The Last Two Weeks in Workouts

run-views

Two weeks ago, I shared my goal of challenging my body in a healthy way.  Along the way, I learned something about myself.  I really like the feeling that comes with a sweaty workout.  By Friday of last week, 10 days into the challenge, I was craving a good, healthy sweat. Even though my workouts were challenging my muscles, especially those small, pesky ones you remember exist when you’re halfway through the tiny pulses. But even though I was working out each day, I was missing that endorphin high. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not abandoning my goal, as i know it’s a healthy one. But, I want to research and read more as I left every class feeling accomplished and happy, but still felt something was missing by the end of the week.

Therefore, I’ve decided to add one to two sweaty cardio workouts to my weekly workout schedule. Based on how I’m feeling, some weeks this may be spin class or if my legs and glutes are cooperating, it may be a run. I think this will be the perfect complement to the great toning and lengthening workouts I’ve been doing at Bar Method.   Here is a recap of my workouts since that post.  As you can see, it’s been heavy on the Bar Method and light on the Pilates. My goal this week is to mix in at least one run and one Pilates class. I’m hoping to take my first Reformer class this weekend at a new studio, A-Line Pilates!

Tuesday October 11th – Tuesday October 24th, 2016

  • 10/11 – Bar Method Brooklyn Mixed Level with Gina
  • 10/12 – Bar Method Brooklyn Mixed Level with Paige
  • 10/13 – Five mile walk   
  • 10/14 – Bar Method Brooklyn Mixed Level with Steffi
  • 10/15 – Rest Day 
  • 10/16 – NYJL Sweats with Theodora which included 30 minute spin and 30 minutes yoga at Equinox
  • 10/17  – Four miles with Katie 
  • 10/18  – Bar Method Brooklyn Mixed Level Alyssa + 3 miles with along the West Side Highway with the Brooks team
  • 10/19 – Bar Method Brooklyn Mixed Level with Paige 
  • 10/20 – Bar Method Brooklyn Mixed Level with Alyssa  Her peppy personality is a great way to make me forget that the workout she is about do prescribe will leave me quivering, shaking and sweating more than any other instructor. I love her class because I learn something new every time but don’t feel so intimidated that I don’t want to return! 
  • 10/21 – Rest day
  • 10/22 – Long walk in Prospect Park 
  • 10/23 – Bar Method Brooklyn Mixed Level with Steffi 
  • 10/24 – Flywheel with Josh Arden AM + Soul Cycle with Stevie PM  Double workouts are rarely something I do these days but when a friend reminds you that you have a free Soul Cycle class expiring, you high tail it to Soul Cycle for some post-work stress relief. It was an odd combination of spin classes since Josh is one of my favorites and unfortunately, Stevie and I didn’t really jive. The class was only 38 minutes long versus the regular 45 and I didn’t feel challenged. Her class was heavy on the dancing and low on the sprints/climbs but in her defense, it was packed and most people looked like this was their favorite Soul class ever. Guess that’s why their are so many different teacher styles! 

Your turn – What is your favorite low impact workout? 

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IMAXShift Brooklyn

imaxshift studio image

This blog post could also be titled, the time I took a spin class in a movie theater or that time I left a class utterly confused and disappointed.

IMAXShift, which opened in May, is located near the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park in Dumbo. The first new studio to open in this area, they will soon have lots of company since Shadow Box and Row House are opening next month. Due to the convenient location and our love of spin classes, Bo and I hoped that we would quickly fall in love with this unique workout. We signed up for their 7:00 AM ride via ClassPass, excited to have discovered another great Brooklyn workout option. With average reviews of 4.7 out of 5 stars, it had to be a good experience, right? Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Ride Beyond ImaxShift Brooklyn

ImaxShift Spin Studio

Since the studio highlights the IMAXShift difference multiple times throughout their website and studio, I thought I would use these aspects to provide my review as they are correct, these things do differentiate the experience and studio from other NYC spin studios.

ImaxShift spin shoes

imaxshift difference

  • Screen: When I heard the name of the studio and read the description, I thought the screen was going to make me fall in love with the experience. I envisioned simulated rides through the Alps or Pyrenees – following Tour de France rides or other globally known bike courses. Another option I envisioned was riding to my favorite, inspiring movie scenes. Instead, the 40 x 24 foot screen played everything from Justin Bieber music videos to nature images which reminded me of the Disney ride Soaring. Evidently each trainer has the freedom to design their own visuals and soundtrack so that no two rides are the same.  The teacher pointed out multiple times that we weren’t staring at a mirror or competing against anyone. While I love the no judgement mentality, I also don’t understand the mirror comparison when it comes to spin classes. While the ever-popular Soul Cycle has a mirror in the front of it’s classes, the classes are so dimly lit and sweaty that I’ve never even noticed the mirror as it’s often too dark or fogged from the sweat. 
  • Sound: While the music is Imax theatre quality, the louder than necessary music caused the instructor to literally scream at us during the class. In addition, for the entire class the music was off timing with the music videos which drove me a bit insane.
  • Studio: This is by far the largest spin studio I have ever seen! Since it is in the IMAX theater it is literally the size of a large movie theater and houses more than 50 bikes, only 5 of which were occupied this morning. The studio was so large that it left me feeling alone, especially during this morning’s class.
  • Stats: The Schwinn bike’s console, which reminded me of bikes at Equionx, allow you to see your stats at all times including time, distance and RPMs. However this class is more about keeping the beat than tracking your distance. I felt that it fell in between the bike dancing of Soul Cycle and the focus on the torque style of Flywheel.
  • Scene: The studio is the largest studio I’ve visited in New York City with plenty of space to relax before or after class, get ready in the spotless locker rooms. It is very similar to Peloton in that they encourage you to lounge and enjoy the space though unlike Peloton, there is no food or coffee bar to enjoy.

Would I go again? Most likely. I would be willing to try another class as long as it is during a more popular time and with a different teacher.  When I spoke with the front desk staff, they said that Bree’s classes are their most popular as she was just named NYC’s Hottest Trainer.

Cost: IMAXShift classes cost $34 or you can use one of you can take up to 3 classes per month via ClassPass.  They do have a first time rider special which is 2 rides for $34.

Address: The studio is located in DUMBO in Brooklyn at 127 Plymouth Street, conveniently located near the F train.

What to wear: I recommend wearing bike shorts or crops paired with a sports bra and tank top since the studio was warm this morning. Since they include spin shoes and towels in the price of class, you just need to remember socks!

Your turn: What would you want to watch if you were taking a spin class in an IMAX theater? 

Some images via New York Post.

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CLASSPASS Month in Review: July

Classpass-month-in-review-JULY

It’s time for another recap of my workout adventures in New York City.  Last month was the first time I opted into the new ClassPass (<–Save $20 if you join using the link.) membership structure in New York City instead of the unlimited plan. Since I tend to run outside and travel more during the Summer months, I thought that ten classes would be more than enough. As it turns out, the CORE Plan was perfect! The Core Plan is $125 per month and allows ClassPass members to take 10 classes per cycle and visit any studio up to 3 times. I am going to stick with the CORE plan for next month and then will reassess in September. If you’re a ClassPass member, did you change plans or are you still on Unlimited? How do you like the new plan? 

If you’re on CLASSPASS  feel free to follow my fitness schedule here. I love meeting readers so if you see me in a class, please say hello! If you want to check out my previous monthly recaps, click herehere,  herehere, and here.  Also, my friends are taking me up on this offer already, but if you guys have ANY questions about ClassPass, even if you’re not in NYC, feel free to email me! I’m happy to help and can also reach out to the team if you have specific questions. 

June 20 – July 20 

  • Number of classes taken: 9
  • Number of studios visited: 6
  • Average cost per workout based on NYC rate of $125 per month for 10 classes: $13.88

Row House Full Body 45 at Row House Chelsea 

Rowing is a wonderful, low-impact workout which can supplement any workout plan. While I’ve taken classes at CityRow, Row House is the first rowing workout in NYC that truly reminded me of the rowing practices Bo and I sweat through in high school. The Full Body 45 class is a 45-minute class which includes a 5 minutes of rowing drills to warm-up, 15 minutes of rowing intervals and sprints, 5-10 minutes of strength work, another 15 minutes of rowing intervals and sprints, followed by a short cooldown. The class is perfect for people of all abilities as each person controls the speed or intensity at which they row. Scott is our favorite instructor, constantly motivating students while correcting form and ensuring that everyone is pushing themselves. For those who need to sweat and then dash to work, the Row House Chelsea location includes a small, but nice locker room featuring two showers, blow dryers and toiletries where you can get ready for work or date night.

Fly 45 at Flywheel 

Historically, I’ve had a love hate relationship with Flywheel. I love that the studio provides water, spin shoes, towels and healthy snacks with the cost of every class. But, I have had one too many sub-par teachers who don’t inspire or push me during class. Bo and I really like two teachers, Josh Arden and Johnny De Triquet, who merge challenging classes with awesome, upbeat playlists. Now that we’ve discovered these teachers, we try to take their class at least once to twice per month, if not more since they teach bright and early!

High 45

High 45 at Mile High Run Club 

I’ve professed my love of Mile High multiple times (full review here). Their High 45 class is a great class for runners of all abilities. As you can guess from the class name, the workout includes 45-minutes of running. The running includes a five minute warm-up and five minute cool down. In between that you’ll sweat through 35 minutes of tempo work. A typical class includes half hills and half speed with most intervals ranging from three to six minutes! My favorite teachers is hands down Jes Woods!

Dash 28 at Mile High Run Club 

If you’re newer to Mile High or running, this class is a great option for you! The 45-minute class includes 28 minutes of treadmill running followed by 10 minutes of strength training using body weight and kettle bells. The running portion includes a mix of hills and speed work, similar to the distance class, but due to the short duration, flies by quickly. I highly recommend Corinne!

Mixed Level at The Bar Method Brooklyn (3)

This is hands down my favorite barre studio. It’s super convenient, spotless, welcoming and offers more than eight classes per day. The 60-minute, non-impact total body workout includes a warm-up, arm section using free-weights and body weight followed by intense leg work at the bar and finally an ab section. The teachers are welcoming and do a wonderful job providing adjustments and helping you ensure you get the most out of the workout. This studio has two showers so you can easily get ready for work after class. Make sure to bring socks with you for class and wear leggings or crops. My favorite teachers are Lauren, Alyssa and Katie!

HAIL High Intensity Interval Training at ICE NYC (2)

Bo raved about this workout after his first visit and then subsequently went four more times before I got my act together and joined him. Conveniently located in Tribeca, ICE offers high intensity interval training during their 60-minute HAIL class. The workout, which welcomes people of all abilities, leverages body weight, rowing machines, kettle-bells and sandbags to deliver a full-body workout that is challenging yet enjoyable. Our favorite teacher is Gigi but everyone thus far has had great energy and a fun playlist. The class typically has 20-25 students which makes hands-on adjustments or corrections nearly impossible, so beginners should be careful. If you love Fhitting Room, Exceed or other high intensity workouts you’ll love ICE.

Your turn: If you’re a NYC local, what are your favorite studios? Where should I sweat next? 

This post is not compensated nor requested of me via CLASSPASS. While it does contain affiliate links, as a CLASSPASS affiliate, I only receive a small compensation if you choose to purchase a CLASSPASS membership.

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