2 Cincinnati fitness staples
To give readers an idea of what participants go through on our day retreat that is The City Skinny Fit Day, I want to highlight the starting and finishing points. We've filled in most of the middle, with the exception of yoga with Missy, but I wanted to finish our recap series with Missy's session, and you'll see why later.
We signed in at 7:30 am, loaded up the van and headed to beautiful Ault Park, where we were blessed with a gorgeous morning. (Phew!)
As my loyal readers know, I love what ELMNTL fitness adds to our growing fitness scene in Cincinnati. Kevin Wimmer's philosophy of incorporating natural elements and outdoor fitness is very simple, but ELMNTL classes are executed better than any outdoor fitness class I have taken.
ELMNTL trainer, Jeni Houser, led the group through a tough 30 minute warm-up when we arrived to Ault Park. We began with plank variations, warming up the entire body, from walking planks to plank jacks and side planks. She then gave the group several quadrupedal movements to finish up the warm-up. Quadrupedal movements work the entire body by putting you on all fours and engaging every muscle group. These movements are incredible for both strength and stamina, and boy, did our group feel it! From bunny hops to ape swings, the ladies quickly worked up a sweat.
Now fast forward to the last class of the day at Define in Oakley. To be honest, I think some of the participants were dragging a bit heading into the studio (or was that just me?), and with good reason. They had just completed almost 4 hours of activity, and now had to muster up the strength to complete an intense indoor cycling class. But they did it, with plenty of heart and drive, and a lot of help from a vibrant instructor!
I first took a Rev cycling class with Define owner Mikel Quast several months ago and immediately told her I needed to incorporate a Rev class in a City Skinny Fit Day. I tend to steer toward a Soul Cycle-type class rather than focus on how many calories I am burning while spinning (just my personal preference). Numbers work for me in all other forms of exercise, but when I spin, I just want an awesome playlist with an instructor who has way more physical energy than I do. And Abby Dewald delivered on both of these and then some!
One thing I appreciate more than anything, being a bit of a music nerd myself, is rhythm in these classes. Both Mikel and Abby, and many other instructors at Define, have dance backgrounds which give them a leg up when it comes to barre and spinning classes, where rhythm is paramount. Great vocal cues, combined with the physicality and energy of a dancer, are what got our adrenaline and hearts pumping to finish strong at the end of the day. And the workout goes quickly when it is broken up with strength routines with light weights, lighting effects and, as I mentioned, a well thought-out playlist down to the very last beat.
Mikel Quast and Tallie Neltner, co-owners of Define, also graciously hosted the happy hour at Define in their beautiful studio space, where they hold their Define Body classes which are centered around Pilates, yoga and ballet.
So head out and stop in at one of these great studios. And if you are looking for even more reasons to join them, both studios have upcoming events that will benefit outside organizations:
- For the holiday weekend of Thanksgiving (November 26-29) all proceeds from ELMNTL classes will be donated to local animal shelters.
- Join Define for a Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Ride on October 24th, starting at 11:30 am. They are also hosting a Thriller Rev Ride on October 31st at 9 am.
What a great way to give during the holiday season and keep your waistline! Also, visit both of these websites for new client discounts. You will not be disappointed!