Non-intense workout classes?

Submitted by Fatcat336 t3_11d3zg3 in washingtondc

I’m a freaking baby and I want to do a workout that’s like the opposite of Barry’s, CorePower or CrossFit. I don’t want anyone yelling at me to push through the pain. I usually go to yoga for this reason, but am wondering if there’s any non-yoga, non-intense workout classes in DC. Thanks!!

EDIT: I normally thank all commenters individually but a ton of people have helped and it would be weird for me to respond to so many people so thank you so much to everyone for your generous advice!!

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beltacular t1_ja7fu2j wrote

Pilates is always a good option. I really like reformer classes- reformation fitness has two locations w/ the reformer. Barre might be a good option too. Barre 3 has several dc locations and as s whole is good about modifications.

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FreedomJarFIRE t1_ja7g066 wrote

I'd never been to a gym/class of any sort but signed up for Orange Theory when they opened near me. Seems intimidating at first but you can kinda make it as intense or as chill as you want, moment-to-moment. What I like about it is that it's fast paced enough that truly nobody is worried about anyone but themselves. I will occasionally notice someone going extra hard or just sitting there panting, but really I'm just worried about me.

A few months in and I'm just barely getting to the point I actually want to go, because I kinda have my own rhythm there now and don't totally feel like a fish out of water. It definitely doesn't seem like the sort of "anti CrossFit" you're asking for but in my experience it's way more choose your own adventure than advertised.

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candidshark t1_ja8wymx wrote

I love CorePower and feel the same way. It's intimidating if you're new to the format and don't have the fitness to get through class. But once you do it a few times you realize no one is watching you or judging you.

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FreedomJarFIRE t1_ja92x3l wrote

Word. I was highly skeptical/cynical at first and had a lot of preconceived notions about what I'd encounter. Thus far has not proven true. I started at 1x/week with zero expectations and making minimal effort in class just to get myself in the routine, and have started to increase how often I go and how much effort I put in now that I'm a little more comfortable. If it weren't for the 5-10min of waiting in the lobby before class I would recognize zero people, often I don't even know who's to my immediate left or right during class.

No meathead gym bros peacocking, no thinkfluencers filming their butts, no personal trainers going drill sergeant on you. I think I heard once from the coach "you can go for a heavier weight, this should be harder to do!" and I just said "I'm just trying to get into the routine of showing up and moving" and they were supportive.

Mind you this is in a new studio in a far less type-A city, YMMV in the DMV :)

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l_poveda t1_ja9f2gz wrote

I love OT! There are a ton of accommodations to make works out less intense on the joints and you can really go at your own pace. I’m definitely someone that sits on the floor panting but it’s a great workout. I try not to worry too much about not going hard core because the bottom line is that i’m getting my body moving.

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keyjan t1_ja7i2mu wrote

Also remember that you’re an adult, this isn’t elementary school, you’re paying the trainer, and you can do as much or as little as you like. Follow the instructions, don’t disrupt the class in any way, and ignore the yelling. Work harder as your strength increases.

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Fatcat336 OP t1_jaaz40h wrote

Lol I love the tough love I’m getting here

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Gretchen_Wieners_ t1_ja7l5th wrote

I’m the same way! I have found barre and pilates (I do mat) are similar to yoga in that the instructors are encouraging but allow you to go at your own pace without a lot of pressure.

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LessDramaLlama t1_ja7eqph wrote

You might like RTR Pilates. They have a location in McArhtur in the Palisades and another near the Friendship Heights Metro. With the intro offer, you can try a lot of different classes and instructors for a month to see how well it works for you.

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anonymousprincess t1_ja7nyfv wrote

Barre is exactly what you’re looking for. I’ve found that the Barre3 classes are really supportive and the instructors encourage you to try different modifications so you can make the exercises harder or easier depending on your body.

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HauntingHarmonie t1_ja7vwn8 wrote

I like the LesMills classes online because they have beginner versions and different lengths of workouts.You can easily work up to it and then go to the ones in person once you're up to the full hour. I also like that it's not focused on a weight loss and just about strength. I do not enjoy people yelling at me to workout either. Totally unmotivating!

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FoggyBottomBreakdown t1_ja8e91d wrote

While it can be intense cardio-wise (or at least as intense as you want it to be), I have to say that in my experience with CrossFit, I have never had someone yell at me or tell me to push through the pain. Sometimes the coaches yell out how much time is left, and sometimes people in the class will cheer you on, but it has never been combative for me. And I am not some great athlete, either.

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Fatcat336 OP t1_jaazfv0 wrote

Thanks for the feedback! Great to know that maybe it’s my perception of CrossFit and not the reality.

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FoggyBottomBreakdown t1_jac8ejj wrote

I’m not going to say it doesn’t exist, but if you were to go try a CrossFit gym and found yourself being yelled at, I would definitely go to another one!

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candidshark t1_ja8w2zr wrote

I know you said opposite of CorePower but the C1 and HPF classes are really mild and chill. You can also look for candlelit classes on the schedule where the lights are out and you can flow at your own pace. Good luck!

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Fatcat336 OP t1_jaazk4v wrote

That’s good to know! I personally had a really disappointing experience in a C1 but if so many others have good opinions maybe it was my instructor and not the classes overall. Maybe I should try again!

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candidshark t1_jab1g00 wrote

Can I ask why you didn't like C1? I just completed by 500th CPY class last week (woo!) and have done CPY in two cities and in several locations in each place, happy to share some insight.

There have been a handful of instructors I didn't like and there are studios where I didn't like the vibe. I'd suggest trying out an unlimited class package for a month and trying out different classes/studios/instructors.

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fred-gold55 t1_jaabki6 wrote

Not sure where you live but I love the classes at Fit360 in Mt Pleasant. Gym and classes are very welcoming, there is no drill sergeant boot camp mentality. Just a solid 45 minute workout with your peers.

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erigby927 t1_ja8bc3i wrote

Solidcore is another Pilates option!

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annang t1_ja8pajw wrote

Solidcore is definitely not “non-intense”!

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erigby927 t1_ja8snyv wrote

They don’t yell at you and I feel pretty supported there! It’s a good workout though.

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h3llalam3 t1_ja9qh51 wrote

There’s a place called reformation fitness that you might like. It’s reformer Pilates but they make it accessible for all fitness levels. One is on barracks row and there’s another location in Shaw.

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misstwinpeaks23 t1_ja7y88d wrote

I haven’t been in awhile, but Reformation Fitness in Shaw is great!

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OcelotControl78 t1_ja8m1m8 wrote

Iyengar yoga - I believe there is a center in Bethesda. Iyengar emphasizes using props so that everyone can do a pose correctly & without injury. Instruction also focuses on engaging discrete and correct muscle groups so that the pose is done correctly. It is incredibly effective at building strength & increasing muscle tones.

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NPRjunkieDC t1_ja8ydrx wrote

Unity Woods closed . Online only or in person with their instructors, not sure where

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statsbro424 t1_ja8s36e wrote

reformation fitness’s pilates classes sound like a good fit! i’ve done the shaw location a couple of times and they’re small (cap out at 6 ppl) and are overall much less intense than eg solidcore (much quieter music, slower paced, a bit more instruction).

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ILikeCountingThings t1_ja9vv4u wrote

The next session of fitness classes offered through DPR open for registration this Thursday I believe. I’ve only been to one type of class (spin) but from what I’ve seen the classes attract people with wider levels of athletic abilities, and instructors adjust accordingly

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Deep_Stick8786 t1_jaa2fsk wrote

Petworth Fitness is a crossfit-style gym that is relatively chill. You’ll have to learn to move in all sorts of new ways and its physically difficult, but the motivation doesn’t come from people yelling at you. People don’t drink the crossfit kool-aid nearly as much there either.

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ciminod t1_jackic0 wrote

Most boxing gyms are pretty chill. You can get a great workout, or just do your best. Def not getting yelled at

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