Without a doubt, I love waking up on Saturday mornings and having my whole day set out ahead of me. If I start the day off with a hot yoga class or stay in bed a little extra longer with a bowl of oatmeal, I have satisfaction in knowing Saturdays are my free days to do anything fun and productive I please. During the summer, I had to work every single one (at least 9/10 times) so as this fall came around, I wanted to make sure I got the most rest and relaxation I could when the weekend came.
This past Saturday, I had the chance to be extremely active while at the same time, enjoying the day work and study-free. I was invited to try out a class at River North’s newest workout facility – Studio Three – and couldn’t resist it. Naturally, I figured an 8:30a.m. spin class was the ideal way to kick my morning off with a bang.
When I learned a bit about Studio Three, I was seriously impressed to hear that three different types of classes are offered. The best part about the studio, aside from the fact Real Good Juice Co. is right in the entrance, is the three different floors of exercises in the one complex. From strength training (yoga and high intensity interval training) to cardio (peloton cycling), you can bet you’ll be getting your money’s worth while switching up your workout daily. Sounds pretty amazing to me – especially since cycling is the only form of cardio I enjoy. Most of their spin instructors have taught at my favorite spin studio, Flywheel, which is when you know the classes gotta be good.
Because I took class on the last day of their “preview week”, Real Good Juice Co. unfortunately was not in session. Now that this is the first week in full business, you ARE able to get a smoothie, juice or snack from the stand and trust me – you must. I’ve been to Real Good Juice Co’s location in Old Town and their smoothies/juices will blow you away.
Despite not getting a smoothie post-workout, I did however get to preview the amenities from the all-white changing rooms and locker area on the third floor to the larger than life yoga studio with hanging fabric light fixtures. I immediately wanted to do a yoga class by just having one quick peak into the room. It reminded me of one of those yoga studios you see out of New York City or some lavish workout facility where celebrities go. I was completely lured in.
As for the spin class: Each of the bikes in the studio is arranged in a stadium fashion with a broadcast sound system, concert lighting and Peloton bikes with attached high definition screens. Before coming into class, I had no idea what Peloton bikes were and how they performed differently than your average stationary bikes. As my instructor Dani mentioned to our class, Studio Three is the only exercise facility in the city (and U.S. – aside from NYC) that has these bikes! This makes Chicago look pretty darn official.
The bikes have magnetic resistance which allows you to gradually increase the resistance in your ride without feeling stuck or going from 0 to 100 in one turn. I’ve experienced that difficulty with other bikes but these Peloton ones are wonderful assisting to your specific needs. On the high definition monitors connected to the handle bars, riders can see their RPM with a leader board of every member in the class. Fun fact: I definitely was ranked in between 15-20. Not the fastest spinner in the room by any means but seeing your score against others is great motivation to reach a new goal!
My instructor, Dani, delivered an excellent ride with motivational encouragement throughout and step-by-step instructions on where our RPMs should be at, how many songs we had left and which songs were heavy on resistance or would include a few intervals. Studio Three is different than other studios by the way they deliver their music. The playlist for the class had already been previously programmed, as Dani did nothing but adjust the volume next to her on a small dial. No computer hogging up space like most classes I’ve been to in the past. The selections of songs were upbeat and all remixed, but per my request, I would have loved it to be a little bit louder. Music is everything when it comes to a good workout!
As about ten minutes were left in class, it was time to do one-song’s worth of weights focusing on our arms. My favorite part of class. At this point in the class, I was so tired to continue spinning while also lifting two 3-pound weights but it helps add a little umph to the end of the workout.
By the time the class was finished, I was ready to face-plant into breakfast and a hot coffee. Followed by signing up for my next class – whether it be spin, high interval training or yoga. Being so conveniently located in the heart of Chicago, it’s hard to say no to a workout at Studio Three – especially with up to date technology, organic fresh post-workout food and incredibly talented instructors. You can count me in!
To check out the classes offered, schedules and class rates at Studio Three including a monthly unlimited package for all three workouts for $300 head on over here.
-Addie
*This post was sponsored but all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
