THE WORKOUT.
Bodied was created from three principles of exercise: strength training, step aerobics, and stability work. These elements offer amazing results on their own but when you combine all three, it delivers an incredibly efficient and well-balanced workout that will leave you wanting more. All Bodied classes are accompanied by inspirational and intentional playlists curated to get you out of your head and into the moment. Classes are led by knowledgeable and highly motivational instructors who were hand-picked for their ability to create something much more than just a workout.
STEP
Step aerobics is introduced at the beginning of every class to warm the body, settle into the space, and connect to the music. Step is known for being a high-intensity yet low-impact cardio workout with other benefits such as improving coordination, and balance and boosting your mood.
STRENGTH
Strength training is used to build muscle, endurance, and strength. At Bodied we accomplish this by using dumbbells, kettlebells and resistance bands. Classes are rhythmic and all work is performed in a time under tension (TUT) manner rather than focusing on repetitions and sets.
STABILITY
Inspiration is drawn from Pilates for the stability portion of Bodied. Pilates has continuously received high praise for its ability to build optimal core strength and increase functional strength and mobility. Ideas are borrowed from both mat and reformer Pilates to incorporate intense and focused movements that target deep, stabilizing muscles.
VIBES
We’ve purposefully crafted everything from the method itself to the brand aesthetics with an extreme amount of integrity to build the Bodied foundation strong from the ground up. The little things matter. The big things matter. The energy that they inspire matters.
The 3 lines that make up our stylized ‘E’ symbolize A LOT. It manifests itself as the 3 different pillars of exercise that Bodied is built on: step, strength, and stability. It also represents Bodied being used as a noun, verb, and adjective. Our ultimate goal is to leave you feeling empowered, confident, and connected. We achieve this by being intentional with the music we play, the way we move, and the energy we surround ourselves with.
Our accent color was chosen for a reason. The color is Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta. It represents living boldly, brightly, and fearlessly. THIS IS WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT. It just so happens that Viva Magenta was selected to be the 2023 color of the year AFTER we had already chosen it as our accent color. Coincidence? We don’t think so. Glitter is also majorly incorporated into the Bodied aesthetic as a reminder to always show up authentically and never let anyone dim your light. You are the sparkle so act like it. {MIC DROP.}
Bodied is for everyone. Period. We pride ourselves on being a community that stays true to our authentic selves in a world that is constantly telling you to be someone else. You can show up however you need to with 1 caveat: you have to TRY. You deserve to see what you are capable of and you never know who you will inspire by trying your absolute hardest. There are 2 main rules at Bodied: work hard and play harder. Life is too damn hard to feel heavy all the time. When you get the chance to make someone’s day a little lighter - take it.
MIND + BODY
For millennia, human beings have engaged in forms of rhythmic movement, and at our core we remain deeply rhythmic beings. From birth, we hear and feel our mother's steady heartbeat, are gently, rhythmically rocked to soothe distress as infants, and then begin to engage in rhythmic play through jumping, skipping, and clapping. As we age, we may gravitate towards the repetitive rhythms of running, swimming, cycling, or the full-body expression of dance. Ongoing neuroscience research suggests that, in the simplest terms, rhythmic movement heals trauma.
Step aerobics takes this concept a step further. It is not only a rhythmic movement, but one involving on-the-go choreography, requiring the brain's frontal systems to activate and tap into executive functioning skills like working memory, initiation, and processing speed. Additionally, step is essentially right on the edge of dancing, and a step class mimics a dance series in that participants are constantly building upon sequences and memorizing choreography. In a 2008 article in Scientific American magazine, a Columbia University neuroscientist posited that synchronizing music and movement constitutes a “pleasure double play"; basically, music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, while dance activates its sensory and motor circuits. Studies of the brain using PET imaging during dance indicate multiple areas of the brain illuminate and activate during choreographed, rhythm-based movement, and the expressive, physical elements of this movement also promote healthier brain function and have been shown to improve memory, mood, and coordination. Step aerobics transcends physical health, and promotes brain-body connection, healthy brain development, and enhanced neurological functioning, all while providing the soothing, satisfying, and healing rhythmic experience your body, brain, and heart crave.
- Dr. Ali Manion PhD, Clinical Child Psychologist
While Pilates and strength training have been leaders in the fitness world for well over a century, they’ve rarely been performed rhythmically. These are both types of exercise that have historically used sets and repetitions in their training methods. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this type of execution, we have found that pairing these movements with music makes for a more mindful experience. There is something magical that happens while you are moving together with a group of people to the beat of the music. It is uplifting, inspiring, and unifying. Music has the power to take you beyond the physical workout and allows you to tap into the inner workings of your mind - the WHY behind you showing up. We pull motivation from music to help push ourselves further physically. THAT is when the breakthrough happens.
