When I first moved to New York City, I prided myself on 12+ months bouncing from gym to gym on free-trial memberships and Groupons. I was a poor college student who was trying her damnedest to stay fit without paying for a membership fee.
NYSC, David Barton, Crunch, 24-Hour Fitness - you name it, I found a way to get a free trial.
One place that I always held off on was Equinox. The reason I never signed up for a free trial there, despite being bombarded by emails from them, is that I'm going to be so sad when it's over.
Equinox is like the Emerald City of gyms in New York City. It's got the answer to everyone's problems, just like the wizard. Everyone raves about their clean locker rooms stocked with Kiehl's shower products. Everyone knows Equinox is filled with fabulously fit people using all the latest equipment. If you're thinking, "If I only had a brain..." nope, you don't need one because Equinox has so many different classes that take all the thought out of figuring out your workout plan.
So I've been hesitant to activate my free trial because of the sadness that will come when it's over and I have to say goodbye. But the perfect storm of scenarios arose and today I started my 7-days as an Equinox member.
After an 8-mile long run on Sunday, I promised my physical therapist to take 5 days off of running so I could go back and re-asses before ramping up my mileage in the final weeks before the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
A few weeks ago, I had my InBody scan done at Equinox as part of a ProjectFit through my work - our final weigh in is on May 4 and I had to activate my 7-day trial before then.
SO - no running for 5 days but the green light for any other exercise seemed like the perfect opportunity to try out as many Equinox classes as I could fit into a 7-day span. Challenge accepted.
Day 1: Ropes and Rowers
The first class I signed up for was called "Ropes and Rowers." Equinox describes it on their website as, "A full body circuit built on battling ropes and the WaterRower, driving balanced strength and greater cardio fitness to propel your performance. The exhilarating solo and team competition will push you to bring it, beat it and brag about it."
Warm-Up
First, the instructor described to us how the class would work - quickly demonstrating each exercise. Then, we did a 2-3 minute warm-up with a rotation of
- 50 high knees
- 10 burpees
- 10 push-ups
- 30 mountain climbers
I was a little scared for class to start after that warm-up.
Set-Up
The class was set up in four separate stations which you rotate through 2 times. Though the workout is technically only 28 minutes long - I guarantee you'll feel accomplished by the end of it.
Round One - 4 Minutes Per Station (16 Minutes Total)
Station One -
- 1 Minute Up and Overs on the Stepper
- 1 Minute Weighted Punches
- 1 Minute Burpees with a Push-Up on the Stepper
- 1 Minute Knee Ins and Pike Ups with the Glider
Station Two - The Ropes
- One partner stands on weights while the other does rope variation (squat jumps, in and outs or burpees)
- Pull the weight/ropes towards you
- Push the weight back
- Switch
Station Three - Weights
- 10 Reps Squat/Curl/Press with 12 lb dumbbells
- 10 Reps Row/Tricep Extension with 8 lb dumbbells
- 10 Reps V-Ups with 12 lb dumbbells
Station Four - WaterRower
- 4 minutes of rowing - goal = 1,000 meters
Round Two - 3 Minutes Per Station (12 Minutes Total)
Station One -
- 1 Minute Up and Overs on the Stepper
- 1 Minute Weighted Punches
- 1 Minute Burpees with a Push-Up on the Stepper
Station Two - The Ropes
- One partner stands on weights while the other does rope variation (squat jumps, in and outs or burpees)
- Pull the weight/ropes towards you
- Push the weight back
- Switch
Station Three - Weights
- 10 Reps Squat/Curl/Press with 12 lb dumbbells
- 10 Reps Row/Tricep Extension with 8 lb dumbbells
- 10 Reps V-Ups with 12 lb dumbbells
Station Four - WaterRower
- 3 minutes of 100 meter intervals alternating with your partner (who is on the machine next to you)
What I Liked
The instructor explained all of the exercises which was helpful as a newcomer to a class that seemed to be compromised primarily of "regulars."
I loved that I was dripping in sweat at the end, loved that it was quick & to the point, loved that it featured cardio & strength moves and loved getting to use the ropes and the WaterRowers.
What Could Be Better
Though the class description made it seem like this would be a competition - the instructor that I took didn't lead it in that way at all. I think that could have added a lot to the class and kicked up the intensity another notch.
Post-Class
After class I did my physical therapy exercises - side planking and glute bridging up a storm.
The Locker Rooms
Ok - I will admit that the showers at Equinox are pretty damn magical. There's a whole bench section with towel hooks that's separate from the actual shower and those Kiehl's products are pretty awesome.
The lockers are digital so there's no need to bring a lock.
And get this - there is a STEAMER for your clothes.
Mind blow.
More to come on my 7 days at Equinox, stay tuned! Tomorrow I'm signed up for a spin class!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
