Class Review: Core Fusion @ Exhale Spa UES Studio

Class: Core Fusion
Class Location: Exhale Spa – Upper East Side
Class Description: “Fusing the disciplines of core conditioning, Pilates, the Lotte Berk Method, interval cardio training, and yoga, this highly-acclaimed and publicized mind body experience incorporates 50 years of collective teacher expertise from co-founders Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp. Allowing you to work from the inside out, this transformational class consistently delivers results, including washboard abs, a tighter and higher backside, long, lean muscles, and an athletic, toned body..” (via Exhale Spa website)
Reviewer: Alison H.

Favorite things about the class:

1. There was enough space for everyone to move comfortably.
2. The instructor was enthusiastic.
3. The ab work at the end was good.

Least favorite things about the class:

1. The class wasn’t nearly as challenging as it is described
2. There was a lot of focus on the “tiny muscles” in your body and not much on the important large muscles
3. The studio was wall-to-wall carpeting which just creeps me out for some reason

Additional Comments: The class is a fusion of yoga, pilates, weights, ballet, etc. We used a mat, light free weights, and a ballet barre. We started out with a quick warmup, then used the free weights for arms. After that we went to the barre for some leg and ab exercises, then ended class with more ab work.

I feel like this class was misguided. The spa describes the Core Fusion method as having many elements of different techniques, but it really just felt like a mishmash of exercises that were made up. I’ve heard so many people say how great and effective this method is, but I honestly don’t get it. For the amount they normally charge (I think around $30 to $35 a session), I was glad to be using a coupon for a $9 fee. Doesn’t seem worth it if you are going to pay full price!

Over all Class Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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