If your goals include a fitness reboot, trying classes at some of the area’s boutique studios might be a good way to dip your sneaker-clad toes back into the workout scene. These smaller studios tend to offer a personal touch that some big-box outfits can’t replicate. These are also great places for an experienced exerciser to break out of the same old treadmill rut, and add variety to a fitness regimen. Need guidance? Here are three trainers’ class suggestions and tips on how to avoid the resolution trap of doing too much, too soon, which can lead to injury or burnout.
CARL BATTINELLI
Trainer and Co-Owner
Upper Deck Fitness Stamford
TRY THIS CLASS: Tabata Training
“Pound for pound, it’s the best fitness modality we use to deliver quick, effective results.” This revved up class combines intervals of high-intensity exercise with periods of active rest, which obliterate calories while building muscle. “We use it [to train clients] across the fitness spectrum, for weight loss and strength training.”
PLAY IT SAFE: Be Sensible
“Be honest with yourself.” If you’ve been sedentary for a while, don’t base your first attempt at any class, in any modality on what you “used to” be capable of, whether it was running for miles or hoisting heavy weights. Instead, set smaller goals and be realistic.
MOTIVATIONAL TIP: “Remember, the victory is sweeter when you do things the right way.”
GINA NORMAN
Co-Founder and Owner
Kaia Yoga, Darien
TRY THIS CLASS: Monday Morning Gentle Yoga with Talor Wales
While Kaia offers a variety of classes in a variety of disciplines, the focus at this studio is on building a committed yoga practice. Norman encourages a beginner to start with this gentle class—or some of Kaia’s basic offerings—along with those that are focused on being more restorative before mixing in more vigorous and demanding classes.
PLAY IT SAFE: Take Your Time
“Pace yourself, taking no more than two or three classes a week before building up to more frequent trips to the studio as you increase strength, flexibility and stamina. Yoga is not competitive. The only thing that matters is what’s happening with your body
on your mat.” If class gets
too challenging, she suggests taking a recovery break in child’s pose.
MOTIVATIONAL TIP: “Yoga is not for flexible people. It creates flexible people.”
ASHLEY POPOLI
Owner
Vertical Addiction, Stamford
TRY THIS CLASS: Intro to Pole Fitness
As its name implies, this class covers fundamentals of the kinetic (and yes, sexy) form of choreographed dance-like walks, pole grips, basic spins and pirouettes, all structured around a pole. The routine may be introductory, but Popoli promises it will accelerate your heart rate and strengthen the upper body. You’ll also learn a showstopper of a routine that’s “an emotional, empowering experience and all things a good fitness class should be”—and will prepare you for more experienced levels of dance.
PLAY IT SAFE: Take a Break
“Taking class every day is never a good idea. Giving your body a chance to repair itself is essential.”
MOTIVATIONAL TIP: “Dance can make you carry yourself differently. You’ll walk differently and have
so much more body awareness.”