The Energy Lab

http://www.energylabfitness.com/

 Workout #8 energy lab - Redlands 

Tuesday night's workout was TRX - Total body Resistance eXercise. This was a totally new type of workout for me so it was fun to try.

The gym was really nice... kind of a modern feel with a bright orange theme and metal sheeting on one wall. They even have orange towels for you to use. It was clean and organized and someone met me immediately when I entered the gym.

The instructor was a friendly thin healthy looking guy. He showed me some of the basic moves before the class started which was nice. The class had 7 people - I'm not sure what the max is but the room wasn't that big. Each person needs the TRX straps hanging from the ceiling so you can't just show up last minute and jump in - they have a sign up page online. 

This type of exercise uses your body weight and position to work your core, flexibility and strength. You have either your hands or feet in the straps that hang from the ceiling so I definitely had to get used to the feeling of being trapped. I think as you continue in this type of workout you would learn to use the straps to feel more free and rely on them. Some of the moves we did were things you would do in any gym only you are in straps. For example push ups - but your hands are in the straps and you are leaning forward in a plank position a couple feet above the ground - it made the push ups much harder.  

The class was an hour and we moved through each exercise repeating it for about 2min. My heart rate didn't really get pumping but my muscles could feel it and I was sweating. Every exercise requires you to use your core. The pace of this class was slower then what I have been doing but with my pilates background I appreciate slower more controlled workouts too.

I know they offer different types of classes but I only had the one free workout not a week.

So the nitty gritty:
Great looking specialty gym
The instructor was knowledgeable
Medium difficultly level
Small classes
The members were modestly dressed - some in shape
Fees are high for a drop in class but  they have a reasonable monthly rate 

Would I recommend this gym? It's hard to say... since I only tried one type of class there. I wouldn't want to do TRX classes as my regular workout... but I think it would be great to supplement in maybe bi-weekly. 

Post workout... going home :)