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Spin Geneve – Geneva’s First Spin Studio

This morning it felt more like we were in London or New York than Geneva!

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Bo and I spent the morning doing something we’ve missed since moving abroad – enjoying a workout class followed by brunch. Catching up with friends before and after a sweaty workout class was a regular part of our weekend routine until moving to Geneva full time. While Geneva has many athletic people, very little of the Geneva social scene revolves around group fitness activities.

When I saw on Facebook that Geneva’s first spin studio was opening this week, Bo and I knew we wanted to give it a try. Bo, who is an avid Flywheel fan, has missed spin more than I have since moving abroad. But, as a runner who realizes the importance of cross training, I have missed cycling during these shorter, colder winter months.

Spin Geneve, conveniently located near our transportation hub, Gare Cornavin, enjoyed a soft opening the last few weeks of December before formally opening their doors on Monday.  An experiment of sorts, Spin Geneve is currently in Bike Switzerland, a local bike store which closes each winter during the off-season. This allows the Spin Geneve owners to see if the concept will work here before expanding into a permanent location.

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Based on our first two classes, it is clear that spinning is an unmet demand here, and the studio should do wonderfully! The space features 15 brand new bikes with RPM monitors, a bathroom, changing area and huge fan to keep the room cool. One great aspect of Spin Geneve versus many other spin studios is that their bikes all have interchangeable pedals. This means that regardless your shoe or clip style, they can fix a bike to meet your need!

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The classes are 45 minutes in length and have, thus far, replicated many of the nearby rides and popular cycling routes. The climbs are long and intense, followed by fast sprints to flush out the lactic acid. Doing their best to cater to the local market and demand, they are considering adding a few back to back classes, allowing people who want longer rides to stay for two classes. Their schedule currently includes morning, lunch and evening rides making it a very convenient Geneva workout option.

Cost: 25 CHF though packages can reduce prices to 20 CHF – Address: 22 Rue des Grottes, 1201 Geneva – What to wear: If you have cycling shorts & shoes, make sure to wear them. Otherwise, your favorite workout outfit & shoes will suffice.

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Mile High Run Club

After reading about the forecasted wellness trends for 2015 in Well+Good’s article last month, I knew I had to try a treadmill running class when I was next in New York. Luckily my favorite workout partner and motivator, was willing to meet me bright and early on Friday morning at Mile High Run Club.

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The newest member on the treadmill class scene, Mile High Run Club, brings something different. Mile High, in essence, is an indoor running club. The instructors, or coaches, are all elite runners. Their expertise helps them encourage and motivate each student to reach their own goals during the group treadmill class, whether it is your first day running on a treadmill or you are training to Boston qualify in your next marathon.

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If you’re one of the many New Yorkers who loathes training for that goal half marathon in the bitter cold, this is a great option for you.

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The large studio, located in NOHO, features 30 Woodway treadmills and kettlebell stations which face a gorgeous, lit wall. During class the wall colors changed, mimicking sunrise and sunset colors to brighten the mood. In addition to the large treadmill space, the studio also has a foam rolling area, small shop where runners can buy all the essentials, and a locker room featuring lockers, showers, toiletry items, towels and blow dryers.  (image source)

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Mile High offers two class formats: Dash 28 and The Distance. Dash 28 is a 45 minute class which includes 28 minutes of running followed by 10 minutes of kettlebell strength work and 5 minutes warm-up and cool down. The running portion is filled with constant intervals ranging from long climbs to sprints. Due to the coaches ability to modify and provide different speeds to attendees, this class is recommended for all levels ranging from beginners to elite runners. The Distance is far more intimidating and 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.

Theodora and I experienced the Dash 28 workout on Friday. It was everything I hoped for and more. I was drenched in sweat by the end but smiling ear to ear! In the 45 minute class I squeezed in 3 miles of running, including a long climb and a few sprints. Each treadmill features a pace card for reference. This card gives you suggested speeds based on your ability and the level. (image source)

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During the class the coach led us through each of the four levels: jog, tempo, 85% effort, and full out. I really enjoyed our coach, Andia W, as she was a perfect mix of motivating and supportive. She didn’t scream or yell, which is common at other boot camp like classes. Instead, she constantly reminded us of how long we had in each set so we could push ourselves just a little bit harder.  She also made every part of the workout, from warm-up to kettlebells clear and easy to understand.

I finished the class feeling challenged not only from a running standpoint but also from the short kettlebell session! In fact, if they’d asked me right then to buy a package, I would on the spot. If only I lived in NYC! The workout is not easy but dang is it fun and I bet that going on a monthly basis, just to see how many miles you can finish in the amount of time, would be a great way to build it into your routine. I also love classes like this because they help inspire me to change things up when I’m on solo on the treadmill.

Cost: $34 though packages can reduce prices – Address: 28 East 4th Street, New York City – What to wear: Your favorite running gear is perfect for this class.

Thank you Mile High Run Club for the opportunity to sweat with you guys when I was in NYC!

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CityRow NYC

This week in New York City I’ve done my best not to burn the candle at both ends, waking up early and staying out too late. The last thing I want to happen is that I land back in Geneva on Monday sick and feeling lethargic. So while I haven’t stayed out a single night thus far, I’ve found myself working out with friends every single morning. It’s been fabulous and provided me the chance to try lots of new workout classes and studios!

I headed down to Union Square bright and early this morning to meet Melissa for a workout at CityRow.  As the studio is conveniently located by one of my favorite healthy food spots in New York City, Hu Kitchen, I was able to dash into Hu and treat myself to a green juice (Organic Demi-Vert) before class!

IMG_3113[1]IMG_3117The studio is located on the 15th floor of 80 Fifth Avenue in a small space which includes an entry area where guests can check-in for class and get water along with a large, airy studio space where the classes take place. The friendly staff greeted me upon arrival offering to check me in for class, fill up my water bottle and answer any questions. She also let me know that while there are no showers, there is a bathroom which studio guests may use. The bathroom is down the hall and is plenty spacious in case you need to change clothes or want to wash your face and freshen up after class.

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The space is very airy due to the clean lines, multiple windows, bright white paint and wood floors. In fact, the space is spotless, looking as it has been open a day instead of a year! In the studio itself there are about 20 WaterRower machines, yoga mats and towels along with a nook in the corner with cubby holes for purses and bags.

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Beth, our instructor, welcomed everyone to the Row+Flow class which combines 15 minutes of intense rowing with 30 minutes of power yoga.  She did a great job catering to the new clients, such as me, ensuring that we were properly set up on our rowing machines and knew how to flow through the movements.

IMG_3151Row+Flow is a perfect CityRow class for someone who may be intimidated by CityRow’s more rowing based workouts such as Signature Row or SignatureX, even though I’ve been reassured that even those classes rarely include more than 5-10 minutes of rowing before mixing things up with another workout.

The 15 minute portion included a mix of sprints, power pulls, pausing drills, and oblique rowing drills. The soundtrack was fun and uplifting, helping each of us push just a bit harder at 7:30am. She often asked us to keep a watch on our pace, pushing us to stay below certain splits but understanding that everyone’s ability is different. She walked around adjusting students, similar to a yoga instructor, ensuring that everyone used proper form. Many people use the rowing machine incorrectly so as a past rower I appreciated her careful coaching!

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After 15 minutes we moved to the mats for 30 minutes of power flowing yoga that focused a lot on core work, which I loved! I loved that the power yoga moves kept us on our toes and each of the students continued to sweat until the final pose. My favorite move was dolphin, which she broke down into segments before making us do it four or five times.

I really enjoyed the class and the instructors supportive attitude and would make it a weekly addition to my schedule if I still lived in New York City. I hope to try one of their other class offerings when I’m back in January!

Cost: $32 though packages can reduce prices – Address: 80 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York City – What to wear: Stick with crops or leggings versus booty shorts, a breathable tank or top and you favorite sneakers

If you’re in NYC you can check out RowHouse, CityRow, or Brooklyn Crew or check out this 20 minute rowing workout you can do on your own at the gym! 

Your turn! Have you ever tried a rowing class or used the rowing machine at your gym?

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