“If you want something, you don’t get it by wishing for it. You get it by working for it.” Words our SoulCycle instructor repeated—while we sweat our butts off in class. TBH, she’s right: exercise isn’t always easy, but that’s not to say every workout has to be “all work and pain” to get some fitness gains. We recently put four different workouts to the test, proving just that. Whether you want to lean up or add some bulk to your booty, here are four options you’ll want to jump on, STAT! —Aurea Dempsey
personal training at equinox. We’ve met with a tonne of personal trainers over the years, and none—we mean none—set the bar as high as those at Equinox, thanks to personal training manager Roxy Rowe and her team of specialists. Starting with an initial consultation and Equifit evaluation, not only did we get a complete body index scan (muscle mass, resting metabolism, fat percentage) but were also tested for oxygen efficiency, general balance, co-ordination, motor control and strength (so that’s how you do a proper squat!). If this sounds heavy, it should. These details are absolutely essential for any trainer to develop a customized program to help you achieve your goals (no cookie-cutter programs here)! Following the evaluation, Rowe put together our six-week plan, outlining every detail, including sessions per week, reps per move and the caloric intake we should aim for. If you’re serious about your fitness and want the best, most-dedicated and experienced coach to help you every step, lunge and squat of the way, Equinox is your answer. 1131 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, 604-449-3002, equinox.com
rsvp 33. “Show up. Be yourself. Have fun.” This is what RSVP 33 asks of new students before they join one of its dance squads. If we could add one more step, it would be, “Do it”! With locations in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, what started off as a Facebook group of friends has evolved a dance-inspired movement. Whether you can swing your booty like Bey or not, if dance is something a) you dream of doing or b) have done and want to do more of—RSVP 33 is your place. We recently stepped (way) outside our comfort zone for a Throwback class and, while our toes couldn’t always keep up, our hips and booty definitely got their gears on thanks to high-energy, step-by-step instructions and the comradery of others in the class. No judgement here, nor is any dance training or background required. Simply pick a class theme that appeals, from Beyoncé to Hustle + Flow. For six weeks you’ll get a one-hour class to learn the moves, adding on each week. It’s sweaty, it’s fun and gosh darn it, it’s worth every high-flying minute. 677 Davie St., Vancouver, rsvp33.com
soulcycle. The cult fitness brand that’s been hot-hot for years now has finally opened its Vancouver doors, and we couldn’t be happier. If you haven’t yet been to SoulCycle, you’re in for a super-high-energy, sweat-so-hard, feel-so-good surprise (it’s where celebs like Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes go regularly—that good). Much more than an indoor spin class, a SoulCycle session is where the lights go down, your heart rate goes up and you feel like a total rockstar, all while sweating your guts out. Led by instructors who not only walk the “fit talk” but also preach soul-inspiring mantras throughout, each class includes a weights component, so your biceps and triceps get some love, too. And let’s not forget the rockin’ SoulCycle gear you can shop before and after class: think sweats, tees and riding shoes. However you choose to slice it, Soul’s philosophy is to inspire you to your greatest. So leave your ego at the door, get on a bike and let the magic unfold. It’s the Soul Cycle way, and we’re riding it gladly. 1128 Mainland St., Vancouver, 778-901-0100, soulcycle.com
lagree fitness. Often referred to as Pilates on steroids, and created by celebrity trainer Sebastien Lagree, Lagree Fitness is where dreams of achieving a powerful, long and lean physique come true. Featuring the brand’s hyper-designed mega-reformers (sliding platforms with bungee cords and cables), a typical class will have you standing, lunging and pulsing at a pace that’ll challenge even the fittest of the bunch. And that’s precisely the idea. Lagree pushes your muscles and joints outside their comfort zone just long enough to feel the shake, before moving on to the next. Providing a high-intensity, low-impact workout, we found the method ideal for athletic types looking to improve their overall conditioning and tone but also perfect for novices (like us) looking for a full-body workout that’s injury proof and spot-on effective. Physical perks aside, we love knowing svelte bodies like Courtney Cox and Rebecca Romaine are regulars. Not to mention the cool, contemporary studio vibe, the stellar instructors, music and friendly service Lagree brings. Locations in Vancouver include Gastown, North Van and, opening soon, Kitsilano. lagreewest.com
Soul Cycle and Lagree photos by Britney Gill.
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