As most of you know, Sunday was the final day of my inTensati Warrior Challenge. It was a 2 hour long finale similar to the orientation. I walked in and finally met Alison from Foster Fitness! We’ve been tweeting back and forth about the challenge but never met till Sunday. I also found Maggie right away and took a spot next to her. We got name tags just like the first class. Before I get into detail about the class, I wanted to show you a little video about inTensati incase you have no clue what I am talking about!
The class started with everyone going around the room and sharing some of our thoughts about the challenge. A few girls spoke about how it made them so much more confident and happy in every day life. Another girl talked about how saying the affirmations out loud made a huge difference in how she felt after class. We found out later that this girl sang with Green Day at the Grammy’s!! So cool!
Eventually we got started with our crazy cardio! Patricia and 2 other instructors, Lindsay and Natalia (the girl with the curly hair in the video above), took turns teaching us. It was fun to see Patricia in the back actually taking the class! She actually had a tough time keeping up! I took Natalia’s class on Wednesday so I was good at her part of the routine. I never took a class with Lindsay before! I could not believe the energy she had! Amazing. Patricia finished us off with yoga-like stretches and relaxation moves. Normally we would finish class there.
Since it was the last class, we did something a little extra. Patricia told us to find a partner. Maggie and I decided to be partners since we already knew each other. I know that probably defeats the purpose but we are shy. We were told not to speak but to stare in each other’s eyes. This part was weird to me. I don’t really like looking into people’s eyes for more than a few seconds! It would have been different if we were actually talking I think. This lasted for maybe 2 minutes! Patricia said nice things like, “Notice your partner’s beauty and strength.” It was nice…just different.
Next we had to hold hands and shut our eyes. She said more nice things but I wasn’t really listening. I have A.D.D. Next we had to hug our partner. I’m glad I chose someone I actually knew! It was a lovely bonding moment for Maggie and I.
We then got in a huge circle while sitting on the floor. We all held hands. Patricia said a lot of positive things but I kind of kept zoning out. So bad, I know. I found myself thinking about what I was going to do when I get home! Oops. The class ended with a raffle but I didn’t win anything. They gave away a shirt, gym bags, and wrist band. The girl who had the most bracelets won a free massage! This girl had 29!! She said some weeks she went twice a day! My legs could barely handle every other day! I ended up with 13 bracelets. At least I filled my 3 times a week quota.
I wanted to share some positives and negatives about the challenge. I’ll start with the good!
1) The class was an amazing workout! I burned around 400 calories every class which is the same amount I usually burn in spin. The time went by much faster than spin!
2) The class was fun and did not feel like a workout! It was a lot of easy dance moves, punching, and kicking to fun techno music.
3) The energy in the class was incredible. Everyone shouted, yelled, counted down, etc.
4) The positive affirmations really did make me feel good for the rest of the day. They stuck in my head until I went to bed at night!
5) The teachers were full of energy and all incredibly nice and friendly!
6) I enjoyed the relaxing yoga moves before and after each class.
7) I saw a lot of the same faces each day which was nice.
The free month pass to Equinox was an added bonus 
Negatives
1) The class was pretty rough on my legs. There was a lot of jumping and kicking on hardwood floors so I started having knee issues some days. The jumping was optional so I probably should have just done the moves without it.
2) I think there could have been more stretching at the end of each class with such intense cardio and leg movements.
3) I gained 3 pounds this month. It is pretty frustrating since I exercised A LOT!!Another girl taking the challenge also gained a few pounds. We think the class was so intense that it made us starving after! I do feel like I ate a lot this month so I guess that is why. I am excited to get back into my lighter cardio for a while and hopefully lose the weight.
4) Each teacher used the same routine for the entire month. The classes were amazing the first 2 weeks but then I got used to the routines a bit too much.
5) They played pretty much the same songs every class. I did love the music but there are plenty of house and techno songs that they could add to the playlist!
Conclusions:
I am extremely happy I had the opportunity to take the challenge. I loved the positivity and high energy in every class. It really does rub off on you. I think the solution to my negatives would be to take the class maybe once a week. 3 times a week was too much on my legs. I also got too used to the routines. Once a week would be perfect. Luckily they offer free classes at places other than Equinox so I should be able to take them on a regular basis. I felt great after every class and can’t wait to try more!
I also wanted to share some conclusions about Equinox vs New York Sports Club. The first few times I went to Equinox, I really wanted to join. The locker rooms seemed nicer and there are a ton of classes on the schedule. Last night I went back to New York Sports Club and realized I really like it there. Here’s why:
1) The lockers are bigger at NYSC. I could barely fit everything in the lockers at Equinox. Equinox did have a coat check but I never felt like using it.
2) NYSC is a lot less crowded. It was wonderful being in the locker room last night and not getting bumped into. It was also really hard to find an open elliptical at Equinox.
3) There are TV’s on every screen at NYSC.
4) NYSC is $100.00 cheaper per month. This is probably the most important thing for me. There is no way I could ever pay $145 to $175 a month at Equinox!
5) There are 2 NYSC’s near my apartment but Equinox is only in the city.
Yes, I will miss the big comfy towels at Equinox, the Kiehl’s body lotion, the razors, Q-tips, Zumba, and inTensati. NYSC is a lot better for me right now though.
It was great to try out Equinox and maybe one day I’ll get into another inTensati challenge!
What do you look for when joining a gym?
Have a good day!
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Sorry about the slight weight gain!
But the class really sounded like it was kickin your butt! Glad you came out of it in one piece.
I have been a member of NYSC before and for me, that was luxury since my pockets aren’t very deep.
I like my gym becuase its close to my apartment and its there when i need it… and it doesnt hurt that mari is also a member!
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Glad you liked it overall. I am a NYSC member and I love it… except my location is always so busy!!
You will drop those 3 pounds in no time!!
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I feel the same way about BSC vs. Equinox here. At first I really wanted to join but I realized its just not as convenient and the cost is DEFINITELY not worth it. Glad you enjoyed the challenge though!
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sounds like it was pretty good overall!
I wish we could find a good gym near us ,but the best ones are about 40 minutes away
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I seriously want to move to NYC just for the exercise classes! Oh, and so I can use the coupon I got in them ail from you yesterday, thanks
I saw a special on the TODAY show about all the different classes available in NYC and it made me want to try them ALL. This one in particular sounds like something I would love. Here in Ohio there aren’t many great options, but then again I haven’t really actively searched. I need to make more money first so I can afford the classes! Glad you enjoyed it 
Have a great day Missy! Oh, and thanks for “signing” my Skinny in the City petition. They SUCK!
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Congrats on completing the challenge!! Maybe the 3lbs are muscle?! I would still be pissed if I gained weight after such a hard challenge like that… I am sure it will come off soon!
I think it’s completley ridiculous what gyms charge. Before planet fitness I was paying 65-80 a month at other boston area gyms and I heard Healthworks which I am trying out now is closer to 100. I just want to be healthy, give me a break! I only pay $20 now for PF but it has NO extras. In fact last night out of a row of 6 treadmills 4 of them weren’t working, ridiculous! I wish I could afford a nicer gym but I’m not about to fork over an extra $50+ a month for lotion, hair dryers and towels since I have all of these things at home
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Great job in the challenge Missy!
I would’ve zoned out at the end too. My mind never shuts off during exercise classes. I wish gyms in my area offered more classes like this though.
Can’t wait to see what workouts you get into next!
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When joining a gym, location is a big factor. Also the quality of the machines and what kind of equipment they have as well as how crowded it will be when I go. Cost is also a factor. I love my gym. It’s free and nearby, but I wish there were more classes in the afternoon because I work all-day!
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awesome review girl. Thanks for sharing! Congrats on the challenge too! woohoo! When I go to a new gym i look for a few things. First off overall cleanliness. (dirty gyms gross me out) How trained are the staff there? What are the class schedules? Do they offer a wide variety of classes? I also look to see what types of cardio machines they have. Weights wise..Im happy with a set of free weights and some stability balls which I think most gyms have. I also look to see what amenities they have. Do they have physical therapists there? Do the trainers have high degrees of education and or are they knowledgeable? So maybe questions!=) Im picky with gyms because I spend alot of time there so I want to make sure it fits my needs. Have an awesome day girl!
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Kiehl’s lotion at the club? I wish! I was being in 7th heaven! I recently quit my gym because they jacked up my price and sadly enough, do not belong to one anymore. None here are in comparison to what I am looking for so I figure I can save $60 a month and workout on my own for now.
When looking for a gym I look for
-Affordability
-Location(s) close to me. Sometimes I get swayed and will be driving there when I don’t want to work out and will change my mind about going.
-Free Towels (the last gym charged you)
-Good variety of classes with nighttime options (Charlotte is very suburban and alot of women don’t work–different rant for another time)
-TV’s on the machines (I only have basic cable so this is where I get to watch tv!)
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great review girl
it sounds like a cuuuuhrazed class! and i like that you can buy the dvd. maybe someday i’ll give it a whirly…in my own house haha
yoga date soon
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The gym has to have a great class schedule. I get bored with machines, so I want some great classes to attend to keep me going!
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i liked reading about your thoughts on this. i think it is awesome that oyu have been trying new things and everything!
xoxo
shelley
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Loved the post, I was very curious about this class. Thanks for trying it out, I am glad I could hear about it! See you tonight!
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Awesome wrap up! Thanks for the shout out- it was really cool to meet you too! I agree with many of your points, especially that Equinox is pricy to belong to. It’s very nice, but that is a serious financial commitment. I also would like to eat and pay rent!
Can’t wait to try Core Fusion!!!
XOXO,
Alison
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Yep, I had really similar thoughts
Hope we can lose those 3 pounds!! (Though I think mine was closer to 5… ugh)
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I feel your pain – i was the same way – i have been working out with a personal trainer for the first time ever and have lost a whopping 3 pounds in 5 weeks – then went on the low carb to try to jump start things – did okay the first week – but the second week i gained a pound! so frustrating
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This is a really great post! I had no idea that Equinox was so pricey….hot damn! lol
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Yeah, Equinox is so posh and swanky, butI just can’t justify the expense. If I were to join a gym (or at least pay for classes somewhere), I feel like I’d rather do something like Physique 57 where I only pay for what I use.
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I’ve actually been looking into new gyms lately, so I’ve had to think about what exactly it is I’m looking for! I’ve only taken a few fitness classes in my life (yeah, lame) so I’m looking for a gym that has great classes. I also like a nice locker room that I feel comfortable getting ready in – shower and all. The gym that I currently go to has neither of those things :/ In fact, I’ve been working out at home for the past few weeks because I’m just so sick of the gym. If work would slow down then maybe I’d have some time to go gym shopping!
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That was a really good review of your experience.I think inTensanti is too different for me.hehe…At least the food you were eating was healthy and not junk.Way to go!! cc
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sounds like such an amazing experience!! I am so glad we got to follow along as you went to all of your classes and collected your bracelets
what Do I look for in a gym? Clean, up to date equipment and a killer spinning schedule!!
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That looks intense! I’m sure those 3 pounds will drop off in no time. It’s strange how our bodies react to different workouts, right? And I look for great group classes (including yoga…it’s so expensive at studios!) in a gym. And maybe some good looking male staff members.
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Great review…curious though… did you lose inches? I know you mentioned you were going to measure. I started working out a lot and gained 4 lbs…but lost inches… Also we need ‘the Lite Choice’ in Austin Texas!!!!!
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Missy Maintains Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
After I saw the weight gain I was scared to measure…but I don’t feel bigger so maybe you are right.
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[...] I am going to lay this out the same way Missy did. [...]
this was such a great review. I loved the video, I finally understand what its all about, I have to say I love how positive and uplifting the classes are.
I can’t believe that after all that vigorous exercise you ended up gaining some weight – maybe it was muscle though??? or sometimes after a really hard workout, your body retains some water??
anyhow a couple things i look for in my gym are the hours and the types of classes they offer.
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interesting workouts.. I think I’d like to try it someday just to feel the hype!
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Wow how cool- I’ve never heard of that before!
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I hope they do a class here sometime, I like the notion of the positivity with the workouts
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Catching up on your blog after being away for a few days. I was curious to read your thoughts on the Challenge. I also find really intense exercise leads to excess hunger and even if you burn a lot during the workout it is very easy to “eat back” those calories. One hour to burn 400 calories and 15 minutes to consume them
It really all comes down to the food, just look at how many overweight people cross the marathon finish line. I also find that alcohol packs on the pounds like nothing else unfortunatley.
I am sure once you get to more normal eating those 3 lbs will come off.
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