I’m a big believer in whole-body wellness and fitness. While EMS training is my specialty and something I truly stand behind, I also think it’s important to explore different styles of movement and pair EMS with other training methods for the best overall results. That’s why I’ve decided to try a variety of fitness classes around Charlotte and share honest reviews here on the blog.
This week, I checked out Fire Studio in South Park and took their signature class, The Formula, with instructor Lexi.
Here’s what you need to know:
The studio is clean, modern, and beautifully designed — it definitely feels like a luxury experience. It’s located behind the Specialty Shops in South Park, which makes it a little tricky to find, so I recommend arriving a few minutes early to give yourself time to navigate. The booking process was quick and seamless, and I received a confirmation text right after signing up.
The class itself is 55 minutes, though the one I took ended a few minutes early. The room is heated, and the temperature felt great — I left drenched but never overheated. Honestly, I could have handled a few degrees higher.
The flow was structured in a way that kept things moving but still allowed room to breathe. We started with a five-minute yoga-style warm-up, followed by about 30 minutes of consistent movement blending hot yoga flows with mat Pilates. Think banded squats paired with light-weight bicep curls, flowing transitions, and intentional muscle engagement. Then we moved into a five-minute core section, and wrapped up with ten minutes of stretching and a meditative shavasana — complete with a cold towel provided at the end, which was a really nice touch.
Here are my honest thoughts:
The lower body work was definitely the standout — easily the most challenging part of the class. My glutes were on fire thanks to a generous dose of donkey kicks and banded sequences that really lit things up. The upper body portion was well programmed and felt manageable — not too intense, but effective. The core section, however, was the least challenging. I would’ve loved to see a bit more intensity or variation there to really round things out.
For the class, we used 5 lb weights and an extra heavy resistance band for the lower body work. You’ll need to bring your own yoga mat, though they do have some available to borrow if you forget. I also used a yoga towel, which was helpful in the heated room. A small white towel is provided by the studio. Definitely bring a water bottle—you’ll need it in a heated class like this.
I’d recommend wearing lightweight, breathable clothes (like you would for hot yoga), and the class is done barefoot.
Final thoughts:
Lexi, the instructor, was really friendly and welcoming, which made it a great experience as a first-time member. She mostly participated in the class along with us, so while her cues were helpful, I didn’t see her correcting form or offering individual adjustments. Because of that, I’d say the class is beginner-friendly if you already have a basic understanding of movement and alignment. If you’re brand new to fitness or need more guidance, this might not be the best first step.
That’s one of the things I love most about EMS training — at FitLab EMS, every session includes 1-on-1 coaching, form correction, and personalized attention to help you move safely and effectively, whether you’re a beginner or an athlete.
My rating: 8–8.5/10.
Would I go back? Absolutely.
One of the best parts? You can book a free first class directly on their website—no promo code needed.
Fire Studio is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a boutique fitness experience in a beautiful space, with a class that blends strength, stretch, sweat, and mindfulness. Can’t wait to share the next class I try— stay tuned!