I have been curious when this new exercise regime I’ve started with Sunstone would really “click” for me. I’ve been looking forward to getting into the habit of working and out again and becoming addicted to that tired, just-did-something-good-for-myself feeling that comes along with regular exercise.
I found exactly what I’ve been looking for this week with Sunstone’s Core class.
As I mentioned in my previous post, Sunstone is about so much more than yoga. Yoga is what the other fitness classes are based on, of course, but Sunstone definitely knows how to kick it up a notch with its higher-intensity classes, such as Metal, Core, and Sweat.
I’ll admit that Metal had me a bit lost last week. This hot Pilates class is set to high-energy music, and the movements flow into each other rather quickly. If you’re new to the class, it will take you a few sessions to learn the order of the movements and find your pace in order to get the most of out of it. The best way to classify Core is the perfect “in-between” of the Fire and Metal series.
Yesterday, when I was perusing the offering of yoga classes on Sunstone’s web site, I decided to branch out and take a look at the day’s availability of Core classes. It just so happened that one was offered within the hour nearby. I decided to go for it and am so glad I made that choice.
Although my muscles are yelling at me a bit today, I’m already excited about the next Core class. I can’t remember a time, ever, I’ve felt that way about working out. I’m tired, but feel good. I don’t’ want to lose the momentum of the work I’ve done, which is the “click” I’ve been waiting to feel.
Sunstone’s Core series is a full-body functional fitness class. You’re in and you’re out in just 45 minutes. Yes, friends, in the time you can do some sizable damage over a big bowl of pasta at lunch, you can be well on your way to thinner thighs and killer arms. It’s time used wisely with challenging upper- and lower body strength training exercises designed for all fitness levels. Core targets all areas of your body — shoulders and upper arms, thighs, and lower abs– to help you create stability in your body’s core. You’ll have your mat, towel, and water as you do in the other classes, but you’ll also be pairing a weighted ball and exercise blocks with targeted exercises to increase strength in your body’s center.
Although every student in Core was at a different fitness level and worked at his or her own pace, there still seemed to be a “team effort” in the class with plenty of encouragement. Core is a series of exercises that “take you up the mountain” as the instructor explained, and then back “down the mountain” with the same movements both ways. If you don’t know the exercises already, you learn them on the way up and feel more confident with your pace on the way back down. There’s a goal in sight the entire way because you know what’s next. Better, the instructor will give you a variety of ways to do each exercise from low to high intensity levels so you will get the most out of the workout without feeling lost or behind. The higher intensity options give you something to work toward, which is motivating.
If you’re anything like me and get easily bored with exercise regimes and don’t like to spend your free time in crowded gyms waiting your turn for a machine to become free, Core is your class. Just follow the teacher’s instructions and find the pace and resistance that work for you. In 45 minutes you’re finished and know that you’ve not only burned off the calories from those margaritas and guacamole the night before, but are well on your way to getting stronger if you just keep it up. Also, Core is set at a slightly cooler temperature than yoga and Pilates classes at just 85 degrees. It’s a manageable environment that, once again, is welcoming like all of Sunstone’s other offerings.
During the class, the instructor mentioned Sunstone’s Sweat series a few times. Although I know I’m circling back to Core next week, I’m also going to give Sweat a try as well. Sweat is Sunstone’s most cardio driven class. Also just 45 minutes long, the resistance workout is split by a 15-minute intense cardio segment. From what I hear, the combination of interval training, strength-based exercises, and utilization of large muscle groups is going to make me sweat. A lot.
I say, bring it. See you there.
Visit sunstonefit.com to learn more about the classes and register. There are eight class series in 10 of the 11 locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Join in the fun to “Find Your Edge” by taking and posting your #SweatySelfies after class, not only as an accountability tool, but in celebration of making your fitness goal of the day. Follow Sunstone on Twitter at @SunstoneFIT or on Facebook at Facebook/sunstoneyoga.
