TLDR: Go to a class with Sarah as the instructor and fall in love with the Athletica workout…read more
While my prior review was directed at my Hot Yoga experience, this one is for the Athletica class & challenge. Their Athletica course is rather new, it is a 45 minute HIIT with instructor where you rotate through 12-15 stations. I took part in their open house back in June and nearly threw up from exertion/low blood sugar from not having eaten breakfast before going. Despite my rough go at it, it was clear that the class itself was well run and that the equipment was top of the line.
I had been tempted by the "30 Day Athletica Challenge" promotions that I had seen going on, but the price range is something usually out of my budget. I soon realized that the $600 annual membership to N+ might be cheaper, but I stopped going or caring after 3 months, so it costed me a lot more per class in the end! The 30 day challenge goal is to complete 21 days of classes out of the 30, two days on, one day of rest. Complete it, and get rewarded with 5 additional classes (usually $100-$115+ tax).
Coming from a background of a severe multi fracture injury, scoliosis and other wonderfully inconvenient breaks, dislocations and sprains, I thought that a guided challenge with coach would be of great benefit to me, who still doesn't know how to use basic gym equipment. Not only did Sarah and Marina offer modifications in their explanations for people with knee injuries like myself, they actually check in with everyone as the class goes on to ensure that everything is okay, to adjust any errors in technique and offer swapping out weights/movements as needed.
Key points to an effective workout;
Consistency: 30 day challenge to put you in the habit
Realistic goal: 2-3 days on, 1 day off, also their classes are EVENINGS so you're already up and about, no sleeping through!
Motivation: Sarah and Marina cheering you on with their energy and great playlists
Technique: They don't miss a beat and correct you as needed
Variety: Stations change from one workout to another (get to know a TON of at home exercises!)
Effectiveness: HIIT wins! Cardio, strength, core and balance training included!
How this class works for everybody no matter where on the feeble to fit spectrum you fall, your workout can be adjusted via intensity/speed/weights. (ie; set the treadmill speed 4km vs 10km, use the 5lb weight vs the 20 lbs weight etc).
I completed 12 of my classes in my first 14 days and was blown away by how much more energy I had and how my body seemingly began running itself better right away. Due to the mixing and matching of exercises, there wasn't really anything that became too sore other than my injured knees. Even me the amateur was able to go 5 days in a row before a day off. A week into my challenge I already found myself purchasing more classes when there was a sale so that my budget could be flexed into letting me indulge longer term in their course.
Where to watch out: especially if doing the challenge, you must book your classes in advance as they can be booked to capacity which can mean missing out on your class goals. Don't hesitate to use the waitlist feature, the 3 times I did I got in. While 2 of the 4 instructors really drove the class for me, the other two did not bring anything to the table for me, to the point where I found myself cancelling a class instead of going depending on the instructor. Although Kevin has been growing on me! This was more important to me than some others might find it, particularly if you're new and need the extra encouragement, but is why I would say a first taste should definitely be done with Sarah for the full experience!
If you've been hesitant, don't think twice about subscribing to their mailing list for the next sale to use as an excuse to try. They also offer 2 and 5 class deals for newbies if you want to dip your toe in the water.
Oh, and this should go without saying if you've seen any photos, but their facilities are the bomb. Electronic lockers (no lock necessary), clean AF showers/changing rooms, everything is new, well maintained, and aesthetically perfect, not to mention a SUPER central and accessible location.
