These 7 Cardio Classes Turn Up the Heat When It’s Too Cold for an Outdoor Workout
As winter continues to dole out chilly and unpredictable weather across the country, seasonal fatigue is likely setting in. No matter if the salvation of springtime is on the horizon—it can’t come soon enough. While there are those daring souls dressed in high-tech long johns who religiously log miles in the cold, the rest of us flock indoors to work out. But that doesn’t have to mean stale sessions at the gym. These seven fitness offerings—from new studios as well as tried-and-tested favorites—serve up all the muscle-testing benefits of an all-terrain workout without having to brave the elements. (That’s not even counting the bonus tracks at hip-hop-fueled yoga.) Consider a regular rotation of shadowboxing or interval training a smart way to pass the time—and lift the mood—until the first flush of spring. Besides, once the peak summer temperatures skyrocket, chances are that air-conditioned barre class will once again have fresh appeal.
Power Boxing
If early-morning workouts are causing you to be drowsier than ever, a late-night sparring session might be what the doctor ordered. Flatiron’s Shadowbox now offers a longer, more intense class dubbed Shadowbox After Dark. The 60-minute version promises grueling bag work, louder music, and more in-depth combinations. Held under the glow of candlelight, the power hour will wear you out and send you straight to sleep.
Shadowbox After Dark at Shadowbox: 28 West 20th Street, New York; sbxboxing.com
High-Intensity Circuit
Atlanta’s newest endurance challenge will make you forget about the outside chill. Fit9 is a one-hour, full-body workout that promises to burn calories and shred fat with a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and performance-revving metabolic conditioning. Each session delivers a fresh lineup of moves and boxing-derived sequences, in order to keep muscles stimulated and pique mental agility, too. The result: strong body, strong mind.
Fit9Atl: 56 East Andrews Drive North West, Suite 235, Atlanta; fit9atl.com
Cardio Barre
For workout devotees who are short on time, Equinox launched a solution nationwide last month: The Muse is a 30-minute, barre-inspired offering that packs in a day’s worth of cardio, along with toning benefits via three-pound spheres. Count on an equal test of physical and mental endurance as new choreography and sequences are introduced. Not a dancer? Don’t worry, says creator Nicole Petitto: “Just keep moving! Even if you don’t know the material, just have fun with it.”
The Muse at Equinox: locations nationwide; equinox.com
Springboard Pilates
New York Pilates sets its sights on the deep abdominals with Core Cult, a jump board–centric class set on the Reformer. Prepare to bounce for the majority of the 55-minute session, which combines cardio with intense sculpting moves for a burn that brings the fun (yes, working out can be fun). Higher intensity means more sweat—and serious results.
Core Cult at New York Pilates: 262 Bowery, Bowery; 25 Howard Street, Soho; 64 West Third Street, West Village; newyorkpilates.com
Hot Yoga
Avoid the wintry mix with 60 minutes of heated Vinyasa at Y7. Fueled by a hip-hop soundtrack and a boldface following, the popular New York City fitness chain has just added a new location in Tribeca, with another slated to arrive in the Meatpacking district next month. Feeling the Los Angeles cold snap? (Hey, it’s all relative.) Get your downward dog on at the West Coast flagship in Silver Lake, which opened its doors New Year’s Day.
WeFlowHard Vinyasa Yoga at Y7: multiple locations in New York and Los Angeles; y7-studio.com
Aerial Core
Yes, you can chill out and tone your midsection at the same time, courtesy of the 30-minute Air Core class at Air Aerial Fitness. The gravity-defying hammocks let you stretch and strengthen the upper and lower abs, obliques, and lower-back muscles with Pilates-inspired moves. Plus, taking a literal load off might offer up a mental release as well.
Air Core at Air Aerial Fitness: multiple locations in Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, and North Dakota; airfitnow.com
Group Training
A grueling workout with great results? Try Studeo Gyms if you’re up for a challenge. This fitness destination takes a group approach to personal training, with classes that keep you on your toes. Depending on the day, the hour-long session will focus on strength-training or conditioning, with moves drawn from the familiar canon of squats and deadlifts; expect to dabble in more athletic feats like box jumps and burpees, too.
Group Personal Training at Studeo Gyms: 6310 San Vicente Boulevard, #107, Los Angeles; 865 Hornby Street, Unit 202, Vancouver; studeogyms.com
