Exhale Core Fusion
Well hello there. How is your week going so far? Mine is good 🙂 I went to a very relaxing yoga class tonight. I was totally zened out and now I’m watching a show on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia which is making me sleepy looking at all the fish underwater.
Anyway, I digress… I believe I have mentioned in the past my love for barre classes, no? I love taking classes at Physique 57 and Flybarre. Well, I actually took my first barre class at Exhale Spa, which offers Core Fusion classes. Core Fusion is based on the Lotte Berk method (just like Physique) and is a really awesome toning class. You start with a brief warm up before moving onto the arm section. I like to brag that I can lift 8 lbs but in Core Fusion, you are gonna wanna stick to the lighter weights (like 3 lbs) because you are going and going non-stop for about 10 minutes. It is not easy!
But just when you think you are done with the hard part, you realize you haven’t even started yet when you get to the leg section. This section is no joke and if your thighs aren’t shaking by the millionth plie squat pulse, well then you are just doing it wrong! But not to worry, there is more when you move onto the seat section and then abs. While I like the seat section, the one thing I don’t enjoy about the Core Fusion class is part 1 of the ab section. You sit underneath the ballet barre with your hands holding onto the bar and then you perform a series of exercises like lifting your legs and lowering them or tapping your feet together. I know this works the deep inner ab muscles but for some reason I just don’t love this section. I prefer part 2 of the ab section that requires you to lie on your back and perform more traditional ab and pilates-type moves.
Although the class moves quickly and you don’t notice the time, you’ll be happy when its finally over because you work so hard. Its a great sense of relief when they dim the lights and finally let you relax on the mat for the stretch section. And if you want to continue your zen-like state, don’t forget that this is Exhale SPA. They have a ton of great spa treatments like massages and facials but if you aren’t interested in shelling out for a treatment, the steam room is absolutely free and you can hop in after your Core Fusion class. Its super relaxing and will help ease your sure to be sore muscles. The dressing rooms are full of luxurious spa products that are complimentary with your class so take advantage and have nice hot shower using their amazing products.
And the best thing about Exhale is that they have locations in NYC, Stamford, CT, Miami, LA, Dallas, Chicago, Boston, AC and Atlanta. Oh and one in Turks and Caicos, you know, in case you need a reason to go there. 😉 So chances are, you’ll be able to find a class near you! Give it a try, I promise you’ll have a great time!
