Total Body Conditioning @ NYSC Forest Hills

This class is cut and dry training. You use free weights, a body bar and a step to combine a series of strength training exercises for the whole body. What ever happened to fun weight lifting classes? I don't even think Ivonne played music for this class or did absolutely anything out of the ordinary. There weren't any new renditions of any of the classic moves, so the workout was pretty decent. But it was just boring. There was absolutely nothing exciting about this class, but if you like a straight forward lifting class, then it was fine.

Instructor 3/5
Music n/a
Workout 3/5

Ab Attack @ Crunch Union Square

I like Marc's no nonsense approach to abs. Right away we start off on the mat with a basic crunch and he never asks you to get weights or resistance bands or anything like that. You just use your body weight as resistance. His moves are easy to follow, though not always easy to do, and very clear cut. It's a great half hour blast for the abs and you'll certainly feel it the next day!

Instructor: 5/5
Workout: 4/5
Music: 4/5

Spin @ Forest Hills

Melissa is just great! Her music is upbeat, she pushes you to the limit and you leave feeling wobbly and dripping in sweat. She has a decent warm up and stretch and then she takes you right into hills. The 45 minutes will fly by as she pushes you up and down extreme hills. The only issue I have is that she does very quick "jumps". That's when you have to get in and out of the seat a lot. It's hard on your legs and just doesn't seem good for you. But otherwise, you'll love her music and the intense ride she'll put you through!

YogaWorks 1 @ Soho

Whether you've taken several yoga classes or this is your very first, rest assured, that YogaWorks 1 is a great place to start. If you're a novice, you may find it boring or too easy, but for us beginners, it's truly a great introduction into yoga. Sarah is very descriptive and repeats things over and over so that everyone gets it. She also comes around and fixes your posture if it isn't perfect. She's calming and soothing and uses words like supple and tender to describe body parts. It's a very calm and relaxing class and you'll get a great stretch from it. The hour fifteen and minute class will leave you relaxed and standing tall. It's a best place to start if you're looking to get into yoga.

YogaWorks Schedule

30/60/90 @ Equinox Soho

What an intense class! Kristi warns you ahead of time that you're in for some work, but nothing can prepare you for the amount of jumping, lifting and pushing involved in this non-stop class that combines weight training with cardio. It's a great place to go if you want to get a full body work out in 45 minutes, but be prepared to work hard for it! If you're new to class, I suggest standing somewhere near the middle so that you can see Kristi demonstrate the moves. It gets packed and from the back it's hard to see what you're supposed to be doing. Kristi's microphone doesn't always work, but maybe it's better that you don't here her yelling to keep going!? Overall, I loved the intensity and the room full of biff bodies everywhere making me work harder. Just bring water and a towel and don't be afraid to slow down if you need to!

Instructor 4/5
Music 4/5
Workout 5/5


Also, it's good to note that the class had a few guys in it too, so anyone can feel comfortable taking it. It gets packed though, so sign in at the front desk a few minutes before class begins.