When Bo and I moved to Gramercy two years ago, we never knew that it was going to become the hot spot for workout classes. Now it seems like there is a new studio opening on a daily basis within a few block radius of our apartment. While this doesn’t always bode well for my wallet since I belong to Equinox, I do love trying new boutique fitness classes, especially when the studio is owned by someone whom I’ve worked with before!

Back in June of 2010, right after I started my blog, I discovered Leanne Shear’s through a Daily Candy event she hosted in Central Park. This brunette inspired me as soon as I stepped into her presence; radiating a positive attitude and healthy physique. She exudes the idea that fit is the new skinny, pushing her clients to find a balanced lifestyle while incorporating strength and yoga into their normal cardio routines. Back in 2010 I loved every second of her Fit & Flow class in Central Park which included 45 minutes of sweat producing cardio followed by 30 minutes of yoga stretching on the grass. While the time nor location was convenient for me, this was a class I raved about to everyone who’d listen.

Then, last year, I was able to work with her through a BeFitNYC partnership, bringing a free bootcamp to readers and locals. Each time I take her class, I question my Equinox membership and whether it’d be better to work with her.

Therefore, when I found out that their new space, Uplift Studios, opened in Flatiron, I couldn’t wait to try out their classes and experience the new studio.   Located at 24 West 23rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue, the bright studio welcomes women as soon as the cross the threshold with bright colors, perfect use of mirrors, plenty of tea, water, and post workout snacks, a full locker room featuring all the products you need to get ready, and even more surprising, a full service bar!

The bar allows for socializing before and after classes, as well as the perfect place for their popular Raise the Bar classes which bring together an intense 45 minute workout followed by a wine, chocolate, or cocktail tasting class. I love the fact that these women understand that life is a balance and that all good things, including cocktails, come in moderation. Their attitude is contagious whether you’re talking with Leanne and her team of founders or any one of their staff including personal trainers and nutritionists.

Uplift Studio’s co-founders, from left, Helena Wolin, Katie Currie and Leanne Shear seek to infuse the camaraderie of social drinking into their gym classes. (image compliments of Huffington Post)

Melissa and I had the chance to visit the studio for a Cardio and Cocktails special event class so we could see what it was all about. Not only did I love the class, I’m already working with them to put together one as an upcoming reader event but I also love the idea of doing this to kick off a birthday or celebratory weekend!

The class we attended was hosted by Michelle Mason, a bubbly trainer on their staff who knows personally how difficult the weight loss journey can be, especially in NYC. After introducing herself to the group she stressed the importance of form and intensity to everyone since our class was only 30 minutes. She promised, however, that if we pushed ourselves through each circuit we would not only leave sweating but we’d boost our heart rate and get a great cardiovascular and strength workout. 

While I normally stick to longer classes or workouts, her combination delivered on her promise! The class included a mix of circuits after a short cardio warmup to get our body ready. The strength section included three series, repeated twice. The movements were combinations so it engaged our whole body: squats with an overhead press, lunges with kickbacks, and more. In between, she took us through burpees and squat jumps.

Last but not least, she took us through a challenging ab sequence before a final stretch and cool down.

Every single lady in the class was sweating within minutes of the start and by the time we finished our last plank we were all collapsing on the floor in defeat, even one of Fitness Magazine’s editors who is in amazing shape!

If you’re interested in giving Uplift Studios a try, check out their special 50% off rate for first time students! In addition, they have 30 minute classes throughout the week which only cost $18 and can be bought in packs for a great savings. In reviewing the Uplift Studio class schedule, I’d love to try the following classes:

• Fit and Flow Express
• Uplifting
• Power Yoga
• Raise the Bar (clearly)

*I was provided with a complimentary class through Go Recess but the review and opinions are all my own.