PHITchair AT BEYOND STUDIOS-PRESTON HOLLOW

I’m always on the lookout for fun, effective, and efficient classes.

Today, I have a new favorite to share with you…PHITchair from BEYOND Studios! I was thrilled to get an invite to try this class from my friend, and rockstar pilates instructor and trainer, Kristin Moses. Recently, BEYOND Studios-Preston Hollow added Woodway Curve treadmills and Pilates chairs to their lineup of reformer machines. The result is new, varied PHIT (Pilates Hybrid Interval Training) workouts for you to choose from, to sculpt your way to PHITness! The BEYOND PHIT Method includes Pilates-inspired movements, cardio intervals, and strength training exercises, to give you an efficient and balanced workout every time. Classes currently on the schedule are: Beyond 500 (read my write up here), Run + Reform, PHITchair, and Reformer + Chair.

What is PHITchair?

PHITchair utilizes a modernized, amped-up version of the Pilates chair. With a resistance pedal, resistance bands, and killer sequences, adding in the trampolines for that extra cardio kick, this class will make you sweat and leave you wanting more. Sneakers, a towel, and plenty of water are must-haves! (For more info on the chair, read this post from BEYOND creator and innovator, Brandi Marino)

What I loved:

It’s a full-on, total body workout in 50 minutes! You’ll be challenged, and feel SO energized when it is over. I also loved that this class includes plenty of pulling movements, to compliment the other upper body and lower body movements. Can’t forget to work that back, especially with summer right around the corner. Hello, off the shoulder, tanks, and low-back styles!

Kristin does a fabulous job of cueing this class, to be sure you are using proper form and getting the most from your workout. I’d like to give you a glimpse of what this class is like, plus share a few tips, to help you during your first PHITchair class! If you are not in the Dallas area to check out BEYOND in person, you can try some of these moves at home with a mini-trampoline, kettle bell, and resistance bands….and be sure to follow @beyondstudios on instagram for plenty of PHITness inspo! (Try your first class for $15, or get two weeks unlimited for $99, and check out the variety of classes BEYOND has to offer!)

What to Expect | On the Chair

Very important to move according to the instructor’s suggested tempo, and slow down to control your movements. Its tempting to go fast, especially as you fatigue, but don’t do it! My favorite move(s) on the chair are all of the different types of lunges, to build strong, sleek legs. They are tougher than they look, but totally worth the effort! Being aware of your posture, and engaging your core/trunk muscles helps you to maintain control and tempo during chair work.

What to Expect | On the Trampoline:

Maintain control by focusing on the downward push, more so than the upward. Except for when you are doing squat jumps…definitely go all out on those and try to get some height! The trampoline provides both a great warm up, as well as an added cardio boost for this class. Perfect for getting your heart rate up between the strength training intervals. You will sweat!

What to Expect | Resistance Bands

Be sure to maintain good posture when performing the pulling movements. You will want to be far enough back from the wall to keep tension in the band throughout. Doing different types of rows, such as the high and low ones shown here, are great for building a strong, sexy back!

What to Expect | Kettle Bells

These were used during a short segment focusing on shoulder and core/trunk movements. I wore my Stik Your Pose grippy gloves for this part of the class, and I liked the extra grip they provided. I have also worn them during other types of classes, and they are a great solution for slippery hands!