You may have seen Beyond500, on my Sweat Schedule since it opened in mid-October. Beyond500 is based on the PHIT method (Pilates Hybrid Interval Training), created by Brandi Marino and Beyond Studios.  All of their workouts are designed using this format.  For 500, the treadmill is the cardio component, and the chair and kettlebells provide the strength training component.  According to Brandi, “BEYOND500 is a cardio-based circuit class designed to increase your heart rate while incorporating strengthening exercises.  It’s a great time saver and an amazing way to burn ‘beyond’ 500 calories in 50 minutes.”  Prior to the studio opening, I’d heard about it on Beyond Studios‘ social media outlets, so I was super curious, and excited to give it a shot.  I will tell you right off the bat, this workout is dynamic, fun, and challenging!  It is unlike anything I have ever tried, so I’m going to break it down for you…

The workout changes daily, and there are three different formats; Double-Dare, Stack, and 3X3.

I have been to Beyond500 three times, and for two of the classes, it just happened to be the Double Dare format, so I can confidently tell you about it!  Another class was the Stacked format, and I hope to try 3X3 as well.  The classes I took were taught by Adria, Mitchell, and Catherine.  Each instructor brings their own fresh spin and personality to the class, which makes it even more fun.  To give you an idea of what the classes are like, here is how the Double Dare workout flows:

• Warm-Up, then class is divided into groups: Treadmill Group // Kettlebells + Chair Group
• 9 Minute Interval Circuit on the Treadmill
• 9 Minute Circuit with Movements on Kettlebell + Chair
• 9 Minute Interval Circuit on the Treadmill
• 9 Minute Circuit with Movements on Kettlebell + Chair
• Cool Down, Light Stretch

The Elements of a Beyond 500 Class

The workout is tough, but the time passes quickly because you are constantly moving.  Familiarize yourself with these three elements before class, and you will be good to go!  BURN, BLAST, BUILD…

BURN with the Peak Pilates MVE Chair (a.k.a. The Hot Seat):

You don’t have to be a Pilates Pro to use these, so don’t be intimidated by them.  They are used to perform pilates-inspired functional  movements that challenge the entire body, and the instructors show you exactly what to do.  On the Chair, strength training exercises are performed in a number of positions utilizing its spring bar/pedal, which offers resistance.  Don’t fret, they only look intimidating.  This is the part of the workout that I was the least familiar with, and I did okay by closely watching the instructor’s demonstration.  If you have questions about any of the components, they are happy to answer/help you out.

BLAST on the Woodway Curve Treadmills:

These are no-motor, human powered treadmills.  How cool is that?!?  When I arrived at the studio we were encouraged to warm up a bit on the treadmills and familiarize ourselves with how they work.  As I stepped onto the treadmill, I immediately noticed how different it was from a regular one.  The further up on the curve you are whether walking or running, the faster you will go.  As you move towards the middle of the belt, you start to slow down.  At first, it feels tricky, but your body adapts quickly to it, and it becomes a fun challenge (as fun as a treadmill can get!).  This treadmill is said to burn 30% more calories.  I can totally see why.  Because of its construction, you are forced to maintain proper posture and your legs work harder to maintain pace.  Plus, I noticed that I felt fatigued more quickly in my hamstrings/glutes than I normally do when I use the treadmill.  And, I had the soreness in those areas the next day to confirm this!  I also noticed that I could not maintain the speed I normally can while doing sprints on a regular treadmill.  You are definitely working harder on this one.  You really have to try it to see/feel it for yourself!  Its pretty awesome.  For Catherine’s class we ran backwards on the Curve, which I struggled with, but I’m determined to get it next time!

BUILD your PHITness using Kettlebells:

Kettlebells are another part of the strength training component of this class, which I happen to love!  They are used for a variety of different strength movements such as lunges, squats, abs, pulls, and more.  There are three different weights available for use, so you can choose the one that is right for you.

Bottom line, I loved this workout, and can’t wait to return for another class soon!  

An intro class is $15, and they currently have a special rate of $50 for two weeks unlimited.  Other membership options are available, too.  Head to their site for all the details…Pictured below are Mitchell, Adria, and Catherine, the motivating instructors that I had the pleasure of taking class from.  Chat them up if you try the class!  They are happy to answer your questions about this new workout and provide modifications if needed.

GO:  Beyond 500,  2003 Henderson Ave, Dallas TX 75206  //  thebeyondstudios.com

Follow 500 on social media for updates and special offers…

Facebook:  Beyond500 //  Instagram:  @gobeyond500  //  Twitter:  @beyond500

What I Wore:  Refresh Racer Tank, Rebel Runner Crops, Power Y Tank, Seek the Heat Crops, all lululemon

**Special thanks to Elissa Fairchild for helping me take the photos for this post during class!