(to the tune of "Livin' la Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin)
If you're into boutique fitness
sleek stu...dios galore
Then I feel a premonition,
Ripped will get you on the floor.
If you want a new sensation,
Tired of just the same old class
You should join the RIPPED PHL nation
It'll knock you on your (_)(_).
You'll want to take your shirt off,
cuz it's soaked with so much sweat
But when you think you're done with it
You'll rush back soon, I bet.
Ripped is gonna make you sweat - C'MON!
Treadmills, lots of weights
You're gonna get Ripped in Philly
They will wear you out
Running this fast feels silly
You'll pant and gasp for breath,
as you're working willy-nilly,
But so dang glad you came
Let's all get Ripped in PHILLY!
I've taken I think four classes here. And, while this doesn't make me an expert by any means, I do think I understand the general concept of the studio. First of all, when you walk up the stairs (so many stairs, call this your warmup), you'll enter a clean studio with a sexy, sleek atmosphere. Red, white, and black are their colors and they let you know that immediately. To your left, the studio (where you're going to be sweating your face off). To your right, the locker rooms. These are pretty small, lockers lock up to keep your goodies safe, and big enough to hold a backpack, jacket, a tote. You know, the essentials.
The workout itself: It's grueling. You can choose to be on the treadmill or ground first. If you choose treadmill (would recommend choosing treadmill), you're going to hit these cool "Woodway" treadmills at paces and inclines you get to watch on these little TV screens. The screens also are a nice touch, showing different scenes. The first time I went was a reddish canyon-looking setting, but the second was scenes from the Boston Marathon! Since I'm someone that will never ever run a marathon, this was pretty novel. Loved the pace and incline changes, made the 15 minute chunks go by like a breeze, and added a lot of variety (read: spice!) If you've got a heart rate monitor, that cues up to the treadmill and you can see your heart rate as you're running. Top of the line.
The "floor" is where you hit the weights, but don't think you're off the cardio hook, yet. Mixed in with heavy balls, body bars, free weights, etc., you'll get some fun bonuses like burpees and tuck jumps! Lucky you. Then, just when you think you can't go any longer... back to the treadmill to repeat the whole cycle over again.
The music is great, the showers are clean, and my only complaint is I can't afford to go more often. But lots of classes, and this is one of the few workouts that I would consider worth the price (you know, if you have that cash to spend.) read more