On a whim, I decided to stop by the new Athleta store (a fitness line owned by the Gap) in Chestnut Hill for a fashion show of their spring line. Having no idea what goes down at these swanky shindigs, but hearing tell of mimosas, snacks from the Capitol Grille, and free coffee, I decided to check it out. I love Atheta’s cheerful bright colors, and their clothes usually fit quite well – the prices are on the higher end of the Gap lines, but the style and quality seem to match. The models were all fitness instructors in the Boston area. I didn’t end up taking anything home, but it was a good excuse to get out of the house after setting the clocks forward.
My own fitness pursuits:
Saturday: CrossFit
Workout 14.2 For as long as possible: From 0:00-3:00, 2 rounds of: 10 overhead squats, 95 / 65 lb. ,10 chest-to-bar pull-ups. If completed, from 3:00-6:00, 2 rounds of: 12 overhead squats, 95 / 65 lb., 12 chest-to-bar pull-ups. From 6:00-9:00, 2 rounds of: 14 overhead squats, 95 / 65 lb., 14 chest-to-bar pull-ups, and so on, if of course, you are able to get that far.
The second round of the CrossFit opens, the world-wide CrossFit competition had us performing overhead squats and chest-to-bar pull-ups – squatting with a large bar suspended overhead, and pull-ups that get you so close to the bar that your chest can touch it. Feeling very, very sore from a few weeks of easing back into lifting, walking, and running, I found it very difficult to squat to correct depth, which was frustrating, because the weight (65 pounds for women) is actually do-able for me. I’ve had to swallow some pride with my scores this year in the open – but I’m proud that I’m competing, proud to show up, and got myself a PR last week with my double-unders.
Sunday: BODYPUMP
Bodypump boasts a strength building workout where you complete 70-100 repetitions per body part totaling up to 800 repetitions in a single workout, with varying weights on the barbell. After last weeks ClassPass launch party, attendees were all gifted a free month of ClassPass (10 studio classes at gyms around the city), and I decided to take Bodypump as my first class at Commonwealth Sports Club, on Comm. Ave, right by the Super 88. My first (and last) attempt at the Les Mills barbell fitness class ended after fifteen minutes of me huffing and puffing, when horrifically the girl in front of me had to be taken to the hospital for a medical emergency, so I was pretty sure that any experience this time would be a better one!
The front desk folks at CSC were very nice, and you can get a parking pass to park in their back lot if you pull up to the front. The facilities are fairly large, around the amenity level of a mid level Y, and a few major plusses I noticed were the saltwater pool, sauna, towel service, and bathrooms with free razors. The class was full, and kind regulars helped be put together my equipment: a step, mat, barbell with various weights and clips that you change throughout the class. Kim the instructor was no-nonsense, a bit of a drill sergeant, and powered us through the class. I’m definitely familiar with weight lifting, but it might be overwhelming to a newbie. If I go again, I’ll up the weights, but I certainly enjoyed myself this time around.
Commonwealth Sports Club
1079 Commonwealth Avenue | Boston, MA 02215
(617) 254-1711
commonwealthsportsclub.com
