A Different Mile High Club

The NYC fitness scene is a constant influx of boutique fitness classes. From Soulcycle to Barry's from SLT to Barre 3 from Prana Yoga to Modo Yoga, there is an endless supply of ways to break a sweat. I find it interesting when newcomers show up on the scene to see how they will position themselves differently from the rest. The cult following that many of these places now have didn't happen by coincidence. From personal experience a combination of branding/marketing, instructors, and convenience all play huge factors in peoples allegiance to one place vs another. Today while feeling rather uninspired by thought of a trek to the gym, I remembered a new place that has garnered some recent media attention, Mile High Run Club. Conveniently located right on the Bowery, I was curious to see how this workout compared to the normal NYC go to treadmill torture session at Barry's. As many boutique places have started to do, the first class is free so you can see what they are all about. I headed over to their website typed in the promo code (you get it when you call) and picked my treadmill. The ease and sleek design of the website was comparable to that of Soulcycle. Speaking of Soulcycle, this place has been dubbed the Soulcycle for runners so I was curious to see how a treadmill could become a place for soulful reflection.

When I walked in the studio it was more or less what I expected. Sleek, clean, a few products and clothing for sale, and a front desk. After checking in I headed to the locker room to get ready for class. While the space and design was amazing the space is tight. I imagine for morning classes the getting ready space and shower time is limited. The vibe is definitely still that of a new studio. Most people seemed to be newbies as well glancing at others to see where they were waiting etc. I have noticed this with places that just open. The energy before class is often slightly low and a bit hestitant as people aren't sure what they are about to get themselves in to. Once hte instructor, Elizabeth, opened the studio I was amazed at the set up. Awesome turf floors, Woodway treadmills, and blacklights. The class got started with some squats, butt kicks, and high knees to get the blood pumping. We then hopped on the treadmill for 5 sets of intervals. On your treadmill you have a cheat sheet of what you should be targeting pace wise when the instructor says to turn it up to Level 1,2,3 or 4. There are two options beginner/intermediate and advanced/sprinter. Two sets were flatter roads (although nothing is done below a 1% incline) and the other three sets were hills going all the way up to 7.0%. The way it worked for the most part was two minutes at a Level 2 and then two minutes at a Level 3. After the intervals we hit the floor for some Kettlebell work. I have to say I loved the addition of the Kettlebells. The only unfortunate thing is that they don't offer the Kettlebell work in the longer 1 hour "The Distance" class. Only the 45 minute class has it. A quick stretch (that could have been more dyanmic) and we were out the door.

This class really is all about what you put into it. I ran approximately 3.5 miles in the 30 ish minutes we were on the treadmills but I saw others who ran about 2 miles. This is great because you can really tailor the workout to your fitness level however I think it can lower the energy level slightly when there are so many varying fitness levels. I think this will definitely become a place that you will have to book in advance to get prime class times. A little more energy from the instructors and wearing out some of the newness of the studio and I think many more New Yorkers will be joining the Mile High Club.

xx B