Today was the day, the day we decided to step out of our usual fitness routine and into the mysterious unknown world that lies beyond that familiar red and black studio. Our mission today, The Studio Empower. As I (Eden) am typing this I wonder, where is the emphasis here, is it on THE STUDIO or EMPOWER or is simply THE STUDIO EMPOWER, which is a little startling. Either way we were showing up and ready to be empowered or something inspiring like that. Located in Newton Centre on a popular drag parking was scarce. Finding a spot and the all illusive quarter roll in my glove compartment was the first challenge of the morning. Rachel, running behind, got in some bonus cardio by running from her parking spot about a .25 mile away. But we made it. The studio is simple. About 10-15 machines lined up in one row in front of a mirrored wall. Florescent lighting and Ikea Expedit shelving to store purses and belongings. The aforementioned machine is called a megaformer, imagine a Pilates reformer (torture contraption) on steroids. It was a solid intimidating piece of equipment. The workout itself is promised to sculpt, tone and transform. According to their website “The Studio Empower offers an innovative and dynamic workout, designed by LA Celebrity trainer and fitness guru, Sebastien Lagree. Lagree Fitness™ (aka SPX Fitness or Pilates Plus) transforms traditional reformer Pilates classes, into high-intensity, low-impact strength training workouts, allowing people of all fitness levels to achieve sculpted and toned physiques effectively and safely!.” When I told the perfectly toned and perky instructor that it was my first time but I had done Pilates reformer classes in the past, she smiled and said that this would be so much different. 

It was time to get started. With little instruction we mounted the machines and began a series of exercises. The theory was to exhaust one muscle area at a time. Abs, legs, arms, stretch. The class flew by. Rachel and I both almost flew off the machine a few (me) times. Seriously I almost bit it more than once. Perhaps the fear of falling face first kept my core engaged and my legs planted. Overall the class was challenging, but our previous barre classes and my Pilates background were definitely advantageous. The instructor had little to correct and didn’t give us much direction, but let us know that we were doing great and she didn’t hold back during class. Thank goodness for the other women in the class or else I would have been very lost. But the previous exercise experience helped make the class a deeper more focused session and we got a lot out of it.

I liked the way the machine made me feel like I was stretching the entire time while toning. I liked how even during abs and legs I was still always working my arms. It was definitely a consistent whole body exercise. Because the workout is contained primarily to the megaformer, class size is limited but personal space is clearly defined, something that is sometimes lacking in other studio classes I have been in.  I definitely didn’t sweat, even Rachel, who may or may not be a sweaty kind of exercise person, seriously I am totally making that up, didn’t seem to glisten in the slightest. I also wasn’t out of breath, ever. I felt the need to go for a run or do something in addition to the class. Also, and maybe this isn’t a bad thing, but the fluorescent lighting was kind of harsh, I mean when I am squatting down and pushing my butt back and my leg out, well let’s just say soft lighting would be nice. 

It was nice to change things up, but I don’t know I didn’t fall in love. 

By the way I am totally digging this exercise with friends thing, people should really try it. 

UPDATE: a day later and I'm sore!! In the best of ways. That oh there is that muscle sore. Still not head over heels but I would consider it again, maybe