I had the week off before my next fieldwork starts again, so I decided to take full advantage of it. I joined Katherine and her coworker for an afternoon Tighten and Tone class at Uplift Studios. There are so many new fitness studios popping up around the city, either I didn’t notice them before or a lot of them are new. Either way, I’ve been wanting to try them all, but was really excited about this one since I had heard great things.
One thing I like about Uplift is that its a womens-only studio meaning the classes are geared to the specific needs of women “by combining back-to-basics cardio and strength fitness with a fun social/networking element” (Uplift website). They have little touches that are very feminine and fun, like inspirational writing on the mirrors and glass. Reminds me of when my friends used to write notes on mirrors using lipstick! Super cute.
They also feed you. We all know that any place that makes me work my butt off and then feeds me gets an A+ in my book. The offer water, apples, little cups of mixed nuts, and tea/coffee. It was so adorable and such a nice touch! Plus, they have a box of phone chargers in case you need one. They really thought of everything at Uplift!
The facilities at Uplift are very nice too. They have basically anything you could need to get dressed and ready after a class: lotions, soaps, hair products, hair dryer, Q-tips, you name it. It isn’t huge, but there’s two showers in there and lots of lockers. Its more than enough since the classes aren’t filled with too many people anyway and the finishes in there are all top-notch. For some reason, I’m always excited when there’s a nice locker room and this one was really, really nice!
Now that you all know about the facilities, I’ll tell you about the class I took: Tighten and Tone with Patricia. According to the website, this is what the class is about:
“A total body workout utilizing resistance bands and balls, as well as isometric and ballet-inspired moves to create alluring arms, gorgeous gams, amazing abdominals, perfect posture and a divine derriere. You will leave feeling toned, tight and lifted in all the right places! Women only. No shoes required.”
This 55 minute class mainly focuses on lower body, hips, and butt but includes a total body workout. Patricia includes a variety of approaches: pilates, barre/ballet, and resistance training, and several different props including resistance bands, a weighted ball, and a resistance circle thing that really works your legs and arms. I loved the way she incorporated it! I also enjoyed that there was a good amount of focus on core and posture, as well as little movements that I’m convinced are WAY harder than large movements. My hips were so sore today, so I know it was a great workout. Plus I sweated up a storm.
The class mat and equipment.
Patricia is a fantastic instructor. She was incredibly uplifting and motivating the entire time. She also took the time to come around to make adjustments for all the people in the class which made a big difference in targeting the correct muscles. She kept the class lighthearted and fun, which is how you are supposed to feel working out, isn’t it?!
The Verdict: A+
Between all the amenities, the awesome instructor, and the challenging class I really enjoyed this studio. I would absolutely go back and try some of their other classes, which I’ve also heard great things about.
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Do you live in NYC or are you visiting and want to try this studio? The first class for new people is half off the normal price, so you only pay $16 instead of the normal $32 that they charge for subsequent classes.
They also have an option for membership. With a membership you can go and use their exercise equipment/space (as well as eat snacks and mingle with other people) for a really reasonable price! For $50/month you can be a member during limited hours, and for $100/month they offer unlimited access. Each option includes one complimentary class and class discounts. Pretty good deal!
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Have you ever been to Uplift? What did you think?
What is your favorite type of group class?
Glad you liked the studio and the class!! I wish I could have gone with you guys- going to Uplift with Katherine is my favorite Friday activity.
Also, I truly think that Patricia is the smiliest (if that’s a word) fitness instructor I’ve ever met.
Haha she is definitely the smiliest ever, if its not a word it should be just for Patricia
that place looks awesome! The food is definitely a great touch! Are you going to join?
My fave type of group class would be spin class, it is intense, but doesn’t involve coordination like step classes;)
I’m not sure if I’ll join for workouts I may just pay by class and take different classes! Its so fun.
I love spin for sure, I’m not too coordinated myself haha
That class sounds awesome! I wish I had something like that by me!
If you are ever around here we should go!
AWESOME place! Gotta love a place that thinks of all the little things (cell phone chargers?). I want to move in there.
Isn’t the cell phone thing awesome?! They really are on top of everything!
That looks like such a cool gym! I am without gym right now as I figure things out and wish I had a place that cool in my neighborhood. I miss GOOD classes!
Sounds like a really fun class and place! I’m glad you enjoyed it
That class (and studio) sounds great!!! I don’t live in NYC but I’m going to pass this along to my twin sis who lives there. It sounds right up her ally!
Such a good idea, I hope she likes it! If you visit her someday you should try it out!!