Class Review: Exhale Core Fusion Barre + Cardio

Overview

The Class: Core Fusion Barre + Cardio at Exhale

Location: Central Park South (See on map here)

Duration: 60 minutes

Instructor: Nefertiti

Classpass? Yes

The Space

Exhale’s gorgeous Central Park South location was hopping at 11am on a Sunday when I stepped in ready to take my first class there. To be completely honest, I was not expecting the level of intensity that this class provided. I crawled out of bed 30 minutes before and hustled over to the studio, thinking the class would provide some light cardio with mostly barre moves in an aesthetically soothing environment (because Exhale also doubles as a spa). The environment, I was right about. Highlights from the pristine locker room included high quality soaps and shampoos, warm towels, nice digital lockers, and over 4 showers. However, the class intensity gave me much more than I bargained for.

The Workout

The format of the class is 5 stations, two exercises per station. When I checked in at the front desk, they told me to start at station 5. We started off with a quick warm-up of squats, mountain climbers, lunges and some quick stretching. From there, we split into our assigned station and dove in.

At each station we rotated between two exercises, doing each for 45 seconds for two rounds. 45 seconds doesn’t sound like a long time, but boy did I feel it!

Each station used a unique piece of equipment like TRX, bench, medicine ball, or kettlebells. Highlights included TRX bicep curls, decline alternating arm up-downs, medicine-ball lunches, and a lot of other muscle-shaking moves.

We ended up getting through two rounds at each station, completing each exercise for a total of 3 minutes (two rounds of completing each exercise twice for 45-second increments). The class ended with some core work and deep stretching.

Worth trying? I think so.

If you are looking for a great class that provides both cardio and toning-focused strength training, I highly recommend this class. It’s a mental challenge to not give up during the 45-second intervals, but if you push through it is a great workout.

It was a great way for me to learn some new body-weight moves I had never encountered. Also, from my understanding, the routine of this class stays the same for one month and then changes. So if you go consistently, you’ll master the exercises and then move on before your body gets to use to it.

For any guys out there, this workout would be great for you too! But I will mention that there was only one male in this 20-person class; he was the husband of one of the women there. Kudos to you chap!

The Bottom Line

Exhale is a beautiful and clean facility. Its Core Barre Fusion class gives those who frequent the barre but love cardio their perfect workout combo.