As a blogger and a social media strategist, I love companies who “get” social media and work with bloggers–and it seems like a lot of companies have been stepping up their game lately.
One of those companies being the gym I work out at, Equinox. One of my former coworkers (not to be confused with Former Coworker Abby) works in their marketing department now, and asked if I thought bloggers would be in for a free, private class at Equinox to sample some of their classes. Um, yes!
She put together a 90-minute class that sampled three different classes–MetCon3, Barre Burn and yoga.
We started with MetCon3, with Frank Salzone which was definitely everyone’s favorite. The fact that he was pretty cute didn’t hurt, either.
MetCon3 (which stands for Metabolic Conditioning) seems like just another boot-camp style class on the surface, but there’s very specific science behind it, apparently, which is supposed to lead to maximum fat burning. It’s designed to give you an elevated heart rate, a balanced workout and the ability to use “all three metabolic pathways more effectively.” (More info on those here.)
The workout consists of 10 different exercises (written on the mirror up there) that are each done for a minute, and the cycle is repeated three times. It was a fun, high-energy class with great music. We did a strength move like squats or reverse flies and then a cardio move to get our heart rates up. I’m not much of a sweater, and I was drenched by the time this class was done.
Next up was Barre Burn with Jordanna Dworkin. I’ve taken Barre Burn a few times before, and it’s one of my favorite classes at Equinox. It’s really similar to Core Fusion/Physique 57, usually, but yesterday’s class far too intense and advanced for all of us–especially after the intense first class.
So we were psyched that the last class was yoga. (And having all these instructors come in to teach us, I totally felt like I was at a fancy adult summer camp.)
Our instructor was the very sweet Francesa Bove. Her style reminded me a bit of Tara Stiles‘–chill and not taking herself too seriously. My kind of people. Also, her soft-spoken British/Italian voice was very relaxing. We did some very gentle, flowy yoga.
Bug.
The group! Celia, Meggie, Jocelyn, Jill’s friend, Erica’s friends, me (no, I didn’t get the memo we weren’t doing a V-shape.), Jill, Erica and Melissa.
It made me a little self-conscious to work out in front of only people I knew and not hide in the back of a class, but I got over it once I realized everyone was too preoccupied with their own workouts to stare at me.
Afterwards, we all sat in the steam room for a while and hung out. I think I’m probably going to cancel my membership when it’s up this summer because I don’t use it enough for what I’m paying, but yesterday’s awesome classes and hanging out in the eucalyptus steam room definitely made me give second thought to that decision.
It was so much fun to work out with all of these ladies and to meet Jill! I need to get some more MetCon3 in my life.
Ooh, I’ll have to try those classes. I’ve been looking for new classes to take at Equinox. Canceling your membership?!! I understand the cost side of it, but I really have to have a gym membership or I just won’t work out. I know Equinox is expensive (I kind of cringe every month when the membership charge goes through), but before I joined Equinox, I was a member at just about every gym in the city and I liked Equinox the most. Some of the gyms were downright awful.
However, if you leave Equinox, I’ll be curious to read what you do to stay active. Just curious, why are you waiting until after the summer to cancel your membership? If anything, I would think the warmer weather would be conducive to finding outdoor (free) ways to workout instead of at a gym.
@Linda: I *think* I’m canceling it–not positive yet. Mostly because I feel like I don’t use it enough for how much I pay. I have a hard time making it to night classes because I get out of work late, and I have a hard time making it to morning classes…because I suck at waking up early.
My new apt is closer to an Equinox location, so hopefully I’ll start using it more. And as far as why this summer? 1. I’m doing a tri in June, so I need the pool. 2. That’s when my contract is up 🙂
@Theodora:
I started going to 1:15 PM classes because I was never getting out of work in time to go. My manager noticed that I was powering through the 3 PM slump and happily clicking away at my computer through the evening because I got my workout in. I’m not sure if that’s possible for you, but if it is, I highly recommend it. I am transitioning into a new role next month (yay promotion!), and I hope my new boss is an understanding/doesn’t need me at 2 PM on Tuesdays.
I wish my gym had a steam room!
I always forget my gym has a steam room! I need to make use of it more often.
i only use public gym..
I am “jocelyn’s friend” – the classes were so much fun and I was SO sore! I really enjoyed them all, especially the fetal position at the end of yoga 🙂
@Meggie: OMG, sorry I’m such a spaz!
@Theodora: no worries! seriously! thanks for the invite! had a great time (although sore afterwards!!!)
This looks really fun! I’ve given up on gym memberships though – I’ve never used them enough if I find a class I like it’s only on once or twice a week. I guess I’m more of a studio workout person…
@fionarwbl: Yeah–that’s what I’m thinking of doing–giving up on a gym altogether and doing other classes on my own schedule/a la carte.
I have to find a new gym! I go to a small, 24 hour gym which is awesome for convenience…but i really want to start taking classes and there aren’t any offered.
Such a fun time! I think I liked class #1 the best 🙂
Hey Theodora! Great post and nice review of the classes. Thanks so much for coming and I’m glad you and the rest of the group enjoyed the workouts :o) Feel free to reach out to me if you, or anyone of your blog readers, want to try or take another METCON 3 class with me.
-Strength, Positivity & Love.
Awesome post going to try the MetCon3 class before next month. I just canceled my equinox membership. I have been taking all of these classes outside of the gym and really I couldnt justify paying the amount of money in addition to boutique fitness classes while managing my finances.