Chicago’s Equinox Gyms Add New Classes to Their Exercise Rosters

Still working on your New Year’s resolution to get in shape? 

It’s not too late thanks to one of Chicago’s top gyms, Equinox, which this spring is launching two new heart-pumping, calorie-burning classes: Tabata 2010 and Whipped!.

Exclusive to Equinox, Tabata 2010 is described as a “courageous, dynamic, group fitness class that’s scientifically proven to enhance overall physical strength, challenge tenacity, and dramatically transform the body in weeks.”

The class is made up of several intervals that include 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated eight times for a total of four minutes per interval.

Intervals can range from lunges off of the step to doing push-ups while lifting weights, and more. The class also has participants use various types of equipment such as steps, medicine balls, body bars, and free weights.

The result? As Equinox says, “Burn calories and drop body fat.” Who doesn’t like that?

Equinox’s other class called Whipped! (which is already being offered at its 900 N. Michigan Ave. and Lincoln Park locations) is all about “old school” rope training combined with intervals such as jumpbacks, planks, squats, running, and more. The rope training includes literally whipping heavy ropes up and down using your entire body with your arms and shoulders especially getting a major workout. Other equipment used during the class includes stability balls, kettlebells, and steps.

The class is designed to “elicit high anaerobic intensity in quick bursts (30 seconds of exercise followed by 30 seconds of rest) using endurance-sparking moves.”

Equinox, considered one of the higher-end gyms in Chicago, has three locations: 900 N. Michigan Ave. (map it), 1750 N. Clark St. (map it), and 200 W. Monroe (map it). There is also an Equinox in Highland Park (799 Central Ave.; map it), about 20 minutes from Chicago.

Tip: All Equinox gyms in Chicago recently upgraded their locker rooms with Kiehl’s products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion.

Photo credit: SXC