This weekend I joined SELF Magazine at their amazing pop-up fitness studio concept: the SELF Up & Out Studio. Located at the gorgeously airy + bright Spring Studios in TriBeCa, SELF brought together some of the hottest names in boutique fitness under one roof for two days of classes and sweaty fun. How cool is that?
There were lots of familiar names on the schedule, including Barry’s Bootcamp, City Row, 305 Fitness, and Pure Barre. But I wanted to take this opportunity to try something totally new and different. So I signed up for a 40 minute session with the ladies from New York City’s Kettlebell Kickboxing studio.
First let’s discuss the Up & Studio, because I was very curious to see just how exactly SELF was going to pull off all of these amazing classes at once. It seemed to be a recipe for chaos and confusion. But from arrival and check-in to departure, I was really impressed by how organized the entire experience was. Kudos to the SELF team!
Stepping off the elevator and into the studio space itself, I was blown away by the towering white walls, the floor to ceiling windows, and the sweeping views of downtown NYC. This could not have been a cooler or more NYC-feeling spot to work out in. Other details I noticed: gorgeous fresh bouquets in the lobby, fruit-infused water for refilling your bottle, and the most delicious smelling citrus candles.
They really took the luxury feel of boutique fitness and expanded it on a large scale. The only thing missing? Showers. But they brought in the Glam Squad to transform sweaty hair into amazing up-dos and braids, so at least your locks left looking bouncy and fresh.
There was a central room full of vendors showcasing fitness + wellness products. Kind of like a race expo, but smaller and with all natural make-up and veggie juice vendors instead of your typical running shoe stores. I did a quick lap around the room, snagged a sample beet juice and chocolate protein smoothie, and made my way into class.
The consensus? I think I need to give the Kettlebell Kickboxing a visit for a proper crash, because I really enjoyed the sample class they offered at the Up & Out Studio. I say “sample class” because I think the pace was a bit slower due to the large group, and they only had one size kettlebell for each participant to use. Makes total sense – I wouldn’t want to lug tons of weights from studio to event either!
I thought the workout was a fun mix of martial arts, cardio, stretching, and weighted kettlebell exercises. It got my heart pumping and I definitely felt some twinges of “oh hello curtsey lunges” the next day. Would I go back and try a full class? Absolutely!
I ran into friend + fellow fitness blogger Meaghan (hey name twin!) on the way out the door and we decided to do what only seems natural after a weekend workout: brunch! It was rainy and cold and a big cup of hot coffee and a warm breakfast sounded like heaven.