If you’ve ever left yoga happily glowing only to gaze with longing curiosity at that fight studio on the drive home, we’ve found a site that might just change the way you break a sweat. Commitment-phobic fitness geeks and easily-bored exercise-addicts everywhere are flipping over the new program called FITiST. Less a new type of workout, more a fitness studio concierge, FITiST is putting the best of fitness right at your fingertips. This is the kind of membership we’ve dreamed of having and didn’t think was possible: yoga in Hollywood’s best studio on Monday night? You’ve got it. A ballet barre class on Wednesday afternoon? Check. And boot camp on the beach is just a click away for Saturday morning.
Whether you truly love to workout and need a variety of training to keep up with your energetic pace or are less enthusiastic but don’t really know where to start, FITiST will get you into some of the most interesting and highly sought-after classes in the city. Not only does FITiST provide access to the best studios, but they also help you to manage your schedule and get into last minute classes with ease.
Founders Neda Talebian Funk, Caroline Levy Limpert and Jonathan Cranin (who among them have had success marketing brands such as Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Victoria’s Secret and Mastercard) are on to something undeniable. With operations expected to open in eight other cities by the end of the year, we’re expecting FITiST to cause a full-on fitness frenzy!
To give you a head start – and an idea of just how fun a little variety can be – our TCM fitness pro Katie Horwitch is outlining some of the benefits of different styles of fitness classes below. Find out which styles best suit you…
- Cycle
Who it's for: High-energy personalities (and those who feed off group excitement) who are looking for good tunes, a clear journey from beginning to end and a desire for some serious sweat.
What you'll get: A structured workout complete with sprints, hills and interval drills - all woven seamlessly together with a soundtrack individual to each instructor.
Best for this body part: Prepare for a major cardio workout that builds leg strength and lung capacity all at once.
FITist Studio Sneak Peek: You can't go wrong at CycleHouse - we're currently sweating alongside Aaron Hines, whose vibrant personality, solid ride and jammin' tunes keep us coming back week after week. - Yoga
Who it's for: Everyday athletes, weekend warriors and workout newbies alike who are looking to add balance, flexibility and strength to their lives - on the inside and out.
What you'll get: A centered mind, a balanced body and a sense of self-confidence you never knew you had.
Best for this body part: While yoga works the entire body simultaneously, the biggest difference we've noticed since developing a regular practice is in our upper body. Long and lean is the name of this game; they don't call 'em "yoga arms" for nothing!
FITist Studio Sneak Peek: Clio Manuelian at InYoga Center walks into the room with a shining smile and a "Namast-hey, yogis," then leads you through an inspired flow to satisfy both your spiritual and adventurous sides. There is no intimidation factor here. - Fight
Who it's for: Thrill seekers who yearn to unleash their inner champion.
What you'll get: Sharpened strength, focus, speed and agility.
Best for this body part: While arm strength immediately come to mind when thinking of boxing, you might be surprised to hear that boxing sculpts a strong core - back and abs, particularly - and increases upper body mobility holding you upright and ready for attack.
FITist Studio Sneak Peek: Alex Brenes at De La Barracuda Boxing Club is a former pro and trainer of such legends as Muhammed Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. You're in good hands with this champ! - Performance
Who it's for: Boot camp style classes are for multi-taskers who want to get their strength and cardio done in an hour or less. This category also focuses on activity-specific classes to up your game in "real world" activities such as rowing.
What you'll get: Keep your body guessing!
Best for this body part: Performance-based activity focuses on different muscle groups each class in order to confuse the body for real results.
FITist Studio Sneak Peek: Astrid at the Barry's Bootcamp West Hollywood location delivers a solid workout and some serious inspiration. This workout is the ultimate in full body sculpting on a time constraint - and great for those who need constant change throughout their workout. - Pilates
Who it's for: Those of us who want to stand taller and sculpt deep without the frenetic energy of a stereotypical group fitness class, but a bit more body-focused than a yoga class.
What you'll get: Pilates provide constant resistance to elongate tired muscles. Prepare to move with grace and strength!
Best for this body part: Your core will strengthen, your posture improve and endurance skyrocket.
FITist Studio Sneak Peek: Devotees of Ky Evans at The Studio MDR have deemed his classes the "Ky-lates" workout! - Dance
Who it's for: Fun-seekers who want to be tricked into a killer workout, smiling all the while. The inspired inner child.
What you'll get: Sweat, laughter and fun! Dance is some of the best stress relief you'll find - it's impossible to stay in a funk while moving to the beat. Add to that a toned core and increased energy, and you'll be stealing the stage in no time!
Best for this body part: Dance classes sculpt and strengthen the entire core, while providing little to no impact on your joints.
FITist Studio Sneak Peek: Hoopnotica's Hoopnotica FiT class with Pamela is the most fun boot camp you'll ever attend! - A SWEAT-WORTHY GIVEAWAY:
A Gift For Every Reader From FITist!
We're giving away one 4-Class FITist Plan to the luckiest of readers (*must live in New York or LA to take full advantage). Enter below by telling us about your favorite workout. For the rest of us, there is an exclusive FITist discount: FITist is offering a 15% discount for TCM readers: just use password CHALKBOARD at checkout. Go get 'em! (giveaway ends 3/6/12)
