I will be real with you – I hate working out. I do it because I like being able to eat without regret. I grew up dancing and training 10 hrs a week every week until I graduated college. When thrust into the real world – and I didn’t have a coach yelling at me to run faster – I really struggled to find workouts that kept me engaged [you stayed motivated post coach, I just went from coach to couch…]. This was until I figured out I could still use dance for exercise – it seemed like a happy medium. Here are some classes I have tried and my thoughts…
305 Fitness
While oddly similar to Zumba (of which I am not a fan) 305 Fitness is unbelievably fun [I agree 100%, dance as if you’re 3 cocktails in]. I wouldn’t take this one on regularly but if you have girlfriends visiting, or need a fun activity which doesn’t involve drinking (unless you want it to), this is your go-to. You can let loose – dance to your fave hits – and burn some calories while doing it. Classes run about $34 each, but they have some pretty good packages if you are willing to commit to 5-10 classes.
Forward Space
I haven’t had the opportunity to attend an in-person Forward class – yet – but I have had the privilege of trialing some classes in their Virtual Hub. Forward has trained dancers leading fitness catering to those who need a dynamic workout that is engaging and utilizes dance technique (literally me). They have varying classes – more cardio and strength intensive as well as more dance intensive – so that you can pick what you prefer. I can’t wait to get in there for a live class. Single live classes run around $38, while the Virtual Hub membership is about $34 per month – so much better value for your money. They also offer free 7-day trials for the Virtual Hub.
Tracy Anderson
This one is my sisters fave – so I had to give it a try. It is definitely a more cardio heavy workout, but the choreography is so good you will catch yourself doing the moves in your head every time the song comes on [ask my kids, they know my Dua Lipa dance by now too]. My only negative here is the price… unlike your traditional MindBody registration – this one is around $45 per class, and the packages for multiple classes don’t save you that much. For her virtual classes, she has a 14-day trial offer so you can see what it’s all about before committing to the full Tracy Anderson experience.
Step Aerobics
Now, don’t laugh at me, but step aerobics […like a middle-aged woman in a YMCA?] is one hell of a workout. Not only is this a non-stop cardio intensive fitness class, but I find it mentally exhausting as well. With step combinations ranging from beginner to advanced, you have to hold supreme focus because if you mess up one step it’s all over (or you’re tripping on your riser and may end up on the floor getting trampled by the person behind you). Most gyms offer Step – Les Mills, Crunch, and some Equinox locations have good instructors and this is a fun way to capitalize on your existing memberships.
Booty by Brabants
Now, I have mentioned my passion for virtual fitness before, and Booty by Brabants tops my list. Her classes are insanely hard, but are very dance based as Kelly was a dancer growing up herself. The music is fire and her personality is infectious and keeps you motivated to finish even though you’re alone at home. Her app is FULL of classes so you always have options. The membership is only $19.99 per month and she offers a 14-day trial so you can see what I’m talking about.
Where are my fellow dancers? What do you all do to keep up with your fitness game [5, 6, 7, 8!]?
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