I am getting overzealous with my exercise.
I signed up for a Class Pass deal - $10.00 for 1 week of unlimited fitness classes all over the city.
It's my goal to complete 8 classes this week.
Having been a college athlete, I've struggled with the "drop off" experience I've had since having to leave swimming due to a shoulder injury. I get 'back into' it, with running, sometimes swimming, pilates, etc. but I'm really looking to establish a routine with my new life in DC. I'm especially drawn to Class Pass because of the variety, but not sure the price is something I can manage $100/month for unlimited studio classes throughout the city. I'm currently involved with Yoga District, volunteering at their I St Studio, so that will probably what I stick with for the mean time. This seemed like a fun challenge to tackle and with the ball coming up this weekend - it's time to look slim and trim.
So far, I've completed 3 classes at different studios around the District.
1. Fuel Pilates DC - Georgetown
My first class was Pilates Mat Foundations with Sara on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. Having taken a pilates class before I assumed that I would be really comfortable with all of the positions - wrong. Fuel Pilates is very much boutique fitness - I took the class with one other person and received constant personal correction, demonstration, and encouragement. I really enjoyed using the ring, tubes, and balls for various moves - and seeing updated methods of teaching since I had last taken my class in Chestertown.
Their spray-down-the-matt substance had some sort of lemon/thyme scent going on which I especially enjoyed at the end of class. Located in a small row house on O St NW (right near M St) - I obviously especially enjoyed my walk to the bus past all of the amazing shopping. Definitely far out of my way for an early morning class but worth the fun trip over to Georgetown on the weekend.
2. Biker Barre - Capitol Hill
So far, my favorite class. This was my first 'barre' experience, so I was super open minded to whatever was about to happen. Having been a lackluster dancer throughout most of my childhood, I was pumped to display my turnout and impressive foot pointing skills. Jessi was our instructor at the 9:00 AM class and we had some awesome music pairings with our routine. The fusion with yoga and pilates was more so apparent than dance during this class but I enjoyed it very much. Lots of great stretching, movement, options, and encouragement. Jessi constantly had a smile on her face and cracked jokes which set a great tone for the class. I liked that I left feeling more limber and sure of the fact that I would not struggle moving the following day. I felt lean and strong after this class - which is exactly what I'm looking for.
Something I thought after this class was how achievable it was - challenging, but very rewarding because I was felt in control and strong. I didn't feel like this was something I had never done.
That was about to change.
3. Pure Barre - Capitol Hill
Pure Barre is no doubt trendy - so I was especially excited to get in on the action, see what all of the fuss was about, and keep my eyes peeled for some of my favorite DC bloggers. It may have been my mood going into the class (bus line running late, below freezing temperatures) or the time of the class 7:55 PM, but I really struggled mentally through this class. It was probably one of the most challenging fitness experiences I've had since I quit swimming. The instructor showed me a lot of attention, which in a large class size kind of made me feel like I was messing everything up. It was very apparent that I had never been to a class there. The whole, "shake" thing is real. As in, my body convulsed throughout the entire workout. The pace is fast, like really, fast - so if you aren't really paying attention you're most likely going to be facing the wrong way, using the wrong foot, with the incorrect turnout. Not sure I would go back - but ultimately felt satisfied with my workout.
Overall - I've noticed I've been the youngest person in all of the classes which is strange. I'm also definitely happy that I hit up Marshall's over winter break for some cute workout wear. Now that I've been doing lots of yoga - my favorite gear has honestly been the basics from H&M - loose fitting, light tanks and t-shirts over yoga pants has made me feel really comfortable and lean. Finally, rejoice - really digging the "let's wear socks" movement that seems to be trendy now in the studio fitness world - I'm not about #feet.
5 more classes till Friday (ahhhh) - stay tuned.
xo
