a gym for another six months. Not anymore.
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Review from Larry G.
Pasadena, CA
11/11/2011 168 Check-ins Here
Not your ordinary gym. I've been a member at countless other places over the past many years and wasted my membership because I was never motivated and thus never visited. Not the case any more! I know that motivation comes partly from within, but Breakthru does a far better job motivating its members than the 'others'! If you are committed to getting in better shape, then Breakthru has a program or a class or a trainer for you! (Or a combination of the three). From personal experience, I'd recommend both the Lose2Win and Peak10 programs. The facilities are great and the staff is amazing!
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Review from Anonymous A.
Pasadena, CA
1/2/2012
I recently switched from Equinox and I am loving it. This gym is fabulous. Somehow they managed to make it feel warm and cozy without also feeling small and crowded.
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Review from John E.
Pasadena, CA
Updated - 9/4/2011
I still think that this is a very nice place to workout. The people who run the classes are top notch and the place remains squeaky clean. My membership had lapsed for a bit (due to both sloth and being crazy busy at work) -- and unlike other gyms that just auto-renew you at the end of your term, and hit your credit card over and over, even though you no longer come, they do not do that here. This seems to suggest that their business model is not based on signing people up at teaser rates and hoping they never come again. In fact, they are constantly offering innovative workout programs to mix things up and keep you interested.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/30/2010
If you are looking for a "premium" health club in Pasadena, you essentially have two choices:… Read more »
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Review from Karen E.
Pasadena, CA
9/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been a member for a few months now and couldn't be happier! I was a member of a corporate gym for years and finally got tired of paying for bad equipment and mediocre classes. I tried out Breakthru Fitness and instantly fell in love with this place =)
Here's why:
1. It's clean! There's constantly staff cleaning out the machines and they provide you with sanitary wipes if you need it. They also provide clean towels to their members.
2. Staff is always friendly and willing to answer questions. As a girl, weight machines are pretty intimidating but the staff here is always willing to over a machine and even make suggestions.
3. There are a TON of classes!! Morning, afternoon, evening, it's perfect. I recommend spinning and Zumba. Plus their Pure Strenght class has really helped me. I'm not a weights person at all and these classes have definitely helped me get into strenght training.
4. The instructors are amazing. My faves are Steve (super friendly and his classes alwasy feel very didactic) and Noel ( AMAZING Spin class. I walk out drenched in sweat and yet feeling super sexy).
5. They have a juice bar and while I've never tried it, I think it's great to have as an option.
While this gym is more expensive than some other chain gyms, IT IS WORTH IT. This is the first gym I've ever gone to where it feels like they actually care about me getting in shape (I know it sounds corny but it's true). I would recommend anyone to give it a try. -
Review from candie s.
Pasadena, CA
8/11/2010
I've been a member now for about 5 months and I can't tell you how impressed I am with the place. The facilities are always spotless and the staff is more than friendly and welcoming. You just don't get that at corporate chain gyms that are plastered all over the city.
They are pricey, but you're paying for what you get. At any given point in time you are encouraged to ask for help, advice and/or assistance from any of the trainers on duty (granted that they are not with a client at the time).
Their group classes are amazing. I always feel that you work harder when there are people around me trying to achieve the same goal. Whether it be to lose weight, gain muscle or just overall fitness ... when you sign up for a gym, you're there to sweat. And sweat you shall at Breakthru.
They offer spin, bootcamp, pilates, yoga, Zumba and a vast array of other classes starting from 5:30a.m. to 7:30p.m., so it fits almost anyone's schedule. I've lost about 4% body fat in the last 5 months and am amazed at my own success. I've been able to achieve more in the past few months here than I have anywhere else.
They sold me on their free 7-day unlimited pass, now I'm hooked. It doesn't cost a thing to try ... so you mine as well! -
Review from Henri T.
Phoenix, AZ
2/26/2011
I have been a member for almost a year. My quick take-away
Pros:
1. Very clean.
2. Very good group classes (spin, group fitness, yoga)
3. Off peak hours (late weekend afternoon/night, mid-day week), I feel like the gym is my personal gym as there is no one here
4. Has plenty of free weights and kettlebells for use
5. If you have kids, they have kids training programs
Cons:
1. When busy (which is more frequent than when I first joined), it's extremely difficult to find space to workout.
2. When they have the kids and adult training programs (weekday/end mornings and weekdays around 4-7, in other words peak hours), the place gets really crowded and feels like Romper Room. You have kids everywhere and it is frankly not conducive to individual weight training as training space is limited.
3. The trainers feels like they own the place and block off areas - something I find very annoying
4. For some of the classes, you actually need to get there 20 minutes in advance. This includes some of the early morning spin classes
5. For value, I think this place is overpriced. $90/mo?
Don't think I would pay this after my renewal -
Review from CJ J.
3/1/2010
Let me start out by saying this review is for their Pilates area.
One of my girls really wanted to try pilates so I called around her area to see who would be able to give us a session and tour around their gym. Most of the pilates instructors didn't have anything that was good with her schedule but Breakthru Fitness was great. They set up an appointment, set us up with two pilates instructors, and we had a great intro session. They really informed us of everything and we had a nice little trial workout to see what pilates was all about (on the reformer machines). I was even joking around and said that the machines looked like torture devices and the instructors had a good sense of humor which I liked.
After the gym tour my friend really liked everything but frankly it was just over her budget. Everything was pretty darn pricey and when you try to do the gym membership AND the pilates sessions it was just overboard.
Maybe if their pricing was a bit more competitive they would have had another member, but regardless it's a nice facility.Listed in: Broke & Bored, Masochism at it's Finest
Comment from Phil D. of Breakthru Fitness 3/9/2010
Thank you so much for your review. We appreciate your… More » -
Review from Teresa B.
Astoria, Queens, NY
1/26/2009 1 photo
Breakthru Fitness, which has long been a fixture in Old Pasadena, recently decided to expand from a studio environment to a more comprehensive and innovative fitness center by moving into a larger facility located at 345 S. Lake Ave., next to the Trader Joe's.
The official "Grand Opening" occurred recently with a formal reception in which donated gifts were raffled off, with proceeds benefiting Five Acres. Located in Altadena, Five Acres is a child and family services agency that strengthens families and prevents child abuse through treatment and education in community-based and residential programs.
In business for over ten years, the husband and wife partnership of Phil and Michelle Dozois was born from what they felt was a void in their industry, due to the impersonal atmosphere of the national chain workout experience.
By expanding the business to a more spacious location, Breakthru Fitness has been able to grow into what can be described as a training facility in a health club type of atmosphere. State-of-the-art equipment has been added for an enhanced workout session that includes personalized Pilates training and a "Parisi Speed School Sports Performance" program.
On a national level, the Parisi Speed School has trained over 100,000 athletes ranging from recreational youth athletes to Olympic Gold and Silver medalists, as well as professionals in the NFL, MLB, NBA and WNBA. -
Review from cybelle s.
Pasadena, CA
12/8/2009
I joined this gym before it opened at it's current location, so it's not as if I should have known better- except to sign a year contract to a place I haven't been, I guess....
I went to this gym a couple of times and I have to say that I am not impressed. I don't know if it's the facility itself that's small or if the set up makes it feel tight - but, either way, it feels crowded. Michelle seems nice, but the staff at the front desk - the few times I was there- acted as if they couldn't be bothered, which is really not a good first impression to set. I took the Madonna Grimes classes (while she was there), which were great, but they were overly crowded so there wasn't a lot of room to move around (which you need in her class!). Plus, at least to me, the general vibe of the facility is kind of uptight, which is odd for a gym.
Because of the unpleasant vibe and the crowded feeling of the gym, I basically just donated my money to them this year, because I didn't want to go. It's literally a block away from my place, and I still prefer to go somewhere else and work out- which is what I did. What a waste of money, which I could have spent at Trader Joe's. At least I go there. -
Review from Linda L.
2/18/2010
1st gym - sold, demoed, deserted
2nd gym - sold, morphing into Walgreens
3rd gym - well, you know what they say, "Third Time's The Charm!"
Love Breakthru Fitness and here's why:
Friendly Staff - all around.
Cleanliness - first time I've ever seen a "vacuum backpack"
Nice variety of fitness equipment - and if you can't find that special piece of equipment you married at another gym...you know what I'm talking about. Breakthru, within reason, will do their best to reunite you.
TONS of classes - there is something for EVERYONE!
Parisi Speed School - some people have the need for speed - seriously, great strength training and conditioning for our future star athletes and Olympians.
Childcare - nice added bonus for those in need.
Space - not a huge gym, but I never get a sense of feeling crunched.
Juice Bar - haven't been, but I can see how this may come in handy during those hot summer months.
Parking - adeqaute and during the holidays additional parking is made available (i.e., nearby lots)
Location - Trader Joe's can probably answer that one.Listed in: Calling all athletic…
Comment from Phil D. of Breakthru Fitness 3/9/2010
Linda, Thanks for the feedback. Loved the way your wrote… More » -
Review from Allegra P.
Pasadena, CA
1/25/2010
The gym itself is clean and nice. There are plenty of machines and I only felt like it was too crowded at peak hours. The classes are great, especially Augustine's Zumba class and Steve's cycling class.
The staff at the front desk is friendly and nice, but they have a VERY high turnover rate, so you'll practically see a new face every time you walk in.
That brings me to management. For a family-owned gym, I think Breakthru is very poorly run. They have a hard time holding on to employees and they will make your life complicated if you try to cancel. They are neither understanding, nor gracious. They will absolutely try to milk you for every last penny before letting you walk out the door.
My advice? Try the gym free for 7 days. If you like the atmosphere and don't find it too crowded, give it a shot. Just expect a new person to greet you each time you walk in and plan on working out with them for the rest of your life ...
Good luck! -
Review from Amber Z.
Altadena, CA
4/2/2009
We recently moved from the Mid-Wilshire area to SGV and I needed a new gym. Breakthru Fitness was recommended to me by a friend and after checking it out during the pre-opening, I decided to sign up. Fabulous decision!
The facility is brand new, very clean and modern. The folks at the front desk are nice and the members are a very friendly bunch. But, the main reason I joined was for the group fitness classes and they are AMAZING! I'm extremely picky when it comes to fitness instructors and I've been blown away at the quality of folks here. I've tried several classes and all of the instructors have been top notch. Yalda, Alex, and Petra are all excellent and make going to the gym a real pleasure. I haven't even ventured out to the machines or weight room as of yet, as I've been having way too much fun experimenting with the classes.
Lastly, I'd like to specifically mention Michelle, one of the owners. She teaches several classes during the week, but her Power weights class is a permanent one on my schedule. She goes around and greets every person in class before it starts. Her enthusiasm is contagious and it's one of the most difficult and most fun classes I take all week. She takes the time to answer questions and always greets everyone with a smile. You can't ask for anything more in an owner or instructor. -
Review from Jeannie A.
Oak Park, CA
2/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This gym is the best - if you live in the Pasadena area, run there and sign up now. Noel's spin classes are the best I have ever taken and Gary's bootcamp is amazing. The staff is knowledgeable ...and nice!
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Review from robert s.
Pasadena, CA
5/4/2011
Bob S.
Just want to share a personal experience about Breakthru. I left my Oakley sunglasses in the men's locker last night. And someone turned them in to the front desk. I use to belong to another high end gym in Pasadena and I had two Oakleys taken and four ipods stolen. Thanks for creating an atmosphere where members look out for each other. -
Review from Tony D.
Pasadena, CA
2/25/2011
I have been a member for 5 weeks and working with a trainer as well. There are many things I really like about this gym. It is super clean, the equipment is state of the art and always working, The trainers are tough and really stay focused on training you as opposed to checking out what else might be going on in the gym. The staff have all taken the time to know who I am and greet me by name when I am there and I've got to say it makes you feel appreciated. If you are looking for a gym that is full of people who are serious about geting into and staying in good shape. This is it.
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Review from Leslie N.
Hermosa Beach, CA
12/17/2010
I LOVE this gym! I have belonged to a number of facilities in my time and I have never enjoyed a gym as much as Breakthru. The facility and the staff is top notch. Unfortunately, I had to change gyms but ONLY because my office moved and the new office gym is awful! It makes me miss Breakthru just that much more. I have never taken such a better spin class than Noel's and Gary's Boot Camp class is fantastic as well. While you are at it sign up for the ATC classes too and Breakthru will have you surpassing your goals in no time!!!
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Review from Vivian C.
Alhambra, CA
2/11/2009
The new gym is beautiful, but what I really come for is the classes/instructors. Shout outs to Pearl's Group Power class and Alex's Let's Groove class. I actually rearranged dinner plans with my dad to make it to these classes. Other classes that rock are Michelle's Group Power and Alex's Verticore Circuit classes. I hate to say this, but just do it.
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Review from Liz B.
Pasadena, CA
5/2/2010
This gym is very clean. I'm so picky about gyms and haven't signed up for a membership because when I think of gyms I think germs. This is not the case at Breakthru. If you're paranoid like I am, they even offer anti-bacterial wipes to wipe down machines and equipment.
The staff is really nice. The trainers in my opinion are kinda lame. Although some of them have it together, there are some where you question "really, they're a trainer." They don't look the part , and I think looking the part is you marketing your skills, etc. Overall I've been very happy with this gym.
I will say though, parking sucks during the holiday season with everyone going to Macy's, but other than that it's a wonderful gym in a great location! -
Review from James T.
Dallas, TX
3/1/2010
I tried out there 7 day guest pass and I immediately fell in love w/ this place. The moment I walked in, the facility has all the state of the art equipment, bunch of great group classes, knowledgeable staff , easy parking access, and most importantly ....very clean! The gym's atmosphere has that feeling your at the Hyatt hotel's gym :simple , clean , & cozy.
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Review from Augustina L.
Pasadena, CA
2/24/2011
Close to home, clean facilities, helpful/friendly/knowledgable staff, great variety of classes, never crowded...I love this gym! I would highly recommend Breakthru to anyone who's looking to join a first rate, high quality workout facility.
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Review from Olga M.
Pasadena, CA
9/9/2009
Love this gym! Clean, friendly staff, wonderful instructors. Worth every penny.
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Review from Rena S.
Pasadena, CA
1/14/2010
I really like this gym! My husband and I have been members since before it opened. We've done the personal training (Suzanne is great!), and really enjoy the Power classes. The gym is clean & has all the equipment anyone could need for a great workout. My only issue is that for this price, I feel it should have a pool. Our last gym cost slightly less and had a full sized pool. Other than that, it's a great gym with very friendly staff.
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Review from Johnson S.
Canyon Country, CA
11/22/2010
Don't come in during the speed class and you pretty much have a facility all to your own. My workouts are very rack heavy so i like the two power racks that they have. The facility itself is very clean and very quiet. The staff is super friendly and up to answer any questions you have. There's plenty of motivation and just over all a nice place to train.
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Review from M L.
Pasadena, CA
9/18/2009
THE BEST GYM I'VE EVER JOINED! It's worth every penny I spend on the membership. The gym offers many different fun classes to get me in shape. If you're serious about your health and fitness, this is definitely the right gym.
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Review from Jackie H.
South Pasadena, CA
1/5/2010
This gym is the best in the area! All of the staff, instructors and trainers are top-notch. A friendly, inviting atmosphere is apparent the moment you walk in the door. The classes are fabulous and cutting edge...and most importantly, the various programs offered reach out to every gym member from those wanting to lose weight, to those who want to take a fun class, to those elite athletes that really want to push themselves to the next level. Visit Breakthru...you won't be disappointed!
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Review from Mary W.
Pasadena, CA
5/21/2010
I gave it four stars even though I haven't actually gotten into it and worked out -- I just didn't want to reduce their rating as I don't have enough data. It seems like a nice place, but it's $99 a month with a minimum 6 month contract. I'm new to the area so still checking things out and they lost me quickly. I think if they were smart they'd offer some kind of intro package to get people in and trying it for a month or so.
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Review from s a.
Brooklyn, NY
6/14/2009
I have belonged to a lot of gyms over the years, but Breakthru hands down has some of the best classes I have ever been to. I went to one class and signed up as soon as it was over. The instructors are awesome and the place is clean and staff and members are friendly. It's not the cheapest gym in Pasadena, but having sampled the others, it's the best for me.
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Review from Margaret C.
Alhambra, CA
10/29/2009
The only good thing I can say about this gym is that it is CLEAN. Richie and Fallon are the only two at the front desk that know whats going on and they. Ceaser is a good trainer. They should be running the gym. It is over priced for what you get.
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Review from Ann D.
Pasadena, CA
12/6/2009
I have belonged to a number of gyms over the years including Equinox. I love this gym because the people there are friendly, knowledgeable and down to earth. The classes are outstanding and personalized and the facilities are fantastic. I wish that the machines would face the mountains, so that we could take advantage of the view and that there was a steam room. Also it would be great for there to a plug in connection to the TVs right on the machines. Aside from that, I'm a fan.
