Torso Reformer
Love Pilates? Try SLT in Rye Brook (914-305-5880; www.sltnyc.com). Prepare to meet the Megaformer, and begin your newest love/hate relationship. Like the Pilates reformer, this machine has all the nuts and bolts for you to slide, push, and pull your way to a toned tummy and then some.
Combining cardio and targeting every section of your waistline throughout (you’re forced to engage your core in each exercise) is what sets SLT apart from your average abs class.
The workout, instructor Samantha Mostaccio explains, “activates slow-twitch muscles—which fire more slowly and take longer to fatigue than fast-twitch—so you’re burning more, as well as using muscles you don’t normally activate in typical exercise.”
Core Killer
When we first heard about the Core-Set Method, the latest offering from Argentinian-born local trainer Ana Gabriela, we weren’t sure if the workout, which incorporates elements of yoga, Pilates, ballet, and functional exercise—a way of training muscles to work together for optimized real-life movement—would be tough enough to really work our core. Within five minutes of the 90-minute class, we were quite sure.
Gabriela, our cover star back in 2006 (yes, we were already fans), works her students hard during this multifaceted class, moving quickly and (well, somewhat) fluidly between the exercise ball, yoga mat, barre, and back again. While you sweat, she’s monitoring your form, making sure your abs are tucked into a corset—get it?—shape for maximum engagement. You’ll sweat, grunt, and probably whine, but your waistband will thank you. For more info and class locations, contact Gabriela at anagabrielamethod@gmail.com.
