CLASSPASS MONTH IN REVIEW: APRIL, MAY AND JUNE

snapchatIf you follow ClassPass on Snapchat (@classpass) you may have seen a familiar face today! I have had a blast taking over their SnapChat today, sharing a glimpse into my life. I was even inspired to do a brief interview with the instructor at ICE who described the workout!  In honor of the Snapchat takeover, I want to share my next round of ClassPass  reviews.

Classpass-month-in-review-APRIL MAY AND JUNE

Instead of doing one single month in this post, I wanted to get caught up. Therefore, this post has three months of classes including the number of classes taken, average cost per class and a brief recap of the studios where we sweat in April, May and June. In addition, if you’re on CLASSPASS feel free to follow my fitness schedule here. I love meeting readers so if you see me in a class, please say hello! If you want to check out my previous monthly recaps, click herehere,  here and here.

Also, my friends are taking me up on this offer already, but if you guys have ANY questions about ClassPass, even if you’re not in NYC, feel free to email me! I’m happy to help and can also reach out to the team if you have specific questions. 

Also, since a few people have asked, as of this month, I decided to drop down to the NYC CORE plan which includes 10 classes per cycle for $125 per month. I tend to take advantage of outdoor workouts and running more during the Summer months, hence why I believe that 10 classes will be enough.

 

March 21- April 20:

  • Number of classes taken: 11
  • Number of studios visited: 7
  • Average cost per workout based on NYC rate of $125 per month:

April 21 – May 20:

  • Number of classes taken: 10
  • Number of studios visited: 7
  • Average cost per workout based on NYC rate of $125 per month: $12.50

May 21 – June 20

  • Number of classes taken: 14
  • Number of studios visited: 8
  • Average cost per workout based on NYC rate of $125 per month:  $8.92

Over the past three months I’ve been all over the place with my workouts as I haven’t had a real focus or plan and was battling two separate injuries which limited my running and high impact workouts. My only goal was to stay active. There are a few studios that I frequented on a weekly basis – Row House, Bar Method and FlyWheel.

Row House Full Body 45 at Row House Chelsea (6)

Rowing is a wonderful, low-impact workout which can supplement any workout plan. While I’ve taken classes at CityRow, Row House is the first rowing workout in NYC that truly reminded me of the rowing practices Bo and I sweat through in high school. The Full Body 45 class is a 45-minute class which includes a 5 minutes of rowing drills to warm-up, 15 minutes of rowing intervals and sprints, 5-10 minutes of strength work, another 15 minutes of rowing intervals and sprints, followed by a short cooldown. The class is perfect for people of all abilities as each person controls the speed or intensity at which they row. Scott is our favorite instructor, constantly motivating students while correcting form and ensuring that everyone is pushing themselves. For those who need to sweat and then dash to work, the Row House Chelsea location includes a small, but nice locker room featuring two showers, blow dryers and toiletries where you can get ready for work or date night.

Fly 45 at Flywheel (5)

Historically, I’ve had a love hate relationship with Flywheel. I love that the studio provides water, spin shoes, towels and healthy snacks with the cost of every class. But, I have had one too many sub-par teachers who don’t inspire or push me during class. Luckily, last month, Bo discovered two teachers (Josh Arden, Holly Rilinger and Johnny De Triquet) who merged challenging classes with awesome, upbeat playlists. Now that we’ve discovered these teachers, we’ll more than likely use our 3 classes per month allowance since they have 5:30 or  6 AM classes daily

High 45 at Mile High Run Club (3)

I’ve professed my love of Mile High multiple times (full review here). Their High 45 class is a great class for runners of all abilities. As you can guess from the class name, the workout includes 45-minutes of running. The running includes a five minute warm-up and five minute cool down. In between that you’ll sweat through 35 minutes of tempo work. A typical class includes half hills and half speed with most intervals ranging from three to six minutes! My favorite teachers are Jes Woods and Deborah Woods!

Dash 28 at Mile High Run Club (2)

If you’re newer to Mile High or running, this class is a great option for you! The 45-minute class includes 28 minutes of treadmill running followed by 10 minutes of strength training using body weight and kettle bells. The running portion includes a mix of hills and speed work, similar to the distance class, but due to the short duration, flies by quickly. I highly recommend Andia Wilson and Corinne!

The Distance at Mile High Run Club (2)

I’ve professed my love of Mile High multiple times (full review here) but only recently did I begin taking their distance classes. The distance class is 60 minutes of running, and is therefore designed specifically for the advanced runner or athlete who is looking for a challenge. The 60 minute class isn’t for the feign of heart as it includes 50 minutes of non-stop running including hills and speed work. During the three classes I covered an average of 5.5 miles per class, which included race simulations, sprints and hill work. I highly recommend class with Luke or Michael who each teach a handful of distance classes per week. If you are new to Mile High or running, the Dash 28 class with Andia Wilson is also a great option!

WeFlowHard Vinyasa Yoga at Y7 (2)

This studio isn’t for everyone, but man do I love it. Each class is a bit different but in the WeFlowHard classes, students should come prepared to sweat – a lot. The infared heated room is darkened so that students can focus on their flow versus watching others or feeling self conscious. The music is often rap or top 40 music which creates a very different vibe than you have at most yoga studios. Throughout the class there is time for free flow which allows students to complete a sequence at their own rhythm and pace.  The Flatiron location doesn’t have showers but both locations feature a “refresh bar” where students can blow dry hair, freshen up and apply makeup. If you want to read more about Y7 you can read my full studio review here.

Barre3 at Barre3 West Village (2)

This 60-minute barre workout promises to give you the length of a dancer and the strength of an athlete. After two classes with the studio manager and teacher extraordinaire, Dino Malvone, I have to say that I am a convert. The class consists of a yoga inspired warm-up, barre section then floor section.  I leave each class sweating and shaking as they do a great job of challenging my muscles more than the average class due to the extended time spent on the lower body and the time that each pose is held – especially those killer squats!

Prana Power Yoga in Brooklyn (2)

While I really like hot yoga and any studio that is walking distance from our apartment gets extra points, I just don’t love Prana Power Yoga. I’ve taken five classes here and have yet to have a teacher that I adore. In fact, two of the teachers never provided adjustments or walk around the class.  For me, Prana is the studio that I go to when I decide last minute that I want to squeeze in a yoga class. I took this class on a whim, the day after Thanksgiving.  The studio is clean, and doesn’t have that “hot, steamy, sweaty smell” that you get at some hot or Bikram yoga studios. There aren’t showers but they have two bathrooms which are large enough to do a quick wet wipe bath and change. They offer five to six classes per day so regardless the hour, there is probably a class that meets your schedule.

B/X Brick Chelsea (2)

Brick New York features multiple types of workouts in their space ranging from CrossFit to yoga. In between is their hybrid workout, B/X.  A high intensity, functional training class it is very similar to Fhitting Room. After a short warm-up we spent the next 45 minutes moving through circuits which included rowers, treadmills, wall balls, med balls, kettlebells and box jumps.  There are no breaks so you will be dripping sweat in no time but the energy of those around you will keep you moving and motivated. I love that the instructor constantly walks the class, helping ensure everyone has the proper form. In addition, if they notice that a move comes to easy, they are quick to provide a recommended adjustment to make it harder. There are locations at Grand Central, Chelsea and Brooklyn so this workout is convenient for just about anyone. There are plenty of lockers and showers so you can get ready here before work if you need without rushing out of class early.

Power Flow 60 Tangerine Hot Power Yoga (2)

There is a reason this studios classes quickly sell out, especially evening and weekends when Brooklyn locals and Manattanites flock to Tangerine Yoga. The 60-minute class isn’t for the weak as it is a heated strong, power yoga class. But, don’t fear, instructors provide lots of adjustments and guidance to ensure everyone has the best session possible. The studio provides complimentary yoga mats and towels as well as selling juices and coconut water in the small boutique and lounge area. I’ve now taken eleven classes at this studio and grow more in love with it each class. They develop a great sense of community and each instructor is more supportive than the next. So far, my favorite instructors are Emily and Tamara.

Mixed Level at The Bar Method Brooklyn (5)

This is hands down my favorite barre studio. It’s super convenient, spotless, welcoming and offers more than eight classes per day. The 60-minute, non-impact total body workout includes a warm-up, arm section using free-weights and body weight followed by intense leg work at the bar and finally an ab section. The teachers are welcoming and do a wonderful job providing adjustments and helping you ensure you get the most out of the workout. This studio has two showers so you can easily get ready for work after class. Make sure to bring socks with you for class and wear leggings or crops. My favorite teachers are Lauren, Alyssa and Katie!

Signature Fhix at Fhitting Room (2)

Bo and I love the 50-minute high intensity classes which pair two instructors with a class of 20-25 students for a sweat inducing good time. The music is always perfectly on point, motivating and pushing us while the instructors lead the group through functional movements such as lunges, burpees and squats followed by strength training with kettle bells and finally high intensity exercises including rowing machines, ski-ergs and box jumps. The atmosphere is one of the most supportive I’ve felt and it is a great starting place for people who want to learn more about functional training and using items like boxes and kettlebells as the instructors adjust students during class. The dual instructor model means that there is always someone watching you! The studio offers showers, lockers, towels and water. Our favorite instructors are Eric and Ben W!

Your turn: If you’re a NYC local, what are your favorite studios? Where should I sweat next? 

This post is not compensated nor requested of me via CLASSPASS. While it does contain affiliate links, as a CLASSPASS affiliate, I only receive a small compensation if you choose to purchase a CLASSPASS membership.

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Our First Backyard Party

Happy Sunday friends!

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We just finished this delicious breakfast, complete with maple bacon and our favorite healthy”ish” buttermilk waffle recipe!  Since we were going non-stop yesterday, our goal for today is to relax after we catch up on some work. For me, that means spending a few hours working and blogging before lying down on the couch with a book.

After a six mile run, Bo and I spent the rest of the day working in our backyard. After six weekends of hard work, our porch, patio and yard are finally complete! We celebrated the occasion last night with a backyard barbecue.

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We picked up a bar cart, throw pillows and an accent pillow from World Market to complete our sun room. Meanwhile in our backyard we have planted flowers, shrubs, trees, herbs and grass that have transformed the yard. Russell and Bo built the patio using leftover bricks and pavers that we found in the yard when we moved in and the small patio set was on clearance at Home Depot over Memorial Day weekend! A few strands of white lights and citronella candles made the yard a perfect spot for a party, especially on a nice, cool Summer evening like last night.

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Since our goal is to host regular backyard barbecues we experimented with a potluck style party. Having this type of party helped minimize the costs and effort required while also allowing friends to share their favorite drinks, appetizers, side dishes or desserts. The only thing Bo and I provided was the backyard, burgers, sausages and pasta salad!

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It was a wonderful evening and hopefully the first of many parties this Summer.

Hope you guys have a wonderful and relaxing Sunday.

What did you do this weekend? 

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Friday Favorites – June 17th, 2016

Happy Friday guys! I don’t know about you all but this week left me completely exhausted and counting down the seconds to the weekend. I’ve been working into the evening each day this week trying to catch up on work and still, somehow, I feel behind. Anyone else ever feel this way? During crazy weeks like this I do my best to ensure I get my workout done bright and early, keep a to-do list neat me at all times and do my best to make sure I reach for water more than I reach for coffee. There is nothing worse that caffeine highs and lows when I’m trying to be productive.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.fhitting room pic

Pic courtesy of Theodora

  • The Summer weather has me loving OUTDOOR WORKOUTS! This week I had the opportunity to join Fhitting Room and Brookfield Place Lululemon for a fun, sweaty workout as part of the Healthy on the Hudson workout series. Theodora, Ashley and I agreed that the sunshine, turf, water views and fresh air helped the tough workout fly by faster than normal!
  • Speaking of Summer workouts, the team at Well+Good published their round-up of NYC Summer workouts yesterday and I seriously want to do as many of these as possible!
  • As you guys know, I’ve been experimenting with a more natural skin care routine over the past few months. After meeting Indie Lee during the Wellthily Montauk weekend and hearing the story behind her products, I knew I wanted to try them for myself. When I ran out of my current toner I replaced it with the Indie Lee Co Q10 TonerAfter just one week of use I am hooked and tempted to buy more products from her line. This skin balancing toner is free of the harsh chemicals which typically dry my face out and instead soothes my face and leaves it feeling refreshed. I love using it after workouts as the aloe and chamomile naturally help reduce the post-workout redness.
  • If you’re a fan of flank steak, these eight marinades will take it to the next level. I whipped up the balsamic-rosemary marinade on Wednesday night using herbs from our garden and it really left our steak tender and flavorful even though it only marinaded for an hour.
  • After reading about Anne’s Canadian adventures, we were inspired to plan a Summer vacation in Western Canada. This August, Bo and I will spending ten days exploring Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and other areas. We haven’t finalized the itinerary but we have two of our hotels and our flights booked!
  • Over the past year I’ve had three close friends struggle with miscarriages. I was so moved by Julia’s brave post about her personal experience with miscarriage that I sent it to a few of my close friends as well as emailing her personally. While I haven’t experienced this personally, I do believe that it is one of the unspoken struggles couples face more often than we realize. I especially appreciated her tips for those of us that are friends, so that we can best support those who need us during this difficult time.
  • I’ve fallen back into my iced coffee habit this week, enjoying iced coffees from two of my favorite spots,  Blue Bottle and Little Collinsearlier this week. What is your favorite iced coffee?
  • We are hosting a Summer BBQ tomorrow night in our backyard, complete with white lights, hamburgers and music.  We are making life a bit easier on us by inviting our friends to bring appetizers, side dishes and dessert while we are going to provide burgers and pasta salad. Now, how to choose from just one of these mouth-watering pasta salad recipes? Do you have a favorite?

Have a great weekend friends and I’ll check in later this weekend with pictures from our party! 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

 

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