Behind the Megaphone: Meet KIM!

Kim is talented beyond words. Not only is she one of our most dynamic, powerful Cycle instructors, but she's also a rockstar. She's a guitarist and singer in her band, called Funny Bunny- she's actually played live music for a couple of our yoga classes, alongside her super talented husband! Born and raised in Tampa, this girl was meant to be on stage. Though she's only been cycling for a year, she's really come into her own here at CAMP, and we're #blessed to have her as part of our team. Read on to find out more about Kim, what she loves about CAMP Cycle, and what she simply can't get enough of (hint: you can find it in our refrigerators). 

What made you decide to become a Cycle instructor?

It was actually on a whim. I had only ever even taken a handful of cycle classes before applying at CAMP, but I have always loved group fitness classes, and secretly thought maybe one day I could be an instructor in the far off future. But I had been laid off from my previous job, and was in a bit of a rut when I came across a post on Indeed.com for Indoor Cycle Instructors. I thought it sounded way more fun than a desk job somewhere, so even though I was scared, I said "why not!?" and set up an audition. I'm so glad I took that chance because it has changed my life for the better in so many ways.

What is your favorite thing about instructing at CAMP?

So many things. Our team is so strong and supportive of each other. Everyone is willing to help everyone at the drop of a hat. Also having Jen and Jamie as bosses is truly the best. They are so caring and supportive and have gone above and beyond countless times. I also love seeing the CAMPers grow stronger. Our riders are getting so good, it's really exciting to see. I feel like a proud mom.

What is your favorite sector in Cycle? 

It changes every few weeks... but right now I'm really digging the Hill Climb, and I always love a Traveling Push-up.

What other classes do you like taking at CAMP? 

The other teacher's cycle classes. I learn something new every time I take another teacher's ride. And Hip Hop Yoga is addicting. My goal is to take more Circuit and Ashtanga.

Did you go to camp when you were little? 

No, I wish! I thought all the cool kids went to camp. I unfortunately never had the opportunity.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A famous singer/musician. Still working on that one and won't be giving up any time soon. ;)

What is the best class you've taught so far?

I did a "One Hit Wonder" ride a few months ago that was really fun. It was a great group of people that came and it was hilarious and silly. We even did the Macarena as an Arm Sector. Other than that, I feel like the best rides happen when the group of people in the room have a ton of energy and are all ready to kick ass with you. We feed off of each other in those times and it's intense and the most fun.

What do you wish the CAMPers knew about what goes on behind the scenes?

Maybe how much work we all put into our classes behind the scenes. Especially when we were just getting started, it would take me hours and hours to make a playlist. Thankfully, it's become much easier. And I have fun doing it...most days! Haha. ALSO! I've never seen more cookies, donuts, candy, etc. in a break room than I have at CAMP! STOP BRINGING THAT STUFF EVERYONE! I CAN'T CONTROL MYSELF AROUND IT!

Fave CRG concept? 

They are all so great, but I end up getting Ciccio's to go for dinner the most. But really... I love them all and crave them interchangeably.

What product at CAMP could you not live without?

BLUE ROSE BLUE ROSE BLUE ROSE!!! I LOVE this freakin' Kombucha. I can't get enough of it.

Inside CAMP Yoga

If you haven't ventured over to the steamy oasis we call CAMP Yoga, you're in for a treat. Just from an aesthetic standpoint, our yoga building is beautiful. Imagine practicing on our eco-friendly cork floors while natural light pours in from the many windows in our studio. If you're lucky enough to attend a class early in the morning or at night, you'll be able to practice by candle light. Then, of course, we have our instructors, who are all extremely talented practitioners as well as motivational teachers. Every one of our set sequences is delivered with originality and creativity, so you'll never get bored at CAMP. Plus, we're always adding new classes, so you can constantly expect something new and exciting on the horizon, from yoga with weights to a combo of power flow and restorative. 

But with so many offerings, our Yoga schedule is bound to get confusing. Read on for some more in-depth descriptions of our many classes, including ones that are new to our schedule for March, as well as some insider tips for new yogis!

ROOT

This Hatha-based class is a great option for both newbies and experienced yogis alike. People unfamiliar with yoga will love the long, 5-breath holds, which emphasize alignment and activation and are perfect for people who can't keep up with a typical flow class. Experienced yogis will love the emphasis on breath, as it will give them a chance to get deeper into their practice. This class doesn't involve music, as you move to the sound of your own breath, so it's a great option on those stressful days where you need a more meditative element to your practice. And though this class is marketed as a great option for beginners, it's still super hard- so yes, you'll still be sweating by savasana. 

ROOT FLOW

This Vinyasa-based class is more fast-paced than Root, but it is still built around the framework of a set sequence with many of the same postures. The major difference is the addition of numerous chaturungas throughout practice (AKA tricep pushups), as well as a more difficult peak posture, meant to challenge and inspire without seeming overwhelming. This isn't a class where people are constantly popping into handstand, so it's still a great class for new yogis. Just make sure you feel comfortable doing a vinyasa, even a modified version of one, before attending, as that will be asked of you throughout practice. 

HIP HOP FLOW

This 75-minute class is similar to Root Flow, just a little longer and a little more intense. The Hip Hop beats add a dynamic aspect to the practice that will inevitably make you work harder and sweat more. Plus, since this class is offered at night, you'll be able to practice in a studio surrounded by candles, which adds a really magical element to the experience. Jamie leads this class twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday nights at 7PM. We're also adding a 60-minute Sunrise Hip Hop class at 6AM on Wednesday morning, so get ready to sweat to Biggie in the early AM. This is one of our most advanced classes, but it's also one of our most popular, so keep that in mind before signing up! And always arrive 15 minutes early if you're coming to Monday night Hip Hop- you don't want to get stuck without a spot on our most popular night of yoga. 

RESTORE

This class used to be Yin, until we started getting really into the use of restorative props. Now it's a combination of Restorative and Yin, so you can expect elements of both throughout class. Essentially, you'll do super long holds (5+ minutes) of postures that stretch out the tissues left untouched in a typical yoga class AKA what happens in Yin. But you'll also do long holds of more chill postures with props like bolsters and eye pillows, which allow you to reach a savasana-like state of zen throughout your entire practice. Each week, a different part of the body will be targeted, so you'll always be super relaxed and limber after Sunday night Restore! This is a great class for all levels, because let's face it- we all need to relax. 

ASHTANGA POWER FLOW

Ashtanga is a traditional yoga practice that emphasizes the breath. It is built around an intelligently designed set sequence that puts you in a state of meditation, even while you're working harder than you've ever worked before. At CAMP, we practice a modified half primary, which is still super challenging without requiring you to put your foot behind your head. You can expect to connect to the more traditional elements of yoga in this class, while also having fun and challenging yourself to reach new limits. If you want to read more about Ashtanga and its history, you can do so here! 

ROOT SCULPT

This brand new, 60-minute class is based on our Root sequence, but adds in the use of hand weights and cardio movements to make your workout even more challenging. Root Sculpt is unlike any yoga class you've ever taken before, especially with the addition of fun, upbeat music- think Major Lazer and Matoma. This is a great class for people reluctant to try yoga, as it removes some of the intimidating elements of yoga without taking away the essence of the practice. Prepare to sweat more than you've ever sweat before in this fast-paced, high-intensity class! 

POWER FLOW AND CHILL

45 minutes of power flow + 30 minutes of restorative = best class ever. This well-rounded sequence will give you everything you need to dominate the rest of your day. Instead of Netflix-and-chilling with bae, come to CAMP and Power Flow and Chill. We promise you won't regret it. 

CAMPer of the Month: Susan!

Susan Stromberg is always at CAMP. If you don't know her, she's the one who's always smiling and making friends with her fellow CAMPers. You can likely find her mastering new poses in Yoga and sprinting in the saddle in Cycle. But once upon a time, Susan was a new CAMPer, and she wasn't nearly this into fitness. Though she used to be an athlete, she suffered from a knee injury that took her out of the game for several years. She also had two kids, both of whom became full-time responsibilities. Fitness fell to the backburner- until she started coming to CAMP. Read on if you're in need of some serious #fitspo- Susan's a beast, and we can all learn a thing or two about dedication from her! 

Do you remember your first class at CAMP? 

It was Danielle's Cycle class. After class, I had to pull over on MacDill and sit on the side of the road for 20 minutes, trying not to throw up.  It was great, and I loved it, but it was so hard. I hadn’t worked out in 5 years. 

Why the break from fitness? 

I used to be an athlete, but then I had my kids, who are 4 and 2. The last Cycle class I went to while I was pregnant was horrible.  I couldn’t keep up with it anymore. After that, I just stopped working out, especially after having two knee surgeries. 

What changed? 

One of my biggest motivations has been that I didn't want to just be someone who "used to be an athlete," but someone who actually is an athlete. And after only a few months at CAMP, of coming to classes that I love and enjoy, I see and feel the transformation. I do feel like an athlete again, and that's pretty awesome. 

I know you've become quite the yogi. Why Yoga? 

One day, I talked to Jamie about my knee issues, and she inspired me to come to Yoga. I started with Yin with Amy and fell in love. It became a thing- I wanted to make sure I got to every Sunday night class. Once I started learning some of the poses, I started coming to as many Root classes as possible. Just recently, I started with Flow, because I understand the poses better. I actually just did one of Jamie’s Hip Hop Flow classes, as well as Rock 'N Flow. Now, I want to keep coming back to CAMP as often as I can. I’m in the phase right now where every time I come to a class, I’m able to do something I wasn’t able to do the class before. Sometimes it’s something so simple- like touching my toes, or getting my back flatter in a posture. Today, it was getting crow for the first time. I was so excited, I was basically giddy. I didn’t even know that was a goal of mine until I accomplished it. 

What do you love the most about CAMP? 

Everything. I’m a nerd for CAMP. My friends have actually started making fun of me because I talk about CAMP all the time! Everybody who works here is so friendly and has been so helpful throughout the whole process. I grew up going to summer camp, so just the name won me over from the beginning. Plus, Jamie and Jen run it beautifully. I try to be friendly- even with the people you don’t know, there’s an undeniable camaraderie that exists between all of us. It’s just a comfortable place to be. 

What's your regular workout? 

I’m here at CAMP every day- this is all I do now. I really notice just a day or two away from it. It’s amazing how much you miss it when you don’t have that outlet- where you’re not thinking of anything else but working out. 

What’s your spirit animal? 

My kids- they're both little campers! 

Proudest CAMP accomplishment?

Getting crow, as of today! But it keeps changing. I'm excited to see what I accomplish next! 

Favorite CRG restaurant?

We go to all of them. Green Lemon is pretty strong right now. We go to Fresh Kitchen a lot. And we get a lot of sushi from Water. 

Inside CAMP Circuit

CAMPers love Circuit. With the Woodway treadmills and our incredibly attractive instructors, it's easy to see why. But we're always so pleased to see so many of you booking out class after class, forcing unsuspecting newbies onto the waitlist. However, we also know that Circuit's offerings can be a little confusing. Is there running in kickboxing? And actually though, WTF is Stations? Thankfully, our Lead Circuit Instructor, Lance, was available for a chat. Read on to find out what really goes down in the Circuit room, and why once you start, you can't stop coming back for more. 

Under the umbrella of Circuit, we offer several different varieties of classes. These include our 50-minute Circuit class, Stations, Cardio Kickboxing, Arms & Abs, and Ass & Abs. Plus, we have Cycle-Circuit Blend and Circuit-Yoga Blend, if you want to get the best of both worlds in a 60 minute time frame. For more info about our Blend classes, click here. But for more information about our Circuit-specific classes, keep on scrolling. 

Circuit itself is a 50-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that focuses on the full body. By combining treadmill running with the use our elite strength-building equipment, you'll develop stronger muscles and better endurance. Plus, with those sprints you'll do on the treadmills, you'll be fully prepared to win your next game of Red Rover. Because Circuit focuses on the full body as opposed to specific muscles, you'll also look stronger and healthier overall. Who needs Leg Day?

On the other hand, some people love targeting specific body parts, and we understand that. That's why we have Ass & Abs and Arms & Abs, two strength-specific workouts to help you target those vanity muscles. Both of these classes are great for beginners, as treadmill use is limited to the warm-up. So if you're afraid of our Woodway treadmills, these offerings might be perfect for you! 

Stations is one of our most intense offerings, and that's why so many of you love it. Plan on doing two rounds of 8 different "stations" or exercises, with 30 seconds of work followed by a 15 second rest. 15 seconds have never flown by so quickly! By the end of class, you'll have done 16 different exercises, including some treadmill drills, and you'll be sweating more than you do on a summer day in Florida. Lance and our other instructors pride themselves on always making the workouts fresh, so expect to never do the same workout twice in Stations. 

Cardio Kickboxing is super popular because it's so different. It's 50 minutes of boxing with our bags, so get ready to kick and punch your way to stress relief. This workout is great post-rush-hour, especially when used as an alternative to Anger Management. If you own wraps and/or gloves, please bring them. Otherwise, plan on spending $7 to buy wraps and $2 to rent gloves. Oh, and you will use the treadmill during this class, but only for conditioning purposes- AKA no sprints! 

Overall CAMP's Circuit classes cannot be beat. Every class, no matter which variety, will always include sick music and a light show, so you'll feel like you're in a nightclub. Our Woodway treadmills, though intimidating at first, are designed to build speed, so they'll help you get faster for that next 5K race. They also require no electricity, so you're saving the environment by powering up your treadmill every time you step into Circuit. And no matter what class you take, Lance says to expect a "full-body ass-whoopin.'" Now really, what more can you ask for? 

Yes, YOU Can Meditate

There are a million reasons why you think you can't meditate. Meditation is no joke, and for some people, it's harder than the postures we move through in Hip Hop Yoga. Something we hear a lot is: "But I can't stop thinking when I meditate. I'm such a failure!" First of all, any meditation practice is inherently good. You can never "fail" at meditation, because just the act of sitting and trying is a success. Further, and most importantly, meditation is not a lack of thought. It's not some old dude sitting in a cave, renouncing all earthly belongings. Well, okay, it can be that, but that's not how it manifests for most of us. Meditation is different for everyone, and at the end of the day, the only goal of meditation is to quiet the mind and bring it closer to a point of focus. So even if you're only able to focus on your breath for a couple seconds, you're still succeeding. 

But what is meditation? And why should we do it?

First of all, meditation is a key aspect of yoga, which btw is much more than the physical postures we move through in class (AKA asana). In the past, the practice of asana was meant to encourage individuals to sit and meditate. But in recent years, asana has eclipsed the practice of meditation, to the point where savasana (a naturally meditative posture) is often excluded from class. That's why we always leave room for savasana at the end of our yoga classes. We want you guys to practice meditation, because it's one of the best things you can do to improve yourself. Here's why. 

A consistent meditation practice brings you more focus, improved communication and listening skills, improved immune system, increased productivity, increased attention span, improved sleep, as well as reduced anxiety and depression. It also provides an opportunity for you to make choices within the mind- so donuts or Root Flow? The decision is up to you, and the answer will ultimately come to you through meditation. 

When you're meditating, the part of your brain that is always trying to solve a problem gets a break. Many of our brains rarely experience this break, even during sleep. We can use meditation to retrain our brains to relax, so that when we need them to function in high performance environments again, they have the capacity to do so. 

Meditation also gives us the ability to sit and breathe. Deep-belly breathing is crucial during meditation- whichever method of meditation you choose, you should always try to inhale to the base of the pelvis and exhale completely. This elongation of the breath is a simple form of pranayama AKA breath extension, as "prana" means breath or life force, and "ayama" means extension. Try to think of pranayama this way. When you're born, you take your first breath, inhaling prana, and when you die, you complete your last exhale, allowing prana to leave the body. The ultimate goal of pranayama is to extend one's life span by extending the finite amount of breaths you're given. That's why deep breathing during yoga and meditation is so important! So as you sit in meditation, try breathing as deeply as possible, allowing the breath to expand across the back and within the ribs. You'll be surprised by how calming this breath can be. 

So now that you've got the breath down... what else do you need? Finding a place to meditate is crucial. It's important to find a space that is calming and without distraction. Try to find a part of your home where you can be alone and unbothered by the sounds of other people, even if it's outside or in a closet. We won't judge you based on where you get your zen on. You'll also need to find a comfortable seat. Beginners might need to sit against a wall, to encourage proper alignment of the spine. We also recommend sitting on a pillow, a block, or a rolled up yoga mat- this elevates your hips and helps you sit up straighter. Maybe you can pop into lotus easily, or maybe you'll want to start by sitting with simple crossed legs. Whatever you choose, make sure you're comfortable. You won't be able to meditate if you're thinking about how much your knee is bothering you. 

Now, it's time to meditate! But what method will you choose? Here are just a couple that our yoga teachers swear by. Feel free to find your own method- just focus on the breath and bringing your mind to a point of focus. If you're doing that, you're golden! 

Finger-Counting

This is the form of meditation Jamie instructed us to use in our first Move to Meditate class last week. The goal is to get to 108 breaths, but sometimes, that can seem like an eternity. Start with something simple, like 32 breaths, which would equate to one full round on each hand. 

To start, begin with your right hand, and place your right thumb on the top of your pinky finger. After you inhale and exhale completely, move your thumb down to the first line on your finger. Then move to the second line, and finally, the base of the finger. Continue this process on each of the four fingers, then move to the left hand. 

Feel free to take three centering breaths in the center- this will help ground you in between rounds. Continue breathing for as long as you like. There can never be too much meditation! 

Use of a Mantra

We understand- sometimes breathing can be boring. That's why we love using a mantra. It's a great way to bring your mind to a point of focus other than just the breath. A great mantra to use is "So Hum," AKA "I am." This is a super relevant mantra, because it brings your focus inward, allowing you to acknowledge that you are present in your body and that you are not equivalent to your crazy monkey brain. Hey, we all have them. 

Use of a Mala

You've likely seen mala beads for sale in yoga studios and on yoga apparel websites. They include108 beads, plus a larger bead, which is called a guru bead. While a lot of people wear them as jewelry, they're meant to be used for meditation. 

To meditate using a mala, hold it in your right hand, and beginning with the guru bead, roll beads one by one through the thumb and middle finger as you inhale and exhale. When you reach the guru bead again, stop or go back and do it again. 

Meditation is a lifelong practice, and the more you practice it, the easier it will seem. It will undoubtably change your life if you let it, so try setting aside just five minutes in the morning to sit and meditate. After you feel comfortable doing that, increase it to six or seven minutes, and keep going up from there. You'll be shocked by how zen you'll become! 

And if you're in need of a laugh, check out this meditation video. It's one of our favorite pick-me-ups.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_K4HajZfVk