I’ve been hearing hype about this class for years, but no amount of hype in the world was going to get me to spend $37 to try it out (yep, $37 per class). Recently Core Fusion was featured on Gilt City at 3 classes for $33, a great price, so my friend Sara and I bought it and we tried our first class last night.
The website describes the class as: Burn. Sculpt. Breathe. Evolve. This heart-pumping, soul-seeking, energy-inducing fitness program focuses on core strength for the ultimate full body workout. Prepare to sweat, shake and melt the fat away as you lengthen and tone your body, and revive and refocus your mind.
The studio is within the Exhale Spa on Central Park South; it’s very nice and clean with a lovely locker room. We made our way to the studio as two clueless students and were given very little direction (important information would have included- do not wear sneakers and keep on your socks). It was obvious we had no idea what we were doing and the instructor didn’t give us much info. Eventually we got our bearings and the filled-to-capacity class began.
The first portion included weights (3-5 pounds) and small movements to get ourselves warmed up. It was hard and my muscles burned. After about 10 minutes we ditched the weights and went over to the ballet bar where we did different small-movement exercises for about 30 minutes, followed by some floor work (back and abs) for the last 10 minutes. We ended with stretching. There was top-40 remix style music playing which didn’t really go with the flow of the class.
Going into Core Fusion I didn’t realize it was a straight up barre class; I was expecting something more unique. I’ve taken Pure Barre a few times and it was essentially the same thing (but not as good). Based on the promotional video (watch it HERE), I was expecting to get a serious sweat but I actually didn’t sweat at all (I maaaybe wore the same outfit for spin this morning because seriously, not a drop of sweat last night). Also that video is absurd. Yes, my muscles were shaking and burning at intervals throughout the class but I didn’t feel particularly challenged. I’m also not even a little bit sore today.
Overall I’d say the class was fine. It was a little boring and like I said, similar to Pure Barre but if given the choice I’d for sure choose Pure Barre (which I like and recommend). Perhaps it was the teacher or it being my first time but I didn’t leave the class feeling like I got an amazing workout. I’ll be going back two more times and will see if my experience is any different but for now, I am mystified as to why people are so obsessed. Do I think Core Fusion could transform your body? If you did it in addition to higher intensity workouts, probably. But is it for me? Not so much.
Am I being too harsh? Have you been to Core Fusion? Did you have a similar experience?
