The IMPACT of LIZ
8 Jul 2009
Fitness classes are a dime-a-dozen in New York City. At mizzFIT.com I will direct you to the best of the lot and tell you what type of workout to expect. One of my fitness crushes is a class called IMPACT! taught by NYC cutie, Liz Lefrois. This class is popular and fills 10-15 minutes early with people reved up to work out. IMPACT! could not be more appropriately named. It’s an exciting, high-intensity shadow boxing class offered at Equinox Fitness clubs. Basically, you punch and kick the crap out of a free standing bag until you’re fatigued and Liz tells you class is over. It’s a little more complicated than that but it’s how you’ll feel the first time you try IMPACT! Liz is one of a kind. There’s no other instructor that teaches this class with such convincing determination, focus and charisma. Even if skeptical of your boxing ability or claim you’re a pacifist, Liz brings out the fighter in you. Before you know it, you’re striking the bag like it’s your worst frenemy.
IMPACT! is a total body workout and killer stress reliever. Liz coaches you through proper form and technique which really makes you appreciate the art of boxing. If God forbid you were jumped on the street, you better believe you’ll be prepared. Liz keeps the class fresh so you’ll never get too comfortable with the moves. This is really important because once you memorize a routine, the workout becomes less challenging and your body doesn’t work as hard. Part of the challenge is paying close attention to strike combinations and keeping up with the rhythm of class. The desire for mastery will keep you coming back for more.
Liz, who began her career as a dance instructor, is slender, petite and unassuming. If you see her on the street, you will never believe she’s an unrelenting boxing instructor who belts out jab/cross combinations to a room full of ferocious gym rats. And yet she’s very matter of fact in her approach to teaching IMPACT!:
I always want people to have fun in class, but they need to work their hardest for me, giving 100% of whatever it is they have for that particular day. I am a form fanatic. The more efficient and self aware you are of your body, the more benefit you get from the exercise.
Liz WILL pull a Frankie Dunn (C. Eastwood in Million Dollar Baby) on your ass if your form is off, but you’ll thank her for it as the compliments start rolling in on your super cut arms. All fitness levels are welcome to IMPACT!—all you need is an Equinox membership or day pass. And if you’re not a member, you’ll likely become one after class. If you’re looking for results, IMPACT! is where you’ll get them. Don’t expect to jump into advanced combinations right away. Once you’re a few classes in, you’ll be boxing and round kicking more confidently. Most importantly, enjoy striking the bag! It’s kind of like venting without bitching. The best part—no one hits you back.
Boxing is never without style and neither is Liz. She’s stunning and her fitness look is sharp. Liz is loyal to Lululemon Athletica apparel, but goes back and forth between Nike and Adidas sneakers. She’s a big fan of designing her Nike Shox at NikeiD.com. When it comes to boxing gear, she likes MMA wrap gloves by Century ($70) and recommends Everlast gloves at a slightly lower price point.
If you’re ready to test your strength and increase your stamina, take IMPACT! with Liz. I can promise you 2 things: 1) you will have fun and 2) see me there.
IMPACT! with Liz Lefrois at Equinox on 17th Street, Thursdays 6.45-7.30 PM.
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