Mainline Fit

Christina-Claudia-Corinne Three 18 year-old girls who are testing out different trendy workouts on the Mainline!

[mainline-fit]

Day 9 - Aerial Yoga Christina

I was totally out of my comfort zone in aerial yoga.  Hanging by blue ribbons with all the blood rushing to your head can only be so fun for so long before the dizziness kicks in and doesn't go away. The positions themselves were easy but the ribbons were constantly digging into me making the supposed-to-be easy poses pretty painful. I wouldn't recommend aerial yoga for a way to get in good shape, rather as something fun you may enjoy doing.   It seemed like a fun spin off of acrobatics as opposed to a legitimate workout to be completely honest.  However, I do recommend staying to finish the class if you begin because your “shavasana” pose (dead body/corpse pose) at the end in wrapped up like a butterfly in a cocoon by your initially painful blue ribbons.  

Corinne 

Aerial yoga was very fun but definitely not a work out. You're suspended in the air trying to stretch out in positions which just seem unnatural. The instructor was very helpful in making us fit in the right positions with the ribbons, but my lack of flexibility hindered me from really enjoying the class. It was definitely a fun way to get out of my comfort zone and laugh with friends, but it didn't make me feel like I got a workout in. Aerial yoga would be a fun hobby to get into if you've always wanted to join the circus, but for a workout it doesn't do much more than normal yoga

Claudia

Aerial yoga was one of the most interesting classes we tried and unlike any other workout class I have ever tried. You are suspended from ribbons hanging from the ceiling, which is designed to relieve a certain percent of your body weight to make you lighter. In the ribbons, you position yourself in a series of poses both upright and upside down to increase your flexibility and get a good stretch. As a workout, I did not feel like aerial yoga was making me sweat or working my muscles a lot, but I definitely liked the stretching aspect that made me feel loser and, all in all, it was just a fun time. I highly recommend for a stretching/light workout day or just a fun outing with friends.

[mainline-fit]

Day 8- Lithe 

Claudia 

The sight of the Lithe Method studio is initially very daunting. The room is an array of mats lying below heaps of bungee cords and resistance bands hanging from the ceiling. However, we were greeted warmly by the instructor who gave us a short introduction to make us feel more at home with the equipment. The work out itself is cheer-based and involves a lot of jumping and pumping your arms up and down to increase your heart rate. I did feel as though I was getting a good cardio workout, however, as the instructor did warn us, my hands were cramping and in pain the whole time. The vast majority of the class is conducted while pulling down a resistance band in each hand to increase tension is the various poses and combinations. Not even halfway through the class, my hands were in so much pain that that was all I could think about, very similar to the bike seat at Flywheel. All in all, I can see why the Lithe Method is trendy on the mainline for good cardio and toning, but I hope the hand pain is something one can get used to.

Christina

I turned to Claudia and mouthed “I need to get out of here” amidst one of our series of “high V’s” pulling down the straps pictured above. It wasn't because the workout was so hard. It was because holding the straps so tight and for so long was hurting my hands.  I had known from the moment i walked through the door just to be greeted by the judgmental eyes of about 15 mainline moms dressed head to toe in lulu lemon that I wouldn't love the class. I felt like all my jumping around was giving me a good cardio workout and the resisting bands definitely made my arms sore, but I wouldn't go back to lithe. The cramping in my hands and the embarrassment from my inability of following along with the cheer based workout doesn't make lithe on the top of my list to get back to.  

Corinne 

Lithe is a cheer based exercise program. The studio, in Haverford (not far from Barre), has many different classes offered, we attended the Higher Power class. I didn’t love Lithe. The entire program was just jumping around while holding elastic bands which were hanging from the ceiling. We did series of high V’s, low V’s, lunges, and abs, which you can do in your own house or gym. The only thing you’re paying for is the instructor, music, and bands. Weighted lunges and abs with weights will give you better results than attending the class. It was fun, I guess, but this class isn’t a must attend for me.

[mainline-fit]

Day 7 Bikram Yoga Mainline

Christina

I have been on and off “addicted” to Bikram yoga since early January of this year.  Bikram is a heated “basic” yoga flow class, but it is one of the more difficult things I have ever done (hence why basic is in quotation marks) because of the intensity of the heat.  There are 26 different poses half standing and half seated to fill a full 90 minute class.  Every instructor at Bikram Yoga Mainline has been fun, helpful, and knowledgable about Bikram yoga which I love.  Bikram is not the type of class I would recommend if you are looking to get stronger and build muscle.  But in a few classes you can actually see yourself look slimmer and you feel amazing mentally and physically after sweating out all of the toxins. Make sure to hydrate 24 hours prior to your classes! 

Corinne

Bikram is one of the most difficult yoga routines I have done. The entire class is structured and the series of moves does not vary from one class to another, and neither does the temperature of the room. The heat aided my flexibility and helped me sweat out 3 pounds worth of water weight. The room itself smelled of sweat but after a few minutes you become acclimated and stop knowing. The instructor was friendly and knowledgable about how to challenge yourself or ease up in every pose, and made sure to tell first time goers that the most important thing was just to stay in the room. If I continued going I am sure I would become stronger in the poses and more flexible, however, our trainer Lara has informed me that although this yoga makes you look stronger, you aren't actually gaining muscle. This class is great if you need to slim down before an event so you go for the week to shed your water weight, but overall it's not going to make you stronger. But if you're just in it to look better, this is the class for you!

Claudia 

To be honest, bikram was one of the worst experiences I have ever been a part of. I have grown accustomed to more modern styles of yoga. To start, the studio is nothing close to inviting. The heat is stifling and the small suffocating. And amount of sweat I imagined being trapped in the carpeted floors immediately deterred me. The class itself is a series of poses that never change class to class. My vision and hearing became weakened within in the first few minutes of class, and I was left lying down on my mat for the majority of the 90 minutes in fear that if I got up I would be sick all over the studio. And it was not even the rewarding feeling of knowing you've been working hard and your muscles ached so much that you just had to lie down. Bikram, to me, does not feel like a work out, but rather a simply unpleasant way to sweat out some water weight. Definitely not my favorite.

[mainline-fit]

Day 6 Barre Focus fitness

Corinne 

Barre is all about tiny movements. Barre is basically a variation on the exercises ballerinas do in the movies (I’ve never danced before so I don’t know if they actually do them). Throughout the class we did about a thousand “pulses” to work our arms, shoulders, abs, legs, and butts. You use small weights, a hoop, and a small inflatable ball and work different muscle groups. The instructor was very friendly and helped us get posture right, and the music was upbeat and fun. The exercises were spaced out with stretching in-between to form lean and toned muscles not to bulk up. I didn’t sweat during the class but I still felt that I got a good workout in. With repetition I would definitely get toned. There is no cardio component, however, so you would have to incorporate that into your routine elsewhere.

Christina

Barre consisted of a lot of tiny pulses working non stop for around 2 minutes per segment.  The different segments were ballerina drills (I assume) with a twist (adding rings and weights).   I remember feeling like the hour long class felt more like a 3 hour long class and I didn't sweat at all during the class which is something I look for to know I have worked hard.  My body was stiff by the end, but I didn't feel like I had done this awesome workout and that I was going to see results.  Maybe if I consistently went to barre class I would start to see my body get more and more toned.  However I personally believe that I could go to any gym or even buy dumbbells and get toned much more quickly and at a much cheaper price!

Claudia 

As a former ballerina, I expected Barre to be in my comfort zone, thinking I would be a natural standing at the barre and taking on the classical moves. However, Barre was nothing close to a classical ballet class. The main philosophy behind the Barre workout is very small movements and pulses. And yes, we did hold onto the barre and doing something that somewhat mimicked a plié, the class itself was a series of forced, short movements that made me miss the smooth, transitional nature of classic ballet. In the end, I felt very frustrated by the class. Not because it didn't meet my expectations, but because, even though I felt my muscles working and my legs shaking, I knew my body wanted to do more than pulse up and down 1/2 of an inch. While Barre seems to be a hotspot on the Main Line, I think I will look for more spots that allow me to stretch out and move within a greater space.

[mainline-fit]

Day 5- Vinyasa 1, Focus Fitness

Christina

From the moment I walked in it was clear that Focus fitness is a place that cares about everything they do and every class they run.  The studio clearly offered a wide range of activities and I am excited to go back and test out more.,  Vinyasa Yoga is just flow yoga, exactly like bulldog but they use Sanskrit instead of English for the poses.  I liked Bulldog better than Vinyasa mainly because I like being in a heated room and I liked the aerobic part of Bulldog as well.  I felt like I wasn't getting much of a challenge other than flexibility in Vinyasa 1.  However, I will definitely go back to Focus Fitness studios and check out some of their other classes!

Corinne

Focus Fitness is held in a beautiful studio. We attended the Vinyasa 1 course which was mainly for beginners (which I am in yoga). The poses were relatively simple and required strength and flexibility, and as with all yoga, repetition. However, this was basic room temperature yoga, unlike hot yoga or Bulldog, there was no added pizzaz. Something can be said for being able to find a straightforward, no gimmicks practice on the Mainline, but for me I did not feel enough of a challenge. Focus offers much more than just this class, however, so when one is ready to move up a level they can.

Claudia

Focus fitness offers a variety of different types of work outs, and we attended the Vinyasa 1 yoga class. I am used to going to classes at Bulldog, which has a fast pace and aerobic atmosphere. Our class at focus seemed a little boring to me in comparison, with a simpler combination of poses and a cooler room, I felt like I was getting less of a work out. However, I have to give Focus credit for holding so many different types of classes, and while yoga may not be their strong suit, I am open to trying out more classes there in the future.

Flow Yoga Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORzlvF8inyI

[mainline-fit]

Day 4- Zumba Fitness, Upper Mainline Y

Corinne 

Zumba is a latin style dance routine set to fun music and led by a trained instructor. I absolutely love Zumba. It’s a very fun way to get yourself moving and the group ranges from teens to retired women, and the skill levels are just as varied. The class has a few different song and each song has different choreography which is aerobic-based and gets your abs, legs and arms involved. Although the actual exercises aren't that difficult, the moves take a little while to get down and it was a little embarrassing that the 60 year old women in the class had more rhythm than me. However, Zumba was very fun and once I got over the embarrassment I loved the energy everyone in the room had and I was smiling the whole time. All in all, the workout won’t change your body, but Zumba is a fun way to get moving and if you’re a member at the YMCA it is completely free.

Christina

Coming from someone that has absolutely, positively zero rhythm, Zumba was the most mortifying 45 minutes of my life. Corinne and Claudia secured us a spot up front and from that moment on, I knew I was doomed. Sure, the dancing was fun (ish) but it was nearly impossible for me to keep up with my talented and fast paced instructor and the rest of the class.  It was a unique way to get moving, and maybe I’ll try it again sometime (most likely in the safety and comfort of my bedroom) but it definitely wasn't a real workout.  I felt like I hadn't really done anything after it and I went for a run later on.  So, if you are looking for an intensive workout Zumba isn't for you. But if you're looking for a cheap and fun way to get moving and you can get past the potential embarrassment, I definitely would recommend Zumba!

Claudia 

Zumba was one of the most enjoyable work outs I've ever done. Right off the bat, the environment was upbeat and welcoming. The class was comprised of women of all different ages, and everyone was excited to dance and have fun. I think that my dance background helped in the class a lot, as I found it easier to pick up the combinations and follow the instructor. But even when I did get lost or mess up, I felt no negative judgement whatsoever. Zumba wasn't a super hard or strenuous workout, but I definitely worked up a sweat and felt the effects of a healthy cardio class. I think it's the perfect option for a light workout day or a fun outing with friends.

Video of Zumba moves: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EIzQHdO_d4 

[mainline-fit]

Day 3- Plank Studio, Wayne PA (Pilates)

Claudia

Plank's studio is located right off of Lancaster Ave, tucked away behind a mattress store. But once you locate the entrance in the back and climb the daunting staircase, you feel a world away. The space is clean and cool, something I personally want in a workout space. The instructors immediately sensed we were new and were eager to help us get acclimated with the class and the machine. The machine itself, named the Megaformer, is the focus of the class, a contraption of springs, bungee cords, and one moving board. The machine added a completely different twist to normal workout poses, and immediately I felt my abs working from the first minute we started. The 50 minute class went by fairly quickly, but I was never bored and always felt challenged. Like many of the spots on the main line, a single class at Plank is a pricey $24, but the results, in my opinion, are definitely worth it.

Christina

This was by far the toughest bodyweight workout I have ever done, and I felt great after it.  I walked into Plank Studio and was instantly a little intimidated when I saw the machines pictured above.  However, two instructors quickly began to give us the run down making me feel more and more at ease.  You use the machines to do different core, legs and arm exercises that all are manageable, but extremely tough.  There were 6 different springs involved, levers, three different types of bands, a weighted bar, etc.  But once we got into the workout (of course with upbeat music helping to take my mind off the burning in my legs, arms and core) everything became a lot less complicated. If you're looking for a way to truly transform your body, Plank Studio is definitely that way.  Since it was our first time, we were only charged $20 for our 50 minute pilates class. However, after today I know I will be happy to splurge the $24 dollars for this awesome class!

Corinne 

Plank Studio was definitely unexpected. The actual venue is clean and open with lots of natural light and big mirrors. The people, all women, in the studio were very friendly and welcoming and the instructor made sure to tell us “If you’re struggling it’s ok we’ve all been there.” I did not expect pilates, the exercise my mother did for years, to be a big challenge, but boy was I wrong. During the warm up my abs were burning, and that feeling never went away. The machines we used were a little intimidating, but once we were familiar with them I felt comfortable. The actual workout alternated 2 minutes to 1 minute upper body to lower body, beginning with the right side then the left. The exercises utilized core, arms, and legs focusing on doing the moves slowly and controlled. This class was almost the opposite of Flywheel, set to upbeat but softer music, in a brightly lit room with no room to slack off because the instructor was walking around making corrections. Plank won Best of the MainLine workout and that is a title they truly deserve. The machines and instructors are worth the money and the workout itself is sure to get you stronger.

[mainline-fit]

Background

We are three high school seniors, Corinne, Claudia and Christina, who plan to spend the next two weeks participating in, and sharing insights about popular workout trends on the mainline.  We will be posting from three very different athletic backgrounds, a club and high school varsity field hockey player, a retired dancer and a club and high school varsity squash player. We plan to update this blog daily with blurbs about our experiences, along with pictures and videos.  Stay tuned!

[mainline-fit]

Day 1 (Monday)- Bulldog Yoga, Villanova PA

Claudia

Bulldog Yoga takes traditional yoga and adds a fun, contemporary twist. The studio itself is beautiful; the concrete heated floors and spotless, fashionable yoga clothes line the walls, trendy oriental rugs line the hallways and it smells like essential oils rather than the sweat of everyday yoga goers. Bulldog attempts to provide a non threatening environment, and I believe they succeed. The pop playlists make class enjoyable and upbeat, the instructors use English words for the poses instead of Sanskrit, and everyone is friendly and willing to help. We took the medium level class, a power class set to an upbeat playlist. As an avid attendee of yoga, I am bias to the workout at Bulldog, but I truly do believe that the exercise of both mind and body that yoga provides is so important to a healthy lifestyle. And while one class may not make your abs and legs feel on fire, a consistent attendance will provide the long term benefits of tone and strength.

Corinne

 Price: first class is free, classes range from $21-$17.50, with a $150 monthly unlimited package and discounts for students. 

Bulldog Yoga is much more of aerobics with a side of yoga. Yes, we completed different yoga poses but with the pace of the class it felt more like we were holding planks and lunges than really learning yoga moves. I liked the pop music they played and the fact the temperature of the rom was a balmy 92 degrees, and the instructor was very nice and assisted us when needed. The class was a mild work out, if the room wasn't as hot I don’t think the actual moves would have caused me to sweat enough to feel like I had done something worthwhile, but yoga is about repetition and I am sure if I attended more classes I would become stronger. Overall, the class was fun, and definitely required strength, but is not for someone looking to change their body dramatically, it is for those looking to tone and strengthen. The prices are fair, especially with the student discounts, for those of us (myself included) who do not know how to properly do specific yoga moves. I would definitely go again if not just to see the adorable bulldog puppy they have waiting in the lobby. 

Christina

This was about my 4th or 5th time back at bulldog yoga.  I have tried a few other yoga places as well but Bulldog has been by far my favorite.  The classes are about 1 hour long and you have the option to chose your class based on temperature and music playlist which I really like. The class sizes are small and I never felt too crowded.  The intensity of the workout isn't very high, but I did feel good after.  The instructors are all very personable and ensure to break down the poses in a beginner friendly way. 

 I always thought that I would begin to become too accustomed to the workout and I would feel like I was just bored and going through the motions, but the instructors always put a different spin on the class which I also think is awesome! 

Overall,  I enjoyed bulldog yoga and I have a feeling it will end up being my one of my favorite classes we take over the course of the next few weeks.  I do have to say, my favorite part of the class has to be the warm greeting I received from Gracie, the bulldog at the studio!

[mainline-fit]

Day 2 (Tuesday)- Flywheel Bryn Mawr, Pa

Corinne

Price: First class is free, each class can be $28-$24 depending on the package you choose to buy

Flywheel is a world of its own. When I walked in, I was struck immediately by the mass of merchandise available for purchase, shirts, tanks, bags, towels, etc. which apparently are a requirement because everyone in the room was wearing something with their logo. “Never coast” is their slogan and lifestyle, the website even advertises that Flywheel will better your mind, body and spirit; however, as a second semester senior I have become quite used to coasting and I knew this was going to be a challenge. Checking in was simple, I got my shoes (they have special ones you must wear that are free with the class) and my bike number, grabbed a towel and went into the dark room in which music was blasting. The class itself is as hard as you make it, but if you follow the instructor exactly, it is very difficult. I am told after a week of classes you become used to it, but the seat hurt my butt (which may be by design so you can’t feel the burning in your knees, thighs, and calves). The dark room makes it easy to slack off if you want, but I enjoyed it because I did not need the mass of size 2 main line moms seeing my bright red, sweaty face. I loved the energy of the instructor, he was upbeat and dancing which I respond more to than just screaming in my face. Overall, Flywheel made me sweat but for $25 per class, it doesn’t seem worth it. I could just make my own playlist and go to the bike at the gym and pocket the cash.  

Christina

I woke up a little late this morning and rushed to our 9:30 flywheel class.  I was a little upset to be up so early; however, I was optimistic for a great workout. To my dismay, when I approached the receptionist (clearly a little frazzled and confused as it was my first class) she was not very helpful and even giggled a little at my confusion. Once I figured everything out on my own and I entered the dark room where we would begin to spin, I was immediately uplifted by our instructors positivity and upbeat personality.  He definitely made the class fun.  Well, as fun as it could be.  I felt far too much intensity coming from the 30 other mainline moms in the class and the competitive atmosphere in the room made it difficult to enjoy my workout. I tried to follow exactly as the instructor said to ensure I got the best workout possible from spinning on my extremely uncomfortable bike, but I found it to be quite difficult (and kind of embarrassing). I was non-stop attempting (and failing) to keep up with the top competitors on the leaderboard.  The class ran for only 45 minutes but by the time it ended, all three of us seemed to be itching to get out.  All in all, I did get a good workout from Flywheel, but I don't think it’s environment is very “beginner-friendly” or worth the money.  

Claudia 

Flywheel's motto is "Never Coast," something I imagined being whispered over and over into my ear by the cult of 49 lululemon-clad women and one man in my nightmare that is spin class. Maybe it was the chocolate coconut Luna bar I ate immediately prior to class, but I automatically felt dizzy in the very dimly lit room with a sole spotlight on our instructor, Utley, an energetic man in spandex and a bandana whom I believe we are supposed to worship from our bikes. Despite feeling light headed, I velcroed on my shoes, latched onto my bike and attempted to follow utleys instructions, adjusting my torque and bumping up my RPMS (rotations per minute) to the best of my ability. And i immediately felt a burning sensation in my quads and abs that signaled that with concentrated effort and enthusiasm, Flywheel really does provide a good 45 minute work out. But, despite the inspirational motto, my motivation quickly wore off and the impersonal nature of the class allowed me to hide out in the dark corners of the back row, wonder how bad my bruises from the too-tiny bike seat would be, and, in fact, coast.