2019. A new year, a new start, and the perfect time to motivate oneself to better one’s life. Typically, in the early months of the year, I would find myself at the gym amongst the other hordes of people trying to get in shape for the new year. But, this year for Christmas, my sister got me a month-long membership to 305 Fitness, an “addictive cardio party” that promises “a live DJ, light show, and tons of energy” (305fitness.com). So, starting February 1, instead of battling it out for an open treadmill at 404 Fitness, I found myself loving a whole new type of cardio.
305 Fitness has three different types of classes: Cardio, FLX and 305 PWR. I’ve taken a PWR class, but I mostly stick to cardio because they are so much fun! In my experience, a typical cardio class is 55 minutes, with the first 30 minutes being a nonstop cardio party. Typically there’s a “sprint” included in the cardio where we do 2 or 3 sets of various exercises for 2-3 minutes. Then, we move into a 5 minute toning session of abs, arms, ass or legs. Each is terrible in it’s own way, but if I had to pick a favorite, I would probably pick abs day. After the toning session comes another sprint, this one for 5 minutes. We do a bunch of exercises in sets, sometimes divided into groups, sometimes as a whole. Post 5-minute sprint comes the last part of a cardio class before we cool down, which is hip hop!
I’ve taken various exercise classes before—in a city like New York it’s hard not to—but 305 is definitely my favorite, and I think that’s due in part to the trainers. I’ve had more than 10 different trainers and I’ve loved every single one! The amount of energy that each one of them brings to each class is incredible. They’re always smiling, being so supportive, and making sure that everyone in the room understands that they should be proud of themselves for the work that they do in each and every class.
Thoughts after my first class: I REALLY enjoyed it. It was high energy, they played good music and the instructor was so much fun! But, I felt really self-conscious while doing it: I was the only one who was new to 305, and it showed. Many of the other women in the room knew the choreography before our instructor even switched to a new move. I had a lot of fun dancing, but I found myself often messing up moves and struggling to find my rhythm. I didn’t feel super confident, but I kept telling myself that practice makes perfect and in order to get better I just have to go to more classes, which I did the following morning!
Thoughts after a month: I’m still loving it! I actually went to my 15th class today, and it was a lot easier. Now, I’m one of those people who can anticipate the choreography, which is a really cool feeling. Saturdays and Sundays 305 has “Bring a Friend Free Classes,” which I’ve been taking full advantage of on the weekends. The toning section still kills me, and I finish it out covered in sweat, but I noticed today (abs day) that’s a little bit easier since I’ve been building up my endurance! Whether I go in the morning or at night, whether the classroom is packed or there’s only a few people, it’s always been a fun and positive experience—which is why I signed up for the six-month slaybership!
Want to know more or get signed up for a 305 class yourself? Visit 305fitness.com!