Island Girl Gets Physical

from Crown City Magazine - February 2020

Notables

Let’s Get Physical

AROUND TOWN | CHRISTINE VAN TUYL

Do you want to build a better body? You’re not alone. Most of us wouldn’t mind a stronger, firmer, more flexible physique. But which workout is right for you? Which style will meet your fitness goals and fit into your daily routine? Happily, there’s no need to leave the island to find your better-body regime. I sampled some of the most popular classes in town, and here’s the skinny on some of the island’s best workouts.

JAZZED UP

This is not your momma’s workout! Despite the retro name, the Jazzercise program has gotten a total makeover. So much more than the aerobics class popularized in the 1970s and 1980s, this hour-long dance party is a full-body workout. The pulse-pounding, beat-pumping classes are set to current pop hits, and each routine is screened by exercise physiologists to ensure it includes cardio, upper torso, abs and glute work. Instructors learn 30 new routines every 10 weeks, so there’s always something new, chipper and challenging. Choose your favorite class style, including Dance Mix, Interval, Strike and Strength. If you want a workout that torches calories and covers all the bases, bring a bottle of water, your sense of fun and an open mind. One thing you won’t need? Leg warmers.

• Jazzercise Coronado Community Center, 845 Strand Way 850-206-7708, jazzercisecoronado@gmail.com

If you’re into stress relief, cardio and fierce fighting moves, consider a class at Coronado Training Center. The Muay Thai Kickboxing class offers a fast-paced, fun and invigorating workout that’s not scary at all, even for beginners. You’ll work on some feisty kicks and punches, break a serious sweat and improve your strength and stamina. The best part? You’re learning valuable self-defense skills. The studio also offers cardio boxing, cardio-fit, and a bootcamp-style HIIT class (high intensity interval training). If you’re into something less intense but still want some serious core action, roll out your mat and tone your body at the new Mat Pilates class.

• Coronado Training Center 126 B Ave., 619-522-0988 coronadotrainingcenter.com

BREAK A SWEAT

If you’re looking for an individualized, well-rounded workout that keeps your body guessing, look no further than Sweat Equity. Loved for fast results when it comes to weight loss and reduced body fat, the hour-long Strength and Endurance classes pack a punch. You’ll get attention and guidance from a personalized trainer and a great sense of community and support. The setup, focus and intervals change daily, keeping the classes fresh and engaging. Touted as the “most complete workout anywhere,” Sweat Equity will wrangle your bod into form.

T U R N U P T H E HEAT

SPICE UP YOUR ROUTINE

Want to get an upbeat cardio workout with zero boredom and all fun? Get your dance on with Sue Allen Villalva at her Zumba class at Martial Arts America. The hour-long session delivers fast results without even feeling like a workout. The reason is simple: every class feels like a party. The routines combine cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility while dancing to both high and low intensity Latin, world and pop hits. You’ll burn loads of calories and work all the major muscle groups – including some you may have forgotten. Bring your sneakers, your smile and your sense of adventure, and leave your inhibitions at home!

• Zumba with Sue Allen Villalva Martial Arts America 1005 C Ave., 619-701-8112 sueallenvillalva@rocketmail.com

Get your om on at Coronado’s only hot yoga studio. Island Yoga is tucked away on the second floor of the Coronado Plaza, with a cheerful view of the Hotel Del and just steps from the sand. You’ll find 60-minute and 90-minute Bikram-style yoga classes, as well as Inferno Hot Pilates. If heat isn’t your thing, try the tranquil un-heated yin yoga. The friendly staff and kind and patient instruction really makes this studio shine, and with close to 30 classes a week, you’re sure to find a time and style that suits your inner yogi. Namaste.

• Island Yoga Coronado Coronado Plaza 1330 Orange Ave., Suite 210 619-537-8814