Getting in Shape for Summer (and Beyond): SWERVE Fitness

Sometimes it’s not the time that you have, but rather what you do with it, that is most important. I’ve gone to the gym on my own, and only holding myself accountable, have easily left without hardly breaking a sweat or feeling like I just kicked my own butt. It’s been my goal to get in shape, and I mean really get in shape, but sometimes I’m so tired or lethargic that I don’t get much done on the gym floor.

Last week, I took in a complimentary class at SWERVE Fitness in the Flatiron District, and at only 12 minutes in, I was challenging myself harder than I ever had before, furiously peddling to the beat of some sweet jams the instructor was pumping out over the stereo system while keeping an eye on the fluctuating bars on the team screen.

SWERVE’s motto is “together, we ride,” and emphasizes achieving one’s best together, hence, the set up of the class is broken out into three teams with the scores from each set being averaged and displayed on a board in the studio. It certainly takes the pressure off as an individual, and shifts one to strive to reach great stats for your team instead. As soon as class ends, your individual scores are emailed to you. Although mine weren’t nearly as high as I would have liked, for my first time at SWERVE and not spinning in a class or biking on the pavement in a few years, it could have been much worse.

I also loved the positive vibe of the class; people were there to WORK, but the instructor kept fun and light-hearted, motivating and guiding through the interval training movements and the pace, yet not being anywhere near a drill sergeant in the process. There was also a nice mix of both women and men, with a tangible sense of comradeship from people who clearly were work colleagues, friends, or new acquainted through SWERVE.

Classes and packages are super easy to sign up for and manage (when you buy your first ride for $30, the second one is free), and at least for me, committing to a package and scheduling in advance keeps me consistent with attendance and also best improves my strength and performance. Speaking of signing up: isn’t a super fresh fruit smoothie a great way to conclude a great workout? SWERVE’s co-founder Eric served one up for me after my workout, and you can sign up for one of the delicious options before class, and lo and behold, it will be waiting for you when you are done; great idea, right? I think SWERVE’s covered all of the bases; now it’s your turn to grab the handlebars and go for a ride!

SWERVE Fitness is located at 30 West 18th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) in New York City, with classes starting as early as 5:15am and as late as 7:30pm. Check out the website for more information, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.