TenPilates London

Living in Europe, I have missed sweating with my blogger friends in New York City! On an almost weekly basis we would enjoy at least one workout together either on our own or due to a sponsored event. These workouts not only gave us an opportunity to catch up but also exposure to a number of fun, new workouts over the years ranging from yoga to intense bootcamps. You name it, I tried it during my three years of blogging in New York City.

Each weekend that I am in London I try to fill this workout class void by scheduling at least one workout with a fellow blogger. Luckily last weekend my girl Charlie planned another wonderful blogger event which coincided with my time in London and happened to include a workout which was new to me – dynamic reformer Pilates!

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TenPilates hosted our group of 7 bloggers for an hour long class Saturday morning during which time our instructor Matt, would lead us through an introduction to the machine and ensure that our muscles were crying for mercy by the end! After quick introductions he asked the group which muscles we wanted to focus on during the workout. After voting to not focus on one area but instead try an array of moves we got to work.  (photo courtesy of Charlie)

If you’re like me, you’ve never heard of dynamic reformer Pilates. Here is a snippet from their website, describing the workout. I’m not really sure, even after the class, how this type of Pilates is different than other reformer Pilates classes, which I tried once last year at Pilates Pro Works.

Dynamic Pilates is an innovative, intense, results-driven workout, centred on and around the Reformer bed, that strengthens core muscle groups, slims figures, burns fat and creates lean, toned muscles.

We used the reformer throughout the class to make simple movements far more difficult due to the use of springs and pulleys, which provided resistance. Performing exercises on the rerformer also required balance and focus! In addition to the reformer we used pilates rings, straps, foam blocks, and hand weights during the workout. Every movement engaged multiple muscles which made the workout feel even more effective! Similar to barre classes, I found that my small muscles, especially in the arm and glute area, burned the most.

After working each muscle group he led us through a short stretch which was complete bliss! Here you can see us using the rings to stretch out our calves!

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Overall I really enjoyed the class and can see the benefit to adding it into a workout schedule at least once per week. The class highlighted just how week many of our glutes are even though we just completed marathons! I hear it often but it is so rare that any of us actually keep up with true strength training during the peak of marathon training. The classes are 27 pounds per session when purchased individually which is equal to $44! That is expensive even for me, who is accustomed to New York boutique fitness class prices! They do however have an introductory offer which is 12.50 pounds for new students and class packages to provide a minimal discount.

Unfortunately this is too expensive and not close enough to our flat to become a regular class on my London weekend schedule. However, based on how much I enjoyed this reformer class I am hoping to try some other less expensive options in London!

Have you tried Pilates before? If so, do you prefer reformer or mat?

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Barry’s Bootcamp London

There is something so refreshing about finding a familiar friend in a new city. IMG_3750While we knew that Barry’s Bootcamp existed when we moved to London, we’ve been so busy getting oriented and unpacked the past few weeks that we never even looked up where it was located. Instead, we’ve spent our weekends running outside while Bo works out at Reebok Sports Club near his office during the week. But Wednesday afternoon Bo texted me stating that he signed us up for the 6am Friday class. He figured it would be a fun way to end the week together while also giving us a chance to see how it compared to our favorite Barry’s Bootcamp location in New York. (A year ago I reviewed Barry’s Bootcamp New York for the first time!)IMG_3743 Upon walking through the doors of 16 Upper Woburn Place we were greeted by many familiar sights and smells. Orchids, Malin+Goetz candles, a Fuel Bar complete with more than 10 smoothie creations, and a friendly staff greeted us as we walked through the door. It felt as if we were walking through the doors in Chelsea, save for the British accent that gave us a bright “cheers.” 

At 6am on the dot we found ourselves on the 2 end treadmills, ready for 55 minutes of burn. Before we started the workout, the instructor, Olly, walked around to each person introducing himself and asking them if they had any injuries or if was their first time. He then told us that it was Full Body Friday which meant we’d hit each body part during the 55 minutes including 3 treadmill segments. IMG_3746 There were three different types of treadmill runs during today’s class: 10 minutes of hills, 10 minutes of speed and 5 minutes of “dynamic” running on the Woodway treadmill during which we use our own strength to manually push the belt. The 3 floor sections were a mix of squats, step ups, pushups, chest presses, and bicep curls with medium weights. Last but not least we finished class with bicycle abs before moving into the cool down stretches.

The great thing about a franchise with consistent brand equity like Barry’s Bootcamp is that you get a very similar experience at every location. We walked out of the class exhausted in the same exact way we would in New York. My pre-ordered Not Your Average Joe smoothie was waiting at the smoothie bar for me while a bathroom full of lockers and products greeted Bo so he could easily shower and change at the gym before heading to work. IMG_3751 If you haven’t tried Barry’s Bootcamp yet I would recommend it, regardless your fitness level. As long as you are honest with the teacher at the beginning of class you will get a great deal out of the workout. If you’re experienced you may get a few new ideas or see numbers on the treadmill you haven’t seen before. If you’re a beginner, you will achieve a workout high like none other and push yourself beyond what you thought possible. The teachers will challenge you, especially in the last minute of any workout, but in a friendly and positive way!

Barry’s Bootcamp London is located at 16 Upper Woburn Place and offers classes from 6am until 8pm Monday through Friday and 8:45 to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Classes begin at 20 pounds for one class though buying package results in a discount. 

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Running Gear Prices in UK

Good morning! Did you all have a good Friday night?

Bo and I made a last minute decision to curl up on the couch together enjoying a relaxing evening with sushi, Grey’s Anatomy and a glass of wine. Since we live in cities that are still very new to us, I find that we are scheduling every moment wanting to see and taste everything. Sometimes it’s important to slow down and just relax. Our first sushi delivery experiment went very well! The quality of the sushi and the rice to fish ratio was perfect while still being less expensive than our favorite sushi delivery place in NYC. IMG_2982Before curling up on the couch with Bo, I had an active evening which included buying new running shoes, running 10 miles and yoga with Charlie!

I decided last week, after input from many people on Twitter, that I’d just wear my shoes one more time for the actual marathon as they were getting pretty worn out. But, after arriving in London on Thursday night, Bo and I realized that they most likely were thrown out by accident. Last weekend there were a number of bags being thrown out with all our organizing and cleaning. It was a total mistake but for a few brief minutes yesterday I went into panic mode. The three pair of shoes I rotate for my shorter runs are definitely not supportive enough for a marathon. But, luckily a local running store, Runners Need, solved my issues within minutes.  The associate looked at my pictures to identify the shoes I wore for my 20 milers and then within minutes had me on the treadmill, assessing my gait to ensure they were the appropriate shoes. She even looked at my calves and legs, feeling for tightness to see if this could be caused by the shoes! I also learned that while the large shoe companies such as Mizuno, Saucony, Brooks, and Nike have all the same models here as they do in the US, the color choices are totally different by country. Needless to say, I was forced into my first pair of black running shoes, even though I bought the same style I’ve worn for a year in the US – Mizuno Wave Rider 16.

Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 16

Within 15 minutes I had marathon shoes, socks, and NUUN which I’ll use to keep me hydrated this week and on the flight to New York City. Since so many people have asked why I am doing a lot of shopping in New York City versus Geneva and London, this is a perfect example. Here is a list of what I bought yesterday with a comparison in prices for you.

Mizuno Wave Rider 16            US SRP: $115       UK SRP: 99 Pounds = $160

Thorlo Experia Sock                US SRP: $15         UK SRP: 12.50 Pounds= $20

NUUN Grape                            US SRP: $6.50      UK SRP: 5.99 Pounds = $9.65

                             Total in US: $136    in UK conversion: $190                 

The above answers the question everyone has of why I would shop in New York City versus Europe. London is less expensive than Geneva and still I spent more then $50 more here than I would at Jack Rabbit or another running store in the US. While I will certainly buy some things here, the more I can buy when we are in the States the more beneficial it is for our wallet!

After the shopping trip I made a quick change at home and headed out for my last long run before the marathon, 10 miles around 3 of our nearby parks:  Hyde Park, Kensington Park, and Regents Park. IMG_2963None of the miles felt easy and it was 70 degrees, even at 6pm, but I pushed through and focused on the gorgeous surroundings and my podcast.  The parks were filled with couples enjoying evening picnics, groups of teenagers playing sports, other runners, and the staff setting up for this weekend’s large half marathon, Royal Parks Half Marathon.  I definitely want to do this half next year as the course is beautiful!

IMG_2976 IMG_2974My run ended in Fitzrovia at Good Vibes Fitness where I met Charlie for a yoga date. We are both training for marathons and rarely practice yoga alone. We knew that if we committed to doing yoga together instead of a run it would ensure we squeezed in some important stretching, especially since I am in taper mode now.  Good Vibes is a gym which features pilates, yoga, power plates, and spin classes all under one roof. Charlie nor I had been to the studio before but were excited to try one of their yoga classes. The studio was very clean and bright and the staff was super helpful especially for newcomers like us.

There are 4 separate bathroom stalls and then a changing area for men and women with showers. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore the entire studio space as we arrived right when the class started.  We quickly moved into the yoga studio which was heated and featured bright orange mats for everyone.  The class we took, Yang and Yin by Candlelight, was divine! The 75 minute class included 45 minutes of strong flow followed by 30 minutes of restorative poses in a dark room with candlelight. It was a great way to end the week and transition into the weekend. My hips and back definitely appreciated some of restorative opening poses.  The instructor, Natasha, was very sweet but I wish she adjusted students more. Maybe that it is an American thing but I love when teachers adjust during yoga as it helps me move deeper into the poses or insure I am aligned properly. However, she did say something during the class which really resonated.

Yoga is a practice, not a performance.

Sometimes I go into a yoga class putting so much pressure on myself to either get into poses deeper than last time or hold crow pose for longer than last time. Instead, when I can just release everything and forget about any expectations the class goes best.  After 75 minutes Charlie and I were both very relaxed and our limbs felt more limber than they have in ages! In fact, we both loved the class so much that we’ve already talked about planning a date for the next Friday I am in London!

How about you? How was your Friday? Any fun weekend plans? We are spending most of the weekend similar to last night, relaxing together. We do have plans to meet up with some friends for drinks early this evening.

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