Check out part 1 here!
I was hesitant to renew my ClassPass membership for the month of July because I knew I wouldn’t have as much free time as I did in June. I H.A.T.E. wasting money (especially when it’s my own) so I decided if I renewed my membership I would use it as much as possible. So far, so good. Along with going back to my some of favorite studios, I’ve been to a few new ones since my first recap.
Flywheel (7 locations in Manhattan)
“Flywheel is equipped with technology that sets a new standard for indoor cycling.”
This beat SoulCycle for me. In many ways the studios are identical (price, free towels, water) but I liked the workout at Flywheel better. There was a monitor on every bike that showed your torq (resistance), RPM (revolutions per minute), current power and cumulative power. These bikes didn’t show distance but maybe some studios have those?
At the beginning of class you have the option to appear on the “TorqBoard” and have your stats listed on the screen above the instructor. I didn’t make an account in time so my info wasn’t listed, but neither was everyone’s in the class. The screen is not on the entire class so there’s some competitive aspect but it’s not as “in your face” as Orange Theory.
For every song the instructor will call out a range (usually 5 points) for where your stats should be. It keeps you accountable but still provides some leeway for different levels. Similar to SoulCycle we used light weights for one song, but they didn’t do much for me other than provide some distraction from my legs working. I will say that I liked SoulCycle’s music better. I ended with a 269 overall power for my first Fly 45 class.
24-Hour Fitness (3 locations in Manhattan)
I went specifically for BODYPUMP! I haven’t been to BODYPUMP in almost a year and was so excited to fit this one in. This gym was pretty standard. No real amenities other than a bunch of classes and equipment. It ended up being BODYPUMP Express and CX Works (the core-focused class) but it was still great.
FIT RxN (Columbus Circle + Hoboken)
“Offering both spin and strength classes, this studio will keep you motivated and engaged. Classes increase endurance, build essential core strength and improve flexibility.”
I took the TRX Cardio Mash Up class which, like the name states, was 45 minutes of cardio and TRX moves. I always seem to have a good workout with TRX straps so I was happy this class incorporated them. I actually wish we used them more! After a warm-up of jumping jacks, outdoor sprints and burpees (seriously burpees are haunting me this summer) we started circuit work.
3x through:
1 minute TRX rows
1 minute TRX plank (holding arm band, feet on ground)
4x through:
30 seconds TRX lunge (R)
30 seconds TRX lunge (L)
30 seconds squat with a sandbag throw to ground
3x through:
1 minute TRX mountain climbers (feet in straps)
1 minute on rowing machine
1 minute alternating lunges w/ 20 lb kettlebell
The downside of this studio: no air conditioning. It was a small, stuffy room. Luckily there were only three of us taking the class. Other than that it was a great workout and my butt worked hard ;)
SLT NYC (4 locations in Manhattan)
**This is NOT on ClassPass**
“Fifty minutes of heart-pumping, muscle quivering and total body strengthening, lengthening and toning in an inspiring, small-group setting (no more than 12 people per class). SLT offers a total-body program that ties together cardio, strength training and pilates.”
I paid out-of-pocket ($20) for a first time drop-in session. I read about SLT, which stands for Strengthen, Lengthen and Tone, in Well + Good so I wanted to try it for myself. Oh and I saw that Chrissy Teigen liked this class so I obviously had to go. FYI: After the first class, drop-in sessions are $40. There’s a 99% chance I won’t be going back.
I went to a few Megaformer classes in Tampa earlier this year and the workout at SLT is almost identical. The Megaformer is deceivingly hard and I had to take breaks during the class, particularly on the oblique movements. The class is full of small, concentrated moves that burn like crazy and have weird names (scrambled eggs, bear, plank teaser, mermaid twist). It hurt to walk the next day…not kidding. If it wasn’t for the price I would go back, but I’ll stick with ClassPass for the rest of my time here. I said this about the Megaformer after taking the class last March, but I still don’t consider it a cardio workout as I barely got my heart rate up. But I do hurt for a few days after. The good hurt.
If you made it to the end of this long-wordy post, congrats! Because I only have two weeks left in NYC (crazy) and I’m going away for one weekend this will probably be my last ClassPass post. I know you’ll miss them.
Enjoy your Friday and your weekend!
Ahh I wish Baltimore had so many cool options for fitness classes, but I’m also super frugal with my own money and I do most of my workouts for free. If I didn’t have November Project though I’d totally give classpass a shot. It’s a pretty good deal if you go often enough!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…TOL: One More Day!
I wish every city had as many options as NYC. I feel like ClassPass loses money off of me because I go to so many places. Just getting every penny’s worth ;)
TRX scares me. I know I would get awkwardly tangled and someone would have to help me out so…. I just avoid them at all cost :) Haha. I’m a diehard SoulCycle girl as we all know, but I have never tried Flywheel. My best friend said I’d love it since it has a little bit of a more competitive edge to it than other spinning studios. No exciting weekend plans just hopefully relaxing at the beach, getting my tan on, and finishing my book! Crazy you’re almost done in NYC! Live it up girl!! Have a fab weekend :)
Jamie recently posted…It’s Here!
Haha oh I’m that girl that gets tangled in it. Especially when we have to put our feet in the straps. Flywheel is definitely a more competitive atmosphere, so it has it’s pros and cons. I’m so happy this weekend was nice out! SUN, finally!
I want to BUY a TRX so bad! It would be so fun!
I’ve not done Flywheel to compare, but that can be fun with the board! A little more motivating ;)
And I do miss BodyPump (or Group Power at my gym), it was always fun!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 7/10/15
I want a TRX too but I have no idea where I’d put it. Body Pump is what got me into group ex classes (and strength training) so it will always be a favorite.
How interesting! I love trying out new workouts and classes. I am actually quite a competitive person, so that SoulCycle class looks right up my alley!
Niki @lifewithniki recently posted…Friday Favorites: All Of The Books & Food
I’m normally a competitive person too, but more so with myself than others
Running on Veggies just wrote a blog post about that Pilates studio! I am glad that you are getting good use of your pass. I don’t like spending money on things that I never use. It drives me nuts…HA!
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…You HAVE A Choice…Part I
Based on how many classes I’ve taken so far this month it equals about $15 a class. And I still have two weeks left!