Now that school is back in session, leisure time is limited, so we have to spend our few breaks wisely!! Instead of scrolling through Netflix, choosing what new show we’re going to binge watch, we should be scrolling around the new flywheel app with schedules for all workout classes and their specific times, locations, and instructors. Lucky enough, Flywheel has early morning classes so you can go to the 6:30 am class, shower there, and head straight to school. This specific class is so convenient, plus you start your school day extra energetic. Flywheel has barre classes, which work mainly on core and legs. There is also a very intense and motivating spinning class that costs only $15 for students!

Another simple workout is the seven minute app. It consists of a system of quick workouts that focus on exercising your core, legs and arms. If you are too busy studying that there isn’t enough time to hit the gym, then this app is perfect; you can easily work out for a small amount of time plus it never hurts to release some endorphins. You will see quick results with no regrets!

Now, for your workout outfit. Working out is always so much more fun when you look good. A classic go to is a long sleeve dri fit shirt. It’s tznius and is perfect for working out. You can get these anywhere from the Nike store to Nordstrom. Additionally, a great pair of workout leggings are always a necessity, and they can easily be worn under a flowy skirt. The BP section at Nordstrom has some great, affordable workout wear, and if you really want to go all out, Flywheel has a line of comfortable workout clothing!

– Leora Kroll and Remi Feintuch

I left the Sunpass at home, so my heart sank when, on the Turnpike, I reached my first, then second, then third toll (my dad is going to kill me). Then I drove around the FIU campus, searching for the Recreation Center; I even had to pull a roll-down-the-window-and-ask-a-student-for-directions. When I finally parked in one of the only not-reserved-for-faculty-and-students parking spots and walked up to the front of the gym, the doors were locked, and the only person there was some Slovakian dude. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, someone opened the doors, and I practically sprinted upstairs to find the room.

All my panic was for naught; I was one of the first to arrive. (One lady spent so long looking for the Recreation Center that she arrived an hour and a half late!) There were seven of us students, plus one amazingly beautiful and fit instructor. Our trainer, Kerry, taught us about Piloxing’s creator Viveca Jensen, the five principles of the workout, the Piloxing motto “Sleek, Sexy, Powerful,” and the structure of the class. The choreography is split into “blocks” — or sets of moves. The blocks alternate in a pattern of Boxing, Pilates, and Dance-inspired moves. There are no breaks in the class; we are continuously moving and switching between higher intensity and lower intensity cardio and core-tightening blocks. Although I Pilox twice a week, the instructor course was surprisingly difficult.

Some would find a smaller group intimidating as it is much easier to be scrutinized and corrected by the instructor this way. I, however, found it not only comforting but also inspiring. Yes, I was critiqued on form, balance, and technique every step of the way. But a healthy dose of critique is humbling and motivating. Kerry’s voice still rings in my head when I practice my choreography to prepare myself to one day teach a Piloxing class: “Tighten your legs. No bouncing. Align your pelvis.”

Growing up, I never considered myself sporty or in shape. It was only in high school that I found my niche in the world of athleticism. I found exercise as a temporary hiatus from my school work, as a stress-reliever, as a way to truly feel sleek, sexy, and powerful. Of course, every type of workout has its benefits. Piloxing is such a wonderful blend of strong punching sequences, graceful Pilates moves, and fun dance breaks. It’s simultaneously intense and beautiful.

I’ve wanted to get my certification to teach the class for a while. In fact, I came very close to taking a course in October 2014. Unfortunately, my third time taking the SATs took precedence When I went online and saw there would be a class in Miami in March, I jumped at the chance to sign up. I took a risk, waking up at 6 AM, driving my terrible-at-navigating self to FIU, attending a course to learn to teach a group fitness class when I am by no means a group fitness instructor. Am I ready to share what I have learned yet? No. Will I be ready soon? Time will tell. All I know is, I can check “Become a Certified Piloxing Instructor” off of my Bucket List, and that feels phenomenal!

– Daniella Cohen

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– Francine Szerer, Eliana Linzer, & Chaya Cohen