When Bo and I planned this trip to New York City, I knew that I wanted to squeeze in a few workout classes. Typically I go for my usual favorites – Uplift Fitness and Barry’s Bootcamp. But, after making a list for the past few months of new instructors or classes, I was inspired to try a few new classes and instructors instead.

After referencing my list in iPhone Notes, I started strategically planning the classes. As we have an Indian wedding in the city Thursday night through Saturday night, I knew that I needed to frontload the classes. Since I was working from our midtown office Monday through Wednesday while staying in Brooklyn, classes located in Flatiron or Brooklyn worked best for the early morning schedule.

Five days of classes left me feeling lean and strong – just in time for the wedding weekend! I will wear my rented saree and lehenga with confidence while dancing and celebrating Raj & Asha! 

Of the five classes we took, The Fhitting Room was our favorite overall workout.

A high intensity training boutique fitness studio located in Flatiron, everything about the workout experience impressed us.

Upon arriving, a bright, vibrant space greet you and the green color theme is visible throughout the studio. A large calendar is posted adjacent to the check-in desk, making the upcoming schedule visible to everyone with just a quick glance.

There are also lockers and a bathroom on the main level, along with the primary studio.  The staff also briefly explained the studio’s workout concept  – using functional movements, strength training, high intensity intervals, total body focus and highly varied exercises in order to strengthen and change participant’s bodies.

Before our class we were given a quick tour of the downstairs space, which is home to a smaller, private fitness studio and the main locker and shower area which includes two bathrooms, two showers, lockers and a few vanity areas for blow drying hair and getting ready. The studio provides everything you need to get refreshed after your workout including large towels, blow dryers, and toiletry products!

Back upstairs, it was time to get down to business! Our class, which was party of NYC Fit Week, had 15 students and 2 instructors.

Let’s talk about the 2 instructors because that is the primary thing that makes this workout stand out from other similar workouts. Not only were the two instructors, Emily and Dyan bubbly and energetic, but they were constantly walking around checking and improving form. In a HIIT class, I feel that form is easily compromised which can lead to injuries. Having two instructors watching us at all times helped both Bo and I ensure that we pushed ourselves WHILE maintaining form.

The main studio includes rows of different “toys” or workout gear. One mirrored wall is dedicated to TRX training while the other sides include rowing machines, kettle bells, bosu balls, boxes, and even foam rollers! Even though the studio has been open for a few months, it was still well organized and spotless. The floor is a special, cushioned floor which makes burpees and other jump movements far more comfortable. Before the class kicked off the instructors walked us through the workout which included a dynamic warm-up (high knees, mountain climbers, froggers, air squats, etc)  followed by intense circuits which rotated through in small groups. The workout was posted at the front of the room so we knew what was coming.

For the next 45 minutes we worked our way through the workout while rocking out to a great playlist. While I can’t remember each part of the workout, these portions stood out in my mind:

• Bosu foot taps by side to side jump overs
• 2 minute erg followed by ab pikes using the erg seat
• Kettlebell step ups followed by box jumps
• TRX rows and curls
• TRX hamstring curls and TRX planks

There was no “calling in” the workout as every minute the instructors were there pushing us harder and making sure we were engaging the proper muscles. By the end of the class I was BEYOND sweaty and my muscles were fully fatigued. It should be noted though, that while we were exhausted, we were already wishing we had time to sign up for another class this week! 

Cost: $35 but there are packages available to reduce cost including new participant 2 for 1 class

Location: 31 West 19th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue