My Wednesday night was amazing. There really isn’t any other way to describe it. I should have known in advance as the event had all the ingredients for the perfect evening:

• A great workout
• Wine and snacks
• Thought provoking conversation

The lovely ladies at Uplift Studios took their popular Workout+Wine to another level last night by sponsoring a Workout + Wine book club! Inspired by all the conversation surrounding Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In, the ladies thought it would serve as the perfect platform for book club event! Eleven women joined for the workout while others came for the wine and discussion afterwards!

Eleven of us had our butts kicked during the workout portion of Workout + Wine. Shannon Macdowell may be tiny but damn is she mighty! Her energy, great playlist, and attention to form will kick anyone into shape quickly and make them sweat within minutes. The workout was Uplift Strength which means we used lots of heavy weights, including my favorite dumbbell weight these days, the 15 pound bad boys! There were only cardio bursts but between the sumo jump squats and the burpees, we were all exhausted by the end of each 4 minute cardio set.

After the workout guests were able to enjoy an array of delicious, healthy snacks and plenty of wine! I was starving after a double workout day and was therefore thankful that the snacks included more than just cheese and crackers. There was a delicious salad, quinoa, cheese, fruit, popcorn, and more!

For the next hour, I experienced one of the most uplifting (Oh hello pun, but really) and supportive conversations with a group of strangers. Though I only knew four of the women personally, we each opened up and spoke about our experiences in the work place throughout the years. There was a wide array of ages represented in the discussion which meant a multitude of experiences to share. Each person was engaged, supportive, and provided some great ideas on how to tackle some of the obstacles and situations we face as women on a daily basis. While each of us agreed that the book, Lean In, isn’t perfect it definitely has provoked some great conversations lately.

  One of my favorite points of the evening was when Leanne, one of Uplift’s founders, asked the group if we each considered ourselves feminists. Until recently, I never considered myself a feminist. But, after reading the book and last night’s discussion, I’ve been reminded that feminism isn’t about man hating or not wanting guys to hold doors for women. Those are all the stereotypes that make the term so polarizing. Feminism can mean something different for each person but for me it means making the best opportunities available to women whether social, political, or professional.

Even after the event officially ended many of us lingered, discussing experiences and echoing the same feeling. Even the founders were in awe at the event’s success.

“….starting any business has its challenges, of course; however, experiencing the power and insight that came through like it did last night makes any challenges 100% worth it.” Leanne Shear, Co-Founder, President Uplift

This isn’t the only event Uplift offers in addition to their daily workouts. This Sunday they are hosting a Sunday Funday “Bootcamp, Bloodys & Brunch” which will include their signatures Uplifting-Strength workout followed by socializing over everyone’s favorite hangover remedies! To check out more information, head over to their site or email them at info@upliftstudios.com!

How about you? Do you consider yourself a feminist?

*This is not a sponsored post and I was not compensated for the class nor provided a complimentary class. These are all my own, genuine opinions. I just really, really love Uplift!