“It’s a Lady Thing”: Lady Foot Locker Event at Core Fusion

Yeah, yeah, I talk about how being laid off isn’t fun.

And how I’m dying to get back to an office and on a more structured schedule.

But in the meantime, I do love that I can attend daytime blog events.

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This morning, I went over to the Gansevoort Exhale (confusingly enough, it’s on Park Ave, not on Gansevoort) for my first-ever Core Fusion class.

To say I was terrified would be an understatement. I’m in good running shape right now, but my fitness is certainly suffering in other areas. Core Fusion is one of those classes like Physique–lots of slim, buff, bendy girls standing at a ballet barre.

Enter this awkward runner who’s currently nursing some slight runner’s knee and who hasn’t picked up anything heavier than a pint of a carbtastic brew since…September, maybe?

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I walked in, and if I weren’t currently freaking out about my current job situation, I feel like I probably would have been really relaxed in here.

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The event was sponsored by Lady Foot Locker as part of the Glam Media correspondent program, and the swag bag runneth over.

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The swag started with matching outfits–Actra Fitness tops and headbands, Nike sports bras and Adidas crops. I’m super self-conscious of my [carb-loving] stomach, and the outfit was incredibly flattering on said carb-loving stomach. The price tags were still on all of the pieces, and I saw that no piece was more than $35-40, so it’s all affordable, too.

Honestly, the outfit was so cute that I considered wearing it out this afternoon, but ended up just leaving the headband on.

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All matchy. Once they took a bunch of pictures of us in the locker room, we moved into the studio for the class.IMG_0036.JPG
My buddies Melissa and Caitlin were there, and we freaked out together about how our tight runners’ legs would do in this class.

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The studio itself was relatively small, but the floor-to-ceiling windows meant some nice views.

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It also meant the people outside of Starbucks were watching us.

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(We didn’t actually use these, but, ooh, shiny!)

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So I can still lift at least one weight, once. Sweet.

The class itself was actually easier than I thought. It was very similar to Physique and Bar Method in that probably about half of the class is done at a ballet barre and focuses on small movements. We started with some planks and push-ups to warm up, and I pretty much thought then I was going to die and was really nervous about the rest of class. Luckily, the arm portion of class was relatively short, and I was fine once we started using free weights and I didn’t have to lift 130+ pounds of body weight.

After the arms, we moved on to the barre.

[I think. I get exercise amnesia after a hard workout.]

We did lots of little squats and bends, and my legs didn’t quiver too much. I think after nearly four months of marathon training, my quads are just numb.

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Then we got on the ground for some more leg work and some ab work. Usually I get excited when a class moves onto the floor, but the floor portion of barre classes is always really, really hard. It requires a ton of ab and back strength to lift your legs from this position–strength I don’t really have. I made the mistake of telling the instructor, Erin, at the beginning of class that I was really tight from marathon training and every once in a while she would yell, “After this, the marathon will be nothing!” to encourage me. Not embarrassing at all…

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Oh yeah, and there was both a videographer and a regular photographer. In my effort to never be caught with an awkward face in a photo, I smiled every time I saw one of them. Which probably led to even more awkward photos.

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Afterwards, they offered us free 10-minute massages. I apologize to anyone who I may have trampled on my way to the massage table.

After a quick massage, I had to leave in order to make a 1pm appointment, so I missed the luncheon afterwards. I saw on Twitter afterwards that I missed a Kardashian sighting in the hotel. I’m not going to lie–I would have been incredibly amused to see a Kardashian in real-life.

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I dug into the swag bag when I got home, and saw we also got pullovers.

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And Asics cross-trainers!

I was terrified of Core Fusion before, but I can’t wait to try it again after the marathon.

What workouts/classes have you been afraid of trying? Have you tried them yet? (If not, go try them!!)

If you are training for a long race, what sorts of classes do you usually stay away from? What’s your favorite kind of barre class if you’re a barre enthusiast?

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Lady Foot Locker via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Lady Foot Locker.

21 comments on ““It’s a Lady Thing”: Lady Foot Locker Event at Core Fusion

  1. Dori

    Erin is an incredible teacher, her push-up/plank sequences are killer. Amazing swag, and the top looks gorgeous on you. I must admit, I am insanely jealous of this entire event right now.

    Reply
  2. Devon

    You look fab in that outfit!! Wow, what great swag. Loving the hot pink shoes. I’m sad I didn’t get a Kardashian sighting either while I was in NY…

    Reply
  3. Lindsay

    I love those tops–similar to Lululemon but not insanely priced! Do you have a link for them? I can’t seem to find them with a simple search.

    Reply
  4. Kimra

    Sweet swag bag! I’m going to my first bar-style class (Dailey Method) in a couple of weeks, and I haven’t done barre work of any sort since I was a dancer a decade ago, so yeah, kinda terrified.

    Reply
  5. Whitney

    I actually have been meaning to go to a Core Fusion class but a little bit petrified of what to expect. This post may have been a little boost of encouragement!

    Reply
  6. mary lynne

    I’m addicted to yoga now, and my studio offers Yoga Barre. I’m set to try it out this Saturday, I can’t wait!
    Great swag, how can I get in on one of those events 😉

    Reply
  7. Megs

    That outfit looks awesome on you!! Seriously. How would you compare the quality and fit to Lulu, esp the tank. It looks similar ot a cool raceback

    Reply
    1. Theodora Post author

      @Megs: The pants are pretty shiny, and most Lulu stuff is pretty matte. As far as the top, I think it’s a little thinner than most similar Lulu stuff like that, but I liked the pattern and that it’s looser in the stomach area. It was a little loose in the bust area, but I didn’t get the smaller size because I didn’t want it to be too tight in the stomach.

      Reply
      1. Megs

        Thanks. I am under seld consciou about rolls and muffins in my tummy area. At lulu most of the time the girls tell me my clothes are too big and I could sneak to a 4, which I never do because of the bakery I dont want. All 6’s except Wonder Unders@Theodora:

        Reply
  8. Jess

    So disappointed I didn’t see you! Apparently, my stalking skills aren’t what they use to be. I will say the best part of missing the class was that I saw Courtney and Mason in the lobby!

    I agree with everyone else, the outfit looks great on you!

    Lastly, it’s no secret my favorite bar class is Physique!

    Reply
    1. Theodora Post author

      @Jess: So jealous.

      I was going to chide you for your stalking game slipping, but celeb stalking > me stalking. I can’t wait to get back to Physique after the marathon!

      Reply
  9. Molly@hungryhungryrunner.com

    Soooo jealous of the swag! That’s better than anything I’ve ever gotten from a race!

    I’m pretty much terrified every time I take a new class. I’ve heard such good things about Core Fusion classes though. There are a couple of places that have them in Chicago. I just need to get over being such a wimp and sign up for one already!

    Reply

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