We have a love-hate relationship with working out. We love how we feel after, but sometimes #thestruggleisreal. What if we exercised in a spa-like environment with all the bells and whistles: upbeat classes, steam rooms, and massage tables just steps away? It’s safe to say we’d forget about the whole hate part. And that’s exactly what exhale is like. We sat down with exhale Battery Wharf’s Core Fusion teacher, Chrissy Snyder, for a peek into what it’s like to be a member. Read up, then get your sweat on.
Credit: exhale
Rue La La: You started taking classes and then moved to teaching. What inspired you to make the switch?
Chrissy Snyder: I loved the way the teachers sounded in class. The way that they instruct is very graceful, and I wanted to hold myself to the same professional, polished standard that they do. I also was so into barre, and I knew I’d be learning so much more about it if I trained to teach it.
RLL: Favorite class to teach and favorite class to take – go!
CS: Favorite class to teach is barre. I have to use more of my words and my brain. Favorite class to take is sport because I feel the most confident doing it – I feel like a boss. But our new HIIT class, Core Fusion Extreme (CFX), is also a new favorite of mine. I love that about exhale: We offer these intense strengthening classes, which can be paired with something like yoga. All the short, strengthening movements are so good for you, but stretching in tandem helps to relieve any tightness.
RLL: What is the biggest change you’ve seen from core fusion?
CS: It takes inches off of people. When I first started taking core fusion three to four days a week, I lost five pounds. And once I was teaching full-time, I dropped another ten pounds. And I was eating all the time. Being consistent with three to four days a week while making time for rest days – the results are unreal.
RLL: Why do you think exhale is such a popular spot?
CS: The athleticism of the classes and the focus on alignment over movement. Our classes are very strict on positioning. I’ve been to other studios where you don’t do as many full-range movements, but I think it’s very important. It lets people really feel and understand how their bodies are working.
RLL: Do you have a go-to song to get the energy up or bring it down?
CS: Core fusion has to be taught at a certain heart rate level (BPM) for the movements to make sense. The Jessie Block remix of Alicia Kerra’s “Wild Things” is a great high-energy opener, and Aluna George is also totally killing it right now. But I’m always changing my playlist. I switch it up every two weeks to keep things fresh.
RLL: Any advice for new students who are interested in trying exhale for the first time?
CS: Always come 15 – 20 minutes early so that you can see all that we have to offer: the steam rooms, the locker rooms, the hammam. It’s important to get the full experience. I recommend going to barre first before any other class. It provides a foundation for what we do in all classes. And it’s what we’ve specialized in from the very beginning.
RLL: Workout style vs. personal style?
CS: When I’m teaching, I like to wear athleisure – usually something a little looser that makes me feel relaxed. Joggers are great. When I’m taking class, I wear tight leggings or crops. Offline, I’m so basic. I have like eight jumpers and rompers, they have pockets, they’re good to go (just add a necklace).
By Kim Watson, Staff Writer
