My Three Workout Necessities & Favorite Gyms/Studios
The world is opening up again. Which, for workout enthusiasts like me, means getting back into your favorite gyms and studios! Don’t get me wrong - I love my peloton classes, my Melissa Wood Health & at-home strength circuits; but there’s just something electric about a class setting - like getting to show off to the world your latest matching set!
No matter where I’m going or what I’m doing - there are three things I find absolutely necessary to ensure a great workout:
An Insulated Water Bottle
I love my Hydroflask water bottle. I have the 32 oz wide mouth in pacific, and it’s excellent. I take it everywhere. It’s light enough that it’s not a nuisance to carry while hiking (and has a very convenient flexible handle!), and large enough that I don’t run out and have to refill mid-class. For me, having an insulated bottle is key - there’s nothing quite like taking a long sip of ice cold water midway through a sweat session. I also adore my patterned silicone bumper that I got to help protect my water bottle from dings and dents when I inevitably drop it.A Belt Bag
I find these so necessary I have two! The one I have shown is my lululemon fanny pack - which is what I use when popping into any studio. It perfectly holds my phone, keys, sunglasses, mask, and a smaller wallet. Honestly, I even use this belt bag as a purse more often than not when going out!
The second one I have is more specific to road running. My running belt is a smaller, both band and storage-wise. It really only fits my phone and keys, which is all I need when out for a run. The band is also adjustable and tight to the waist to prevent uncomfortable bouncing. If you are a runner or want to start jogging, I highly recommend getting yourself a run belt!A Functional & Fashionable Workout Set
Okay, this one is not completely necessary per se - you don’t have to look cute while working out! When I started working out, it was old navy running shorts, $10 target sports bras, and old tee shirts galore. Sometimes, I even still rock those looks! But I do admit - I love my coordinating workout sets. They make me feel good while I break a sweat; and who couldn’t use a little burst of confidence now and then? This set is from alo yoga, and is perfect for low impact workouts. I’m rocking their delight bralette & high-waisted airbrush legging, both in parisian pink (obviously, a color made for me)!
Gyms have been back open for a little bit, but if you’re in the Jersey City / Hoboken area and have been sitting on your laurels, wondering where to go… wait no further! And even if you’re not in this area, all places mentioned are chains (barring those specifically stating they are not), and you will most likely be able to find one near you.
If You Want a Sweaty, Hard Workout, try:
Crossfit Hoboken at 38 Jackson St, Hoboken
I first got into crossfit when on our honeymoon. We went to Kauai Crossfit because a friend of mine’s husband is the head coach and I caught the bug immediately. So as soon as we got home, I found the closest crossfit gym, joined, and I go three times a week. I love that the workouts are different every day, always hard, and always make me feel so strong and accomplished.Orange Theory Fitness at 475 Washington Blvd, Jersey City
I have been going to OTF for years, and still go once or twice a week. I love that it varies daily, and incorporates the three elements of tredmill, rower, and floor. I also love the semi-frequent ‘challenges’ OTF gives out, like Hell Week and Mayhem!Soul Cycle Hoboken at 1400 Washington Street, Hoboken
We all know and love soul cycle! I have to admit, since the pandemic and getting (and loving) my peloton, I haven’t really gone back to Soul. However, if you don’t have an at-home bike and love high energy spin classes, Soul Cyle is the place to go. Nothing even begins to compare!
If You Want more of a Barre & Pilates Vibe, go to:
/impact/ at 603 Willow Ave, Hoboken
This is the only studio on the list that is not a chain, and it’s first in this category for good reason: there is nowhere like it. Founded by the impeccable Caroline Lellouche, /impact/ is a safe space for fitness. It’s a one stop shop for barre, pilates, HIIT, dance, strength, sculpt (and more) classes, and they’re all challenging and al fun. I’ve known and loved Caroline as an instructor since her pure barre days, and honestly love her studio.Pure Barre at 207 Van Vorst Street, Jersey City
It’s the classic! If I want a straight forward, down and dirty, classic barre class, I’m going to pure barre. Back when I lived in Manhattan I had their unlimited membership and went almost daily! Now, I stick with their class packs and going is such a treat.SLT at 333 15th Street, 3rd Floor, Hoboken
SLT stands for Strengthening your Core, Lengthening your limits, and Toning your body. Honestly, my favorite part about this studio is the access to the pilates reformer! These classes light your core on fire and are such a great low-impact challenge!
What are your workout necessities and favorite places to go? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to follow along on all of my adventures (inlcuding those in fitness!) at my instagram @sarah.kowalchuk!
xx, Sarah
