Although many exercise trends come and go, the latest craze sweeping through WHS involves attending unique workout classes. These are not just standard trips to the gym, but range from yoga and pilates to group spin. The variety of classes allows for each person to choose what works best for them, and the supportive atmosphere keeps people healthy and fit. 

Solidcore

   Solidcore is a company offering 50-minute strength-training, group fitness classes with locations in places such as Chestnut Hill and Dedham. It is pilates adjacent with its own custom-built machines and workouts that focus on different parts of the body. 

   The specialized machine, known as a “reformer” and nicknamed “Sweatlana,” focuses on slow, controlled movements achieved by a movable carriage and springs to promote a higher intensity workout than a regular pilates class provides. While some find the unique machine and many class offerings challenging to navigate at first, Solidcore remedies this difficulty by providing support to newcomers.

   “They have a really good program for new members, and you can go as many times as you want in two weeks,” said senior Carlie Briere. “There’s beginner classes with people in their first class, which is good because they walk you through the different exercises.”

   The instructors play a big part in the overall experience, pushing participants to simultaneously get better and have a good time. 

   “The solidcore instructors talk throughout the entire class. It helps keep you motivated but more importantly they’re talking through everything that you’re doing on the reformer,” said learning assistant Erin Patterson. “Because the movements are so controlled and precise, even a tiny change in posture or alignment can make a big difference in how effective the exercise is.”

CorePower Yoga

   CorePower Yoga combines the essentials of yoga and cardio with weight in a heated room, with the heat level being adjusted throughout the workout. There is one studio located in Newton as well as a few in Boston. 

   While the company’s name includes “Yoga,” the class addresses more than just increasing flexibility, often the primary focus in a typical yoga class. 

   “It’s more strength based. You need a lot of stability when doing one-legged [movements],” said junior Izzy Wheler.

   Heated classes, a feature at CorePower, have recently gained a lot of attention due to their various health benefits. According to CNN Health, “[Heated] workouts increase blood flow and warm muscle tissue.”

   While the overall workout is more intense than some yoga classes, participants still find it a great way to decompress. 

   “We do Shabasinov [a restful yoga pose] so you get to do deep breaths and end with stretching,” said sophomore Ella Cahill. “It’s a nice stress release after a good workout.”    

B/Spoke

   B/Spoke studios provide more variety of workout experiences, with offerings in cycling, yoga, and strength. The “RIDE” classes in specific are very popular as the cycling is paired with music and lights, all working to increase endurance. Students and faculty frequent the location in Wellesley. 

   Music is present in many of these classes, but in B/Spoke specifically, it is used to pair with the pace of the ride. 

   “The music is definitely what makes [the class],” said senior Sienna Zerola. “The beat has to be energetic and the music is what keeps you motivated and makes you push yourself.” 

   Their “STRENGTH” classes are also popular, with the structured routine helping to lift more and increase stamina through cardio, resistance exercises, and focused body movements. 

   “It’s three rounds, you pick your heavy weight and your medium weight, and they go through the rounds with different exercises,” said senior Zoey Hipwood.  

Puppy Yoga 

   Puppy Yoga is something fairly new to the Boston-area as it only recently became a trend, with studios all over Massachusetts including a few in the city. It’s a combination of a yoga class mixed with puppies of many breeds; leaning more towards an experience rather than a traditional workout. It aims to give participants a serotonin boost and provide mental-health benefits. 

   The balance between working out and having fun with the puppies is a hard one, but the program is set-up to provide you with many options of how you will spend your time.

   “You get to the studio and their goal is you do half the class with just yoga and getting an actual workout in, and then the other half the puppies get to come and cuddle with you,” said junior Sophie Ginovker. “You can choose to continue doing yoga or just hang out with the puppies, which is super fun and flexible.”

   The presence of the puppies changes the atmosphere and can also provide many advantages. 

   “I think it definitely makes it a little bit less stressful, lowers my cortisol, and it adds an element of fun,” said senior Anthony Ohanian.

   There are countless workout options beyond these four, but the distinct elements of each can bring a new excitement to working out. 

   “In the end, it doesn’t really matter which workout you’re doing because all of these opportunities keep you active,” said senior Riley Huml.