Ready to Ditch Davis?
By: Mimi Feteiha
Villanova’s Davis Center is a super convenient location for exercise. The Davis Center, along with Stanford and Farley, offer numerous weight training and cardio equipment that allow for you to successfully workout in the way you want. Last year, my Davis sessions came to consist of a three mile treadmill run, a fifteen minute ab workout, and a twenty minute leg and glute period. Towards the end of my first semester, I found myself in a rut; I became tired of the same repetitive workouts, but didn’t know how to break out of my concrete exercise regime. In search of a change, I began visiting facilities nearby recommended to me by other Villanovans. I came across numerous places which cater to your individual workout preference, adding excitement to your routine!
Barre3 in Rosemont
Photo via @barre3rosemont
If you’ve never heard of barre, it’s a full body workout that focuses on toning your muscles through small--but killer--repetitive movements. Barre often incorporates positions from yoga and Pilates, among other things, depending on your instructor. When I visited Barre3, I noticed the age group was diverse; I was in a class with other Nova students, recent graduates, and typical suburban moms. Even though I was in a substantial amount of pain, and the moms kicked my ass, I found this workout perfect for targeting and tightening. The low, repetitive squats with a resistance band left my legs burning. Although Barre3 mostly utilizes legs and butt, it also requires a consistently tightened core, allowing you to hold the correct posture and breathing.
Final thoughts: I left Barre3 feeling accomplished; I couldn’t walk the next day, but it was definitely a good sore. I recommend Barre3 to those who want to shape and strengthen their body. This is especially a good workout if you hate cardio, but love working out!
Soulcycle in Suburban Square
Soulcycle has an undeniably intimidating reputation. The first time I rode at Soul, I was pounded with worries; I feared that employees would sniff me out as a fake cycler, I feared that I wouldn’t be able to keep up, but mostly I feared the judgment from crazy-fit Soulcycle junkies. I quickly realized that the preconceived notions of a critical environment were far from the truth. As soon as I entered the cycling room, a friendly employee helped me set up my bike. Before the class started, the Soul instructor asked if anyone was a new rider; I reluctantly raised my hand and was surprised when the so-called “junkies” started clapping for me. The class itself was consistently challenging and captured my interest throughout the duration of the 45 minute session. Soulcycle is beat centered, meaning the riders strive to pedal to the beat of diverse songs, while on fluctuating resistance. The ride additionally activates your arms and core through various handlebar movements. I especially enjoy how Soulcycle is dedicated to creating a supportive and optimistic environment to help build a more confident you.
Final thoughts: This chain cycling class is perfect for students who love cardio and need an outlet for stress. The only inconvenient qualities about Soulcycle is the cost of $30 per class and the further location.
Bulldog Yoga in Villanova
Photo via @bulldogyogavillanova
Bulldog Yoga was highly recommended to me by my friend Grace McGowan. Located at about a ten minute walk from campus, next to Starbucks and First Watch, Bulldog Yoga seems to be the most conveniently located compared to the previously mentioned facilities. Bulldog Yoga offers classes for varying levels of experience. As a beginner, I enrolled in the Bulldog Basics class, a class that focuses on establishing the foundations of yoga; this session was relaxed, as the instructor demonstrated common stretches and balancing postures utilized. I enjoyed the relatively pop and alternative music selected by my instructor, rather than the typical instrumental music associated with yoga. Grace, a Bulldog Yogi, later explained the more difficult classes to me. Bulldog Yoga offers Activate, Invigorate, and Exhilarate. Activate is another beginner class; it’s dedicated to allowing you calmly work your entire body through slow, dynamic movements. Invigorate is a notably more intense class, which includes fast, aerobic movements that lead to a full body workout. Lastly, Exhilarate is the most advanced class offered at Bulldog Yoga; this class increases the intensity of Invigorate in order to increase cardio and strengthening challenges. All of the classes, with the exception of Bulldog Basics, are heated. Grace recommended beginners attempt Activate a few times before moving to the more difficult classes.
Final thoughts: I loved how Bulldog Yoga incorporated a modern twist on yoga. Although I enjoyed the class, I’m personally not a yoga person; as a busybody, I’m incapable of mastering the breathing and meditating aspects necessary for yoga. I believe these classes are perfect for those who enjoy a more tranquil form of exercise. Bulldog Yoga offers an incredible student specialty fee of just $23 for their first five classes!
