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Society Barbell & Fitness, one of Brickell's hottest CrossFit gyms, has announced an awesome new HIIT Class, for those looking to burn fat and build lean muscle.Lead by Head Coach and Programming Director Tony Carvajal, "Society Fit," combines elements of metabolic-conditioning, HIIT, Boot Camp and Plyometric Training, eliminating the barbell from your workout. Using only ropes, medicine balls, boxes, dumbbells, kettle bells and agility equipment, Society Fit is a great option for both CrossFitters and non - CrossFitters alike, requiring zero prior experience.If you've never been to Society Barbell & Fitness, we highly recommend dropping in for a Society Fit class and taking advantage of their "first class free" offer. Society Fit classes are Monday through Friday at 12pm and 4:30pm. For more information, visit www.BarbellSociety.com.

Popular North Miami Beach fitness facility, FitShop NMB, has announced an exciting new kid and teens performance program in partnership with Fort Lauderdale training facility, Elevate.Scheduled to start at the end of the month, the eight week program will have an exclusive 10 spots for each of the Youth Development (Ages 5-10) and General Sports Performance (Ages 11-15) divisions.

Additionally, FitShop NMB is looking for trainers who want to join their expanding team. More info on how you can join a must-try Miami gym is below.

Brazil’s popular Vibe Class is now calling South Beach home. This completely new style of workout consists of dynamic, high-intensity exercises featuring the world’s only computerized vibrating platforms. Vibe Class consists of 10 vibrating stations with a different movement at each one. You repeat the cycle of movements three times, each time progressing the movement for higher intensity, depending on your level of fitness. The best part? You get a killer workout in just 30 minutes.Ideal for the person on the go, Vibe offers you the option to drop in any day, any time, and just get your workout in on your own schedule. In addition to the personal trainer on staff, each platform is run by “Gina,” the Virtual Trainer, who will lead through each movement by demonstrating on the screen above. Your vitals and heart rate will also be monitored through a heart rate monitor provided by Vibe.

“The vibrating plate concept started with astronauts. Their muscles would atrophy from lack of gravity,” says Lanelle Phillips, who handles marketing and sales for Vibe. “The vibration allowed them to regain strength at an accelerated rate. The same concept applies with our workouts- this way we are able to make it challenging in only 30 minutes.”Vibration techniques gained popularity with the introduction of the Power Plate, and also evolved in the pro athlete realm, with many using it for flexibility, posterior alignment and injury repair to joints. The tension from the vibration makes conventional exercises harder, thus speeding up the process and allowing you to achieve more in less time. And ladies, listen up: it’s said to release toxins, burn fat and help with cellulite control.I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek into the workout with one of the trainers, Paola Garcia, in the weeks before Vibe opened. I was skeptical in thinking I would get an effective workout in 30 minutes. Personally, I train six days a week for an hour or more. But I was wrong.

I worked through each station. Weighted lunges, squats and even the most basic of exercises require extra effort, balance and core strength when combined with the vibration plate. I was pleasantly surprised by the end of the first round. Paola quickly progressed my movements for round 2 to challenge me even more. At round 3, my legs were begging me to stop! By the end, I was just as sweaty and winded as I would have been after an hour in the gym.Vibe also offers cardio equipment like self-propelled treadmills and bikes, and even a boxing station. Doors opened south of 5th on August 1. Membership is $199 per month, but the first 30 people to sign up will lock in a rate of $99. There’s also a mid-day madness special: if you can work out between the hours of 12 and 3 pm, you can get a membership for $109. For more information, visit www.vibeclass.com.

I took my first Pilates class during my senior year of college. I needed to add a few credits to my schedule in order to graduate, so I decided to pick-up a fun elective and chose Pilates. I enjoyed the class, especially the part where the final consisted of demonstrating two to three Pilates exercises in front of the class, but I didn’t pick up anymore classes after graduation. Fast forward three years later and I found myself with a severely sprained ankle after what probably wasn’t the best combination of wine, heels that were way too high, and goofing around with friends on a slippery dance floor. I wound up in an aircast, crutches, and physical therapy three times a week.

The physical therapy helped strengthen my ankle and get my range of motion back, but after the sessions allotted to me by my insurance company were finished, I still found my ankle to be weaker than the one that hadn’t been injured. I was given some exercises I could do at home, but then I remembered that Pilates was a low impact fitness method designed to improve strength and flexibility. I started to take some classes as a way to build on what I worked on in physical therapy, so that I could continue to work on getting my strength back and get back into the workout groove after not having been very active for two months.

It was a similar experience that led Aliza Bixon to add Pilates to her rehabilitation program after a back injury and surgery. Transformed by the benefits of Pilates, the dancer and choreographer found a new career path and, along with her friend Shana Kruger, decided to open Pilates on the Beach in 2008.

A neighborhood boutique studio, Pilates on the Beach has attracted a wide range of clientele including high profile athletes, Miami Heat dancers and Dolphins cheerleaders, and clients of all fitness levels and ages. Both private rehabilitation and group classes are offered and with only eight reformers in the studio, group students still get hands on training from instructors. “It’s a great compliment to any sport and physical therapy” says Bixon who sees athletes from golfers to swimmers to dancers, coming to take class.

Every instructor at Pilates on the Beach is certified in Pilates and instructors frequently take continuing education and specialization courses through the Pilates Method Alliance. Specializations include Pilates for Rehab, Pre & Postnatal Pilates, Pilates for Athletes, and the Pink Ribbon Program – a specialization designed not only to help to breast cancer patients regain their range of motion following surgery, but to improve strength, self-esteem, and quality of life.

With over 500 exercises in the Pilates system, classes are offered to cater to all levels and preferences. Bixon recommends the Jumpboard class to those looking for a more cardio intense workout, while the All Levels class can be great for both beginners and experienced students. The studio’s goal is for students to bring the elements they learn in class, like body awareness and posture, into their everyday lives.

Classes are offered mornings, lunchtime, and evenings. Both group and private sessions are available for purchase online and the studio is also part of Class Pass.

Pilates on the Beach is located at 712 W 51st Street in Miami Beach. There is free parking available.

For information on class packages and schedules, please visit www.pilatesonthebeach.com.

After a much anticipated wait, Brickell City Centre is slowly starting to open. EAST Hotel, the luxury lifestyle hotel is among the first to welcome visitors, and with it comes their posh fitness center dubbed Body By East (BEAST).The facility features the latest Technogym® equipment and will be accessible 24 hours a day to cater to guests’ preferred fitness regimens. Body by East (BEAST) boasts free weights and resistance machines, plus mats and plenty of stretching space. To make guests feel at home, you can plug in your music via audio jacks and jam out to your own rhythm. Body by East (BEAST) has also rolled out an app for guests to browse their monthly wellness programs of interest.

For guests who want special attention, the Guest Experience team at Body by East (BEAST) can book a local fitness pro specific to their needs.What good is a luxury hotel fitness center if it's not accompanied by a break taking pool and spa facilities to cool off and recover after a workout. The 20,000-square-foot outdoor swimming Pool & Deck area features four unique pool experiences (lap pool, spa pool, cold plunge and hot tub).For more information, visit www.east-miami.com.

If you’re an indoor cycling enthusiast like me, chances are you’ve tried studios all over the 305 like I have. What keeps me going back is the energy – the enthusiastic teachers who encourage you with their positivity, the amazing music and darkness of the room that makes you feel like you're in your own zone, and the sense of accomplishment you feel from yourself and everyone else in the room when the class has come to an end. While there are common elements in every indoor cycling and class, each one has its own unique stamp. And with so many indoor cycling options in Miami, you can try new studios until you find your perfect fit.This week I went to WynWheels. Founded by Nina Zevallos and Lisa Gaylord, it’s a no frills boutique studio designed to give each student that one-on-one feel. Most indoor cycling classes are usually big. It’s not uncommon for studios to have 30 or 40 plus bikes, so it’s easy to let yourself slack a bit if you’re in the back (It’s OK…we’ve all done it!). But with just 15 bikes at WynWheels, the intimacy of the room pushes you to give the workout your all. Instructors keep the energy high and they make sure that each student is able to maximize their workout and keep proper form for optimal results. The studio works with Polar H7 heart rate monitors linked to an app on students’ phones (this is optional and not required in order to take the class). Through the app, instructors will ask students to hit specific zones for a set amount of time. There are no leader boards in the room and the goal of this is for students to focus on themselves and their own results.First timers to WynWheels must take a free, 30 minute METHOD class. In METHOD you’ll be introduced to proper cycling form, the proper way to sit on the saddle, and the four levels of resistance used in every class. The levels are: One – recovery, One Plus – sprinting, Base – where most of the work in class is done, and Max effort – highest resistance for maximum effort. The class is really an intro to that personal touch that this studio is all about.Once students have been to METHOD, they are free to sign up for classes or purchase memberships. One of the many benefits of WynWheels is how affordable it is. Single rides are $18 and packages start at $55 for 5 rides. To me, the best value is the month to month unlimited rides for $89 per month and student specials start at $70 per month. If you’re a CrossFitter, you can purchase the WynWheels + CrossFit Wynwood combo pack for $175. They’re also on ClassPass and are currently running a special on GroupOn.One of Zevallos’s favorite things about her studio is the fact that it’s small and personal. It was an element that she and her partner Lisa found to be missing at other studios and something they knew they wanted to be an integral part of WynWheels. “It’s become like a family and we always go to brunch after Sunday’s class” says Zevallos. The studio’s chalk board walls are covered with the personal goals of students and encouraging messages. It’s a place to go and get your workout in, but it’s also a place to forge friendships and that’s a hard thing to find in the Magic City.Conclusion: If you are looking for an indoor cycling studio that is affordable, gives you one-on-one coaching, forms bonds with peers and instructors, and are unconcerned with the amenities found in pricier studios, WynWheels is definitely the place for you!What to bring: Water and shoes (can either be regular sneakers or clip-in cycling shoes). Towels are provided, but you can also bring your own.WynWheels is located at 56 NE 29th Street in Wynwood, in the same building as CrossFit Wynwood and Triple Threat Fitness.For more information and class schedules, visit www.wynwheels.com.

When you’re planning your next workout, chances are boxing has been at the bottom of the list of activities. For a long time, boxing got a bad rep for being a “too-difficult-to-even-attempt” sport that does nothing but build a bulky upper body. Not only is boxing actually a full-body physical challenge, it’s also an exercise in mental coordination and self-discipline.Boxing builds strength, agility, hand-eye coordination, stamina and power. It’s the perfect blend of the cardio your body needs, while providing the strength training your muscles crave. For Miami locals, the days of limiting boxing experiences to Rocky re-runs are coming to an end. The BOX Mia, located in Midtown, opened early this year to make boxing great again by providing a space for newcomers and pros alike to enjoy a complete workout filled with energy to last through the whole week.

As you step into The BOX Mia, the dimly lit studio and the powerful vibrations from music’s latest hits recreate the thrill of that famous walk into the ring. The studio has a boutique-sized feel with all the amenities of a full boxing studio; including a training ring, black lit group room, smoothie bar, refreshing bathrooms, and more.Facing off with your personal heavy bag recreates the intensity of staring across the ring at your opponent, while your “K.O. SCORE,” located directly overhead, acts as the judge’s scorecard. Each punch – real punches, not taps – is recorded throughout the workout for post-workout analyzing. The BOX MIAcombines the glamour, grittiness, and benefits of the sweet science in a group fitness setting where you can choose to either compete with yourself or any of the 30 other boxers in the class.

The BOX Mia uses a unique technology that allows boxers to see quantifiable results during each class. This “K.O. SCORE” brings out each participant’s competitive nature and helps them improve with every class. This added touch makes it feel less like you’re aimlessly working out and more like you’re a part of something. Whether it’s you vs. you or you vs. that dude that shows up for every 6 a.m. class, the friendly competition and measureable results keep you engaged the entire class.For myself, it was the first time actually boxing and not another “cardio party” kickboxing or barre box class. I was a little terrified of embarrassing myself – especially when I received boxing gloves and wraps for the first time of my life and didn’t have a single clue where to start. Their staff and regulars were so eager to help that once I stepped foot into the room and slipped on the gloves I instantly let go of all reservations.

We kicked it off with a warm-up jog around the room and went straight into freshening up our technique in front of a mirror. Our instructor, Angelica Segura, went through the jabs, cross, uppercuts, leg movements and pieces that made up the boxing routine. She tossed a couple of burpees in between to keep our heart rate moving. We then went straight into combinations against the boxing bags putting our practice to work and starting to work our numbers to get higher and higher.There was something about being able to look up and seeing how close you were to the next set of a hundred, for example, and turning something on within yourself to get you there. I remember losing myself in a minute of “rapid punching” and coming out of that feeling extremely refreshed and accomplished. We finished the class off with a couple of strength exercises for the whole body: crunches, planks, push ups, more burpees, and other workout favorites. We ended with a quick cool down and stretch before everyone raced to the screens to log their K.O. score and set their next goal.

#MELT ChallengeOne of the lead trainers, Angelica Segura, created a summer challenge to help revive the workout routine and get boxers excited to sweat again. Here’s how it works:

 Sign-up for 3 classes in a week, 
collect a punch card, participate and kick ass in each challenge, 
write your name, date, time, and score, g
et the card hole punched, and wait for your average score at the end of the 3 classes. 
The individual with the highest challenge score wins!PRIZES: 1 Free Class, 1 Free T-Shirt, 1 Pair of WrapsNEXT CHALLENGE DATES: AUG 15-20The BOX Mia is located at 3301 NE 1st Ave #104, Miami, FL 33137. For more information visit www.betheknockout.com.When to go: Monday through Friday starting at 6 a.m., Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 a.m.What to bring: Light clothing (you’re going to sweat), comfortable shoes, water bottle and boxing gloves (if you’ve got them)How much you’ll spend: 1 Class ($27), 3 Classes ($81), 5 Classes ($130), 10 Classes ($250), 20 Classes ($480), 30 Classes ($660), Unlimited 30 Days ($350), Unlimited 12 Months ($300), Personal Training Sessions Available

You may have found a gym, a box or a studio that you absolutely love. Or maybe you haven’t. Either way, Primal Fit Miami has something for you. What they offer is something you won’t find at every gym: the full athlete treatment, from workout to recovery. We’ve all seen LeBron get in the cryo tank after workouts. Now you can get the pro athlete treatment, too.I walked into Primal Fit at 7:20 a.m. on a Saturday. I immediately could see, smell and feel how clean it was. I was greeted with a smile by Marc, who helped me get set up with the 7:30 class. A few minutes into our warm up, in walks Matt Pack, founder of Primal Fit Miami. He immediately realized he didn’t recognize me, that I was someone new, and came over to introduce himself. I figured he made the connection that I was the girl writing an article on his gym. Later on, he asked how I found them. I said “I’m here to write about you guys.” He said “Oh, that’s you! Welcome!” He wasn’t making an extra effort because he knew I was going to end up writing about him, he was making an extra effort because that’s just what he does.

The Workouts The workout that day was a series of 45 second moves using dumbbells and body weight, followed by 15 seconds of rest. We repeated the cycle of good mornings, alternating underswitches, rotational presses, bear squats, curtsy lunges, striders, shinbox switches and bicycle callouts for a total of three rounds. Haven’t heard of these? Don’t worry, they’ll show you. We ended with battle ropes and ball slams. That was the “cardio” class, further proof that more studios are recognizing the importance of weight training in cardio.Primal Fit Miami has two classes: traditional strength training and untraditional cardio, a combination of mobility and strength. Pack says that the average member will do two days of strength training on Tuesday and Thursday and supplement with cardio classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays.“Whenever we get a new member, I find out what their goals are and recommend the best way to use our programming to get them there,” says Pack. “Our strength training is awesome because you get personal attention since only four members can work out with a trainer at a time. That gives our trainers the ability to truly watch and make sure members are performing these exercises correctly. You can’t get that kind of attention in a class of 30 people.”

The Personal Training The idea is that you’ll get personal training, in a group atmosphere, without the personal training price tag. Personal training sessions can typically run anywhere from $80-150 an hour. At Primal Fit, if you do strength sessions 2x a week, you have access to all the cardio classes you want, with strength training sessions running as low as $40 per session.“What makes us different? We’re somewhere in between CrossFit and Orange Theory,” says Pack. “CrossFit has done great things. They showed women it’s ok to lift heavy, to not be afraid of it. At places like Orange Theory, you’re using cardio machines like rowers and treadmills. At Primal Fit, we treat you the same no matter who you are; you’re a primal athlete. We get back to basics using a mix of mobility exercises with body weight and more traditional equipment like dumbbells. It’s exactly what I have been doing for years; I started in my garage, with personal training clients. Eventually I had too many people, my garage wouldn’t work anymore. So I opened a storefront. I never thought I would because I never wanted to lose that personal aspect, but we’ve found the right way to do it here.”The Recovery – Cryo, Compression & Stretch TherapyWhat’s NOT traditional about Primal Fit? Their Cryo tank, for one. Cryotherapy is an emerging trend which exposes the body to very low (subzero) temperatures for a few minutes. It is intended to ease the recovery process, help you lose weight, improve your performance, reduce pain and even help you sleep better. Some additional health benefits are said to be relief from psoriasis, fibromyalgia and arthritis.

I’ll be the first to admit: those three minutes are not pleasant. Your body truly goes into “fight or flight” mode. Once you step out of the machine, you’re tingling all over. Matt sent me to walk it out on the Curve treadmill (self-propelled; no electricity!) and I felt like I could immediately workout again. I was energized and felt, in one word: amazing.Next up: compression boots for 20 minutes. Designed for recovery and rehab, these boots will help you recover faster between trainings and after any strenuous activity. The compressed air essentially massages your legs to enhance blood flow and speed up recovery. Not to mention they feel really, really awesome.I honestly didn’t think recovery could get any better until I had a personal stretch session with Matt. His precise, calculated stretches left my body feeling rested and ready for whatever was next (in my case, just some relaxing and a protein shake, but I totally could have gone outside and ran 7 miles- I promise).The ConclusionPrimal Fit is the TOTAL experience. If you want a place where everyone knows your name, will make you feel instantly welcome, and trainers who really, truly want to help you reach your goals through positive reinforcement and personal attention, I suggest you give them a visit.“It’s all about what works for you,” says Pack. “We aren’t for everyone. Some people want to be yelled at. We hug you, we welcome, we encourage.”Primal Fit Miami offers a 21-day trial for $99. Cryotherapy, stretch therapy and compression recovery are offered in packages to non-members as well, although members do get a discount on services. For more information, visit www.primalfitmiami.com.

Whenever I take an indoor cycling class, the instructor always tells the class to increase the resistance so that we can “feel the road” beneath our stationary bikes. Now, that takes a bit of imagination, because I don’t really feel the road, I just pretend that I do. Just like I imagine that I’m cycling uphill as I add resistance and that I’m sprinting downhill as I turn my resistance to the left. All while I’m staring straight ahead at myself in the mirror. But at VirtuRide, that imagination is no longer necessary.“I didn’t want to imagine climbing the mountain, I wanted to see the mountain” says Omer Cohen, founder and CEO of VirtuRide. Frustrated with the typical and static indoor cycling studio, the former Israeli Special Ops and IRONMAN triathlete wanted to create a studio where cyclists could enjoy the feeling of riding on the road, without having to worry about the weather or safety on roads where there is often little to no separation between cyclists and cars. He’d spend the next three years perfecting his vision and VirtuRide, a first-of-its-kind full immersion indoor cycling studio, was born.Bikes are fixed to patented motion platforms with wind simulating fans and airbags under each platform to absorb shock and protect the knees and ankles. A mega screen features ride videos with roads from around the country, spliced with music videos and a playlist specially curated by a DJ for a fun packed ride. The motion platforms’ movements match the road topography in each video and incline and tilt for a realistic resistance and ride that also helps create a great core workout. Riders are given a heart rate monitor at the start of every class and screens display each rider’s heart rate and calories burned. Clip in shoes are also available.

My ride was South Florida themed and had us riding through Indian Creek, Coral Gables, Aventura, the MacArthur and Rickenbacker causeways, and the Overseas Highway to music from artists like Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris and LMFAO, with the very apropos song “Welcome to Miami” opening the ride. It felt like a party where I worked up a great sweat and had a blast while being challenged.Cohen believes that VirtuRide’s model is the future of indoor cycling. New ride videos are constantly being created in partnership with Burbank, CA based production company EMZ Productions. With plans to bring VirtuRide studios to South Beach, Las Olas, New York and Los Angeles, the future of indoor cycling is looking pretty great!VirtuRide is located at 2293 NE 164 Street in North Miami Beach. Classes are offered in the mornings and evenings and your first class is free.For more information and class schedules visit www.virturide.com.

It’s no secret Miami has Crossfit fever. There are tons of great Crossfit boxes around the city and we’ve even covered the opening of one in Brickell here, and rounded up a few of our favorites here. But that doesn’t mean the Crossfit demand has peaked. The sport has never been more popular, and demand has never been higher. That’s why this week, Crossfit Shazam opens in Brickell.Lead by Head Coach and Co-Owner Roger Caibe, Crossfit Shazam is focused on making a difference with the best coaching guided by movement, nutritional and workout advice. The box is located just east of Brickell at 1012 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33130.They are officially open for business welcoming new members with a founding promotion for $115 a month for the first 25 members, so act fast. Anyone can call and set up a FREE trial class at anytime. Their daily schedule includes WODs at 6am, 7am, 9am, 12pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.For more info, visit www.crossfitshazam.com.

It’s no secret that barre fitness workouts have exploded in popularity over the past couple years, with hundreds of boutique studios slated to open in 2016 alone. In Miami, two-and-a-half-year-old Barre Motion was a trendsetter in the movement, attracting locals and tourists alike to its pristine, award-winning space.We wanted to find out more about the South Beach studio’s rise to success, so we asked owner Dr. Julie Jacko to explain her technique – and in the process, found out that not all barre classes are created equal.Barre Motion’s proprietary formula, created by Jacko herself, is rooted in classical ballet and characterized by its unique sequence structure and progression. Don’t let this fool you however, there is no dancing involved. Jacko’s full-body, precision workouts involve a series of micro-movements that utilize body weight and resistance training techniques, giving students muscle definition without bulking.Her tried-and-true method is both intense and effective, but moreover designed to be safe. Jacko believes it is “the single best way to sculpt and tone our bodies quickly,” and there are countless testimonials from students who agree.Still not convinced barre is for you? Here are five reasons why Barre Motion classes should be part of any athlete’s workout regimen:

1. Reduce Chronic Joint Pain

Barre Motion offers safe, low-impact workouts. There is no jumping or leaping involved, which means there is no joint or back compression. By integrating an emphasis on breathing, the practice increases movement quality and reduces tension. It also strengthens the muscles surrounding major joints, like knees and elbows, which can improve power and technique in other sports (tennis, golf, etc.) without impacting the range of motion or flexibility.

2. Improve Your Posture

Every Barre Motion exercise begins with proper spinal alignment and placement in order to achieve a lifted posture. There is an emphasis on precision and form that is carried throughout the entire practice. This focus inevitably leaves students standing taller and more confidently. It’s even been proven to help alleviate back pain by decompressing the vertebrae.

3. Increase Balance and Flexibility

Every major exertion in Barre Motion is followed immediately by stretching. Muscles are exerted and stretched in sequences, enabling dramatic improvements in balance and flexibility over a short period of time. Due to its ballerina-inspired footwork, it also builds strength and flexibility in your feet, which leads to improved stability. This makes barre a great supplemental fitness option for cyclists who rarely engage feet muscles when clipped into shoes.

4. Whittle Your Waistline

Because balance and stability in class comes from steadying and engaging your core and elongating the core muscles, students can see shape changes, including a narrower waistline, quickly. Barre Motion’s interval-based programs also spike then drop your heart rate throughout the class. Interval workouts have been proven time and time again to be a more effective way of challenging the cardiovascular system, increasing fat burning and maximizing caloric burn.

5. Sculpt and Tone Without Bulking

Jacko’s primary goal in creating Barre Motion was to tone and sculpt her body. A former distance runner, she wasn’t getting the body shape she wanted, and dreamed of having a long, lean physique and sporting muscles that were as aesthetically desirable as physically strong. “Because Barre Motion’s fundamental principles stem from classical ballet, clients gain a long, lean ballerina-esque type figure,” Jacko explains. With fluid, body weight and resistance-based isometric movements that originate deep in the muscles, the method is designed to contract then extend muscles to create strength without bulking. Essentially, the unique combination of exert/stretch sequences fatigues muscles to the point of failure, then uses stretches to elongate and reshape them immediately. The results leave clients with pronounced definition and highly sculpted, lean figures.Barre Motion offers private instruction and group classes seven days per week and is located at 1560 Lenox Ave., Suite 103A, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Call the studio (305 534 8087) or check out their website to learn more.

Fitbox Method, a new Miami-based state-of-the-art boutique gym, is opening its doors in June, starting with its grand opening party on June 2nd.Featuring a revolutionary blend of cardio boxing and resistance training through high intensity interval training (Hiit) and circuit training, Fitbox Method is designed to offer a 2-for-1 (burn and tone) total body workout, specifically burning calories while building and toning lean muscle for an unparalleled workout experience.Located across the street from Margaret Pace Park in downtown Miami, Fitbox leverages Method proven “excess post-exercise oxygen consumption” (EPOC) as the “afterburn effect” that helps you to burn more calories – up to 38 hours post workout. A typical Fitbox Method workout consists of:

• 30 minutes cardio boxing
• 20 minutes resistance training
• 10 minutes of calorie burning Schwinn Airdyn AD Pro Fan Bikes

Things kick off Thursday evening with the grand opening party from 6pm-9pm. Pura Vida will be in the house offering tasty bites, along with a pop-up bar by Craft Social Club serving specialty cocktails. Complimentary cryotherapy treatments by Ice Cryo will help fitness enthusiasts recover from the day’s work out, and iShine365 will showcasing a sneak peak of their new active wear.For more info, visit www.fitboxmethod.com.

Carillon Miami Beach is hosting free, daily meditation classes on the beach all month long to celebrate May being National Meditation Month. Studies show that meditation can improve our psychological wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression and improving memory and critical thinking.What you may not know that meditation can also make structural changes to the brain? The practice can change the way that neurons talk to each other, creating new circuits and improving memory. The physical benefits of meditation can reduce blood pressure and even bolster the immune system.All month long the Carillon Miami Beach is helping people “tune out” to “tune in” to a happier, healthier and more fulfilling way of life. The beach meditation classes are Monday - Friday 7am, Saturday 8m and Sunday 8:30am.No need to stress, it’s complimentary to local residents every day for the entire month of May. And if you can’t make it, here are 3 Simple Tips for Meditating from Mindy Terry, Vice President of Spa & Wellness at Carillon.3 Simple Tips for Meditating:1) At the office: Silence your phones. Minimize your desktop and close your door. Sit in a comfortable spot, close your eyes and slowly inhale and exhale for 10 minutes.2) Nature: Sit on the beach. Tune in to the sound and smell of the clean ocean air. With eyes open, match your breathing to the ebb and flow of the waves. Try to keep rhythm with the water for 5 minutes. Do this daily, extending time slowly until you are able to sit undistracted for 20 minutes.3) Music: Pick your favorite classical music with sounds of nature. Put on your headphones, lay on your bead and close your eyes. Imagine you are in the environment (forest trail with birdsong sounds, beach with ocean waves sounds, tropical rainforest with rain sounds) for 10 minutes.

North Miami Beach is home to one of the hottest gyms in Miami, The Fit Shop NMB, led by founder Adriane Abraham. Her mission is to help people find their champion within by helping change the health of one member at a time.The "Tune Up," is one of The Fit Shop NMB's signature classes. This total body, high-intensity, functional training class, improves strength, speed, flexibility and balance through the use of equipment like kettle bells, dumbbells, boxes, battle ropes, rowers, slam balls, medicine balls, TRX and much more.Adriane loves teaching the bootcamp themed class so much, she gave us six "Tune Up" inspired leg exercises you can do on your own. Give these a try and make sure to drop-in The Fit Shop for the real thing.Up Down Kneeling SquatsTake a dumbbell or a plate and hold to your chest. Start in a low squat position, kneel down on your right knee remaining on your toes and then repeat on left side. Step forward into a low squat position (feet shoulder apart) with right foot then left. Repeat.Rear Elevated Split SquatStart by placing a mat in front of standard weight bench. Take about 3 full steps out from the bench to measure the distance of where your front foot should be (this varies by individual/knee and ankle should aligned on descend). Reach the other leg back behind you and rest the top of your foot on the bench. Slowly allow your back knee to come down until it lightly touches the mat. Make sure you focus on keeping torso upright. This movement can be bodyweight or weighted depending on level.Jump SquatStand with feet shoulder width apart. Start the movement by doing a regular squat, as soon as you hit the bottom position, engage your core, explode and jump up. When you land, lower back down and Repeat.

Landmine Sumo Squat Start your stance outside your shoulders, turning your feet slightly out. Your grip will be on the inside of your feet. From the floor you will initiate the pull by activating your hamstrings and driving your hips up. Your arms do not initiate the movement, rather your hips do.Landmine Reverse LungeHold the bar at chest level, start with your feet hip width apart, step your right leg back and then lower your hips so that your left thigh becomes parallel to the floor. (Left knee should be positioned directly over your ankle). To return to standing by Pressing your left heel into the ground and bringing your right leg back to starting position. Repeat on opposite side.DumbBell ThrusterStart your feet hip width apart, hold the Dumbbells at shoulder level with your elbows pointing forward. Descend into a squat position, once you hit parallel position drive your hips up to standing position, pressing the dumbbells overhead with your elbows locked out. Return dumbbells to shoulders and repeat.

Pilates in the Grove is home to some of the top Physical Therapists and fitness experts in the area, dedicated to cultivating a supportive community of customers that inspires a pain-free journey to improved health and wellness. Pilates in the Grove Founder Christa Gurka's reputation speakers for itself, with over two decades of experience training fitness enthusiasts of all ages. Christa has worked with many high-profiles athletes, including Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra; WNBA star Ruth Riley; pro volleyball player Kelly Schumacher; and pro golfers Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis, as well as celebrities Penelope Sosa and actor Cristian de la Fuente.Here are Christa's 4 ways Pilates can help prevent injuries.

1. Improving Flexibility

Whether you perform Pilates on the Mat or the reformer, you will undoubtedly improve your flexibility. Improvements in flexibility help decrease the risk of injury by allowing for an increased range in motion. A small increase of hamstring flexibility even by 10 degrees can make every day movement easier, keeping your body less at risk.

2. Increasing Strength

An increase in strength, especially the abdominal muscles, can help minimize risk of injury. Strong abdominals, arms and legs all play a role in preventing injury during heavy lifting and recreational activities by improving dynamic control of movements.

3. Improving Balance

Pilates helps to improve one’s balance by incorporating exercises that include unilateral stance or being able to control the moving surface of the reformer while stabilizing yourself on the carriage. Improved balance will decrease risk of injury by improving the neuromuscular system, decreasing ones fall risk and being able to perform daily and recreational activities in a more efficient way.

4. Improving Overall Body Awareness

Practicing Pilates on a regular basis helps clients improve their body awareness because the method emphasizes and requires precision, forcing one to THINK about how the muscles are working while doing the exercises. Being able to control your body will decrease your risk of injury by having a more efficient movement pattern reducing stress on joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments.

Muscle Activation Techniques, also known at MAT, sound complicated, right? They aren't, and don't let the name deter you from learning some really important information in regards to your range of motion, especially if you take your training even remotely serious. To help explain what Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) are, we reached out to our friends Rob Didonato and Courtney Paige Alvarez of MYOCORTEX, the only facility in the Miami area offering MAT.What are Muscle Activation Techniques?MAT is a treatment system that evaluates and treats muscular imbalances that may contribute to decreased range of motion (ROM), decreased performance, injury and pain. In other words, if you feel you are "tight" and have a decreased range of motion, this may be an indicator of potential muscle weakness. Weak or inhibited muscles can create the need for other muscles to tighten up as a protective mechanism in order to help stabilize the joints.What does MAT do?MAT gets to the root of the tightness, pain or injury by properly identifying problematic areas, and uses specialized, pain-free force application to relieve the muscle, allowing for restored strength and body alignment. A tight muscle is your brain's defense mechanism. By applying a small amount of pressure that the specified area, a signal is sent the brain telling the muscle to relax, and allowing for normal use and full range of motion. How is MAT used?The human body is a complex set of systems that is subject to a complex set of stresses. When your body struggles to handle the stresses of everyday life and sport, it starts to break down. Through continual assessment, muscle release and education of your muscle system works, MAT helps restore performance.

Two of South Florida’s strength and conditioning powerhouses, Fast Twitch and The Chamber, are excited to announce their collaboration: The Chamber Powered by Fast Twitch. Working together, Fast Twitch and The Chamber will provide elite, customized training and performance services in the greater Broward area. Chris Chambers, a former Dolphins’ standout wide receiver known for his athleticism and work ethic, founded The Chamber because of his belief in the benefits taught through training and competition. For the past three and a half years, the Chamber has impacted hundreds of pro and developing athletes. Chamber Football Academy and Chris' foundation, C.A.T.C.H. 84 continue to grow, so Chris decided to connect with Fast Twitch; which has trained athletes such as Elvis Dumervil, Eric Hosmer, Alex Galchenyuk, and OJ Mayo. Fast Twitch will bring their proven methodology, training systems, and day-to-day operations to the impressive, state-of-the-art Chamber facility. The biggest adjustment to The Chamber Powered by Fast Twitch will be a shift towards goal-oriented, customized training. With all of the performance-minded individuals in the Broward area, the demand for higher level, elite training has been expressed.Fast Twitch will also be bringing their Under Armour Elite Training Facility status with them to The Chamber, who is already working with UA in football. Fast Twitch will still operate at their North and South Miami facilities independently. Youth, high school, pro athletes, and executive clientele from South Dade to Broward will have easy accessibility to a Fast Twitch location and their unique training.

The much anticipated Society Barbell & Fitness opened this week in Brickell. Located just steps from the beautiful Miami River, the 3,600 sq. ft. functional fitness facility is billed as a "haven for busy professionals, athletes and everyone in between who have a passion for living life, not just existing in it."Society Barbell & Fitness is more than a Crossfit box says Managing Partner Michael Vouvounas. "Our mission is to differentiate ourselves from the "Cliche CrossFit," thus we have chosen to cast our lot with brands such as Nike, Lululemon, Coconut Cartel, Jaguar Physical Therapy and Relentless roasters. We are going to have an ice coffee keg in our front desk area, along with cold pressed juices," says Vouvounas.Crossfit might be Society Barbell & Fitness' bread and butter, but they are partnering with some of Miami's elite fitness talent to bring Bootcamp and other specialty classes to their facility including Yoga, Boxing, Booty Blaster and more.If this wasn't enough to peak your interest in joining, then get ready for some added perks, because Vouvounas and the team have grander visions given the gym's unique waterfront location. "Our space lends itself nicely to having Art Basel shows, Miami Swim Week shows, Lululemon trunk shows, or any type of social gathering, as we have Central AC, an incredible sound system and a 70 inch TV," states Vouvounas.To kick things off, Barbell Society & Fitness is offering a special "Founders Club" promotion packed with tons of benefits of joining now. Class times beginining March 28th will be 6AM, 7AM, 8AM and Noon. Open gym from 1:00PM - 4:30PM, with evening classes at 4:30PM, 5:30PM, 6:30PM and 7:30PM, with an 8:30PM class pending.For more information, visit www.barbellsociety.com.