Happy Labor Day, friends!! I hope you all are enjoying this nice long weekend we’re having!
You all know that a huge part of this blog is me trying new things – new products, new workouts, you name it. I believe that in order to find what works for you and your body’s health, you need to dabble and experiment. This is especially true when it comes to workouts. Do the same thing over and over again and not only will you most likely get bored, but your body will stop responding to it. You have to switch it up!
That’s why I was excited when SweatGuru asked if I’d like to try a new fitness class at BellaVita. Something new? Why not?!
First things first, a little background on SweatGuru:
SweatGuru was created by the same lovely ladies that created Fit Approach and SweatPink.
Through trial and error, they found that there was no easy, affordable technology solution to do seemingly simple things like manage student reservations, promote their classes online, communicate easily with clients or collect payments. As fitness consumers, they also longed for a way to discover a great new spin studio or see where a favorite yoga instructor was teaching nearby.
In the spirit of Silicon Valley, Jamie and Alyse jumped in head first to create a place where people could discover, book and pay for fitness classes online and where fitness professionals could manage and grow their business.
SweatGuru was born.
It’s a pretty great way to discover new fitness classes or just book the classed you already love. If you own a fitness studio or a gym that hosts classes, you should get on there!
Anyway, they set me up at BellaVita, a boutique studio in Manhattan that promotes complete wellness of the body, mind, and soul. I attended their quick, 30 minute CORE MAT class (perfect for a lunch-time workout), but they also have yoga, zumba, pilates, one-on-one life coaching sessions, nutrition counseling, restorative mediation, and personal training.
I was a bit surprised walking into BellaVita as it was smaller than I expected, but it was BEAUTIFUL, and I found the size made it feel more personal and intimate. The space was filled with natural light, had simple hard wood floors, and just carried some nice energy.
I was also a bit surprised by the shrine they had going on in the front of the room. It just wasn’t what I was expecting to see, but I actually really enjoyed it. It just felt happy and calming, and I could see how it would be wonderful for meditation.
Izabella, the studio’s founder and director greeted me as I walked in. She is a super sweet rock star! She’s been in the fitness industry since she was 11 (ELEVEN!), working her way from daycare babysitter at her local gym to manager until she finally realized her life long dream of moving to NYC and starting her own studio where she could help other’s lead a healthy lifestyle. Below is a quote from the BellaVita website that I think speaks perfectly to how wonderful Izabella is:
BellaVita has always been a dream for me. I began modeling at the age of 9; due to the nature of the job, and body image insecurities, a big part of my life has always been health and wellness. I started working for a fitness club at a young age, to help others and pursue my interest. I have seen many women struggling to reach the stereotypical industry standard “model body” through eating disorders, and substance abuse. I first discovered the importance of a healthy lifestyle as a teenager, when my agent suggested I take diet pills before a job to loose a couple inches off my hips; I rejected the idea and resorted to cardio, and clean eating to reach my goal. Since then I have made it my mission to help others. I believe health goes beyond working out, and eating right; you must first make the conscious decision, which is why I had the vision of starting a wellness center encompassing Body, Mind, and Soul.
Izabella offered me some tea and got me set up on a mat in front of the class. Then I was introduced to Allaya, who’d be teaching the CORE MAT class. She was also lovely, a ball full of positive energy. She told me about her passion for yoga, and that she even enjoys CrossFit! (Have you ever met a crossfitting yogi before? Me neither, but I’m into it!)
She told me the class would be quick but tough and specifically warned me about the scissor kicks. Soon enough it was time to get into it.
We started with a few moves that really worked the buns. I pretty much immediately wished I didn’t work legs the day before. OOOOCHHH!! I felt EVERYTHING!!
Soon enough, we were on our mats for ab work, and those scissor kicks were just as killer as Allaya warned. Not gonna lie, I had to stop a few times for a little ab break. This class is no joke! It’s only half and hour long, but you are working the WHOLE time! Allaya keeps the energy up with great music and the time flew by, though my abs and booty felt the whole thing!
If you are in the NYC area or every plan on visiting, I highly recommend you book a class at BellaVita through SweatGuru. I know I’ll definitely be back!
On a side note, today is the LAST DAY to enter the Spartan Race Giveaway, and time is also running out to enter the Kushyfoot Giveaway – so get those entries in!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
NOTE: I was invited to this class for free in exchange for a review. As always, all opinions expressed on this blog are my own.