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It comes as no surprise that I love to get my sweat on. Whether it is taking an intense heart-beating cardio class, testing my power in strength training, or feeling zen-like in yoga, I love it all. Since living in NYC again I have made it my mission to try as many different workout studios as I can. Of course through this mission I have grown to love a few of them in which I have started to become a familiar face.  I am going through a phase  of working smaller muscles, lots of Pilates work, and intense cardio. I wanted to share my favorite studios where I frequent in case you are looking for something new to try.

Flex Studios

They have three different types of workouts: Pilates reformer, TRX, and barre. I have tried all three and have enjoyed each one, but the one I love the most is the reformer. It is challenging to say the least but every time I take a class I always feel so strong. There is something about physically moving the machine that makes me feel powerful.  I also love that it is a full body workout. My abs especially are working hard and sometimes you do not get that in classes. Each class gets more challenging and I love it.

Gotham Boxing

Gigi Hadid would be so proud of me I have been told I have a “mean punch”– which came from a girl who I used as a punching bag because, well, I was having a rough week and needed to let off some steam. She unfortunately got the brunt of it. Sorry. Anyway, boxing is a great, intense cardio workout. I sweat like crazy during it. Since I take it through ClassPass the classes I go to are for beginners. It really helps me focus on my form and perfect the movements. We start the class by listening to the Rocky theme song while we warm up. I find it enjoyable and makes me feel like I am training to become a Victoria Secret model. My favorite part of the class is when we do full speed jabs. It is this intense, complete focus movement where you are zero-in, going full speed punching the catcher. Talk about a great stress reliever.

ModelFit

Obsessed with ModelFit!! Do not be fooled by the simple movements, you will be sore the next day. Using small weights, ankle weights, and Pilates based equipment, ModelFit focuses on the smaller muscle groups. You do each movement at a slow pace so you are really working all of your muscles. If I could dream up a class with all of my favorite movements, ModelFit would be it. I really enjoy being in this class!

Tracy Anderson Method

Holy smokes it is no wonder Gwyneth Paltrow is so skinny, the Tracy Anderson Method is no joke my friends. I honestly think it is harder than boxing. The whole focus of TA Method is to strengthen the smaller muscle groups. I was dying my first time there. The teacher does not speak at all during the entire class so you really have to following along and somewhat anticipate what will happen next. To be honest I found it to be a little awkward–like hello encourage and praise me!

(In fact the entire experience started off awkward when I got there super early,  a half hour, and their cleaning lady made fun of me for getting to class so early…. not sorry that I like to scope out my surroundings and pick the best spot and get the best equipment first. I also like to stretch and have anxiety about being late… )

Once I realize the teacher was not going to give us directions on what to do next, I really dialed in and focused on my movements. The class starts off with an arm circuit followed by floor work with ankle weights, then a half an hour non-stop (I mean NON-STOP) dance cardio routine–which they do not teach you and you have to guess. To be honest I was a little annoyed about that part. I was so exhausted by the last 10 minutes I basically started to just prance around and flaring my arms every which way…. hey at least I was still moving. I bought a 5 class pass so I have a few more tortures a head of me. It really was a great workout and one that I will continue because I am psycho.

Soul Cycle

An oldie by goodie. I have been taking Soul Cycle classes for years now. I no longer view it as a workout, I view it as something fun to do. When I first lived in New York I was attending class 1-3 times a week, now I only do it once or twice every two weeks. This is because I want to experience other studios and other forms of exercise, but I will always come back to my beloved Soul Cycle. For those of you who have never taken a class, Soul Cycle is more than just a cycling studio, it is a dance party. You have to stay on the rhythm of the music and you do different types of movements on the stationary bike. For example:  push ups, taping it back, a little weight training, and my favorite, the shimmy (which is what I call it).The truth is that I have never left a Soul Cycle class in a bad mood–in fact I have gone into class stressed or angry and left feeling happy. I think it is a combination of the intense cardio work along with the fun, up-beat music, and a chance to go full speed, give it all you got, let it all go.

Pilates on the Square

A more traditional Pilates studio, Pilates on the Square offers reformer and Cadillac work. I personally find the Cadillac to be very exciting to do! What I like about Pilates on the Square versus Flex Studios is that the reformer is worked two different ways. Flex Studios is more strength training while Pilates on the Square it more traditional Pilates movements. Both are amazing, but it depends on what you are looking for. My favorite class of theirs is the Pilates intense machine which you do half an hour of the reformer and then half an hour of the Cadillac. It is challenging but also enjoyable to do.

While I do enjoy the above workouts I am always game to trying new boutiques and new forms of exercise. Right now I want to reintroduce strength training with heavier weights back into my routine– I needed a break from it. I have gone to Brick New York and liked it, but want to try Orange Theory, Tone House, and Liftonic. Also need to start taking yoga again….. not enough days in the week for my obsessive love of exercise.

What are your favorite workouts to do?