New Favorite Workout!
I hope everyone has been having a great weekend so far!! Zach and I have been visiting my sister + brother-in-law this weekend in Orlando ((I'm sure you know this already if you follow me on instagram because of my *many* inst a stories + posts, haha))!! We've basically spent the past 48 hours in Disney World and have been loving every minute of it! Now we are on our way to St. Croix in the Virgin Islands to finish off our vaca! Since we will be away for the week, I wanted to hurry up and get this post out to you guys because I am super excited about it!! But beware, this post is a bit longer than usual... :)
For the month of January, I decided to try out a new workout at Row House NYC! As part of their #Resolve2Row initiative, I was trying to see just how many meters I could row in one month. I had never even heard of doing a whole class dedicated to rowing, so I wasn't sure how I would like it or even what to expect. However, after my very first class, I knew I was going to enjoy my month at Row House. I went to 10 classes total... well 9 actual classes because the first was mostly just an introduction to the studio and how to work the machine, etc. So I basically ended up doing 3 classes per week. But let me give you a little back story...
As most of you know, I work as a fit model for multiple brands as a size 4. I get measured very frequently and have to always maintain my measurements to make sure I am the exact same size 4 that my clients are expecting me to be. Because of this, finding the right work out is crucial to my career! I need to maintain-- I can't lose weight, but I also can't gain weight or bulk up. For the most part, I regularly do Tracy Anderson workouts at home from her Metamorphasis DVD's. I have been doing these for years because they allow me to feel like I am getting a great workout ((sweating, cardio, + light weights, etc)) without changing my body too drastically. I read a lot of information about rowing and thought it sounded like a good match for me because it is a low-impact cardio workout, and claims to be great at helping to build a long + lean body. I can honestly say that these classes went far above and beyond all of my expectations!! The classes are SO much fun, so hard, but also so incredibly motivating. I really could not wait to go to class each time, and started seeing results very quickly! I felt stronger and looked much stronger, and when I measured myself for work I was still the same measurements-- just a much more toned version of myself than I was in December... haha!
There are 3 studios in the city ((plus a 4th coming soon to BK!)), but I always went to their Chelsea location on 23rd Street + 8th Avenue. The staff is so friendly and makes sure to greet you by name each time you come in. They were always so welcoming and made me feel excited about the class. The locker rooms are a bit small, but they have everything you need-- plenty of lockers, 2 showers, bathrooms, and a stock of hair ties, dry shampoo, tampons, hair dryers, and spray deodorant. ((What more could a girl need?!)) Oh, and they provide free towels which I really appreciated because you sweat a LOT during class! The actual studio is huge with numbered machines and really cool black + white photographs on the walls. I'm pretty sure I had every single instructor because I tried all the classes they offer, and they each have their own charm + unique style. I think I ended up attending Bethany's class the most-- she's energetic, fun, and super enthusiastic in all the best ways! Not to mention she literally kicks your butt too, haha! Each class is 45 minutes and depending on which one you sign up for, it involves a combination of time on the rowing machine and time on the floor ((squats, burpies, ab work, etc)).
Even though my month is over, I know it will not be my last! I was so happy with my results physically, but also mentally! I felt better + more energized this month than I have in a while, and I know a lot of it has to do with being diligent about attending these classes and really pushing myself. And guys.... I rowed over 60,000 meters this month!!! Whoohooo!!! OKAY SORRY FOR THE NOVEL, but all of this to say, if you are bored with your work out, you're looking for a new workout, or you don't usually workout and you are trying to start, I cannot recommend Row House more highly!
I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and as always, don't hesitate to comment below! :)
Xo- Tara
PS-- I am not getting paid for this post lol... I just really enjoyed my experience and wanted to share it with you guys!
PSS-- If you haven't entered my giveaway for a free class, enter here! ((winner announced Feb 5th))