Ashley D /

Pilates ProWorks NYC

Wednesday night I followed Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice.

Thanks to the wonderful women at Well+Good NYC and Pilates ProWorks, I had the opportunity to step on a reformer for the very first time! While I have made my way through almost every machine at Equinox and many different fitness classes throughout the city, I’ve always been too intimidated by the reformer to actually try it.

Lucky for me, Pilates ProWorks recently made its East Coast and New York City debut in the Union Square area this February and wants to bring their unique spin on Pilates to New Yorkers! The studio, located at 47 West 14th Street, between Fifth and Sixth, strives to bring the fun back to the reformer, a fitness machine often feared by many but loved by many of the celebrities whose bodies we admire.  The open studio space is inviting while also highlighting their two core offerings, Pilates Pro Method and Barre Pro, through an open floorplan which allows you to watch the classes from the waiting area.

While our group looked into the different rooms, whispering in excitement, we were greeted by their energetic and friendly staff. Everyone was very welcoming and excited to see lots of new faces. Many of the instructors have a background in dance which you can see come out in the music selection, class offerings, and the special alterations they’ve made to their pilates, TRX, and barre classes.

As part of the Well+Good event, each attendees could choose to participate in either a Barre Pro or Pilates Pro Method class 55 minute class. Due to my intimidation, I figured that there was no time better than this event setting to muster up my courage and balance. The studio, when full, only allows for 12 students which means the instuctor is able to easily navigate through the class helping students with form and adjustments, similar to a small yoga class. Our instructors, Jenn and Jackie, explained the basics behind the FitFormer machine which provides full resistance training without the jerkiness of some older reformer styles. In addition she took us through the machines different parts and how we’d use each for different exercises. After cranking up the fun playlist which reminded me of my favorite running mix, we started our 55 minute workout. Within minutes, we were all shaking and breaking sweats. This magical reformer takes movements such as a lunge or plank and notches them to the next level.  With each movement, I really felt the specific muscles engaging which also helped me focus on form and balance.

But, just when I thought i’d found my groove, the music amped up and we hopped off for a burst of cardio. Oh yes, our hearts didn’t stop beating the entire workout. Every five minutes we were on the floor doing weighted step-ups, mountain climbers, and more. This, combined with the flowing movements on the proformer left me feeling lithe like and balanced. In addition, I felt myself pushing to perfect my form and work harder since this was something new and different. It was a fun change to my normal run, lift, spin, yoga repeat routine.

When the music ended I walked out curious of what this 55 minute practice could do for my body and running if it was a weekly addition. At $35 per class it is certainly more affordable than many other reformer classes in the city. In addition, their daily class schedule starts at 6am and doesn’t end until 8pm, leaving time for even the busiest people to squeeze in one of their nine different class offerings.  While I know that I can’t afford to go there full time, due to my other gym membership, it is something I would look to supplement my current training. I think it could be the perfect evening class as well since it’s located near my home and focused a bit more on lengthening which is a perfect balance for my personal training sessions and running.

Next time you’re looking to change up your regular routine or feel especially hard core, I suggest taking advantage of their $25 new client rate and try one of their classes.

Thank you again Well and Good and Pilates ProWorks for a wonderful event!

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ashleyd /

The Odds Will Forever Be In Your Favor If You Survive This Workout

Until last Wednesday I had no desire to read The Hunger Games. Sure, I’d heard wonderful things from everyone and their brother about this book, but normally I tend to avoid cult favorites. For example, I’ve never read the Harry Potter series or Twilight. I know, you can lift your jaw off the table now. I haven’t been under a rock, I promise. I just haven’t been interested.

What changed on Wednesday you ask? Well, my ass got handed to me by Daily Burn’s Hunger Game inspired workout which Theodora organized as part of her day job. I was the only person who didn’t understand the constant survival jokes, comments regarding some people named Peeta and Katniss.

Compliments of Samantha's Blog (www.checkmypulseblog.com)

I rarely want to be the odd man out or confused so after this workout I vowed that I’d spend time on the bus to Washington, DC starting the series. A few days later I’m hooked on both the book and this workout.

The workout, which took place in the beautiful IAC Building, overlooking the Hudson River, was led by the Daily Burn team and Lisa Wheeler, their fitness program director.

Lisa Wheeler motivating the group as we get ready to conquer the workout.

The Animal Core workout, which is rated intermediate by Daily Burn, took us through a warm-up followed by four circuits of animal inspired drills such as dolphin jumps, donkey kicks, crab walks, and other plyometric exercises.

This is definitely harder than it looks, especially the third time through.

Surrounded by some awesome athletes, I pushed myself through every exercise which means that on Friday I was still feeling the pain in my glutes. By the end of the workout, we all decided that if we incorporated this into our training at least two times per week, the odds would be in our favor for sure.

Don't we look confident?

While I’ve discussed my love of Daily Burn on here before, here are a few of my favorite things from this workout.

  • The countdown clock on the right side of the screen allows you to see how much time you have left in the workout.
  • It is truly a full body workout! My arms and pecs were sore the next day from the planks and pushups while my glutes and calves were feeling every dolphin jump and donkey kick.
  • There are 15 second breaks between the workouts which allow for a quick water break, getting readjusted, or just a breather.
  • If this is intermediate than my ass is already scared to feel the affects of a hard or advanced workout.
  • This workout could be done in a NYC size apartment as long as you have about 10 feet of space for crab walks and duck walks.

If you’re looking for a library of sweat inducing workouts and some nutrition tracking, Daily Burn is most likely a great option. The $9.99 per month price tag is hard to beat and the workouts evolve based on your previous experiences and headway due to the tracking ability. For a limited time, you can preview it online for free!

Have you read The Hunger Games? If so, who is your favorite character? If not, will you see the movie?

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ashleyd /

Soul Cycle Happy Hour

This week, the New York Times featured an article about the newparty workout trend, which is popping up all over the country, especially in metropolitan cities.

“Plenty of people forgo happy hour to fit in exercise, but now gyms are making it so that clients don’t have to choose. They’re offering evening workouts — some as late as midnight — featuring bubble machines, party favors and chances to mingle, platonically or otherwise.”

After reading the article, I like many others, was inspired to give it a try. Working out on a Friday or Saturday night is a foreign concept to the girl who prefers working out before noon, any day of the week. I used to walk by New York City gyms as I left work on a Friday night wondering who those crazy people were that were just entering the gym. It’s 6pm on a Friday night, wouldn’t you rather be at happy hour or heading home? 

Bright Colors Abound Inside

Well, last night, I joined my friend Samantha at Soul Cycle Union Square for the 6pm class, or should I say party.  Per the recommendations on Yelp, I arrived a few minutes early so I could check in, claim a locker downstairs, and get on my reserved bike in time to be ready for the party promptly at 6pm. Our instructor, Danny, is known for his skateboard entrances, party rocking moves, and amazing music choices. The class was packed by 6:02 and it really felt like a party. Men and women alike were chatting with friends on nearby bikes, the water bottles were filled and ready just like a bar glass, and the lights were dimmed when the music started.

This is a picture from last year's Grammy Ride but gives you an idea for the studio.

The next 45 minutes consisted of beats hotter than most DJ’s can spin, bike dancing that consisted of oblique and tricep dips, and jump backs perfectly in time with the music. Danny isn’t the type of instructor to single people out either. Instead, he motivates the whole class as he dances his way around the room. At 6:55 when class ended, everyone seemed more ready for the weekend. Laughter and chatter was louder, the primary topic among the groups was where the dinner reservations were made, and the locker room, albeit small, turned into a pre-party as people changed and donned their makeup for a night out on the town.

While this post work party may not be for everyone, I’m certainly excited to add it to my workout repetoir. On weeks when my long run is done on Friday morning, I’m pretty sure you’ll see my spinning the lactic acid out with a friend at Soul Cycle that night. When the long run is Saturday morning, I’ll hopefully hop on a bike that night before going out with Bo. What better way to get into the mood for a night out than a great playlist and sweaty workout?

Things to know if it’s your first time at Soul Cycle:

-Classes are $32 but there are discounts for first time members and packages available

-Bring your own clip in shoes if you own them, otherwise there is a $3 rental fee

-Arrive 5-10 minutes early if possible so you aren’t rushing around like a mad person

-The people are super friendly so feel free to ask anyone questions you may have.

-Yes, the Orbitz gum, ear plugs, and hair rubber bands are free! If you’re always forgetting a rubber band, like me, this is an awesome small perk.

-While the spin bikes are new and beautiful, they don’t have padded seats. I highly recommend padded shorts if you’re going to ride regularly.

-There are 4 studios in New York City (Tribecca, Union Square, UES, UWS)

-Sign-ups open each week on Monday at 12pm and the favorite instructors normally fill within minutes. Set your phone alarm or put in a calendar reminder so you can plan your week workouts in advance.

-Cancellations are easy and only require cancellation by 5pm the night prior.

 

Question: How do you feel about the “party workouts?” Can you see yourself going to a workout class at 6pm or later on a Friday or Saturday night? 

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