MANAYUNK

Originally Published in Manayunk.com Magazine

By Noel Bartocci

When the neighborhood of Manayunk is brought up in conversation (besides when it’s a discussion of whether it’s Philadelphia or not…it is), two things are often mentioned; food and fitness. For every wonderful restaurant on Main Street, there is a gym in every flavor (e.g. yoga, spinning, rowing, boxing, dancing, etc.). The main drag even houses bike shops and running stores. I can only assume that outsiders perceive the local’s struggle as a constant cycle of glutton and fitness - constantly burning off the craft beer and award winning food with boxing lessons and spinning classes. I know people who will put an hour on the elliptical just so they can indulge in the mac and cheese at The Goat’s Beard (seriously, though, it is quite good).

I don’t consider myself a physically fit person, nor should I, but I do think of myself as someone who wants to stay in motion. It’s a blessing that Manayunk offers so many options to do just that. However, that blessing brings about the curse of having to choose in which to invest with so many options in front of you. Because let’s face it, any new activity we adopt is an investment, monetary and physical. How do you choose which one is right for you, or anyone else for that matter?

We’re all unique snowflakes and all that jazz – some people like to hurt, some people like a release, while others just want to be pushed. Where I fell in that spectrum started to become irrelevant as I began to wonder about how to classify the local gyms and fitness centers. Where do I go if I need to be pushed? Where do I go if I want to get centered? Where do I go if I want be challenged? I was so focused on the one right place that I became blind to the possibility of their being multiple.

Not long ago I embarked upon the herculean task of trying as many new fitness classes as possible. I would risk life and limb, as well as ego, and step out of my comfort zone to find the next thing that will keep me in motion. Enter the Manayunk.com Blog, which gave me the opportunity to write about these classes and these experiences from a perspective that I felt was mostly missing – a very normal and inexperienced one. I wanted to write about all the things that go through my head when I try something for the first time. From the anxiety to the accomplishment, the first time is always the hardest. The lofty goal of these articles was to assuage any fears and encourage anyone to try something new, while being as humorous as possible. Pain is funny. My pain…arguably funnier.

So, what have I accomplished thus far? Well, you can read the full reports (in all their, at times, gruesome glory) at Manaunk.com, but what follows is a progress report. 

Fitness Studio: Tapasya Yoga Manayunk

Class: Hot Yoga Dynamics

Instructor: Schuyler Ferguson

Class Description: A class designed to focus on movement, balance, agility, flexibility, and motor control. The website states that this is not a Vinyasa class or typical Bikram, but something else that also incorporates “pranayama, shavasana practices, and simple meditations at the completion of every class.”

Takeway: Being an easily frustrated yoga student in the past, I found this class to be more agreeable to my sensibilities. It wasn't a set-up/pose, set-up/pose, repeat structure that sometimes would allow me to get in my own head about "doing it right." It was more of a steady flow from one position to the next, allowing time to ease into each position in an organic way and really settle. Admittedly, I am person that has trouble relaxing, but the silent meditation provided after an hour+ of smooth motion was as close as I've ever come.

(Semi) Pro Tip: Hydrate. A lot. Bring a towel - or two. Being a thick kid of Italian and Mexican descent, I look at the sun and break a sweat, so if I can handle it, I venture to guess that many, many can with proper preparation.

Instructor Notes: Schuyler is simultaneously patient and stern in his direction, that it seems impossible not to just follow his lead. He will not let you flounder nor will he disrupt the pace of the class. It's a delicate balance that he appears to have mastered.

Fitness Studio: Joltin’ Jabs

Class: Boxing

Instructor: Joltin’ Joey DeMalavez

Class Description: Learn discipline and self defense, build confidence, gain strength and agility, increase stamina and endurance, and lose weight. Full body boxing regiment and work out.

Takeaway: I still have trouble understanding the term "a good hurt," but by golly does it apply to a class at Joltin' Jabs. All levels are welcome because Joey leads the class as a collective, but tailors workouts to your needs. The class size was intimate enough for him to give a legit trained boxer direction and then turn around and patiently show us the correct way to throw a punch. It was a fantastic butt kicking, if that is such a thing. 

(Semi) Pro Tip: If you have a sensitivity to good natured shouting and/or foul language, then either prepare yourself or reconsider trying the class (which really should not be a deal-breaker). Not one iota of the intensity expressed in the class is in poor taste or derogatory, but a bomb or two will likely be dropped, especially as everyone around you pushes themselves to the limit.

Instructor Notes: Joey is brimming with so much energy that it's impossible to be lazy in his presence. His power as an instructor lies within the palpable excitement he has during the entire hour class. Try, just TRY to resist pushing your limits with him at the helm.

Fitness Studio: The Wall Cycling Studio

Class: Indoor Cycling

Instructor: Juliet Sabella

Class Description: 45 minutes of an incredible cardio workout with the area's most encouraging instructor's. The class is broken up by songs with breaks in between and tension on the bikes can be adjusted so all skill levels encouraged to join.

Takeaway: Encouraging doesn't quite cover how masterful Julie was with guiding all the riders early on that Saturday morning. More than any class I've tried so far, I was most pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed cycling (who would've thunk it). I fell for the narrative she would share through each timed out song, guiding us up and down in speed and resistance, encouraging us to never stop. It really worked for me.

(Semi) Pro Tip: If new to riding, get there early so you can get help fitting your bike. Yes, clamp your feet. Yes bring water. Yes, your butt will be a bit sore. Just keep going. The 45 minutes is segmented into such digestible chunks that it flies by.

Instructor Notes: I know I keep saying a variation of the same thing, but darn it if it isn't true…Julie was so positive and inspiring with her direction that she made what could've been considered a trial to be a genuine pleasure. Her kindness extended to before and after the class as well, and you can tell, that's just how she operates.

Fitness Studio: Never Give Up

Class: Boot Camp

Instructor: Ali Jackson

Class Description: Intense, sweaty, and challenging. Work your way through this full- body, one- of- a kind, circuit- series workout. Get ripped, lean, fast, and strong with this all- in- one, boot camp style, fast paced class. You will walk out feeling LIMITLESS!

Takeaway: Despite the fact that I was only able to complete half of this class (due to comically busting my face on a treadmill), I can't speak ill of it and wholly admit that it is effective. Even when sidelined, I was inspired to keep going. Sure, the loss of skin on my face and ice packed against my mouth was a deterrent, but I still wanted to.

(Semi) Pro Tip: Know your limits. Love your limits. Push them gradually. Don't, and this is just an example I'll randomly pull out of thin air,  try to run on a treadmill going a billion mph because the guy in front of you did and you’re bursting with adrenaline.

Instructor Notes: Ali proved herself to possess a very important skill - calm in the face of crisis. Sure, it was my crisis, but the speed in which she addressed my injuries (physical and mental) was top notch. I was happily pushing myself, but the moment I became overzealous and pushed too hard, reality literally grinded my face against a running tread. I was mortified but Ali, her protégé, and the class were nothing but kind, supportive, and most importantly, carried on with the workout. I really do think it would've been more embarrassing if a dozen people were staring and babying me. Great people, great class, and great staff.

What have I learned from trying new things? Well, in addition to surprising myself and enjoying things I never thought I would, I’m not entirely sure. I have learned to embrace my ability to just jump in. Taking these classes has fed that little adventurous spirit I must had buried deep a long time ago. Now when people suggest something, I find myself agreeing. Salsa lessons? Bring it. Painting classes? Sure. Broad Street Run? I’m in. Skydiving? Ehhhh…maybe. Speed-dating? Whoa, there – slow down.

Okay, maybe I have more to learn. I’ll keep trying new things, dig out that little spirit a bit more, and get back to you on my progress.

If ever you’re anxious about trying something new or think that you’ll look like a fool, just remember, there’s that guy that head-butt a moving treadmill in front of a bunch of super fit people and lived. If that’s the bar, you’re bound to surpass it…so just go for it. 

Noel Bartocci is a local freelance writer and is part of our new initiative to get local voices into the Manayunk Magazine. Interested in writing about your community? Email Shannon Geddes at sgeddes@manayunk.org.