I mentioned on Monday that I took an exercise class this past weekend at a small studio called Fitness with Anika in St. Louis. Today I’ll tell you about it, and show you a new-to-me move for your core via video. (I guess this is the week of vlogs. Did you see The Push-Up Challenge? How about The Average Guy Workout?) Anyway, when I first walked into Anika’s studio, I was instantly greeted with a big smile and a warm hug. I knew we’d get along juuuuust fine.
The energy in Anika’s class was awesome. Anika was loud, engaging, and motivating. I’ve been to some fitness classes where it feels like the instructor is yelling at you. I don’t find anything about that appealing. Anika was not like that. Instead, she was making us laugh which is quite a feat while our muscles were crying!
Anika offers three services: Weight Loss Program, Small Group Training, and Functional Training Camp. (More information can be found here.) She helps with nutrition by discussing meal plans and holding her clients accountable. During the class, it was obvious that Anika had developed solid relationships with the women. This was my first time with Anika, and I know it won’t be the last.
Because of the small class size, Anika was able to keep a close eye on all of us. I like knowing that the instructor will correct my form if I’m not doing it right, as I do not want to get injured. Anika offered praise, encouragement, and modifications, as needed.
The studio in which Anika trains at is AWESOME! I could seriously play there all.day.long. She has tons of equipment from free weights to bosu balls to TRX to boxing bags to steps to weighted hula hoops (can we please try these next time??).
The exercises that Anika had us do during the sixty-minutes had us moving the whole time. My heart rate was constantly elevated and I was never bored! Anika even had us step outside for some sprints and short distance jogs. I love when cardio is mixed in with weight training. V-ups with the exercise ball always kill me!
My core was on FIRE! Especially because the v-ups were most definitely not the only ab exercise we did. Anika had us sit with our legs to the side, and then switch them. At first, I was confused, but as we continued I understood. Itz easier to explain via video so here’s a one-minute vlog explaining this new core exercise.
Have you ever done anything like that? Itz a good one! All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Anika’s class. If you’re in the St. Louis area, I would highly recommend you check her out. The fact that she has so much equipment and changes up the workouts constantly makes her classes FUN while working your body. Double awesome.
Favorite core exercise?
Itz Linz 