Dose of Prose
There’s a ton of options and opinions when it comes to the cost-benefit of having a gym membership vs. attending workout classes. I personally prefer group fitness classes, but ultimately your fitness preferences depend on what works best for your financial situation and overall lifestyle. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when everything shut down, I started to develop a workout from home routine (click here for my home gym starter pack).
As the world started to reopen and I began to feel more comfortable venturing back into pre-pandemic activities, I decided to ease into my original group fitness schedule, which included Soulcycle and pilates. Although it wouldn’t be my first time taking group fitness classes, it would be my first time taking workout classes outdoors, which was a new experience that I had to become familiar with. I’m not sure when/if fitness studios will return indoors, but in case they don’t or if you are curious about fun and effective outdoor workouts to try, this blog post will be a helpful resource to you. Today, I’m going to tell you what to bring, what to expect and how to make the most out of your outdoor fitness classes.
Soulcycle Outside
@styleprose I missed soul so much! Glad to be back on the bike. TBH I like the outside version better 💪🏾##ROMWEGetGraphic ##PonderWithZion ##soulcycle
♬ Luxury – Azealia Banks
For context, I consider myself to be an advanced rider, when it comes to stationary cycling. With Soulcycle, I’ve gone to over 100 classes and in each of those classes, I ride in the front row (the row that typically ‘leads’ the class). The type of Soulcycle class I go to is known as the ‘harder’ class (i.e. Soul Survivor – a longer, more intense version of a regular Soulcycle class). Although I am familiar with Soulcycle, I was unfamiliar with working out outside with a mask on, and was skeptical with how it would feel to do an intense workout like that under those conditions. After experiencing Soulcycle outside, I can confidently say that I actually prefer the outside version of the class.
What to Expect:
On the day of class (about 30 minutes before class starts) you’ll have to ‘check-in’. The check-in process is completely digital/touchless now. No more waiting in line or physically signing your name to anything. All you have to do is open the Soulcycle app, sign some legal liability waiver forms and you’re good to go. When you arrive to class, your temperature is checked and then you are cleared to enter the outdoor studio. Your bike has a pair of headphones and a towel resting on it. During the ride, you put on the headphones, so you can hear the instructor and the music. I am not exaggerating when I say the sound quality is like that of Boze. Imagine a surround-sound experience similar what you would get in a movie theater, which truly takes your ride experience to the next level.
The bikes are spaced apart so much that you don’t feel body heat or like you’re ‘too close’ to the person next to you. Everything is sanitized and you also have access to wipes to sanitize even more if you want. Since the workout is outside, there is a great circulation of fresh air. Although there’s no longer any locker rooms, it’s not really necessary in my opinion. You can leave your personal belongings next to your bike so you can keep an eye on them and/or easily access them if you need to. Lastly, most of the Soulcycle outside locations are either on the rooftop of a mall or near a major shopping center, so you can conveniently find a bathroom, food or coffee post workout.
Ultimately, Soulcycle outside is similar to regular Soulcycle – the only difference is that you’re outside, have to wear a mask and there’s no locker rooms. But overall, I find the outside studio safe, efficient and a more engaging experience due to the digital check-in and high quality sound system. I encourage you to try out Soulcycle in general if you haven’t already. It may seem intimidating at first, but it’s fun, challenging and has definitely had a positive impact on me both mentally and physically.
Carries Pilates Plus [Outdoors]
@styleprose come to pilates with me ##TWDSurvivalChallenge ##MaxPlumpJump ##TostitosUnspokenBonds ##pilates ##fitnessblogger ##outdoorworkoutvibes ##fitnesswomen
♬ original sound – Loonno
Soulcycle used to be my only form of exercise (besides yoga) for a long time until I discovered pilates. Unlike Soulcycle (which is mostly cardio), pilates involves slow/controlled movements (either on a reformer machine or on the ground) that are focused on strength training. I’ve always been a slim person, but I’m telling you, the combination of Soulcycle and pilates has completely transformed my body in the best way possible. I developed toned arms, a 6 pack, a firm, round and lifted butt (Yes, you can build a butt!) and strong legs.
I recommend pilates to everyone, but especially women. There’s a ton of pilates studios that exist out there, but I’m partial to Carries Pilates Plus in Los Angeles, because I specifically love their method. Just imaging doing certain movements (i.e. lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, leg lifts, pull-ups, curls, etc.) on a machine, where you adjust these springs (pictured below) that determine the level of resistance/difficulty for each of those movements. It’s such a challenging workout, but it feels good and you will soon see results. After a few weeks of Carries, I truly felt like a stronger version of myself from the inside out.
What to Expect:
Similar to the Soulcycle Outside experience, Carries does temperature checks upon entrance and has their machines spread out. Carries’ classes are smaller anyway, so you’re not around a lot of people and you also have the option to do semi-private or private classes where it’s only you and the instructor (+ 1 or 2 other people). You don’t have to worry about the sun getting in your eyes because the setup of the outdoor studio is underneath a tent, so there is plenty of shade. The instructors and staff are personable and really care about making sure your form is correct and that you get the most out of the workout. Whether you live in LA or not, check out a pilates studio near you and give it a try. You will not be disappointed.
My Outdoor Workout Must-Haves
I know that protocols and requirements that outdoor workout studios have may change over time, so in order to make this blog post evergreen, I want to share with you some general essentials that are important to have with you when exercising outdoors. All of the items listed in my gym bag essentials blog post, are still imperative for outside workouts, so feel free to check out that post if you haven’t already. In addition to that list, however, I also encourage you to bring a mask, sanitizing wipes and a touch free key.
Sports Face Covering
The fact of the matter is that is…it’s harder to breathe when working out with a mask. However, I’ve found masks that are specifically made for working out that I absolutely love. These masks are from the brand iGozen, as part of their Nanosase collection. The design of this mask is not only stylish, but breathable, water-resistant, washable and wrinkle free. It’s so thin, soft and light to wear. The material is made of high Density “BNS” Polyester Spandex Blend, which is not like a cotton fabric. It has licensed US patented NANO processing fabric treatment technology and overall is a better option for sports where breathability is required. With these masks, I am able to complete my intense pilates and cycling workouts without feeling dizzy or like I’m suffocating. I highly recommend these masks for working out!
Sanitizing Wipes
Hand sanitizer is great to have around, but sanitizing wipes are anther outdoor fitness essential to keep in your bag. You never know when you’ll have to wipe down a machine, weights or your own belongings/hands if you touch something or set your things down on the ground. I’m always wiping my phone, wallet/cards, headphones, etc. Sometimes sanitizer is not enough and it’s easier to just use a wipe. Get some!
Touch-Free Key
I walk a lot so I use often use a touch-free key to press the buttons when I cross the street. They also come in handy when opening doors. Pandemic or not, I don’t like unnecessarily touching high touch point surfaces (i.e. rails, handles, buttons, etc.) Germs are everywhere and can’t be avoided of course, but there are ways to reduce your risk of getting infections and to me, living a more touch-free lifestyle is one major way to do it. You may not use this key during your workout class, but you might need it for the journey to and from class, so I suggest making this purchase.
BYOE!
This probably goes without saying, but bring your own equipment. For Soulcycle, I bring my own cycling shoes and for pilates I bring my own grip socks. I think in the long-run it’s a better investment to just bring your own equipment to group fitness classes, not only for sanitary reasons, but also it’s more economical to buy instead of renting/borrowing. Do this and thank me later!
I hope this blog post gave you a better idea on what to expect from outdoor group fitness classes. If the pandemic is over by the time you read this, at the very least, this blog post can give you some ideas on new classes to try and ways to safely enjoy your outdoor exercise experience. What outdoor workouts have you been loving lately? Leave a comment and let me know! I love Soulcycle and pilates, but am always open to trying new ways to sweat in the sun. I mean, who doesn’t love a workout with a view?
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