"like you want to hit something.."

It looks like we had fun--and we did--but it was more than just a killer fun class. IE/ID decided to do a Piloxing teacher training. Piloxing is the creation of Vivica Jensen and it's a rock- out class that combines Pilates, boxing and dance. IE has been taking the class at Bay Club Marin for the last year and even subbing periodically.

So while IE/ID has a pretty good handle on dancing, and to some extent Pilates, boxing is a complete stretch. On top of all, that learning how to structure a class combining all those elements seamlessly and making it a realworkout is a complete mystery. The more IE subbed the more she really wanted to know how to teach a class, and the only way to do that was to take the training.

Senior Master Trainer Jordan Ballard  loves what she does and it certainly shows.  She had us Piloxing 


from 9-5--with 45 min for lunch and a few sit-down minutes to write anatomical or musical tips and then she would say, “Ok, let’s get up and do it.”  Her favorite refrain was "booty back," to which we would all giggle, then relax and enjoy the process.

It made IE/ID think though: What does it mean to fearlessly stick your butt out?  Or to throw that punch “like you want to hit something.” It means dropping completely into the moment, and  being in the movements that are familiar as well as those that feel awkward, strange and even a little scary.
 

Here’s to learning new moves and finding them refreshing and fun.Then turning around and figuring out how to teach them, making it even more fabulous!

Thanks Vivica!!

IE/ID

Intrepid Exerciser takes on the beach, the boxing ring, and the ballet studio (of course)

SurfSet and Piloxing at Bay Club Marin

Turns out hybrids aren’t just cute little cars on four wheels. The latest hybrids are exercise classes designed to combine the "best" workout tricks from several disciplines, such as boxing, ballet, or surfing. The result is a workout that's accessible but different, fun but challenging.  While not exactly for the purist, it's the perfect change it up prescription for the exercising mom-on-the-go, the super-fit indoor/outdoor jock and of course, the gym rat.

Perhaps the hybrid's greatest benefit is to get you to see your own favorite discipline in a new setting. For IE it was a revelation to finally be allowed to do 25 attitudes derriere. Perhaps for the kick boxer it would bewhat if you could jab, hook, and shake your hips?

Let’s start with Surfset. For the lowdown on the company and its founders see: surfsetfitness story
Class is taught on what looks like a surf board, only it has these balls underneath it that make it wobbly, mimicking a board on waves.  The instability factor constantly challenges your core, and then on top of that you are doing intervals and going for speed--think burpees on a surfboard. IE was definitely challenged and needed more time to complete the moves. Some of the standing balance moves: doing bicep curls with my arms in  rubber cords, while standing on one leg--I struggled with, but that gives me something to shoot for next time.

The next day I felt the small muscles in my back and legs that I haven’t felt in a while. The only drawback for me, IE, was the lack of class camaraderie. IE likes a certain group-bonding-vibe even if its subtle, and maybe because it's so difficult to balance and move, while not falling onto the hard gym floor, there wasn't much back and forth between students, or even between students and instructor. However, IE knows you  have to try a class more than once to really get a feel for it. So stay tuned for more updates!

 

Now Piloxing is a different thing. And I have to admit that I like it more. But then it’s easier for IE to grasp because its ballet, Pilates and boxing. Founder,Viveca Jensen, is a dynamo on video, and I can only imagine in person see SF Gate Article on Piloxing

The class mixes boxing moves: jab, uppercut, and hook with ballet and Pilates moves: standing leg work "serve the platter" (passe/attitude in ballet-speak) and traditional Pilates on the floor abdominal work: variations on the "hundreds."

They mix in some short boxing sequences that get the heart rate up.We also add in this funny "whoop-whoop" thing while we move so no one can take themselves too seriously.

IE likes it that the aerobic sets are broken up with standing ballet moves,which improves balance and tones the muscles.  It also makes the mind more flexible, as it has to stop and concentrate after an all out jumping or punching sequence.

I’m not giving either of them up--I love my Piloxing. I’ll keep at the Surfset and see what I can learn. Let you know!