It started like normal with my alarm beeping in my ear at 4:50am. Another night of not-so-great sleep but it was time to get ready for the gym. There was a mouse at the gym on the cardio floor. While I peddled 18 miles on the stationary bike I saw him run under the treadmills. Never saw him come out and the gym staff didn't seem to concerned. Just glad I didn't see him again while I was stretching on the mat. My hamstrings have been exceptionally tight since yesterday and my quads weren't feeling to great either this morning, which is a bit annoying. I have to stretch throughout the day to try and loosen them up. After some strength training and a bit of time spent with the foam roller, I headed home to grab my yoga mat.
Shape Up NYC is a program sponsored in part by the City of New York, Equinox and a few other partners to provide free fitness opportunities to New Yorkers. I read about two classes that are given on the High Line a while ago, but never got there (partially because it's been a super hot summer). I tried the 45-minute class on the Feldenkrais Method. I had no idea what I was getting into, but thought it would be interesting. I almost fell asleep three times, at least! The weather was cool and breezy, the class met in a shaded area, and the entire 45 minutes was spent on a mat, laying on our backs! It was the strangest class I've ever taken, it's hard to even explain. The teacher's voice was low and soothing. I am definitely glad I went to the gym this morning because this really wasn't a workout at all. However, I have to say that when we stood up at the end of class, I felt extremely relaxed and lighter than usual. You know how by the end of the day, you sort of feel like the weight of the world is pushing down on your shoulders? Well, after this class, I stood up straight with no effort. My spine felt relaxed and relieved. It was almost like a 45 minute meditation session, for me at least. There were about 15 people, of all ages (literally - 15 to 80) in the class. I'm glad I didn't spend money on the class, because I would have been disappointed, but I do feel good.
Afterwards, people were already lined up for the pilates class - obviously very popular. I had thought about taking that one, but it didn't start until 10am and by the time I finished and got home, my day would have been half over.
the Pilates students getting ready
Believe it or not, this was actually my first time on the High Line. It's been on our list of things to do, and after today it's top on the list after we're settled into our new apartment.
Have you ever taken a fitness class that you thought was really odd?
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workout stats -
18miles bike
3x10 weighted side bends
3x10 tricep kickback
3x10 overhead extension
3x10 tricep dip
foam roller and stretching
8 comments:
Huh, that sounds weird. Definitely more like a meditation than a work out. I love High Line park. Its so nice!
Hehe. You get those once in a while. I went to an "open" yoga class where we warmed up with little arm circles and big arm circles for 15 minutes. It was weird..
We like to get a snack at Chelsea Market (directly underneath the High Line) and enjoy while people watching!
I guess not all free classes can be great. I would've fallen back asleep for sure! I've never been to the highline either, I must go.
the only fitness class I've taken was an outdoor boot camp type thing. Loved it!
So far I've lucked out and have had decent classes. At least it was free for you today!!
Would love to go to the highline. What a great use for the urban landscape.
i probably wouldn't call it a workout, but if you get that relaxed i'd say it's a must! my shoulders are always getting tense and my posture of course could use some work. (really need to get back into my yoga routine!) very cool that the random classes are offered for free and in cool places!
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