Good morning to you! How about a hot egg sandwich to start the day?
As I told you guys yesterday, I can’t get enough of them lately! They’re salty, tasty and, most importantly on a cold morning like the one we’re having in Charlotte today, they’re warm.
Ryan and I ended up getting totally sucked into Homeland last night (big surprise) and stayed up later than we planned, so we slept in this morning and opted out of our usual crack-of-dawn workouts. If I have time to sneak in a workout before I have to work later this morning, I will, but if not, a rest day sounds just fine to me, too. We shall see!
Fitness Classes I’m Dying To Try In 2015
When it comes to my personal fitness regimen, I always seem to inevitably fall into a bit of a routine. Once I find workouts I love, it can be hard to motivate myself to change things up from time to time even though I know it’s good to keep your body guessing. I’m thinking that shaking up my weekly workouts by trying some new-to-me classes might be a good way to get me out of my comfort zone every now and then.
There are many different workout options in the Charlotte area and though Ryan and I don’t live super close to some of the studios I’d love to try more regularly, I’d like to make it a point to at least try some of the unique fitness classes out there that are within driving distance of our home for a special fitness treat!
Here’s a short list of Charlotte-area classes I am dying to try! Many are national chains, so if one appeals to you, I’ve linked to all of their main websites as well so you can check for a location near you!
The workout that offers a chance to achieve something more. To step up onto a custom engineered bike. And ride as hard as you dare. An experience that lasts 45 or 60 minutes and includes climbs and descents, while working arms with weighted bars. It’s an amazing escape that challenges your body and relaxes your mind. Our studios offer stadium-style seating, making every seat in the house a good one.
This class has been on my radar since we moved to the Charlotte-area and now that I’m teaching indoor cycling classes regularly, I’m even more intrigued by Flywheel. I’ve taken SoulCycle in New York City before and while I’m sure the classes differ, I really loved the upbeat and incredibly energetic atmosphere of the class and I’ve heard I can expect similar things from Flywheel when it comes to awesome music and motivating instructors.
Orangetheory Fitness offers 60-minute workout sessions split into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training with heart rate monitors to track intensity and maximize metabolic burn. Increase energy, get visible results and burn more calories, even after leaving the studio. That’s the Orange Effect!
I have heard the best things about this cardio/strength class ever since they opened in Orlando and a few of my college girlfriends raved about it. Orange Theory is on my “must try” list and though, once again, the studio is a little too far from my house to make it part of my regular workout routine, it’s a class I’m hoping to experience very soon!
The Bar Method exercise targets the muscles that play the greatest role in body change, then keeps these muscles working intensely and safely long enough for them to change. It then intensely stretches each muscle worked to make it look & feel longer & more graceful.
This class is coming soon to Charlotte and I am dying to give it a try. I think the studio will be located a little too far from our house for me to attend regularly, but I am excited to give it a go to see how it compares to Pure Barre. FYI for Charlotte locals, they’re currently offering FREE community classes!
We will NEVER do the same workout twice and each session is 45 minutes. Every exercise will have a modified version (easier and harder) so any fitness level can participate and reach their desired goals!
Burn Boot Camp classes are all over Groupon in the Charlotte area right now. They have tons of locations, making this one of the more convenient workout options for me! From everything I’ve heard and read, Burn Boot Camp workouts are tough but fun. The workouts definitely sound like something I’d love! (Bonus for the moms out there: They offer childcare and seem to really target moms as their main clientele.)
No more endless, boring cardio routines and frustration over spending all that time huffing and puffing without the results to show for it. We do things different at Raw Fitness Gym.
Ryan put this training facility on my radar and now we’re both hoping to try their metabolic conditioning and totally body strength classes. Raw Fitness classes seem like the type of fitness classes Ryan and I would both enjoy taking together which makes me want to try them out even more!
- Pilates
I’ve taken Pilates in a gym environment before, but I’ve never taken a Pilates class at a Pilates studio or used one of the reformer machines I’ve heard so much about. It’s on my “must try” list this year!
Question of the Morning
- What fitness class are you dying to try this year?
I wish we had Barry’s Boot Camp and Barre 3 studios nearby. They’re both on my list of “must try” workouts, too, but unfortunately don’t have any studios in the Charlotte area.
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Whenever I see a list like this I can’t believe how many different types of classes there are. I wonder which ones will last long into the future, and which ones are just trendy right now!
it is minus 20 here today for me … the cat went one foot out the door and then hightailed back in.
I want to try anti-gravity yoga (aka the one where you are above the ground a few feet and do it in the silks) .. but I am afraid of falling.
What about crossfit? I’d love to try but it’s three times what I pay at my current gym.
I’d also LOVE to incorporate that into my routine as well, but feel the same way about the cost. Fortunately my gym membership is free but I pay for Pure Barre (I signed a year-long contract), so I’d need to do some research and find a CrossFit box that would let me take classes sporadically or have an affordable membership for someone who can’t/doesn’t want to come more than 2 or 3 times a week.
They opened up a Bar Method where I live but it is sooo expensive. I wouldn’t mind going for a class here and there but monthly membership is too much for me right now. All my friends that do go love it though!
Flywheel sounds like so much fun! My town doesn’t have any kind of spinning studio, but it would be great to try!
Flywheel Charlotte is amazing. You have to take Jenna’s class – she plays the best music and is so upbeat and motivating!
You will LOVE Orangetheory!! It’s the best!
You should also try Air Aerial Fitness for aerial yoga (SO fun!) and Y2/Charlotte Yoga for great hot yoga classes.
Also, I can’t recommend ClassPass enough! I live in San Francisco now and signed up for ClassPass when it first came here. Now there are 10x as many studios and it’s a great way to get a big variety in your workout!
I have actually taken hardly any fitness classes because my gym membership didn’t include them, and now I don’t have a membership at all and just workout from home, so I would like to try several of them!!
Don’t bother with Bar Method. I’ve found the classes to be really slow and nothing special. You don’t get a chance to get your heart rate up and while there are a few effective exercises – nothing lasts very long and then you’re stretching again.
And I’m not hating on barre classes! I’ve taken one that I loved at a barre3 studio. Much more energy, continuous movements while still concentrating on those same muscles as Bart Method, and I overall felt like I got a workout.
I finally decided to try ClassPass this January based on a promotion they were doing — it’s given me the chance to try all sorts of new-to-me studios in the DC area. I too feel like I get in a exercise routine/funk, and was dying to get myself into new things! It’s totally the way to go too – some of these studios are upwards of $100-$200 per month! OR $20-$30 / class for just a drop-in. That’s just so much of your budget. With ClassPass, if you take at least 4 classes a week, it’s only $6/class (yes, I do the math!). It’s been rewarding and very interesting so far. You might want to check out if its in your area!
I teach reformer Pilates – find a good studio and try it! A good class will keep you continuously moving and breathing through a full-body workout. I also recently tried a Megaformer Pilates class — KILLER! I have rarely been so challenged in a 60-min time period. I’d recommend it!
Oops! Supposed to be *bar method (not ‘Bart method’) in that second paragraph!
Pilates on the reformer is one of my absolute favorite workouts. I love the way it really challenges your body and the smaller muscles and I love the focus on a more balanced body. It’s amazing!! And I always feel soooo much better after leaving a class.
Flywheel sounds intense and exactly something I want to try!!
Sorry Julie but as an spin instructor but also as a cyclist I do think soul cycle takes an enthusiastic approach to exercise but a failing grade of exercise physiology and biomechanics . The idea is working upper body while pedaling a stationary bike is not only counterproductive , it can physically detrimental overtime according several experts . It seems your drive for a great spin classes ends in a great playlist and enthusiastic instructors. Yes enthusiasm it’s important but technique and proper use of a stationary bike it’s crucial . Once again my recommendation for you to get a certification and learn more about spinning/ cycling workouts .
my certification scheduled for the end of january! very excited to learn more specifics!
Julie where are you getting certified?
and Zugave, TOTALLY agree. I wrote a similar comment earlier to this post and have many discussions about it on a FB blog. you hit it RIGHt w/biomechanics..everybody wants to jump on the SC bandwagon but they have no clue what its about.
riding w/out resistance , is silly. you can do that all day, no intensity (no calories burned, nothing) and lifting 2 lbs weights? LOL you might feel a ‘burn’ cuz your arm is getting tired but there is no gravity, no resistance. nothing gained. why bother.
I’d like to try a barre class at some point–I used to be a ballet dancer, so I think I’d like it!
Pilates classes and work on a reformer are so great–i used to do it in college when I danced 🙂
Flywheel Charlotte is amazing! Love it! I also want to try Orange Theory, I had no idea there was one in Charlotte until recently. Also, I love Hilliard Studio Method. The instructors are incredible and it is a KILLER workout! I leave there every time having just worked my whole body and in the best mood!
Hi Julie,
Have you ever tried Kangoo Jumping? One of my friends mentioned it to me and it seems like so much fun!
Thanks,
Jonna
These workouts sound great. I am going to try a class called Koach this year. We will start it in Feb. It is a boot camp style workout, I can’t wait. I also am wanting to try the new 30 minute workout from Shaun T. http://www.eatallovertheworld.com
I recently took a Flywheel class, but I don’t think that spinning in general is for me.
I would also like to take a Pilates class in an actual studio. Ive taken them in gyms, but never used a reformer or anything. Those other classes also look great; I have been taking a lot of bootcamp type classes since moving to Chicago. Some of them are like a crossfit class but without the Olympic lifts. I like the idea of Crossfit, but not full on bc I know that I would hurt myself!
Hi, Julie!
I’ve been going to Bar Method regularly (4x/week) for the past few months. I absolutely love it and I’m definitely seeing results! Since you’re a Pure Barre devotee, I think it’d be interesting to read a post comparing and contrasting Pure Barre vs. Barre Method after you’ve taken a Bar Method class.
On a different note, Indo-Row is a fitness class I’d love to try. Indo-Row is an indoor rowing class that is supposed to simulate outdoor on-water competitive rowing. I heard rowing is an awesome full-body workout, and I think it’d be fun to give it a shot. Some of the classes you’re dying to try, like Burn Boot Camp and Orangetheory, also sound fun, and I will look to see if they’re offered in my area. 🙂
I’ve heard of Orange Theory from the Fitnessita’s blog and it sounds like a fun (hard!) class!
I love it too. I’ve dropped quite a few % body fat just from incorporating this workout into my routine 3-4 times a week. It’s always different and always challenging!
I nearly died in The Bra Method class, woah! Dying to try Body Pump this year!!!!
Hey Julie!
I currently live in the Charlotte area and was looking for a class like fly wheel. Thanks for the suggestion! I was visiting my parents in Cleveland and was obsessed with a studio called harness cycle. It sounds like fly wheel has the same concept so I definitely want to check it out this weekend. I was wondering if you have heard of any other cycling studios in the charlotte area? I was hoping to find one more reasonably priced. Flywheel looks like its almost double the price of harness cycle.
Thanks 🙂
Hey Julie! I took my first Reformer Pilates class just last night. My husband bought me a 10-class package for Christmas. It was something I have wanted to try for the looooooooongest time.
It was a GREAT class- definitely challenging. It takes a little bit to get used to the reformer machine (changing the set-up, etc), but it is totally worth it. I am sore today in spots I never knew could get sore. I can’t wait to go back!
I just did a “double” at my local FlyWheel this weekend–it was AWESOME. Some studios offer FlyBarre, too, so after spin I went to the barre class right after. Truly a total body workout–I’m sure you’ll love it!
Very cool list! We have a place here called Cyclebar and it sounds a lot like Flywheel. I really like the energy in the room and I get a great sweat!
I love Orange Theory because it is the perfect HIIT class for someone that may not know their way around a gym, or someone who is looking to add in something new to their regimen. I think mixing a HIIT class such as Orange Theory mixed with more traditional weight training is a recipe for success. And your first Orange Theory class is free so find one near you and try something new this year to mix things up!
I really want to get a class pack and use it to take a variety of classes all over Boston. Top of my list is Barry’s Boot Camp!
I tried Flywheel a few months ago and LOVED it! Such a cool twist on traditional spinning! Thanks for the recommendations on the other studios– I just signed up to check out The Bar Method and Orangetheory!
You should see if your flywheel studio has fly barre! One of the most fun and challenging barre classes I have ever done!
I’m trying Orange Theory next weekend. I heard its a killer but amazing!
I did the Bar Method and LOVED it–though I was under the impression it wasn’t much different than Pure Barre, which i’ve never tried. It’ll be interesting to hear your comparison!
I really want to try a rowing class and an acro yoga class!
I absolutely LOVE Flywheel! Other than that, I’ve only tried Pilates once but I didn’t fall in love with it. Tomorrow I’m trying Shred415 for the first time, which sounds pretty much like Orangetheory and I can’t wait for a cool cardio/strength combo workout like that. Those are the most fun!
Great list! Funny enough I tried Orange Theory Fitness when I was home in Charlotte last week! Here’s the link to my blog review!
http://littlegreenrunningshoes.com/orange-theory-fitness/
I thought it was a really fun time! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Since I lead a Couple of Classes on the Side… ( Groove and a HIIT class) I want to explore Barre, Cross fit, more hot yoga, Zumba, belly Dancing, Piyo … I really want to give everything a try … That way when people ask me what I have tried and what I like I can tell them.
I’m taking my first barre class today so I’m super excited! Great list!
I’d love to try any/all of these! And barre! My YMCA has bodypump and spin, so I guess I can’t complain too much, but we don’t have any of the fun trendy stuff anywhere nearby. Can’t wait to hear your reviews of them!
I bought a groupon for pilates reformer with some convincing from a coworker, and my life has been changed. That one machine can do SO MUCH, from stabilizing your core (planks with leg extensions killed me – in a good way) and the arm exercises were limitless. I highly recommend searching groupon for those classes, I think you would absolutely love it. One thing to note is the teacher is the biggest factor. My first few classes were with an ‘easy’ teacher so I started to lose interest, but once a new, tougher instructor started teaching, my love for the class grew so much I bought another package.
There is an OrangeTheory opening up near me in March and I signed up for a week free. I can’t wait to try it!! It sounds like an amazing workout.
We just got an orange theory in my neighborhood this year and I absolutely love it! It is my perfect workout, HITT on the treadmill, rowing and strength training, and every class is different so I get the variety I need to stay motivated. Can’t wait to hear what you think about it.
I love flywheel charlotte! I am there just about every day of the week for wheel and/or barre class! You should definitely check it out!
I really want to try a pilates reformer class…with the machines? Haven’t heard anyone chat up a studio in CLT yet though!
I definitely want to try OrangeTheory (a new one is opening up right by our house! whoop whoop!), Flywheel, and for sure a LEGIT Pilates studio – I have always wanted to do a reformer class but so far no luck on one, it is on my 101 in 1001 list so T-Minus a little more than 2 years to find one! ha
p.s Love your list!! 🙂
http://stylecrushdiaries.blogspot.com/p/101-in-1001-days-start-date-june-16.html
Late to post, but you should give MADabolic a try after you have your little one later this year! It recently came to Raleigh, and the founding site is actually located in Charlotte! It’s a fantastic workout and no two days are the same. It’s completely interval based, and is tiered to any fitness level so anyone can do it.
Ryan would love it to – maybe something you can do together later on this year!