At this point, it is obvious that I am drunk off the power gifted to me through ClassPass. I am taking anything and everything just because I have the pass. This week, I was intrigued
by a class called “Chair.” Yup, “chair.” I didn’t even read the description. Who cares? That is the point of the pass, right? Try the unknown. Maybe it would be like lap dance power training for strippers? Maybe it would be aggressive sitting? It didn't matter to me. I had the pass!I showed up to Thrive Pilates in Falls Church, which was quickly becoming one of my favorite spots. Per usual, the class held five people. The instructor looked like she was getting ready to sell me incense. She was wearing flowy linen pants, clogs, multiple thumb rings, a scarf, and a head band. I expected to be dealing with a free spirit, but as they say, assuming just makes an ass out of you and me (I think that is the saying). Point being, the instructor wasn’t messing around. "Kelly?" she barked (I need to stop being the last one to show up to tiny classes).
I have included a picture of the chairs at the top because I don’t even
know how to begin describing the chair without the visual. It sort of resembles a chair...I guess. Perhaps it resembles what a Pilates reformer machine would look like folded into the chair position? You can look for yourself and come up with your own description in your head.
Interestingly, we would not sit on the "chair" very much during the class. At one point, we did straddle the chair and use our legs to push down the foot bar, giving our calves and quads a workout. That was the only exercise that I could perform with some ease. The rest were crazy difficult.
The chair was an especially tricky contraption when we had to sit on top in a "V" position. I have supplied the picture to the left to help you visualize. I do not have the balance for the "V," but everyone else around me knew exactly what they were doing. Apparently, the "chair" class isn't just a one-off event for people who have become too confident with their Class Pass - people actually do the chair class on the regular, and they are badass on a "chair."
Other exercises we did on this magnificent creature were triceps dips. We put our feet on the foot bar and held the two handles while we dipped. We also did what I can best describe as "sort of pikes" using the chair. Please see the side picture to your right. I note these two exercises just to make it clear the chair provides a full body workout.
Interestingly, we would not sit on the "chair" very much during the class. At one point, we did straddle the chair and use our legs to push down the foot bar, giving our calves and quads a workout. That was the only exercise that I could perform with some ease. The rest were crazy difficult. The chair was an especially tricky contraption when we had to sit on top in a "V" position. I have supplied the picture to the left to help you visualize. I do not have the balance for the "V," but everyone else around me knew exactly what they were doing. Apparently, the "chair" class isn't just a one-off event for people who have become too confident with their Class Pass - people actually do the chair class on the regular, and they are badass on a "chair."
Other exercises we did on this magnificent creature were triceps dips. We put our feet on the foot bar and held the two handles while we dipped. We also did what I can best describe as "sort of pikes" using the chair. Please see the side picture to your right. I note these two exercises just to make it clear the chair provides a full body workout.
The instructor played some good early 2000s jams, which
brought back fond memories of high school and college. The music was a surprise. Based on the instructor's ensemble, I assumed we we would listening to Enya. That is what I get for judging a book by it's cover. Although I liked the instructor, she tried to
drive home that we should use our abs during a lot of the exercises, and to get that point across to me, she repeatedly poked me in my in my belly button. I
am sure it was unintentional, but I started to feel like I was auditioning to
be the Pillsbury doughboy. I get it,
tighten the abs. And yes, I know where
mine are located (in theory).
After the class, the instructor, who seemed to be a bit of a chair rock star, was asked to do some sweet moves on one of the chairs. Being that I am not a chair groupie, I did not stick around to see the show, but I have no doubt that her moves are impressive. Perhaps another time. I assume some of the crazy moves on the Pilates chair poster were demonstrated.
After the class, the instructor, who seemed to be a bit of a chair rock star, was asked to do some sweet moves on one of the chairs. Being that I am not a chair groupie, I did not stick around to see the show, but I have no doubt that her moves are impressive. Perhaps another time. I assume some of the crazy moves on the Pilates chair poster were demonstrated.
To my own surprise, I would totally “Chair” again, but I would only want to do it once in a while, and I am not sure if that is the work out style of a chair-er (?), or acceptable among the chair community. There definitely seems to be a group. I do recommend trying it out if you have the opportunity!
P.S. With the exception of the first image, all of my pictures are courtesy of Google images. Thanks, internet!
P.S. With the exception of the first image, all of my pictures are courtesy of Google images. Thanks, internet!
