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: 41 Classes Down, Approximately 5 To Go (class offerings sometimes change)
Class: Whipped! with Lindsey Cardin
Class length: 50 minutes
Description from the Equinox: Whip, Snap and get into serious shape! High-intensity cardio drills using strength ropes and a fast moving conditioning circuit bring the latest in modern fitness training to help you reach for results.
What Class Was Like
The “whip” and “snap” in the description had me picturing a class full of people snapping whips around martial arts style while channeling their inner childhood desire to become Zorro. (I was a huge Zorro fan growing up.)
It has failed to turn me into Diego de la Vega OR Catherine Zeta Jones (I would have settled) but I guess that’s too much to expect from any fitness class.
We did use the battle ropes though, and they are HARD. So much harder than you’d think (unless you’re more perceptive than I and have an introductory grasp of physics, anyway).
Sample Workout
Circuit Stations where we did 2 sets of 2 different exercises at each station (4 minutes total work) and then rotated to the next station for a total of 7 or 8 stations, done twice through.
A Few Example stations:
- Battle Ropes and Dumbbells
- dual or alternate arm battle ropes in a squat position, the second time through with the option to plank and use one arm to do battle ropes from high plank
- Dumbbell Planks with alternating rows
- Ladder & Sand Bags
- Slamming 12 lb sand bags down onto the floor entering a squat position and then lifting them overhead and standing, repeat
- Cardio through the ladder on the floor, fast steps, high knees, running – your choice
- Kettlebells
- Deadlifts
- Suitcase Swings
- Abs
- High plank to low plank and back
- Hold v position
- VIPR
- jumping jacks lifting the VIPR overhead
- VIPR curtsy shuffles (shuffle, shuffle, curtsy and dip VIPR to one side, alternate)
- Dumbbells
- Single lunge then stand up straight on one foot lifting up dumbbells
- Dumbbell tricep extensions and overhead presses
Why can’t I tell you the rest of the stations? I didn’t write it up, worked a long day yesterday on volunteer stuff, then took Boot Camp this morning and now my brain is like… when did I squat where? That doesn’t sound right. Scratch that.
What I can tell you is that it was a very similar feel to Tabata Circuit. If you like Tabata Circuit, this is a great class to try. The nice thing about this vs. Tabata Circuit is that you did fewer repeats of each exercise for slightly longer with a slightly longer recovery, so once you’ve done something a few times you’re on to the next station instead of getting all the way up to 8 (albeit shorter) efforts.
The more classes I take, the more I realize that choosing a strength/cardio class comes down to format differences and what you like. Do you want the whole class doing the same thing, or do you want to rotate between stations so you get to use more equipment? Do you like classes where you get to repeat exercises and have fewer instructions, or would you rather have more variety? Do you prefer short and intense efforts or slightly longer efforts with a little bit more recovery? You’re going to find many of the same exercises in all the strength/cardio class combos, but which format is mentally easiest for you?
Beginner Friendly?
I wouldn’t start here, but it’s a great place to end up.
Circuit classes are great if you’re familiar enough with the exercises to comfortably rotate through stations without additional demos.
Lindsey was really good at actively walking around the class and offering corrections on form and pointers, which helps for newcomers. I think she made it to me 4 or 5 times with a quick correction, which is really impressive in a busy class where you’re also tracking time and watching multiple stations. It was incredibly helpful because good form helps you prevent injury and get the most out of a given exercise. The more classes I take with instructors who correct, the more I build my knowledge of basic form and build good habits.
People who can comfortably do the example exercises or who’ve enjoyed any of the Tabata classes would probably find this class approachable, though I think starting with something like MetCon3 where everyone is doing the same exercises at the same time would be a good first step.
Why is it great?
Because, Zorro.
Ok, because it’s really hard, but Lindsey will make sure you’re doing it right or give you a modification if you can’t, and because you’ll get stronger and exercise makes your life better.
Know before you go
Main studio, wear sneakers, you’re rotating so it’s hard to grab water during the brief recovery periods because your water bottle might be stashed far from your station, so hydrate well before and after.