30 Studios in 30 Days: Welcome Back, Main Line!
When I decided to document my re-entry into working out outside of my home gym, I could never have predicted what this experience would mean to me. Yes, I got to see what each studio was doing to safely bring members back. Yes, I got to take a bunch of really awesome classes. And yes, we live in an area that offers so much to those looking to get fit. But I never imagined all of the incredibly talented people I would meet … All of the new friends I would make along the way… All of the stories of struggle and growth that I would hear… And all of the support that I would gain from followers cheering me along. I am overwhelmed with appreciation and gratitude as I finish the month.
With the group cycling class at Cycle Bar in Exton.
My June adventure stretched from Narberth to Exton and everywhere in between. For the most part, I visited small studios on the Main Line that are owned by single, local owners. I did include one large gym, LifeTime Fitness, because I absolutely had to take this Cardio Party class that I had heard so much about. I documented my journey through pictures and Instagram posts. I also tracked the calorie burn as a comparison but keep in mind that some classes were 30 minutes, 45 minutes and some were an hour.
I thought it would be fun to award my Fitness Finds Awards for various categories. These are just my opinions— One person’s views and experiences. Obviously, everyone is different and I welcome those differences! I encourage you to ask me about a class, an instructor, a studio… but go ahead and try them out for yourself! You may surprise yourself and learn that you like something new. I certainly did! The rewards are just a fun way to wrap up the month — and I can honestly say that I left with something positive from every single class that I took this month!
With Caroline O’Halloran from SavvyMainLine and Cindy Brauer from Mojo Fitness.
Day 1: Pure Energy Studio in Paoli. 45-minute Tabata Conditioning. Class incorporated strength with weights and floor work, with cardio bursts mixed in. This studio offers a large variety of classes including spin, yoga, aerial yoga and pilates. New member specials are always available on the website. The studio is maskless for vaccinated clients. Total Calorie Burn: 394.
Day 2: Virtual Bulldog Yoga. 60-minute Invigorate. Bulldog has a huge library of live and recorded yoga classes that have been recorded just for their virtual platform. This is not a zoom class— the quality and sound is very professional and clear. As always, music leads the class. The first 30 days are free when you sign up here. This is a great option if you are hesitant to return to hot, crowded yoga in person. Total Calorie Burn: 341.
Day 3: Barre3 Berwyn. 45-minute Barre3. Class included floor work with light weights, bands and a resistance ball, as well as some time at the ballet barre. Multiple modifications are offered throughout class. Check out new member specials here. Maskless for vaccinated clients. Total Calorie Burn: 296.
Day 4: Yoga at Waynesborough Country Club with Michelle Baldino. 60-minute Restorative yoga for all levels. Michelle teaches at Bulldog Yoga in Malvern and Villanova. You can take her Invigorate class at Villanova on Mondays at 9:30 am this summer. Total Calorie Burn: 315.
Day 5: XTraining in Bryn Mawr. 60-minute Bootcamp. This small group training session has members move through various stations of heavy weights mixed with heart-racing cardio, including the Assault Air Bike, the rower, battling ropes, Concept2 SkiErg, and box jumps. Strength classes take place on weekday mornings. There is a maximum of 15 people in the class and spots fill up fast. Maskless for vaccinated clients. Total Calorie Burn: 718. This studio just won Best of the Main Line, Best Fitness Studio for 2021 and I totally agree!
Invigorate Yoga at Bulldog Yoga Villanova.
Day 6: CycleBar in Exton. 60-minute Group Cycle. The CycleBar class promotes overall milestones for the group as a whole, creating an inspiring community ride. A dark room and loud music sets the tone to just ride! The large, stadium-style studio was almost back to full capacity at the beginning of June when I took the class, and masks are no longer required. You can book your first ride for only $10 here. Total Calorie Burn: 549.
Day 7: Solid Core in Bryn Mawr. 60-minute Pilates on a Reformer. The special, resistance-based reformer used in this class is unique to Solid Core. The room is dark (except for the blue lights), the music is loud and this challenging class never gets easier. The reformers are staggered so no two faces are next to each other. The best new member deal is to take unlimited classes for your first week for $40 (a single class costs $35). When I took the class, masks were required until you were on your reformer, but this could have changed by now. Total Calorie Burn: 344.
Day 8: Stretch Zone in Devon. 30-minute Stretch. A stretch coach guides you through a full body stretch on a stretching table/bed, focusing on areas of the body that are typically tight or more injury-prone. There are 5 beds in the open stretch room of this studio. Masks and socks are required. You can sign up for a free 30-minute introductory stretch here. I did not track calories during my stretch session.
Day 9: LSF in Wayne. 45-minute PiStrength on a Reformer. This is a more advanced, athletic strength class that works your entire body using the resistance of the reformer. LSF offers a variety of reformer classes for all levels. There are only 6 reformers in this small, beautiful studio. LSF also offers private one-on-one sessions. You can go maskless with proof of vaccination—Don’t forget your card if you want to remove your mask! Total Calorie Burn: 324.
Day 10: Orange Theory in Devon. 60-minutes Cardio and Strength. Orange Theory classes take groups through several blocks of work on a treadmill, a rower and at the floor for strength training. Wearing a special OTF heart rate monitor, the goal is to get in the “orange zone” for at least 12 minutes of class in order to burn more calories and fat and boost metabolism. Your first class is free. The Devon studio is maskless for vaccinated members and is at full capacity for regular OTF classes with 2 groups. There are currently no 3G (3 group) classes. Total Calorie Burn: 626.
On the Solid Core Pilates reformer.
Day 11: CrossFit Main Line. 60-minute Strength. CrossFit is all about heavy lifting but the coaches are so supportive and guide you through the exercises at the appropriate level. I needed plenty of modifications and used small weights. This studio is a large and open converted garage, located behind Gateway Shopping Center. Masks are no longer required. The garage doors are open during the class and with the giant industrial fan overhead, there is plenty of circulation. Total Calorie Burn: 309.
Day 12: Club La Maison in Devon. 55-minute Les Mills Body Combat. This class is choreographed group kick boxing. There are 10 songs and each song focuses on a different body part. The moves are repetitive and easy to pick up, but follow the class regulars if you get lost. Club La Maison is a full gym that offers all sorts of fitness classes including other Les Mills’ workouts. There is even an indoor pool. The gym is back to full operation and vaccinated members are not required to wear masks. You can try out the gym for 14 days for free. Total Calorie Burn: 570.
Day 13: Barre3 Rosemont. 45-minute Barre3. Class was outside in the Rosemont Square parking lot. We used bands and small weights for a full body burn without the ballet barre. While classes have been offered outside for the past year, Barre3 Rosemont is moving all classes back indoors in their beautiful studio located inside Rosemont Square. Check out the new client specials here. Total Calorie Burn: 414.
Day 14: Bulldog Yoga in Villanova. 60-minute Invigorate. A “power flow” yoga class that moves fast and provides a real aerobic workout. Plus the room is hot so the sweat is flowing. The music is a key component to all Bulldog Yoga classes. Bulldog is not back to full capacity but pretty close, and popular times are filling up. So if you haven’t gotten used to sweating on top of others yet, stick with their virtual classes. Total Calorie Burn: 372 (I don’t think the watch accounts for sweat calories).
Day 15: 9Rounds in Bryn Mawr. 30-minute Boxing. This class is 9 rounds of boxing circuits of 3 minutes each, with 30 second transition moves in between. Boxing bags for punches and kicks are part of the stations. The exercises are always different but the structure is always the same— 9 rounds. It’s a convenient and fast way to get your cardio in. Classes are offered every half an hour. Your first class is free. Membership comes with your own boxing equipment. A change in ownership is underway so sit tight for more info about the reopening. Total Calorie Burn: 353.
I have a new found love for boxing at 9Rounds in Bryn Mawr.
Day 16: AquaFlow Yoga by Aqua Vida. 60-minute AquaFlow SUP Yoga. Stand-up Paddle Board Yoga is more about the mind-body connection to the water than anything else. Breathing, stretching and balance is all part of the class. “Play time” includes some challenging balance poses on the board. You don’t need to go into the water unless you fall in while challenging yourself. Aqua Vida is based in Philadelphia and holds classes on the Delaware River at the Spruce Street Harbor Park in Philadelphia in the warm weather and Fitness Alive in Philadelphia in the winter. Owner, Liz Dipre, will also travel with the inflatable boards, which inflate to be as hard and sturdy as the real thing. Total Calorie Burn: I did not track my calories.
Day 17: Kika Stretch Studios in Wayne. 45-minute Guided Stretch. The Kika Method is 45-minutes and includes a full body stretch with a focus on the personal needs of the client that day. Breath is used to lengthen the stretch. Assisted stretching with your stretch coach takes place in a semi-private room on the mat. The studio is very zen-like and contributes to the whole experience. Socks are required but masks are not. The studio is very private. At most, there will be one other client stretching at the same time but in a separate room. You can book a free 25 minute stretch. Total Calorie Burn: I did not track my calories.
Day 18: Tribe Fitness Main Line in Wayne. 30-minute Cardio and Strength. Small group training takes place every 40 minutes indoors or outdoors. I signed up for an outdoor class. Each outdoor pod contains all the equipment needed for the workout, including a pull-up station, rower and barbell. Inside, the workout follows the same format but with more equipment options. All classes are 30 minutes of effective strength and cardio. The goal is to do shorter workouts, more times a week to boost metabolism, burn fat and build lean muscle. You can try your first class for free. Total Calorie Burn: 301.
Day 19: Fuel Cycle Fitness in Ardmore. 60-minute Boot Camp. Outdoor small group training using equipment and the natural resources of the park for a full body strength and conditioning class. The class I took moved us through 8 stations, two times through, but every class is set up differently. All classes are outdoors in Linwood Park and cost $15. Follow “FuelCycleFit” on Instagram for updates on the outdoor classes. Total Calorie Burn: 734.
Day 20: Verge Yoga Center in Wayne. 60-minute Stability. This yoga class was slow and focused on breath and balance. I had to live stream the class virtually that day. I would have preferred to have been in the studio for this class to see and hear the instructor better and get a real feel for the studio. Total Calorie Burn: 276.
Chatting about Aqua Vida with owner, Liz Dipre.
Day 21: Body X in Bryn Mawr. 60-minute Pump-It-Up. This is a strength class, using free weights and barbells, squats and lunges, and core work that is sure to get your heart pumping. The studio has recently reopened and is slowly rolling out new classes so be sure to check the website for updates. And yes, a full kitchen for separate cooking classes is part of this beautiful studio. I plan to do some healthy cooking classes here in the fall. All group classes are $20 and you can go maskless with proof of vaccination. Total Calorie Burn: 529.
Day 22: Club Pilates in Malvern. 45-minute Reformer Flow 1.5. I took the signature reformer, full-body workout using all of the amazing equipment that this studio is loaded up with, including, the Balanced Body Reformer, Springboard, EXO-Chair, Mat, and TRX®. Club Pilates offers a variety of classes but you must start at the introductory level and work your way up through workshops. Your first class at the Foundation Level is free. Proof of vaccine is required in order to remove your mask. Total Calorie Burn: 234.
Day 23: Soul Cycle in Ardmore. 45-minute Group Cycle. Soul Cycle is a class that is truly led by the music. There are no metrics available to you on your bike. You are simply riding to the beat of the music and following your instructor with their cycling choreography. The room is dark, the music is loud and the energy is incredible. No phones or watches are allowed in the room to limit distractions. The studio is now mask free and back to full capacity rides. New riders can take their first class for $20. Popular Classes book up and you can reserve your bike early for an additional $15. Total Calorie Burn: 520.
Day 24: Cardio Party at LifeTime in King of Prussia. 45-minutes of intense dancing to the hottest new beats lead by the one and only, Kristin Boquist, the creator of Cardio Party. Yes, a dancing background is helpful but it is absolutely not required. The room is dark and no one cares what you look like. I promise you that it is a “party” and a GREAT calorie burn. The moves are repetitive and easy to pick up, but booty shaking is part of almost every song. LifeTime is maskless- no questions asked. Professional cleaners sanitize the group fitness rooms after use. You can check out your first class and the rest of this gorgeous gym without a membership. Request your free guest pass here. Total Calorie Burn: 543.
Day 25: Pure Barre Main Line in Wayne. 60-minutes Classic Barre. Pure Barre is a traditional, ballet-inspired barre workout on the floor and using the ballet barre with resistance bands and small weights. The goal is to use small, low impact exercises to strengthen and tone. It is definitely more ballet inspired than other barre classes I have taken. You can try a free introductory class. No masks are required. Total Calorie Burn: 364.
Inside the beautiful studio at BodyX Kitchen & Fitness Studio.
Day 26: Yoga in the Park by Yoga Garden in Narberth. 60-minute Yoga in the Park. Connect with your surroundings in Narberth Park for this restorative class. Bring a mat and dress for the weather. My first scheduled outdoor class was cancelled because the ground was too wet, which will happen when all classes are outside. The Narberth location of Yoga Garden is reopening the studio this week and has these precautions in place: proof of vaccination is required for entry, classes are limited to 50% capacity, increased ventilation in the practice space, studio is cleaned multiple times daily, no hands-on adjustments. Yoga in the Park will still continue. Total Calorie Burn: 292.
Day 27: Bungee Workout by Pop Fit Studio in Havertown. 60-minute Bungee Workout. This is one of the first studios to bring this unique workout to the United States. It’s a fitness experience for sure. Nine bungees hang from the ceiling. After you put on thick, protective biker shorts (over your leggings) and a harness over the shorts, you are strapped into the bungee. You are lifted higher to really get some good air when you move. It’s a good leg and core workout, and the routine does get your heart going and your sweat on. After 3 classes, you can advance to a more challenging class. Bungee classes fill up fast (there are only 9 spots) so be sure to book early. You can register for your first class here. Pop Fit Studio is just now reopening for in-person classes and offers a variety of other unique classes. Spots are limited to 15 people because of social distancing. Vaccinated clients can remove their masks. Total Calorie Burn: 397.
Day 28: Dance Cardio by Mojo Fitness in Wayne. 55-minute Dance Cardio. Each song has a set routine and the regulars know the moves as soon as the music comes on. But, newbies (like me) can easily pick it up by following along. Lots of high impact moves, but there are always more low-impact modifications available. Each movement is fitness-focused to build muscle and cardiovascular strength. Classes are offered inside at Nakord Studio in Gateway Shopping Center and Main Line Sports Center in Wayne or outside at the Amphitheater at Wilson Park. Classes are maskless and owner, Cindy Brauer, livestreams every class for her dedicated community of dancers. Total Calorie Burn: 699.
Day 29: Hot Sculpt by LVX Studio in Bryn Mawr. 50-minute Hot Sculpt. This full body workout takes place in a HOT room— about 100 degrees with added humidity. Light weights and heavy resistance bands accompany the exercises. Legs, booty, arms and core work is followed by a good stretch. You can pay a drop-in fee and do not need to be a member of this small gym. Hot Sculpt is a brand new class and will be part of the regular schedule (as a 60 minute class), starting next week so keep checking here for updates. You do not need to wear a mask in this private gym. Total Calorie Burn: 295 (I don’t think the watch accounts for sweat calories).
Day 30: HIIT Yoga by Working Wellness Yoga. 45-minute HIIT Yoga. HIIT Yoga incorporates the yoga poses and strength work you may be used to, with a HIIT segment in the middle of the workout to get your heart rate up. Class concludes with some balance work and stretching. Working Wellness Yoga offers virtual classes and wellness programs to corporations to promote healthy living for employees. Contact Working Wellness Yoga directly to learn more about this unique company. Total Calorie Burn: 370.
Bungee Workout at Pop Fit Studio in Havertown.
MY NEW WORKOUT ROUTINE OUTSIDE THE HOME
The most asked question I heard in June was, “Where are you going to workout now, Brooke?” I can honestly say that I would love to return to each of these studios. Accounting for the physical location, my schedule and based on my personal feelings about the type of workout, these are the places that I plan to visit on a regular basis. There are a bunch of additional classes that I will be mixing in when I can. The beauty of studio workouts is that you can always change it up. Variety is the spice of life— If you are bored or don’t enjoy what you are doing, then of course you won’t want to keep doing it!
LSF Pilates was the first studio I returned to this spring, and I plan to continue to attend the Wednesday morning PiStrength class with Kerry. It’s still a favorite!
CARDIO WORKOUT: Cardio Party at LifeTime; 9Rounds in Bryn Mawr
STRENGTH WORKOUT: XTraining in Bryn Mawr and Tribe Main Line in Wayne
PILATES: LSF Pilates in Wayne
YOGA: Bulldog Yoga Online and Michelle’s Invigorate Class in Villanova
STRETCH: Kika Stretch in Wayne
I am going to incorporate more stretch in my life after experiencing my first session. I already purchased a stretch package at Kika Stretch Studio in Wayne.
FITNESS FINDS AWARDS
Most Calories Burned: Fuel Cycle Fitness
Best Music: Soul Cycle by Maddie and Barre3 Rosemont in Lauren’s Class
Strongest Community Love: Mojo Fitness
Best Guidance from an Instructor: Chelsea at Crossfit ML
Most Creative Instructor: Kerry at LSF
I Learned the Most From: Lisa at Kika Stretch
Prettiest Studio: BodyX in Bryn Mawr
My New Found Favorite Type of Workout: Dance Workouts and Boxing
Most Laughs: Cardio Party and Bungee Workout
Favorite Outdoor Studio: Tribe Fitness Main Line
Most Meditative Class: AquaFlow SUP Yoga by Aqua Vida
Best Equipment: Club Pilates in Frazer
Most Effective 30 Minute Workout: 9Rounds and Tribe Main Line
I Left Class the Sweatiest: LVX Fitness Hot Sculpt
I am beyond grateful to all of the studios and instructors that opened their doors to me in June. I cannot wait to return and see you all! And, if you joined me for a workout, thank you! I loved seeing a familiar face in a new place. As I conclude the month, I feel very blessed to live in an area with so much to offer. Welcome back, Main Line!