Health and fitness has become a huge priority of mine in 2020. Currently, I’m trying Burn Boot Camp in North-West Raleigh for a month and really enjoying it. So far, I am loving the workout! However, I’m only on my second class so I feel as though I can’t give it a good review yet!
Yet, it got me thinking about all the different workout classes I’ve tried over the years. In my experience, workout classes make exercising fun and help you stay on track! I’ve also found that I’m able to pick up practices and skills from class to bring back to the gym.
There are so many different workout classes in the Triangle promising to give you fast results, a great workout, and more… how do you know which one is right for you?
I’ve taken the time to put together some information about and detail my own experience with four workout classes offered in the Raleigh area: Arrichion Yoga, iLoveKickboxing, Orange Theory, and Pure Barre.
Hopefully, this article will give you more insight into which workout you should try and motivate you to sign up!
Arrichion
Arrichion Yoga was the first exercise class I tried after moving to Raleigh and I loved it. I had practiced yoga before in college but had never tried HOT yoga. Arrichion is a hot yoga and circuit training studio. Meaning, the temperature in Arrichion’s hot yoga room ranges from 95 to 98 degrees based on the class intensity and the number of people in the room. Therefore, class gets sweaty!
There are various different classes for different ability levels and interests. A diamond is a relaxing deep-stretch class, practiced to calming, soothing music. While an opal class can be quite challenging for beginners. I found the classes to be relaxing, yet difficult enough to feel like I was actually working out.
Another thing I loved about Arrichion was how welcome they made me feel. When walking into the studio, you’re greeted by friendly faces who are happy to help and want you to succeed. If you’re interested in Arrichion, make sure to take advantage of their ‘New Client Intro’: $30 for a month of unlimited classes.
iLoveKickboxing
I signed up for iLoveKickboxing two years ago. I had responded to an ad on facebook about a fitness studio searching for “twenty strong and motivated women ready to change their lives” and set up a consultation. When I went to the studio for the first time, I was swept away into a back room and pressured into a year-long membership without ever trying kickboxing.
Unlimited membership prices range from $145-$195 a month—plus an enrollment fee. Which was way too expensive in my opinion. I was only able to go 1 to 2 times a week since they never had classes when I was available. Then after signing up, I was expected to buy boxing gloves for an additional $15.
All that being said, I did somewhat enjoy the actual classes. It was great to punch a boxing bag after a long day of work. Classes are practiced to upbeat music and the fitness instructors were very nice. However, I also did not like that to document your fitness progress, you had to weigh yourself in front of everyone else. Weighing clients should be done in a private, comfortable setting.
Orange Theory
Orange Theory is another popular workout-class in the Triangle. Additionally, they offer “first-class free” which I appreciate. Being able to attend a free class is a great way to tell if you enjoy it before committing to monthly membership prices!
Orange Theory is a HITT workout class that uses heart-rate monitors to track everyone’s unique stats and help you reach the ultimate exercise level, which stimulates metabolism and increases energy. HIIT combines weight training and cardio to effectively allow dieters to preserve their muscle gain while still shedding weight. Throughout the class, you will rotate between rowing machines, treadmills, and weights. The whole thing is very fast-paced and intense. Instructors are also very motivational and available to answer any questions or help you along.
You can read more about my Orange Theory experience here.
Pure Barre
Pure barre offers an effective total body workout focused on low-impact/high-intensity movements that improve strength and flexibility for everybody. It’s a ballet-inspired fitness regimen mostly centered around the handrail used in ballet training! Plus, the instructors are so great and happy to modify any positions while you gain strength.
I also really enjoy that the class is practiced to the beat of the music. So, your movements will be faster or slower depending on the tempo! This has been extremely helpful because, while I typically get lost trying to listen to instructors, the music helps me stay on course.
Classes are around 50-minutes each and work out your glutes, legs, arms, abs, and more. Expect to use weights and resistance bands during the workout as well. My whole body is typically sore the following day after Barre. Additionally, I suggest purchasing non-slip socks before your barre class to help keep you on your feet.
And like Orange Theory, Pure Barre offers a “free first-class” called foundations.
