HIIT - The Fhitting Room
The benefits of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) are not solely limited to working out more efficiently. Benefits range from an increase in lean muscle mass (which speeds up metabolism) to torching more calories in a single session by performing spurts of intense levels of activity followed up with short, active rest. Trainers and gyms have caught on in the past several years, but there is an art to creating a smart, efficient HIIT routine.I was lucky enough to spend some time at The Fhitting Room Flatiron in New York at the beginning of this month. This boutique studio fills all of their classes and is sure to stand the test of time due to their knowledgeable, upbeat instruction and the supportive atmosphere. Not to mention they know how to train people correctly using high intensity training and functional movement. The studio is light, clean, and equipped with kettle bells, SkiErgs, plyo-boxes and suspension bands to name a few.
I took a class with Dennys and Farouk and upon meeting this dynamic duo, knew immediately I was in for a hell of a workout. After 3 minutes of a warm-up, we hit 6 stations for a minute of work, each having 30 seconds of rest between them; we repeated these 6 stations twice through. 1) Plyo-push-ups assisted with a band around our waists, 2) medicine ball throws on the wall, 3) SkiErg (my new favorite machine) with a tricep kick back, 4) abs on the bosu ball, 5) suspended hamstring curls, and 6) super-planks. After our second round, we did 4 minutes of continuous 7 rep sets of burpees, kettle swings and inchworms. And to finish, another 4 minute set of weighted lunges, thrusters and overhead presses with a twist while in a seated split position. Just enough to mindfully work all of our muscle groups to exhaustion while keeping it fun and playful. Dennys and Farouk kept things moving with a great playlist, and I must have been too exhausted to hear correctly, because I would swear these tough guys cooled us down to Celine Dion:) The Fhitting Room prides itself on the instructors they hire and they should! Dennys is a two-time Golden Gloves-winning professional boxer, and Farouk competed as an alternate in the 2013 Reebok Crossfit games which came in 5th place, so we are talking about incredible athletes who have competed at the highest levels of their respective sports. If that doesn't keep you motivated, I don't know what will!
I was also lucky enough to sit down with Sloan Smith, the social architect and media strategizer for The Fhitting Room. I asked Sloan what it was that The Fhitting Room offers that keeps it's clients coming back for more and she replied, "One of the best things about The Fhitting Room is the intimate relationships that are formed between the client and the instructors. Because class involves so much one on one instruction and coaching, you really get to know the individuals who come to class. The Fhitting Room becomes a home and a family for many people."
My experience here with this crew was just that- from the behind the scenes operation to the friendly front desk to the fabulous instruction. I had a dynamic workout and the session felt like a hybrid of a personal training session and a large group class. I know first hand that giving everybody in the room positive motivation and guidance is not an easy task. Bravo, Dennys and Farouk!
Lastly, I asked Sloan if the Fhitting Room had a motto. Her response:
HIT it hard so you have more time for everything else in your life.
And I think that sums up perfectly what I am always trying to find for us here at The City Skinny. Until next time!