LORENA SUBMITTED: 02.10.2017:
Amazing Workout & Amazing Instructor! 

Jacory IS THE REASON I JOINED theGYMkc! I had been in a rut for a couple years not knowing if I would ever get back into the gym. After one class with Jacory, I knew I was back! Thank you for being YOU, for your warm welcome, your wonderful spirit, and your energy. After each class, I leave knowing that the bad day I had is over and done with. Tomorrow is another day and I look forward to spending another night at [808 Dance Fitness].

KAT SUBMITTED: 08.01.2017:
I have sampled [808 Dance Fitness] classes and instructors in multiple cities, states and even countries. I believe Jacory to be the best! He is masterful at teaching a high energy workout without it feeling like you are at the gym "exercising". His positive energy is contagious. He uses his own music and choreography, a welcome change from the syndicated, generic classes that [specific] organizations put out. Every class is different and it never gets old or repetitive. I walk into the gym after a busy day, often in a hurry to make it to class, and carrying the day's tension and stress with me. When I leave class, I feel like a totally different person. This class offers cardio, and will also work the major muscle groups, including arms and the core. It is well rounded and exciting.

​I would recommend Jacory's class to anyone looking for a great workout that is both fun and physically challenging. Men and women will feel comfortable, especially in the privacy of the group exercise room!

AMY B SUBMITTED: 03.01.2015:
I wish I could take Bernie's class to my new gym.

Bernie's yoga class is one of my favorites that I have taken. It didn't start out that way, but I quickly grew to enjoy the 90 minute classes, the long holds to really let my muscles release, the focus on meditation, and how I was able to see both physical and mental improvement so quickly.

I have recently changed my gym membership, but I was initially very hesitant to do so; specifically because I knew I would miss his Sunday class!
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Thank you so much for being such a great yoga instructor!

ANONYMOUSLY SUBMITTED: 04.09.2014:
I love the music and Jacory makes it so much fun! You don't even feel like it's a workout.

It has made me enjoy working out and really motivated me to get in shape.

ANONYMOUSLY SUBMITTED: 02.03.2014:
I love Project Poolside! Best parts: It's comfortable for all levels of experience/fitness, it's a full-body workout, and the frequency/timing of the class is convenient. It's a great way to get in a weight workout for someone who isn't a weights expert. I know I am doing safe, effective exercises. The hour goes by fast! There's also a good cardio element that comes from doing high reps and working multiple muscle groups in the same movement.

VICKIE N SUBMITTED: 03.11.2014:
I've tried yoga over the years. Didn't like it, didn't get "it" - until Bernie's class!! I was getting very frustrated about my lack of flexibility, WEIGHT, and stress levels. Everyone kept saying "try yoga." Thank GOD I listened and tried one more time! I needed to be able to go somewhere where I felt supported, not judged. Bernie, in his calm, confident, soothing voice makes you feel empowered.

All he "asks" is ...
1. You try. "Failure" is not a label he uses or likes. It's all about the "attempt." (You're praised for the attempt ... really!).
2. You don't compare/judge yourself to others. He is always saying that this is not a competition. The only person who is judging you is you - and you learn to let that go.
3. You LISTEN to your body and to yourself. If you need to "rest," rest. No one cares - really! Join back in when you've caught your breath! SIDE NOTE: My first time/class, I watched or rested for probably half the class - and that was o.k ... and YES, Yoga is a great work out!

Lest you fear that Bernie's class is just full of "stick" figures, it's not! It's far from it! There are people of all ages/sizes/abilities. Bernie makes EVERYONE feel beyond welcome and runs the practice to show beginner, intermediate, and advanced positions. YOU choose what you feel you want to attempt, with the added bonus of seeing what can be achieved with practice and time. To quote Bernie - "Be brave"!

Now ... I honestly look forward to his classes ... and miss it when I'm not able to make it. It's the first time in my life I felt able to exercise and stick with it, and yes ... LOVE it! Bernie - and the class - has inspired me to finally be nicer to myself. Do yourself a favor ... try it! You have EVERYTHING to gain!

Bernie is the best!

KATHRYN SUBMITTED: 01.04.2017:
I moved to Kansas City in the summer of 2016. I was new to town, seeking a yoga community, and looking for a challenging workout. I found all of those at "It's Only Yoga!" I went to Bernie's class my first week in KC and was blown away by how challenging, restorative, and healing it was. Bernie is an extraordinary yoga teacher who I am happy I can now call a friend.

​If I miss a Thursday or Sunday class, not only am I disappointed but my hips just aren't the same. If I were not physically able to do anything other than yoga, I would still keep my theGYMkc membership just for yoga class.

The class is perfect for beginners to advanced because Bernie encourages you to embrace your limitations but seek the healing in a more advanced pose. I can't wait to see how my practice continues to evolve under Bernie's guidance and hope to see everyone in class!

REBECCA M SUBMITTED: 03.07.2015:
I highly recommended this must-try dance class just to get a feel for how to [808 Dance Fitness].

[808 Dance Fitness] released my fears of working out outside of my comfort zone. It is a high-aerobic class that does not require that you know much about dancing. The dance room is chromatically dark with mirrors and laser lights. I really worked up a sweat just trying to learn the moves! Eventually I rocked them, and it felt great! 

The best part, nobody can see you dance! Only you can feel it! It helps you to relax and to loosen your muscles from a long stressful day.

DONNA SUBMITTED: 05.07.2014:
I don't know if it's changed my life but it has certainly changed my mood when I find myself in a bad one.

I am a morning exercise person so getting myself to a class in the evening is not easy but I love the evening [808 Dance Fitness] classes so much that it's worth the effort.

The music is great, the choreography is wonderful and the energy level of the class is inspiring. Jacory's smile deserves a smile in return and that's what I find myself doing.

ROSANNA SUBMITTED: 01.23.2014:
I was coming to theGYMkc for a good 6 months before I started the class ... and I am SO glad I did. Project Poolside a great class!

I generally put good energy into the workouts and almost always am aiming to feel the burn so I know my muscles are being worked. I've been jogging 1-2 miles a few times a week for about a year, and after I started doing your Project Poolside class a few weeks [maybe in September of last year? I can't remember exactly] I noticed I could run longer, breathe better, overall ... just do it better.

I have definitely noticed a change in my body and my mood/energy level. I don't take measurements, but my clothes fit well, and I know I've been gaining muscle. My general shape is more defined and my posture is better [I'm the one who told you a couple months back that I had actually gained an inch in height, and I'm pretty sure it's due to the workouts and strengthening my body]. I have a slimmer waistline and am stronger in general - my neck, back, and calves are a lot more toned than they were before. After about a month and a half of doing your workout, it seemed to get easier, so I moved from 5-lb to 8-lb weights. Even though I hadn't lost any weight, people were asking me if I had, so I took that as a sign I was looking better. The other day I was helping a friend move items down from her 3-story apartment, and was wondering how she could be getting tired so fast! I have more stamina so walking up a few flights of stairs, etc., is really easy for me when it used to leave me breathing harder.  

For me, the last year has been more about getting healthier, stronger, and feeling better, not necessarily losing weight [that's what this year is about!].  I have not been careful about my food intake until recently, so I'm just glad I haven't gained much of the weight back that I lost a couple years ago [I used to be 220 and have managed to stay in the 185-195 range since 2011]. Since I've been watching my food intake [wow what a difference that makes], I've lost 3 lbs in the last couple of weeks, and still have been able to eat out a couple times and enjoy a few drinks. I'm aiming for meaningful weight loss this year after finally realizing and accepting that I can't just eat crap then exercise and expect to lose weight. Doing your Project Poolside class will help me keep my muscle mass while I lose! 

Honestly one of the best results for me from doing the workouts is the mood and energy improvement, I just feel better, happier, more accomplished, able to think better. I deal with depression so the regular exercise is a major help with that!  And it's nice to be able to walk for miles if I want to, without any issues, and have more energy/endurance than many of my smaller friends.