Typically, I’m not one to be nervous about anything. An upcoming exam, starting a new job, meeting a hot boy I barely know for happy hour, no problem. So why was I so incredibly nervous to try my first fitness class ever? Sure, it was a few days before the 1st of the New Year and I had had a few too many cookies over Christmastime. I was feeling a little sluggish and needed a change in my routine. I was nervous that I would be a sore thumb sticking out in a room full of Lululemon-clad moguls. ClassPass was something I had researched and considered for quite a few months before finally taking the plunge and scheduling my first class. I knew that over the next few weeks every studio I tried would be a “new” class for me, so this feeling would have to subside if I were to truly make a difference in my fitness routine. It was time to make a change, as hard as this first class may be. And was I EVER in for a hard class…
I chose “Heated High and Tight” at System of Strength Grandview as my first class because I had a few friends with memberships there and they were still alive…so I would be fine, right?! Alright, “fine” is not a proper word to describe how I felt during class, but I will get to the actual class momentarily.
I will admit, putting “heated” in the name helped to prepare me for the blazing 100 degree inferno (okay, large workout room) where we had class. The studio is divided into 2 rooms; the front room is typically a heated room where classes such as “High and Tight” and “Core and Restore” are held. The back room is about the same size, but not for unheated classes like “Clocked”, “Control”, and “In the Mix”. Almost all classes at this studio are bodyweight, enhanced with accessories such as plyometric boxes, hand weights, stretch bands, and sometimes ankle weights. The instructors are punishing and the workouts are intense.
This class in particular called for light hand weights (5lbs or 8lbs), ankle weights, and that’s it. After stretching on my yoga mat and fumbling around with the ankle weights on my shoes for too long, I finally was situated and ready. I could do this! How much torture could one person wreck upon my body in 60 minutes? After all, I probably needed it after a week of mom’s cooking. Here we go.
Class began with our [very fit] teacher walking us through each move. The name of the class clicked in my mind as we did a high amount of reps, while feeling my arms and legs getting tighter and tighter with every last squat burned through my thighs. I began to struggle only ten minutes in as I noticed all of the toned girls and guys around me having no problem. I get it, I was out of shape and couldn’t hang. But this stuff was hard! If I was by myself in a gym doing these moves, I would have quit immediately. But our teacher PUSHED us. And by push, I mean walking around the room pressing on the backs of plank-holders while they looked like they were about to cave-in. This place took it seriously! In the end, I survived the workout and felt incredibly accomplished as I walked/limped to my car. I had a long way to go, but I was excited to return and see what else the studio and its instructors had to offer.
Overall, System of Strength is one of the fitness studios at the top of my list. Although the instructors can be over-the-top and intimidating, I always feel like I have completed a fatiguing workout and I have never had an instructor I didn’t like. Caution: I would not suggest this studio for those who have not worked out before, or consider themselves very out of shape. The clientele of this studio are those who have been training for awhile and the classes themselves reflect a level of dexterity in order to get the most for your money. I frequent System of Strength at least once a week, and have tried every one of the classes they offer so if you have questions, ask away! I will post a list of classes offered as well as pricing information for the studio itself at the end of the blog. System of Strength has two Columbus locations, one in Grandview, Ohio as well as the newer studio in Dublin. Here is a link to their website:
http://systemofstrength.com/
I hope you enjoyed my review of System of Strength, and I can’t wait for my next review to share with you!!
I chose “Heated High and Tight” at System of Strength Grandview as my first class because I had a few friends with memberships there and they were still alive…so I would be fine, right?! Alright, “fine” is not a proper word to describe how I felt during class, but I will get to the actual class momentarily.
I will admit, putting “heated” in the name helped to prepare me for the blazing 100 degree inferno (okay, large workout room) where we had class. The studio is divided into 2 rooms; the front room is typically a heated room where classes such as “High and Tight” and “Core and Restore” are held. The back room is about the same size, but not for unheated classes like “Clocked”, “Control”, and “In the Mix”. Almost all classes at this studio are bodyweight, enhanced with accessories such as plyometric boxes, hand weights, stretch bands, and sometimes ankle weights. The instructors are punishing and the workouts are intense.
This class in particular called for light hand weights (5lbs or 8lbs), ankle weights, and that’s it. After stretching on my yoga mat and fumbling around with the ankle weights on my shoes for too long, I finally was situated and ready. I could do this! How much torture could one person wreck upon my body in 60 minutes? After all, I probably needed it after a week of mom’s cooking. Here we go.
Class began with our [very fit] teacher walking us through each move. The name of the class clicked in my mind as we did a high amount of reps, while feeling my arms and legs getting tighter and tighter with every last squat burned through my thighs. I began to struggle only ten minutes in as I noticed all of the toned girls and guys around me having no problem. I get it, I was out of shape and couldn’t hang. But this stuff was hard! If I was by myself in a gym doing these moves, I would have quit immediately. But our teacher PUSHED us. And by push, I mean walking around the room pressing on the backs of plank-holders while they looked like they were about to cave-in. This place took it seriously! In the end, I survived the workout and felt incredibly accomplished as I walked/limped to my car. I had a long way to go, but I was excited to return and see what else the studio and its instructors had to offer.
Overall, System of Strength is one of the fitness studios at the top of my list. Although the instructors can be over-the-top and intimidating, I always feel like I have completed a fatiguing workout and I have never had an instructor I didn’t like. Caution: I would not suggest this studio for those who have not worked out before, or consider themselves very out of shape. The clientele of this studio are those who have been training for awhile and the classes themselves reflect a level of dexterity in order to get the most for your money. I frequent System of Strength at least once a week, and have tried every one of the classes they offer so if you have questions, ask away! I will post a list of classes offered as well as pricing information for the studio itself at the end of the blog. System of Strength has two Columbus locations, one in Grandview, Ohio as well as the newer studio in Dublin. Here is a link to their website:
http://systemofstrength.com/
I hope you enjoyed my review of System of Strength, and I can’t wait for my next review to share with you!!