Exploring New Studios: Tiger Fit Athletics

Happy Hump Day!

Let me start off by saying that I am having tons of fun testing out all the local studios here in MN! These sweaty adventures are keeping me (and Justin) very busy on the weekends and it is also a great way to meet new people, so  it is a win-win.

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About a week ago, Justin and I decided on our next stop, Tiger Fit Athletics in Plymouth. We signed up for a Saturday 8am class called Triple Threat. This class  is extra long and combines spin, strength, and core. Heres the class description:

“best all in ONE quick-paced, high-energy class combining cardio, core and strength. The breakdown: 20 min cardio (ride + fly) + 20 min core + 30 min strength + 5 min stretching = 75 min of high-energy, calorie-blasting, sweat-dripping class…..ONE YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS. No two classes will be the same. All levels welcome. Limited spots. Are you ready to play?”

so we thought, go big or go home right?

We showed up early to sign in and get a quick tour before class began. The first 35 minutes of class was spin. However this is not your average spin class, Tiger Fit has WATT bikes which function opposite to how your typical spin bike does. These bikes force you to focus on pedaling with your backside muscles and not your thighs! It took a couple minutes to get in the groove but once I did, it was a killer workout. After spin ended, we headed into the studio room next door for 50 minutes of strength and core. The instructor pushed us to our limits with all sorts of crazy challenges. We used resistance bands, sandbags, heavy weights, and gliders to work all areas of the body. Class ended (90 minutes later) with a 5 minute stretch session and a little extra foam rolling in their studio.

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So what did I think? I LOVED Tiger Fit! The studio is focused on true athletic training. The instructors are very knowledgeable and design all their classes accordingly. The class sizes are smaller and you get a lot of hands on help from the instructors. The studio offers a WIDE variety of classes – HITT, Arc Training, Treadmill Training, Spin, Core, Barre and Yoga!

I would join this studio in a second if it wasn’t for their membership prices, unfortunately a little too pricey for me. Luckily, they are a part of classpass so hopefully once I activate my membership  here in MN I can get back to Tiger Fit!

Gym Bag Necessities

Since moving to MN, I  have switched up my daily routine quite a bit. One of the biggest changes was moving my workout from the morning before work to the evening after work. The struggle of packing everything I needed for the work day and workout quickly became challenging (and annoying) as I walked into work with multiple bags everyday. I now see the importance of having a good gym bag! Since I did not own a good gym bag, I recently treated myself to my new favorite belonging, the Lululemon Yin Time Bag.

This bag is amazing. It is very durable, the perfect size, and has tons of labeled pockets for just about everything you could think. There is a protected home for your laptop, separate small pocket just for your phone, and separated zippered pockets to store all your sweaty clothes and towels. It comes with additional longer straps and yoga mat straps if you need them!

So what do I keep in this lovely bag? I definitely keep things simple – fortunately, I do not have to shower at my gym or studio so I just keep the essentials.

 Here are a few of my gym bag necessities…

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  1.  Banyan & Bo Yoga Mat – durable and holds up great during a hot sweaty yoga class. This mat is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to splurge on an expensive mat..
  2.  S’well Bottle – there is really nothing better than cold water, totally worth the splurge
  3.  Stewart & Claire Lip Balm – all natural, nourishing lip balm to keep your lips from drying out – really clutch as winter weather approaches..
  4.  Secret Clinical Strength Lavender Deodorant – I haven’t switched over to an all natural deodorant yet (haven’t found one that can compete) but swear by this brand for now
  5.  Gaiam Yoga Towel – grippy and absorbs all the sweat during a hot yoga class – dual purpose for a great absorbent towel for any workout
  6.  Elastic Free Hair Ties (tons of them) – I mean hair elastics disappear all the time!! You need lots of back up..
  7.  Herban Essentials Cleansing Towelettes – I use these religiously for a quick face cleanse after class (you really shouldn’t let sweat hang out on your face for too long). They are also dual purpose and can be used  to clean your yoga mat!
  8.  New Balance Fresh Foam Sneakers – I swear by New Balance sneakers – whether its these fresh foam sneakers I use mainly for running or a pair of their 811 trainers for a good strength training session.

Okay – so now its your turn to go pack your gym bag and get moving! Happy Monday 🙂

Exploring New Studios: Core Power Yoga

Okay time to tell you about stop #3, which happens to be my new daily workout spot, Core Power Yoga in Maple Grove!

corepower

I had heard great things about Core Power Yoga from a lot of different people over the past couple years. There was never a studio close by so I hadn’t had a chance to try it before moving here to MN. Now, I have a studio right down the street from my house! Core Power offers you a first week complimentary, so why not give it a try?!

I took my first class about two weeks ago, Yoga Sculpt at 5pm, and let me just say this is not your average yoga class! The class flows similar to a typical vinyasa class but incorporates barre moves, lots of weight training, and a few rounds of HITT style cardio! The class is in a heated studio which quickly adds lots of heaving breathing and sweat into the mix.

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Each class is different depending on the Instructor; some love the cardio and some do just the bare minimum. Every class is so challenging in a different way. I find my whole body shaking by the end of class and can already tell a difference in my strength after just two weeks. Anyone can take this class no matter what your fitness level or yoga experience is.

If you haven’t tried out a Yoga Sculpt class at your nearest Core Power Yoga studio I suggest you go this week – its free, so no excuses!

Banana Almond Butter Chia Pudding

I quite often here that breakfast is one of the hardest meals of the day for people on the go. This week I am sharing an easy and super quick recipe that you make the night before and simply grab and go in the morning. Not to mention, this recipe is delicious and full of great nutrients to kick start your day!

chia-pudding

Banana Almond Butter Chia Pudding

Ingredients

1/4 cup chia seeds

2 Tbsp almond butter

1 ripe banana

1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk

Directions

Blend the banana, almond butter and almond milk until creamy & smooth,

Combine the chia seeds and blender mixture in a small mason jar or other small  container

Store in the fridge overnight

In the morning, top with fresh berries, shredded coconut and nuts for an amazing breakfast!