Class Review: 30/60/90 @ Equinox Columbus Circle {instructor Kristi Molinari}

Class: 30/60/90
Class Location: Equinox Columbus Circle
Instructor: Kristi Molinari
Class Description:“A high intensity interval training workout consisting of cardio, strength training, plyometrics and static holds designed to get you into the best shape of your life. Very challenging but modifiable for all levels.” (via Equinox Columbus Circle website).
Reviewer: Kayla

Favorite things about the class:

1. Intervals- anyone can do anything for 30 seconds!
2. Active Recovery is an incredible way not only to boost your metabolism but to multi-task your muscles into shape.
3. No fuss approach

Least favorite things about the class:

1. The warm-up and the cool-down sections of the class were brief and light on the stretching
2. The class I took did not have a core section (besides 1 plank and one set of crunches) Sure you engage your core throughout, but I didn’t feel that there was a strong core component to the class I took. And while I feel my arms and calves the day after I have got nothing in the abs.
3. It was difficult to see what the instructor was doing on occasion and I would have liked a bit more vocal cues about pushing for the intensity intervals

Additional Comments: For those that find group fitness classes a bit intimidating, this is a great class to take. For those with injuries (knees and back in particular) there are plenty of modifications for you so join on in. For those that want a cardio class but don’t like to dance- this is for you. There is no frou-frou choreography just a combination of cardio drills in HIIT format with a focus on strength training (with weights) in active recovery intervals. The workout is designed to get your heart rate up, keep it up and have you burning calories for the next 36 hours.

Come prepared for a lot of jumping (if your knees still hold together). Many of the cardio drills are done with a step (old school style) and are the plyometric exercises you know and love. If you hate burpees, it is going to be a long class! Key to HIIT is knowing your perceived exertion rate and pushing to your max/muscle fatigue. You only get the true kick of this class if you are intense!

Being that the class is approached like a group personal training appointment, the focus and exercises shift. Which means if this is one of your regular workouts- you shouldn’t get bored and you should get results. Changing up your workout on a regular basis keeps your muscles guessing and adapting. That said for this kind of training to work you have to keep it up 2-3 times a week with cardio and if you are targeting weight/fat loss a clean diet too. Nope no easy outs of the class or fitness.

What is great about this kind of training is that first, anyone can do it anywhere. Second, you can do anything for 90 seconds. And third, training like this challenges your muscles and then let’s them recover helping your metabolism to become more efficient at burning fat.

For those who can’t make it to NYC to take the class you can find the outline and get a timer to have a go at the class at home either with Kristi’s DVD  or with the August 2008 Fitness Magazine workout.

Overall Class Rating: 3 out of 5 stars