The Chelsea/Flatiron area has quickly become the hotspot of NYC fitness studios. Not super close to where I live or work, it’s not the most convenient but I’m trying to get down to that area to try as much as I can. Over the weekend I made a visit to The Movement on West 18th street.
[motivation before you even get inside]
The Movement offers a variety of classes, they describe themselves as delivering “challenging, innovative, and dynamic workouts that make you feel alive.” After one class there, I can confirm this statement. Something that sets this studio apart is that $1 from every single person in class is donated to charity (The National Brain Tumor Society in honor of founder Jordan Canino’s late mother). It’s inspiring to know that as you are working out, you’re also giving a little something back.
The studio is clean, bright and well-designed. There is a wall of lockers (that come with locks so no need to bring your own) and a couple of bathroom stalls, no showers. The bathrooms are well-stocked with beauty products and even motivational quotes. This is a good time to note that everything about The Movement is very positive. From the quotes on the walls to the staff to the general vibe (perhaps having to do with the charity component), you get a very positive, uplifted feeling from The Movement.
[photo cred: FitReserve)
[necessities in the bathroom, also up front were hair bands]
[wise words from the bathroom wall]
There are a couple of studios within The Movement. I was in Studio M for ReXist360 HIIT, a class totally different than anything I’d tried before. In class you use ReXist360 training bands, one around each thigh then a bigger band going all the way around your two thighs. If you’ve worked with resistance bands, this is similar but these are thicker and have Velcro. These bands are in place to add resistance to the moves you’re doing throughout class (squats, lunges, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, etc).
[image cred: The Movement, to show fitness band]
The 45-minute class includes cardio bursts and focuses on glutes, thighs and core. I definitely felt the burn during class! I wouldn’t say that I was dying from the intensity but I for sure got in a great workout and felt like I worked my legs extra hard.
I recommend this class for fit folks of any level, whether you’re just getting into the boutique studio scene or you’re a regular at various studios. During the workout you’re given modifications so any level can benefit from this class. There was only one guy in our class and I see this as more of a women’s studio but of course men are welcomed.
Shay was my instructor; she was sweet, helpful and had a really positive energy about her, much like all of The Movement.
The Movement offers a bunch of others classes. Others that I’d like to try are CrossFlowX and YogaCharged. They offer a few dance-y classes which is not my speed but if you’re into that, probably worth checking out. Drop-in classes are $32 each but drop all the way to $23 if you buy the largest package (20 pack). Your first class is buy one, get one free. The Movement is also on FitReserve, which is how I attended.
Tip for UWSers who don’t like spending subway dollars getting to-and-from classes in Chelsea: take the subway there and the bus back. That way you get a free transfer and only pay once, holla!
Have you tried The Movement? What did you think?
