This post is part of my 2017 New Year’s Resolution to try every group fitness class offered at my gym, The Equinox in Chestnut Hill. See the full list of reviews here.
Progress: 30 Classes Down, Approximately 13 To Go (class offerings sometimes change)
Class: DANCE! With Paula Fonseca
Class length: 45 minutes
Description from the Equinox: Equinox dance instructors teach you fun combinations to popular dance music. Styles may include jazz, modern, funk and hip hop.
What Class Was Like
Repeating dance sequences paired with music. With only 45 minutes of class, it’s not really long enough for the instructor to “teach” sequences. Instead, for each song students follow along while the instructor does repetitive and simple enough sequences that participants should be able to predict the pattern by the end of each song.
Some people in the class had no trouble nailing every move. I suspect that after a few classes learning the different patterns it’d be fairly easy and enjoyable to follow along. The first few times might feel a bit challenging in terms of following along real-time.
Very similar to Zumba, and did include some latin style Zumba for some of the songs. The major difference was a larger variety of music outside the Latin style, and some more hip-hop or pop style dance moves to go with them.
Who would love it?
If you love dancing and want an upbeat cardio workout, this class might be just your cup of tea. For me… I think I’d just as soon throw some music on and run. No worrying about what comes next or which way to turn.
Know before you go
Class was in the main studio and most people wore regular sneakers. Music volume is energizing, earplugs are available or you can always bring your own.
After class I took the kids (who made a HUGE fort in the playspace while I was at DANCE!) out for pizza at Oath. Oath has vegan cheese which is a great occasional treat for the kids who like theirs with olives on top. My pizza was a black bean base, spinach, roasted potatoes, mushrooms and olives with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
It was incredible BUT I have to say pizza tastes the best after swimming. I’ve invested some time into researching this, and nothing makes pizza taste better than swimming. Beer is best after running. I’ll keep you updated on future ideal pairings as they emerge.