Chaise 23 in NYC

 

Chaise23 is a unique studio that uses the Reinvention Method, a “Pilates and ballet-based” workout by using a device called the Reinvention Chair as a base for most of their classes. The Reinvention Chair is a little bench with a pedal that you use throughout the course of the workout to help with balance, stability, and core work. There are bungees hanging from the ceiling for your arms, which makes anything you do on this chair a total body workout. All classes require that students wear sneakers.

The studio is small, but clean and bright. The locker area provides locks, towels, a bathroom, and changing rooms, as well as amenities such as deodorant, hair ties, and lotions. There is no shower available at the studio.

Chaise23 offers over ten different types of classes. I took the Cardio Chair class, which is described as “combining high intensity cardio bursts with the defining characteristics of the Reinvention Chair.” My instructor was Seiji. Seiji explained the chair and bungees and went through some moves before class started, which was helpful. He was funny and upbeat throughout the course of the class although, because of the loud music, I sometimes had trouble hearing his directions. He also walked around correcting and modifying each student’s form. Classes are pretty small, so he could really give individualized attention throughout the class.

The classes rotated between cardio moves using the bungees and sculpting moves using the chair. Since I am a bit of a klutz, I was a little nervous on the chair in the beginning, feeling like I was going to fall or hurt myself. You use a lot of core strength to balance yourself on the chair, and I definitely felt it in my abs and thighs the next day. I think the more often you take this class, the better. It took me most of the class just to feel comfortable on the chair.

A single class is $20, but I would suggest signing up for the newcomers’ “three for $33″ special. This great deal will really help you get a feel for this type of workout. For more info, visit Chaise23.

SLT Fitness

SLT Fitness is located in both Midtown and Soho, and offer Megaformer and yoga classes. I took one of each class at the Midtown location. SLT uses the megaformer machine, which resembles a souped-up version of the Pilates reformer machine. It has a bunch of pulleys and springs that you use to work out in sequence to create long, lean muscles.

My Megaformer instructor was Amanda. Before class, she took me to a machine and gave a basic explanation of how it worked and how to change its settings. The room included about 15 machines, and on that Saturday afternoon class was only half full, allowing Amanda to really focus on students and correct our postures and movements. The class itself moved very quickly and hit all body parts. Exercises changed about once a minute. It took me about 20 seconds with each exercise to feel comfortable; I was constantly moving. I enjoyed the class, but it seemed to focus a lot on legs and less on abs, and I would have preferred to see the reverse. There were definitely a few times I felt like I might fall off the machine, but I think I’d be more comfortable after a few more classes.

Overall this was a good full-body workout. Megaformer classes are on the pricey side at $40 each. That price is a little too high for me to justify, but it is a solid, unique workout. After the class, everyone cleaned off their machines with wipes. At $40 a class, I think someone should be doing that–but maybe I’m a snob! There is a small changing room and a counter with deodorant, hairspray, wipes, and hair ties. Unfortunately, there is no shower, and the bathroom is in a shared hallway. This class may not be ideal for someone who needs to go right to work or an event after working out.

I also took the Yoga Flow class. The yoga studio is right next to the Megaformer studio, and has a small waiting/changing area with the same amenities as next door. My instructor was Erin, who was a positive, hands-on instructor making adjustments to students throughout the class. I love when an instructor is hands-on, so I really appreciated her teaching style. The music is a major part of this class; it’s fast-paced and popular rather than the peaceful quiet you would expect in a traditional yoga class. There is also a great abs section at the end, which I loved. I left this class feeling good, and like I’d really worked out.

SLT Fitness also offers a more bootcamp-style class called Shred, and a more intense Hardcore Yoga class. These classes are $24 each, a great price for what you get. The only downside is the lack of shower. For more information, visit sltnyc.