I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling pretty oversaturated with COVID-19 updates, and I’d really rather focus my energy someplace else right now. And one of the healthiest ways to distract myself is exercise. Unfortunately, with gyms shutting down and group fitness being discouraged, it can be difficult to feel motivated to work out. As a run coach, cycling instructor, and writer who’s publicly acknowledged how exercise helps manage anxiety, the thought of being without my running buddies and fitness communities at this time is pretty devastating. Of course, we all know there is much greater devastation going on in the world, and it’s up to us to keep things from getting even more out of hand than they already are.
As a health and fitness editor, I am routinely contacted by PR gurus and studio owners about trying out various new classes, workouts, gyms and training studios throughout New York City. While I love experimenting with and trying new workouts, far too often I show up at a studio only to realize that the “media” class is simply a shorter, condensed version of the actual workout. And other times I realize that I just hate the workout and would never try it again on my own.
In a world where drop-in class rates cost upwards of $30, I want to help you figure out what’s worth spending your hard-earned money on (and prevent wasting your money on a class you absolutely detest).
Here’s a review of all of the new gyms and workouts I tried out in October, so you can get the scoop before trying them out yourself.
Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.
This week, we have 42-year-old Joe O’Leary — a writer, musician, stage performer, and runner chasing PRs in every distance, from the marathon, to the 10k, in New York City.
The Run Down
Name: Joe O’Leary Location: New York City Age: 42 Training For: Summer speed stuff (Queens 10K, July 6th 5K) and fall distance (Bronx 10mi, Staten Island Half, NYC marathon) Occupation: Sales Ops Office Guy Goal race? relevant to this essay, Queens 10K Following a training plan? Coach prescribed Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? CPTC How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ 3.5 years Goal weekly mileage: 50 miles/week
Runner’s Statement
Things are going pretty good for me, running-wise, this last year. I had some big PRs in the mile (5:21), 5k (18:48) and 10 mile (1:05:05) leading up to my marathon debut at the New York Marathon. In February I hit another sub-1:30 half marathon on my way to a 10-minute PR at the New Jersey Marathon. Just last Monday, I went sub-40 in the 10K for the first time (39:30), something that’s been on my list for a year.
I talk to a coach here, read an article or internet forum there, talk shop with other runners, listen to advice, try new things, be consistent with form — to me it’s all part of keeping on top of it. In lieu of having the discipline or schedule flexibility to adhere to a strict plan, I’ve substituted the willingness to assume that something I’m doing isn’t working, and to implement self-corrective behavior. And it’s been working, for the most part.
Next week I’ll be running the Queens 10K and then only a handful of smaller races until the fall season starts. I’ll be doing the Bronx 10 mile, Staten Island Half, and the NYC full. This summer, though, the plan is to cut back the miles and work on speed and tempos mainly until the long runs begin again in earnest. We’ll see how that plan goes. For now, eyes are on the 10k on the 17th. Looking to get a hard week of work in before a mini taper next week. I did 50 miles last week, looking to do something similar this week.Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Joe O’Leary”→
On Wednesday night I attended Chelsea’s new BFX Studio launch party, celebrating with an evening of complimentary classes, private training sessions, cocktails and giveaways.
Of course, I signed up for a class–because, why not?–and chose the 7:15pm Fusion Ride with Juan.
Split into two parts, the first half of the class was in the spin studio, then took to another room full of kettlebells, weights, and full-length mirrors. We got our bodyweight workouts and functional movements in by doing one minute each of the workouts you see posted on the mirror, followed by a 5-minute power workout doing as many sets of 10 reps of each movement as possible. We finished with an ab workout, and some much-needed stretching.
Workout (10x each)
Double Arm American Kettlebell Swings
Double Squat Clean Press
Kettlebell Push-ups
Warrior Lunges
Renegade Rows
Shoulder Press Push-ups
I walked away from the night with that good, sore feeling, and this amazing, Beyonce-inspired tank top, available for purchase at BFX Studio.
A few months back, I wrote a feature for Blood, Sweat & Cheers about a pay-what-you-can bootcamp in New York City (because not everyone who works out can afford Lululemon tops and SoulCycle spinning classes). The founder of The People’s Bootcamp, Adam Rosante, was great and answered my questions about the class with a turnaround time all writers would appreciate.
And just recently, in true 2013 fashion, he invited me to drop in on one of his classes one evening after work… on Twitter.
Now let me tell you something: The first night I tried to make it to Adam’s class, I ended up arriving too late. Not wanting to disrupt the class, I left the building pretty defeated — I had just left work early and traveled all the way uptown, only to get right back on the subway to go home. And then, making matters worse, during my sulk I left my wallet on the subway.
Thank goodness for good Samaritans: I ended up getting my wallet returned to me the next. But my point is, most people would have given up at that point. All that for a bootcamp? Most wouldn’t think it was worth it. But I follow Adam on Twitter and read his motivational fitness blog, and was determined to go back!
Adam generously allowed me to reschedule, and I finally made it to a 6:30pm class last Thursday.
Adam’s classes take place in an open studio and use bodyweight for resistance. There’s no equipment provided or necessary—all are just reminded to bring a water bottle and a towel. About 20 or so of us spread out among the room, and we were given a rundown of the workout to come.
Basically, Adam puts class goers through 7 exercise combinations that range from squat kicks, to dynamic planks, to both regular and tricep push-ups, to fancy burpees…and more. We were to do each exercise for 45 seconds, followed by a 10 minute rest, and onto the next one. Each set concluded with 45 seconds of sprinting in place. We would do a total of three sets. What we got was an invigorating, total-body workout that made me feel completely exhausted yet satisfied at the same time.
At just 30 seconds into the regime, I knew it was going to be tough. I experienced several renditions of the longest 45 seconds of my life. High intensity intervals are not something I typically practice on my own, mostly because it’s easier to run or do a little yoga for an hour than to do super short, crazy intense spurts. But since each exercise was only 45 seconds, and I knew what I’d gone through to take that class, I worked as hard as I could.
Adam said something during the session (besides LET’S GO, YOU GOT THIS, LET’S MOTHAF*CKING DO THIS) that really resonated with me. It was actually before the class even began. He said, “You’re doing this for you. This workout is for you — not anyone else.” Or something similar to that.
But he’s right! Workouts should be for yourself – for the way it makes you feel, the way you challenge yourself, the strength you feel afterward — it shouldn’t be so you can please others or fit into society’s mold of what we should look like. It shouldn’t be for your boyfriend, or girlfriend, or revenge, or so that you “don’t feel fat.” And that’s why I like to workout. It makes me feel good. It helps me clear my head, have alone time, and let out steam every so often. So I encourage you all to workout for the right reasons.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself and need to wake up your workout regime, be sure to sign up for a class with Adam. You won’t regret it! My calves were sore for days, but I don’t think I know a better feeling than one from a good workout.
Through the many perks of my job, I was invited to try out a new fitness class that’s sure to gain some popularity among dance and Zumba enthusiasts.
Jumping Lifestyles on Broadway off Canal Street in New York City is a new trampoline studio offering customized workouts using individual “jump stations” (aka, trampolines with pogo stick-like handlebars). Not only is the workout tool unique in itself, but the room is also equipped with black lights, flashing lights, spinning disco balls and a high-tech sound system to mimic the inner workings of a dance club. So not only are you getting “more bounce” literally from jumping up and down, you’re also getting amped up on the same feeling you have on a Friday night out with the girls (sans the Saturday hangover! …though it might be replaced with Saturday soreness).
Offering two different styles of classes, Jumping Lifestyles has both the JumpGym class and the JumpDance class. I had the pleasure of attending one of the JumpDance classes, led by the studio owner. I was a little skeptical at first, as I’ve been to zumba a couples times and pretty much just felt out of place (I don’t have the gene that enables you to shake your hips like Shakira, or anyone with any kind of dance talent). But when we started bouncing around, I tried to just let myself enjoy the fun of it and get the best workout possible.
The workout is definitely unique. It’s low impact because of the trampoline, so it’s easy on your joints. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy in general. We did a lot of stepping, running in place, kicking, and even shuffling around the circumference of the trampoline. More often than not, I needed to leverage the front handlebars to stay balanced and/or avoid falling off the trampoline (and amazingly, no one in my class fell or bounced off during our hour-long session). With the music pumping and lots of excited encouragement from our instructor, the whole experience felt like a glorified dance-zumba-kicking-bouncing party that made me sweat a whole lot more than I thought it would.
I’ve been told the JumpGym class is a little more vigorous cardio-wise, using free weights along with the jumping routine to build strength. I think runners like me would appreciate that class a little bit more and it probably would have been a little more my style, but I definitely relived my younger bounce house days and enjoyed myself!
Classes at Jumping Lifestyles take place on evenings and weekends (full schedule here). A single class is $28 (but just $15 for first timers!), and first-timers can also get packages like 3 classes for $55. If you live in the NYC area and need to switch up your routine, or just need to have fun, check it out!
Run From Your Problems 