Chest-opener class, sweaty and deep breathing, with most bounce options found in the beginning cardio dance, and a lot of weighted opportunities on the mat (standing before the barre and then while down on the floor). There are pulses at the barre and on the mat, with a beautiful, intense focus on form in this class. We are upright in the chest with an engaged torso and leg lift choreography that is all about the squeeze and active engagement in proper form rather the expanse of how high your leg is raised. Lots of side body and oblique work, and weights incorporated into movements throughout class rather than a traditional arm dance series. In this class there is some brief P&P Planks-y movement braided in (Marnie’s “yes you can, yes you can” came at a good time), with core activation steadily throughout the hour but powerful weighted abs toward the end before the final glute/hip raises. Weight-behind-knee leg lifts, which I love, but that transition option to hop to a one legged plank while weighted leg lifting was something else! The Movement ball is a wonderful support between knees while kneeling and behind lower back for floor abs. My personal reminder for next time: when on one knee with side leg lift on mat, have 3 lb weights handy rather than usual 5 lb due to neck/ shoulder tension. Favoriting!
Commented on M/<45 PLANKSGIVING /509
10 Dec 14:54
No equipment but the use of your badass self and strength. 45 minutes and all of it is used to bring up the sweat, the power, the intentional exhales. We are moving with a quick pace, a playful mindset, and helpful cues to keep us activating the proper muscles. Always thankful for a Planksgiving and this glorious community!