About the author: Tribeca-based nutrition counselor Rebecca Sadek (eatrightnyc.com), who received training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, believes that being healthy is not about restraint or isolation, and she helps clients find a balance that works for them and their lifestyle.
Did someone say “burn 1,000 calories in an hour”? B East, a new TRX studio on the same floor of 291 Broadway as Downtown Dance Factory (they share locker rooms and restrooms), is currently offering a TRX with Punching Bags class that’s advertised as doing just that. Who wouldn’t want to give this place a try? TRX is among the hottest of exercise trends, popping up on group-class schedules at big-named gyms around the city, as well as at Alycea Ungaro’s Real Pilates, where I tried it back in April.
The TRX with Punching Bags class consists of circuit training with three stations that participants rotate around. First up for me: a TRX station where you do bicep curls, chest flies, and squats among other exercises with the TRX resistance bands. I really enjoyed using the TRX resistance bands, because you get an insane workout targeting specific muscles, while still engaging your entire body. The second station is boxing, where you rotate between a punching bag and sparing with an instructor. The third and hardest station is a cardio station, with all of my least favorite activities, including mountain climbers, jump-squats, and jumping rope. (One of the instructors wondered if they’re my least favorite activities because they yield results. Valid point!) We ended the class doing core work as a group with the TRX bands.
While the class is hard, it’s also a lot of fun. There were instructors at each station cheering us on and showing us how to do things, which was necessary at the TRX station, as most of us were beginners. (Classes usually only have two instructors.) The instructors were energetic, passionate, and very knowledgeable. The class was intimate—only six of us this time, though it can handle nine—and it reminded me of a personal training session with a lot more energy; you get the support of the class as well as the instructors. And at $45, the class is a huge bargain when compared to one personal training session with a trainer and membership at a top-of-the-line gym.
Tribeca resident Danielle Friedman, a connoisseur of hip workout facilities, was also in the class. She felt that it was “right up there with SoulCycle and Physique 57, bringing a similar intensity, inspiration, and spirit,” and she plans on adding it to her weekly workout rotation. While it’s not the kind of class that you should take if you like to get lost in a crowd, if you want to change your body in a fun environment with lots of hands-on attention, then I agree with Danielle, this is a great addition to the weekly rotation.
B East is offering 50% off the first class when you buy a class online; use the code eastfittrx.
Recent articles by Rebecca Sadek:
• Dancing for Yourself
• Stroller Boot Camp
• Butt Kicks and Suicides, All Before Sunrise
• The Tracy Anderson Way
• Suspension Training at Alycea Ungaro’s Real Pilates