Fitness

Fitness/Workout Reviews

Barre3 DC

Orangetheory Fitness

SoulCycle DC

Solidcore

Sensazao Dance Fitness

JULY 2015

JUNE 2015

Workout Review: Solidcore (The hardest workout of my life!)

When I saw the “coming soon” sign in the Solidcore window near Ballston Mall in Arlington last winter, I was determined to try a class. Having tried just about every “trendy” workout known to woman, I wasn’t intimidated by the description listed in several articles and dozens of Yelp reviews as “the hardest workout in DC”.

Solidcore is the first studio in the DC area (with locations at Ballston & Mosaic District for the northern Virgina set) to offer the Lagree Fitness Method, a high-energy, low-impact, full-body workout done on a spring-loaded pilates machine called the MegaFormer. The classes are small (about a dozen students per class), the instructors are positively motivational and the sound system amplifies the latest club anthems and classics. The class is an electrifying combination of pilates, barre, yoga and body sculpt infused with a ton of sauna like induced perspiration! You will burn hundreds of calories in this class!

The Solidcore workout consists of an insanely intense mix of isometric, cardiovascular, endurance, resistance and strength training exercises. With such moves as the French twist, palm springs crunch, the saw, serve the platter, tree hugger, walk the plank, plank to pike and escalator lunges along with “traditional” exercises like squats, shoulder press and tricep extensions you are certain to burn up those calories, build solid muscles and sculpt your body from the inside out. I have only been there three days this week and I can already feel and see the difference!

The workout is indeed intense. However, if you’re used to doing Tabata or Bikram Yoga, it may not exhaust you the way that some people feel afterward. I found it highly invigorating and the best part about it is, you will live and you will feel stronger afterward.

The price may seem expensive at $37 per class. However, when you compare that price to what your standard box gym charges for personal training sessions or small group training and measure the results that you receive from this class versus the standard, run of the mill traditional weight training and the choice becomes more clear. Solidcore isn’t trendy. Solidcore is here to stay. We are lucky that we are one of the first major cities to have a studio. Solidcore has redefined fitness and the owner/founder Anne Mahlum is a new fitness hero to me. I can’t wait to meet her one day!

For more information about Solidcore, click here.

{This article reflects my own personal experience. I was given one complimentary class and I purchased a package of my own to write a full review}.

MAY 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

WORKOUT REVIEW: SENSAZAO DANCE FITNESS

Sensazao Dance Fitness is a total-body workout that has all the benefits of a long run or your most intense cardio workout, possibly even more. In a 1-hour class, you can burn as many as 800 calories. You’ll also tone nearly every muscle in your body, improve balance, boost brainpower and develop a confidence about your ability to dance gracefully and dance sexy.

I gained over 60 pounds with each of my pregnancies. Having been slender and fit my entire life, I was horrified at the sight of my post pregnant body. I was desperate to find something that would inspire me to get fit and healthy again. Not only was I desperate, I was beginning to develop post-partum depression.

At 38 years old and 5 feet, 7 inches tall, I was clinically obese at 205 pounds and I still looked 9 months pregnant. I joined my nearest gym in Arlington. On my second day at the gym, I noticed a huge line (almost 45 minutes wait before the class began. It was for a class instructed by Gabriela Espinoza. Once inside the class, a woman standing next to me asked me if it was my first class. Of course I answered “yes.” Then, she gently touched my arm and said “Just want to let you know that my first time taking the class, I only lasted 30 minutes and I had to leave. It’s okay if you have to leave early, just have fun!”

A sexy, super lean and sculpted instructor (Gabriela Espinoza) came rushing in and plugged her Ipod into the stereo. The most beautiful Latin music (a song by Pitbull) came on and the warm-up began. I was exhausted, out of breath and ready to crawl out of the class after only 3 minutes! I could barely get thru the warm-up! But, I decided to keep trying. I felt like collapsing on the floor during several songs. It was intense. The moves were sexy, included tweaking, swaying, sashaying, gyrating, salsa, bachata, samba, hip hop and worked every single muscle in my body. Gabriela’s double jointed and firm body moved so effortlessly. Her passion for dance was electrifying and inspiring. I was in love with this style of aerobic dance fitness and determined to learn the choreography, have fun and lose weight. This class made me feel like myself again, the “dancing self” before marriage and kids, a girl who once danced beside Channing Tatum in the movie, Step Up. And after only 6 months of attending Sensazao Dance class five nights a week, I lost 50 pounds and went from a “Plus Size 16” to a size 8 without changing my diet or doing any other type of workout.

My instructor Gabriela and her sister Jazmin left that local Arlington gym and opened up their very own studio in Alexandria almost 5 years ago and I’m still a huge fan! Fans come from all over the world to take classes here. Singer/Actress Jordin Sparks has even visited the Alexandria, Virginia studio and has endorsed the workout on her “Things she’s obsessed with” on MTV, in several magazine articles and on her Instagram.

The Sensazao (pronounced SENS-suh-Zow) Dance Fitness workout is perfect for those who enjoy dancing or want to learn how to dance in a very safe and fun environment with others who have the same interest and fitness goals as you do. This is the most fun you’ll ever have while losing weight and keeping fit! Moving to music is stress-free and happy. There’s no counting reps, watching the clock or taking breaks in between circuits.

Sensazao recently began live streaming their dance classes and I had the awesome opportunity to interview one of the founders of Sensazao Dance Fitness, Jazmin Espinoza about their latest endeavor and what’s in store for the future.

CM: When did you decide to pursue fitness as a full-time or part-time career?

Jazmin: Dancing was always part of our lives and we were always pursuing a challenge. Once we saw the interest in dance and fitness we adjusted our dance experience and increased the fitness component in our classes. From there on it became a way of life.

CM: When did you realize you had a bonafide BRAND for your company?

Jazmin: From the beginning, epecially when there was always a long line [of people] waiting for our classes.

CM: Are the new Live Stream videos equivalent to your classes?

Jazmin: Technically no, we are live streaming our classes since we have many online followers who want to join us, but these classes are different than our studio classes. The major difference is that it’s not the real experience, which cannot be replaced unless you are there with us. However, our new service allows you to dance with us in the comfort of your own home/gym/studio and with whomever you want.

CM: How does it feel when total strangers approach you and applaud you for their fitness results?

Jazmin: It feels incredibly rewarding that we were part of their fitness journey and helped them in any way. But it does not feel like we are talking to strangers at all. We are definitely connected to our clients and share the same happy feeling when we dance together.

CM: Who among your clients is the best embodiment of the Sensazao brand & why?

Jazmin: Our mother Gaby. She has the best time dancing with us, takes sometimes 2 classes in a row, keeps herself in shape and gives us the best feedback when it comes to routines and songs we choose for class.

CM: What sets your dance fitness class apart from all the others?

Jazmin: Two things: 1.) We have 3 unique styles when it comes to choreographing and teaching 2.) Our instructors training quality

CM: What amount of classes do you recommend for new moms trying to get fit and fit back into their pre-baby jeans?

Jazmin: We recommend 2 to 3 per week. Considering the high to low impact versatility of our routines, anyone can start their fitness journey with us and reach their goals in the most safe and effective way.

CM: Where do you see your company ten years from today? Any plan for franchising and studios in other cities?

Jazmin: Franchising is a possibility we have considered. In ten years we plan to see official Sensazao classes worldwide and our own charity organization related to dance and health.

CM: In addition to your classes, what do you girls do for fun?

Jazmin: We like to surf, take dance classes, attend carnivals and mostly travel all over the world.

CM: What announcements and news would you like to share with the Clarendon Moms readers?

JM: We would like to share our passion for life by means of music and dance. We would like to remind everyone that health is the best investment and that happiness is the journey.

Shimmy, twerk, pop and lock your way to your pre-baby body, Sensazao Dance Studio is located at: 5424 Eisenhower Ave. 
Alexandria, VA 22304. For more information, visit www.sensazao.com

WORKOUT REVIEW: SOUL CYCLE DC

SoulCycle is a marriage between a cycling boutique, rave, house or hip hop dance party and weight training class. With a cult-ish following, tons of DC residents have been flooding the cycling studio to find out what all the hype is about. I have personally spotted our first lady, Michelle Obama and other local DC celebs tapping into their soul here in DC and have heard Kelly Ripa rave about Soul Cycle countless times. This class promises to burn over 900 calories in one session. Sweating is an understatement for these soul sisters (and brothers).

Upon entering the Soul Cycle studio, a fresh aroma of grapefruit fills your olfactory senses. The light is brighter than the sun. The staff are very attentive and cheerful. I totally understand why this place may be “cultish”. I filled out the liability waiver, rented a pair of “clip ins” and claimed my bike. My instructor was Megan, a pretty and amazingly toned woman with electrifying energy. As the ride began, the music gradually became more energetic. Megan gave the crowd a sort of fitness/soul affirmation sermon. I definitely felt like I was in the right place of worship! I was inspired more at this moment than I had been at any other fitness studios I had ever visited, especially more than at any other cycling/spinning class. Love at first spin was setting in.

What is Soul Cycle?

Soul Cycle is spinning with handle bar push-ups, crunches, and side-to-side (oblique) dips on the bike while the energy is kept high by receiving little pep during the course of the ride. The class is intense at times, but easily modifiable. There is a weighted arm sequence (on the bikes) towards the end of the class. Mini dumbbells are used to workout the upper body with lots of little, isolated movements reminiscent of barre classes.

The juice:

I have drank the Soul Cycle Kool-Aid and I am truly addicted. However, at $30 a class, I will be taking Soul Cycle only as a “weekly supplement” to my already established fitness routine for 2015.First time riders at SoulCycle get a class for $20, which includes bike + shoes.
After that, individual class: $30 Shoe rental – $3 (frequent riders usually bring their own). Riders are encouraged to bring their own water-bottles. If you forget, they have some for purchase. Regular water – $2 / Large water – $3

Soul Cycle is located at 2301 M Street NW, Washington DC 20037. To learn more about Soul Cycle DC or to register for classes, click HERE.

JANUARY 2015

WORKOUT REVIEW: LOCAL MOTION 

I love working out! And this year, I will be sharing my favorite workouts in a monthly post called Workout Review. First up is Cardio Sculpt at Local Motion Studio in Alexandria. Cardio Sculpt is an energizing 45 minutes of cardio and strength training. This barefoot training class has Pilates and Yoga influences, but this is no mat class! If you’re looking for a sweat-induced workout, this is the class for you.

I walked into Local Motion Studio after a hectic morning of dropping off my first grade daughter at elementary school, my son at his pre-school and my husband at the metro followed by my bi-weekly grocery shopping. It had just begun to snow for the first time this year and I was wondering if I was going to get a call asking me to return to school to pick up my kids. But, once I walked into the Local Motion Studio, all of the stress that I had in my body and all of those anxious thoughts I had in my head melted away. The studio is modern, minimalistic, spacious and has a calming, yet inspiring energy. I didn’t even feel like I was in Alexandria, let alone the state of Virginia. The studio was reminiscent of my days as a student actor in New York City learning Suzuki Movement and Alexander Technique. My fellow attendees of the Cardio Sculpt class had friendly faces and were just as excited as I was to take the class.

What exactly is Cardio Sculpt? Think high rep low weights and yoga-inspired sculpting. Add in a few leg ups/jogging in place and you will feel moderate intensity. This is the gist of what the class was like: An arm segment that’s longer than I’m used to with 3 and 5-lb weights, leg and glutes segments using your body weight (think 80’s style Jane Fonda ‘on all fours kicking your leg back’ with weights in the back of your knee caps style. OMG! Am I going to get a Kim Kardashian ass doing these donkey kicks?), partner planks and one hand patty cake push-ups with Yoga-like “flows” between each circuit. I really liked our instructor Charissa Mobley. She was super energetic, passionate about fitness and is great at giving cues and encouragement.

About Local Motion: Local Motion Studio offers fun and inclusive movement classes to both adults and children. They offer Ballet, Belly Dance, Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness, Yoga, Pilates, CrossBarre, Capoeira, Capofit, various forms of dance and cardio classes. Their mission is to bring the joy of movement to everyone– at any stage and any age. My favorite aspect in addition to their brand new, clean facility and techniques offered is that they are very family-friendly and offer onsite childcare and children’s classes.

Local Motion Studio is located at 2377 South Dove Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information, visit www.localmotionstudio.com

Fall 2014

Fitness is a lot like fashion, very trendy. And DC is one of the most fitness friendly cities in the U.S. Whether you want to bulk up like the incredible Hulk or lengthen your muscles to look like a ballerina, DC has something to offer. So, forget the treadmill, ditch your average aerobics class and try one of the hottest classes offered in DC.

1. SoulCycle: SoulCycle is a marriage between a cycling boutique, rave dance party and weight training class. With a cult-ish following, tons of DC residents have been flooding the new cycling studio to find out what all the hype is about. Our first lady, Michelle Obama and celebs such as David Beckham, Lena Dunham, Kelly Ripa and Katie Holmes have been seen tapping into their soul at other locations and now you can too. This class promises to burn over 900 calories in one session, sweat is an understatement for these soul sisters (and brothers).

2. Barre: Based on the movements of ballet but coupled with the burn of cross-fit, Barre is no easy lift. The class is set to upbeat music and consists of a warm up, sequence of upper-body exercises using light free weights, push-ups and planks so participants will surely be put to the test. Slow and targeted movements are the key here. Your biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest and back muscles will feel the burn during a series of ballet barre. There are about a dozen different types of barre available around DC, but my absolute favorites include: Pure Barre, Xtend Barre and Barre Tech.

3. CrossFit: CrossFit is an intense exercise program featuring dynamic exercises like plyometric jumps, and Olympic lifts while using non-traditional weightlifting equipment such as kettlebells, sand-bags, suspension systems or water-filled implements. You will often see cross-fit participants running in the streets drenched in sweat and that’s usually only the warm up. This class is definitely for those looking for a high-intensity, balls to the wall work out.

4. AerialYoga: Aerial yoga mixes together ancient yoga techniques with modern acrobatic exercises in order to create a total body workout that is fun yet challenging. This class is designed for the person who is looking to work out without feeling like they are working out. By utilizing soft, Ariel hammock fabric, this class stretches your body to the ends of the earth. The fabric allows for full support while participants try new positions elevated off of the ground. Think Cirque Du Soleil for beginners, for all those willing to try new things, this class is for you.

5.Tabata: Want to get in shape but don’t have a lot of time to do it? Tabata training is just what you need. Tabata is high intensity interval workout that last for only four minutes. The workout consists of high intensity movements for 20 seconds followed by a rest for 10; participants are expected to repeat this sequence eight times. An example of a high-intensity movement sequence is: burpees, squats, jumping jacks then sit ups. Participants are expected to do their desired sequence for 20 second straight as hard as they can then rest. For anyone who doesn’t have the time or the money to pay the new DC fitness tax, this workout is for you. Do it in your living room, bed room or even office when no one is watching.

OCTOBER 2014