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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What a fun list! I’d love to try orange theory and bikrum (sp?) yoga…..I know I’m a little late to the party on that one, ha!
These sound like great classes! I wish I had these new me!
I ma trying a barre class at my gym this year and I wish my gym offered other Les Mills classes!
I’m totally in the same boat – I just started going to Barre3 in November and I’m in LOVE so all I want is to go to the class every day! I have to convince myself to do some cardio at the gym 🙂 If you ever get a chance to try Barre3 at another location, definitely do so – I actually started working at my local studio in the morning before my full time job, and it’s such a great atmosphere and fantastic workout. They also offer online classes if you’re interested in trying it out.
Barre 3 (we have locations in Austin) and some yoga studios are some musts for me in the upcoming year. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
I am trying Orange Theory next month and just siugned up for Barre3 online because I’m so obsessed! They don’t have a location near me, but I find the online classes are awesome!
I’ve got a list like this too. haha. Nicole at Foodie Loves Fitness introduced me to Class Pass, so i’m on the wait list to try that out! I wanna try the Pure Barre studio, The Butcher Shop studio (LaGree(?) method), and some others…and definitely some pilates b/c those workouts are great, but my current gym doesn’t have the classes anymore! 🙁
Woo I just signed up for the bar method free class! I am a pb addict but would love to try another barre-type class out. Thanks!
no prob!! i’m hoping to try one son, too!!
I was a huge fan of pure barre until I tried bar method! I hope you both LOVE it as much as I do. The workout is just as difficult as pure barre but bar method focuses a lot more on proper form and posture. I think with these type of workouts it is very easy to injure you knees and hips but bar method instructors are very attentive and helpful. ENJOY!
I think you’ll LOVE OrangeTheory; they opened a studio near my house last year, and I tried it out a few months ago. SUCH a good workout!
I’ve been so curious about orange theory!! Ikeep seeing those studios everywhere. I would love to go to a cycle studio too!
Kim
http://trendkeeper.me
^makeup 101 post is up!
I’ll go to Orange Theory with you! I’ve wanted to try it. I go to Burn Boot Camp too. Love it.
I recently tried orange theory and I think you will love it! It is so high energy and the instructors are very motivating! It was a great workout that was super tough because of all the HIIT, Being able to see my stats on the board really helped me to keep pushing through the whole hour. I’m interested to hear what you think when you try it!
There’s an Orange Theory close by my house and I’ve had my eye on trying to for quite some time now. Would love to hear about your experience if you make it there!
I still want to try a Barre class.
I love FlyWheel and just tried my first FlyBarre class last night and loved it! What a great burn!
I would love to try out a flywheel class!
I absolutely hate hate Soul Cycle/Flywheel because its totally unsafe and not effective to do weights on the bike. yes, they make TONS of money from it but you get NO benefit.
do yourself a favor, ride the bike, if you must get cardio in but do weights ON THE FLOOR like they should be done so you actually work the muscle. if you feel a ‘burn’ that doesn’t mean you are building muscle. which you know since you studied to be a trainer…I can write much more about this but I wont waste your time, LOL ..and yes, I have done a SC class in my area so I know from experience what a joke it is (sorry to burst your bubble. LOL) just because Kelly Ripa does it , doesn’t make it a safe/effective cardio session 🙂
btw, they aren’t certified thru a REAL accredited cert company. they made up their own, get away with it , have $ to back them up and the teachers are more ‘entertainers’..ok off my soap box. LOL
I loved taking pilates at an actual pilates studio with the machines. It’s such a different experience!
I’d love to do more yoga and pilates this year while still staying fully engaged in my running and CrossFit workouts! 🙂
I really want to try out Pure Barre!!
I totally feel you on the “I wish I had this studio/gym closer to my area” comment. It’s crazy how different my new area is from Orlando. We were so spoiled there! I try my best to try out new fitness concepts and studios somewhat near me at least once. I just found one last night while googling new studios called The Barre Code. It’s all over the US and looks amazing! http://www.thebarrecode.com/ 🙂
I have been wanting to try orange theory for awhile! Flywheel also looks really fun. I still haven’t had the chance to try a Les mills class and would really like to try body pump too. Unfortunately I am from a smaller town that doesn’t offer a large variety of classes or studios. Next time I travel I will have to keep a look out for some fun classes!
Ok so I know I comment everyday, but your blog is always at the top of my bookmarks 🙂 1. That egg sandwich looks delicious, and now I’m thinking I’m going to go eat part of my lunch…an everything bagel with avocado spread! Yum! and 2. I have tried a pure barre class, my sister in law LOVES it and swears by it, so I would love to test it out, even if just for a few times for a good change of pace! And a spin class, I bike at the gym all the time, but I’m sure an actual class would kick my tail!
I have NEVER* I mean, tried a pure barre class.
Flywheel is coming to D.C. this year, so I’m excited to try it out. I’m certified to teach spinning, so I love checking out different classes to give me ideas for when I teach my own. I’ve tried Soul Cycle before, and while it was a little too upbeat for me, I enjoy the inclusion of hand weights for a full body workout.
Flywheel is awesome! I would also like to try Orangetheory. I also want to try a Body Pump class. There is so much buzz about it in the blog world but never have found a gym that offers it
I am all about egg sandwiches for breakfast right now too!! Amazingly delicious. As far as classes, I want to try a shrink session class! I’m curious about the positive affirmations and super upbeat style. Seems like a great way to make sure fitness/workouts are improving outside life, too 🙂
In high school I dated a guy whose mom owned a Pilates studio, and I LOVED it! Not only was it a fantastic workout, I felt like it forced me to be in tune with the way my body felt on a regular basis, which was great.
Julie, I cannot recommend ClassPass enough! It’s the perfect way to switch things up. And if you go 6 days a week it works out to $4 per class — and I’m talking small pilates reformer classes, Flywheel (which I just tried and loved), and more classes that usually run $15-30 a pop. I LOVE it so much. And when I was home visiting my folks over the holidays, I could use it to go to studios in their city at no extra charge. Awesome.
Was just going to recommend ClassPass as well, it’s awesome!
thanks so much for the recommendation!!
Pilates on a reformer is so much better than the gym classes. I feel so good after a class.
I love looking for new workouts 🙂 Though I am loving barre, it is nice to switch it up! I have done Orange Theory – my best friend from college is a trainer at one in San Diego and I took her class – killer!! I loved it! I would definitely give this class a go – we have about 3 local ones in Tampa – so once I hit the lotto, I will sign up!
I also would love to try the Aerial Yoga 🙂
I wish my gym would implement new classes. It seems that the schedule hasn’t changed since I’ve joined over two years ago. I’d love to try the Flywheel and Burn Boot Camp.
Funny you mentioned these.. I am actually taking my first Bar Method class today. I’ve done pure barre, pop physique and core fusion so far and I must say core fusion is the hardest but pop is my favorite because the instructors are so fun.
Out of the others on the list I’ve also done flywheel which I absolutely love. It’s the only spin class I will do now.
My friend received her Pilates Certification at an intensive summer long full-time course in NYC this year. I was able to receive classes from her on the reformer, and wow, it was way harder than I thought it was going to be. My personal preference is to work out alone, but I think I should try to branch out and take a Spin class at my gym to mix things up.
I’d be interested to see what Barre 3 is all about since I’m so immersed in the PB technique. I like spying on other studios! 🙂 I’m not a huge fan of flywheel if I’m comparing it with SoulCycle. When I operated TidalWheel, we were more like SC — Soul is a lot more about feeling the music and enjoying the workout, while Flywheel is more about the competition, RPMs, and a bit more like traditional cycle. I think it just depends on what you’re looking for out of a spin workout. Clearly, I like it to be fun and to “dance” on the bike. 😉
Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
Did you end up attending a CrossFit class? When I visited Charlotte and went to one in South End and it was really good!
I am hoping to try Sebastian Lagree’s Pilates inspired workouts! Their are a few studios out here (California) that have them and I have heard raving reviews, and sore bodies lol.
I’d love to try barre this year! I’ve done Orange Theory before and I was not impressed…some people love it but I feel like their method of teaching is just yelling at you to push harder until the segment is over – the class stresses me out more than it makes me feel good, and it may just be my local studio in particular but my calorie burn can range 300+ calories depending on which instructor is teaching.
Orange Theory is definitely on my radar to try! The Pilates Reformer machines look so intimidating. I can’t wait to see what you think!
I would love to try an OrangeTheory class! Looks so cool!
That sandwich looks SO good right now, omg.
You’re lucky to have so much variety as far as fitness classes go in Charlotte! Where I am (Sarasota, FL), there are a fair amount of classes, but they’re so spread out. Most are a good 30-40 minutes from my house. Wish I had more to choose from nearby. :\
Unfortunately the first three classes I listed are the same way for me… 40 min. or so away. I’m still hoping to try them out at some point though!
The pilates reformer thing seems really good but slightly terrifying lol!
I found Orange Theory in September and LOVE IT! I’ve been going 2-3x per week since and have never repeated a workout. The workouts are intense and the trainers at my studio are all high quality. I’m a pilates instructor, so I definitely recommend getting into a studio to try that as well. It’s such a great compliment to the other workouts you do.
I’ve tried a few of the classes you listed above. One of my favorite bar experiences was Pop Physique. However, I really want to try PiYo. We have all the good stuff here in San Francisco, which is nice, but I haven’t seen PiYo offered anywhere. And yes, keeping your body guessing is the best!
Just to let you know, Barre 3 has some awesome workouts online. I’ve been doing them for a couple months now and I’ve really been enjoying them, I know it’s not the same as going to a class, but it’s at least similar.
Flywheel is AMAZING! I’m moving from Philly (a city with a studio) to San Diego (one without), and after friends/family I think losing Flywheel is my saddest sacrifice haha
I LOVE pilates reformer classes! Also if they have them in your area cardio pilates or pilates reformer with a jumpboard is an awesome way to combine cardio and pilates!
I’m dying to try Soul Cycle here in LA. I just started taking spin classes at my local gym and I’m already obsessed, so I definitely need to try out the “club atmosphere” spin class at Soul Cycle.
I just tried Orange Theory for the first time on New Year’s Day, and LOVED it! It’s super $$$, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to go back, but I was blown away by the coach, the equipment, and the workout! Having your heart rate projected on the screen really makes you push yourself, and I burned more in that class than I do in pretty much any other workout! (my husband joined and burned over 1000 cals in the hour!)
PB and Barre3 are so different from one another! I love both, but I think I love Barre3 slightly more. If you’re ever in DC, let me know – I’d love to take you to my Barre3 studio (which is so historic and gorgeous)! Love it! Your sandwich looks delicious, too!
Oh, I also wanted to let you know… I usually subscribe to your blog via email but I haven’t been receiving the emails for the last week or so. I’m going to re-sign up but I hope others aren’t having this issue, too!
I would love that!!! What (in your opinion) are the main differences between Pure Barre and Barre3?
I feel as though PB overall has a more corporate/commercial vibe and also is more “hardcore.” Barre3 seems to incorporate more yoga and seems more holistic, organic and peaceful (but is still just as good of a workout) and the individual studios all have their own personality. I do enjoy both, but given the option I would rather go to Barre3.
I love the stadium seating in the Flywheel picture…. although it would be a lot harder to hide from the instructor 🙂
I live within 2 blocks of a pure barre, core power yoga studio, and an Orange Theory. Love it!! I’ve also taken Bar Method and The Dailey Method, both of which are great barre studios as well and all have differences, so it’s great to try them all out. I haven’t given barre3 a try yet, but it’s on my list. I’m also eager to do more cycle classes this year since I haven’t done one in a while and it’s great cross training for running! I still haven’t tried any of the Les Mills classes, so those are also on my list!