Each Saturday I'm going to try a different exercise class and report back, so you..the average out of shape person..looking to get into shape, can get an idea of what to expect at each gym. I'll tell you all about the facilities, instructors and amenities. I'm just an average girl, I'm in no way an athletic pro. In fact I find am normally far behind even people who are older and have a few more extra pounds than I have. So I feel that my assessment is pretty correct on the level of exertion you can plan on. If there is something out there you would like me to report on..let me know, I'll add it to my list!
Week One:
Delinquent Debutantes
Booty Burn Class
I had been looking for a butt work out and found that pretty hard find. This was the only studio offering one.I find that pretty remarkable since most women want to tone their ass or lift it or shrink it or grow it. Women are always trying to find some new butt friendly exercise. Delinquent Debutantes is a burlesque dance studio. the also do bridal, bacherlorette and girls night out parties.
THE COST:
Drop in classes are 15.00. Which still makes classes a tad high to make this a regular gym experience. Quite frankly you need to hit the gym at least 5 times a week for any significant change. However most people take these classes because they are wanting to learn how to do burlesque dance. I think if that is more your goal than the price fits those objectives.
The Studio
The studio isn't spectacular looking but gets the job done. After you check in there is a large room where you can change clothes. There are floor mats there for free use or you can bring your own mat. The room is rather dark and the class room is a large hard wood floor with a mirror wall on one side. Quite frankly the studio is probably one of the bigger draw backs for me. Perhaps if they put in a nice chandelier in the class room or something. It is a burlesque class after all.
The Class and Instructor
The class was small but there were very positive women there. I feel if you are looking for a place to meet workout friends to encourage you, this is the place. Everyone was friendly and encouraging. This was probably the most positive part of the experience, and I feel important. Part of sticking to any exercise regimen is wanting to be there right? The class wasn't overly difficult. I felt I learned a few moves that I can do at home watching TV too. I didn't feel as if most of the exercises were really doing much for my butt, but my thighs got the workout of a lifetime. The last 15 minutes of the class we learned a little dance routine. I wasn't that interested in that part. I have no rhythm and really I was just there for a better butt..that said it is a dance studio, so most people are there to learn dance. SO I did my best..HA! The instructor did a pretty good job of explaining why squats weren't actually the best exercise to get that perfect bubble butt.
The Bottom Line
So will I go back?? ..probably, but just here and there for some more instruction. I don't think I would consider this to be enough to help me reach my summer bikini goals if this was the only class I took, but the class is fun, body positive, and informative. My advice would be to take the things learned from class and implement it into part of your daily workout.
Here is the link to their website if you would like to learn more about their classes and instructors:
http://www.delinquentdebutantes.com/
Week two:
Cyclebar
Mimosa ride
Cyclebar is a franchise of boutique style cycle gyms. I had been wanting to try this for sometime. I found out last year that the best thing about cycling is you burn a lot of calories and its low impact, meaning you will probably be able to walk the next day. You can't say that about every kind of exercise out there. I have found one of the main things to get me to stick to a workout is not feeling like I have the flu the next day.
The Cost
With Cycle bar you can try the into class for free. I however bought a Groupon pass for four classes an half off. Regular classes are about 20 bucks a pop so they are on the expensive side. You will need to reserve a bike ahead of time online. The class is far to expensive to be your go to 5x a week thing..but it might be something you try on a weekly basis
The Stuido
About as boutique of a gym as a gym can get. Once you reserve your bike you input your height , shoe size and sex. When you get there your bike will be completely set up for you. Your shoes will be in a corresponding cubby and you will get a free water bottle on your first ride. (additional water bottles are 3 bucks.) there is also a towel on your bike. Your locker will correspond with the number bick you reserve and will have a lock. You literally just need to show up. The studio is great looking and has all the bells and whistles. Each bike records all of your stats as you ride..your average speed and power..and emails this to you after class along with your calories burned. After class you are given a wet chilled towel with a nice cooling eucalyptus smell.
The main drawback was there just wasn't enough room for everyone to change out of their shoes and get their things together after class. It was crowded! It would be much better if the bathrooms were larger and changed into a space for people to sit down and get their things together. This mass crowding after class really takes the whole experience down a bit
The Class and Instructor
I picked the mimosa ride. After class you get a mimosa! They have a wine down Wednesday class and thirsty Thursday class too. So if a little reward for completing 45 minutes of torture is of interest to you, consider one of these classes. The class was challenging, to say the least. I hadn't taken a spin class in since august so I was in no way prepared. I found myself gasping for air in minutes. There was also some arm work incorporated with light weights, crunches, and push ups. This wasn't an easy class, although beginners need to remember you can always modify if you feel you can't keep up with the instructor. I know I had to start doing that about half way through the class!! You will be challenged is all I can say!!! The music however was TERRIBLE. I mean so bad. I didn't hear one some I knew, so there was no motivation there. I'm not sure if they are allowed to use top 40 or what the problem there is.
The Bottom Line
Sure cycle bar is fun but it is to expensive to be a real several times a week thing. If you enjoy cycling (and I do) then taking the odd fun class here and there might be something you or you and some friends might be interested in. Having your stats emailed to you is a real way to keep up with your actual results! Will I go back..yes, I bought four classes after all!! That said cyclebar is something I'd be more interested in doing here and there as a drop-in class with friends. I doubt I'd actually buy a package. These days most gyms, including the YMCA has cycle classes. The bells and whistles are NICE but the cost is prohibitive for most people.
Here is a link to their website where you can learn more about classes, cost and other facts:
https://thegulch.cyclebar.com/
Week three
YMCA
Ab Express
The YMCA has almost 50 different classes each week you can take! I'll review a few different ones here and there. I am interested more in 30 minute classes because I just don't have the stamina for most hour long classes, or the attention span to be honest! There is no reason we cant go hard for 30 minutes and get what needs to be done..done. ...and the Y is one of the few places that offers 30 minute classes. This week I picked Ab express because who densest want to firm up their stomach?
Cost
The rates at the Y vary. Anyone can work out once a year free. Regular monthly dues are 62.00 per person. They do have reduced rates based on income for those who quality. I do think their rates are a tad high for a regular single person who can join gold's gym for 40 a month but you do get far more classes to chose from and a sauna/steam room. The bath and locker rooms are nice and there is of course a pool and hot tub. So there are several amenities if that is something you are into. If you have been reading this blog for very long you know it is absolutely something that matters to me.
The Class and Instructor
The class goes right into it...after all you are only there for 30 minutes. It was my first time so I honestly didn't have time to learn all the moves. The instructor doesn't spend any time teaching you the set. You have to remember 5 different moves and do them over and over for 15 minutes before going to the next thing. I'm not a fast learner so I really never figured it out. I'd have to go several times to get all the movements down. I DID feel I got a good ab workout. In fact I couldn't finish every set. It was hard. There was a lot of bench and floor work and I got sore fast. The best part was I got finished so fast there was time for me to still enjoy my night. I wasn't SO exhausted that I didn't feel like doing anything else for the rest of the night. I to ten minutes and headed to the sauna and the home to watch some TV. I really do prefer 30 minute classes. I have other stuff to do!!!
The Bottom Line
Thirty minute classes are a great way to begin a fitness journey. I know that if you aren't in shape a full hour long class with pother people watching you struggle might be intimidating. Thirty minutes lets you build your strength. If you feel like it you can always hit the gym after and keep the work out going. The draw back is you don't get much time to learn the moves, the class is moving very fast, it can be hard to keep up if you aren't athletically inclined. Will I be back?? Sure why not. I have many more classes to explore but I really do prefer a class that gets it done in a timely manner. Not only that but that class is very effective you can feel the burn.
Week Four
Camp Gladiator
Is a franchise of boot camp style workouts. The classes are held up to 50 times per day all over Nashville. They can be outside in parks or in buildings such as churches, schools or community buildings. This is one of those 'lifestyle' type of gyms. Meaning that they focus n creating a workout community. Each class is led by a personal trainer. The classes last about 60 minutes and are high intensity. Class times range from 4am to 8pm, so most people woudl be able to fit a work out in.
Cost.
Its pretty expensive at about 80 dollars per month for unlimited work outs. there is no other plan that i was told about. Meaning if you just wanted to do camps on say..Saturdays you cant just buy a four pack of classes. However while its more expensive than say, the Y or golds gym it is a more personal experience. I'm not sold on the fact that the experience is personal enough though. This will not take the place of hiring a personal trainer.
The Class and Instructor
During class you might run while carring a sand bag, squats, burpies, sprints, some boxing, kicks, ect. The experience is a varied one and what you get out of it will depend on your fitness level. If you arent doing an exercise right the good ting is the instructor takes the time to help you do it correctly. Because this was a community event they had three stages of exercises set up and each stage had a group of separate instructors. The instructors do the exercises with you and provide needed help where necessary. Was the class fun..no, I found it boring and not at all my style. I think men might perhaps enjoy this class more. Since im not a real fan of fitness classes I like the idea of working smarter not longer. An hour of just random stuff is just not my thing.
The Bottom Line
Will I be back?? Negative. My least favorite experience of all. Not at all fun. The best part is the work out is outdoors. I love being outside. I'll take any excuse to go outdoors on a nice day!! The actual, exercises I'm not really that excited about. I don't see that these classes were any better than one of the may I can take at the YMCA. I think that the kind of work out they give your is far to similar to various other programs and not enough like just hiring a personal trainer. My advice is perhaps if this is your thing, you should just go ahead and hire a personal trainer who can monitor your progress and adjust your work out and perhaps nutrition accordingly.
https://campgladiator.com/
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