Fitness Friday

Yesterday, I had to meet someone downtown so I figured I'd get my workout over with at the Union Square Crunch since I prefer it to the-all-underground 59th street location. The plan was to go for a casual workout which usually translates to an ineffective, 30 minute lame run and 15 minutes on the machines. Instead, I stayed for about 2 hours, probably burned about 500 calories and had a super intense workout. Roar. First, I took Tread N' Shed with Tomas, a half hour interval workout on the treadmill. It started out with some serious inclines, like the kind you wouldn't normally subject yourself to. The biggest challenge was going sideways at a low speed but with an increasing incline.

After dripping in sweat along with the other 3 brave souls in the mini class, I was encouraged to try Tomas' next class; BOING with Kangoo. What the?! It's a roller blade boot attached to a circular, spring like contraption that involves jumping in various directions for an hour. I can proudly say that I did not fall on my ass or even come close. Tomas has great energy and obviously enjoys teaching the class. It's not something I'd do every week because it doesn't seem great for my joints in the long run, but is a decent (and way healthier) alternative to a night of dancing in da' clubs. Hello adrenaline. As I jumped this way and that to re-mixed Michael Jackson and C&C Music Factory, admiring my seemingly taller and thinner physique (thanks to the added 6 inches of boot), I began to think - wouldn't I enjoy life as a gay male out on the club scene.... Anyway, now that I have more time, my goal is to try different classes at Crunch and I'll report back!

I don't know why it took me so long to get back into my workout routine - but I'm there! Recap: Monday took two back to back spin classes. Wednesday took Core Fusion at Exhale Spa. And tomorrow I'm taking my first class with LITA Group. A free outdoor class in various parks. Oh yeah, and all that doesn't include miles of walking and the usual 5 flights of stairs to my apartment!

Cheers! Next time you're bummed, may I remind you of the positive, endorphin inducing effects of exercise!

Last Night's Flying Adventures

After walking around Union Square taking pictures and up to Madison Square Park, I decided to try out a class at Crunch I've been meaning to try since I moved uptown, Antigravity Yoga Wings. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. I can imagine it would be what yoga would feel like if you were on LSD. It's cool but sort of terrifying. My boyfriend asked "Why would you want to do something like that?" But I could tell he was somewhat impressed. Anyway, it's extremely challenging and hard to believe the fabric hammocks can hold up to 1,000 pounds. Would have been good to know that last night. It involves following detailed instructions, having some serious arm strength, trusting yourself, letting go of your fears and stretching. I wouldn't recommend it to beginner exercisers and you should probably have a few months of yoga under your belt. Anyway, I'll give it a second chance, but we'll see.

My evening ended with a walk home where I stopped to get, gasp!, a bagel. While in the shop, some crazy drunk guy dipped into the store and screamed, giving me a near heart attack and making me realize that perhaps I wouldn't fair that well in a hold up.

Crunch Video

OMG this guy is amazing. It makes me proud to be a member of Crunch. What if he's in my spinning class? Nah, he definitely goes to a Brooklyn Crunch.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49ZyhTmNZZQ&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1&w=425&h=344]