Look Better Naked: Shredded at David Barton Gym

BY VIVIAN DOAN

Look Better Naked. That’s David Barton Gym’s tagline. And really, who wouldn’t want to look better naked? But alas, there are days where there’s a million excuses to why you can’t fit a workout into your day (we know, we’ve used them all), so Barton’s mission was to “make the gym as fun as possible. “ A fun way to work towards your health and fitness goals is to take one of David Barton Gym’s classes instead of going through the motions on the machines.

My personal favorite: Shredded. Offered six times a week, the 45-minute class moves so quickly, you don’t have time to think about how challenging it is. Shredded is an interval training class where you alternate between weight training segments in the studio and cardiovascular segments on the cardio equipment. It is a complete total body endurance challenge.

Even as a newbie, you won’t feel lost in class – so don’t be intimidated. At the start of class, the instructor reviews each exercise, ranging from sumo squats to mountain climbers to bicep curls.  Once class starts, time is kept as you switch between each exercise after 30, 45, or 60-second intervals. The switch between the weight training and cardio is the switch between anaerobic and aerobic exercise which allows you to burn more fat and carbohydrates while building strength and endurance. It sure makes working out a lot more fun when you aren’t doing the same thing for an hour.

The Highlights:

• Your instructor will come over and give you hands on help and tips. This helps to keep your form correct to prevent injuries.
• There’s no stretching in class, so make sure you do your own stretches after class.
• Exercises vary each class – this keeps you challenged but they will always target the entire body.
• Get to the gym early. There’s a sign-up sheet for class that goes out 15 minutes before class starts. It’s a popular class, so sign-up or it’ll hit capacity!

Chicago’s David Barton Gym is located on the ground level of the century old Montgomery Ward building on West Chicago Avenue. As you first enter the fitness center, you’ll notice its industrial-chic vibe that resembles a cocktail lounge more than a gym. It has 35,000 square feet of equipment, and more free weights than most fitness centers.

Although there’s an elegance to the David Barton Gym’s edgy decor, spacious locker room and dim lighting, what we loved most was that the space overlooks the picturesque river walk, which is a great distraction when we’re trying to get through that last mile on the treadmill.

David Barton Gym, 600 West Chicago Avenue. For more information call 312-836-9127 or visit www.davidbartongym.com.

Image via Chicago Signature Properties

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