Alas, spring is here…sort of. April, the month traditionally prized as the bridge between the seasons, undoubtedly takes a nice time to warm up. As I write this on April 10, we’re coming out of a weekend where the mean was on the cooler side of the spectrum—the 1950s with a sipping in the air. Not ideal for an outdoor event, but I did anyway and spent Saturday at the Charlotte Fitness Sampler, sponsored by The Beauty Boost.
Craving some seasonal sunshine, fresh air, and social activity, Fitness Sampler, hosted by Sugar Creek Brewing Company and CrossFit Mecklenburg, was the perfect solution. As one of the first 50 people to sign up, I got a big bag to boot. Spring result!
It was a tidal-style fitness event, so it wasn’t necessary to sign up for every workout session. Each ticket included five consecutive 25-minute workouts, and all of these workouts were sponsored by a number of different studios. We can come and go as we please, the kind of workout I can do!
The first exercise was a warm-up exercise: an energizing yoga flow led by Jennifer Bosco, local therapist, yoga teacher, health speaker, and creator/host of The Jennifer Jonnie Podcast.
I was definitely craving the bottle of wine I drank the night before (it’s all on my own), so I skipped my second workout – sampling CrossFit from CrossFit Mecklenburg – and opted for a vegan dinner at Sugar Creek. Side note: If you’re headed home due to the pandemic and feel ready to explore, I recommend the full menu from the Belgian-inspired Sugar Creek Kitchen, which complements the Belgian Trappist-style beer.
I honestly don’t remember their food being very enjoyable. It was hard to choose between paninis, salads and small plates. But having learned that they offer Warehouse Fitness every Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, I will definitely be back for more.
After I got satiated from my two halves, I substituted in one strip with a different type of dough. Back in the warehouse, I jumped into a full-body, low-intensity workout with Pure Barre. It was like I didn’t even skip a beat.
All I can say is hellooo glutes! You’ve heard of yoga butt, but have you heard of “naked butt”? Apparently, it’s a thing, and after this exercise, I might be halfway there.
Next in the lineup was a partner’s full-body workout with Volofit South End. I love their workouts because they offer a unique class each day, but I am upset with the location. Isn’t the South End over saturated? Could someone expand to East Charlotte? Boiler? Boiler?
The last thing my booty needs is more toning, lifting, and strengthening. However, fitness trainer Adiana de la Torre Brooker caused pain. After a day, I still feel the burn.
Ending a Saturday full of great fitness was a welcome yoga flow with Charlotte Yoga and a guided meditation with Earth’s Farmacy.
Despite the cold feelings working things out, I probably found my workout limit over the weekend. After five consecutive workouts (minus one because, you know, a sandwich life), my body was so battered that I couldn’t fathom another unit. Not even hoping – sigh.
On my way to come face to face with the limits of my fitness capabilities, my physical discomfort was allayed with a free demo with Stretch Lab Dilworth. I’ve noticed the sign running through Dilworth a few times and was curious about their shows, but I never stopped.
After a brief introduction session and a restorative stretch, they have a fresh makeover. We all know stretching feels good (duh), but it also helps relieve muscle tension and reduce pain. If you’re okay with the people in your space, a Stretch Lab session will give you an extension deeper than you could possibly achieve on your own.
Let’s say you missed that specific fitness event but would like to explore more local events focused on self-care. In that case, you’ll want to keep an eye on The Beauty Boost Charlotte.
The women-owned company has created a community where women feel empowered, healthy and beautiful. They offer local events like Fitness Sampler, retreats, empowering workshops, and meetings. They even have membership options – I didn’t go that far. Why are you asking? Well, I have commitment issues…and I’m cheap (but at least I’m honest).
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