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October 6, 2011

Rock Your Core For $35 At Exhale Spa

Get a Full Body Workout in 60 minutes with Exhale Spa's Core Fusion Class

WHAT: Core Fusion
WHERE: Exhale Spa, click here for locations
PRICE: $35

Exhale Spa’s Core Fusion classes certainly get a lot of attention. In fact, the exercises are regularly featured in our favorite mags including Health, Self, and Marie Claire, not to mention the routines have garnered major A-list followers (Heidi Klum and Cameron Diaz, for example). After experiencing the 60 minute workout for myself, I can see why. The class seems to have mastered the perfect formula for a full body workout in 6o minutes by combining conditioning exercises and interval cardio training with toning techniques from Pilates, Yoga, and the Lotte Berk Method.

There are eight different Core Fusion classes ranging from Core Fusion Cardio, to Core Fusion Boot Camp, and Core Fusion Sport (designed to improve athletic performance while reducing the risk of sports related injuries). Each variation takes place in a carpeted studio (students just wear socks) and include cardio and toning exercises set to upbeat tunes (think Kelis and Justin Timberlake).

As a Core Fusion virgin, I decided to start out with the classic core class. The workout kicked off with a quick warm-up followed by a series of arm-toning moves using free weights ranging from two to eight pounds. The instructor led us through simple bicep curls followed by more difficult repetitions targeting the triceps, shoulders, and chest. Pushups and plank poses were also worked in to fire up core muscles. Next, we headed over to the ballet bar for a series of squats and leg kicks that seriously worked the glutes, hips and thighs.  The helpful instructor walked around the room, making sure students had proper alignment and were keeping our abs engaged. The last section of class focused on ab toning with exercises including leg pulls and Pilates-style crunches. After cooling down with a couple of Yoga inspired stretches, I left feeling like every muscle in my body had been rocked to the core. While it may take a while to work up to the advanced class, I accept the challenge!—AMANDA LIBBY