Get it Right, Get it Tight: W3 BodyFIT!

W3body body fit class is one of the most mentally and physically stimulating group exercise classes I have ever experienced. Coming from a background of taking a variety of classes throughout the Chicago based area, this class was definitely one of the most challenging.

Now you may think, “oh maybe she’s out of shape, has no endurance”, however, I work out at least four times a week for 45min to an hour. Most of my workouts include cardio, running being my favorite.

We’ve all heard of that saying “runners’ high”, that people tend to say they feel after their workout. However, statistically only 10-15% of runners will experience this actual euphoria. I consider myself to be one of these.

Not that I experience a rush of endorphins each and every time- it happens seldomly, but I definitely do feel better afterwards. Since I’m more of a cardio kinda gal, I don’t do strength training nearly enough. I find it challenging. Challenging in a way where I have to mentally empower myself and tell myself I can do it through the pain,sweat, and weights. Lots of weights.

After taking Body Fit, I discovered a lot more about my body. I discovered I’m stronger than I thought, and I can endure way more than I had imagined.

I owe my success to Cassie, brilliant W3body trainer, who guided me through my workout. Although the class was packed, she never once failed to correct my stance and the moment she did so, let me tell you, I felt the burn. She pushed us to our core, literally a work out from the inside out.

One thing I never thought I could get from strength training was that euphoric feeling I get from running.

I was right; I never achieved that feeling.

But what I earned was so much greater. It was an appreciation for muscles I never knew I had while running. Cassie pushed me beyond my limits making me wonder about my capabilities and sparked my interest to further test my ability. Body Fit encouraged me to become as strong as I can become.

It also made me question how strength training will benefit me in the long run.

So here are a few reasons every woman, girl, and female in the world should strength train:

MORE EFFECTIVE FAT LOSS

A crucial factor in weight training is your body’s ability to burn fat during and even after the work out. Your body then tends to consume more oxygen a few hours- even days- post weight training; this requires more caloric expenditure, creating a quicker metabolism.

HOLY CURVES

As your body builds muscle it takes on a womanly hour- glass shape. It helps create and sustain them!

 BEAUTY SLEEP LIKE NEVER BEFORE

A study published by International Sport med not only claims more efficient sleep, but says resistance training will help you fall asleep quicker with less waking up!

ENERGIZER BUNNY TYPE OF ENERGY

“A study published by the National Institute of Health suggests that the chronic increase in energy expenditure, even after a minimal resistance training session, may favorably effect energy balance and fat oxidation. 2 Rather than reaching for that early afternoon cup of coffee, grab a barbell.”

HEALTHY HEART HAPPY HEART

Pumping some iron here and there can actually help reduce heart disease. Studies have shown that those who lift tend to have lower chances of high blood pressure or glucose levels.

HEALTHY STRONG BONES

Resistance training is an excellent way to combat loss of bone mass, and it decreases the risk of osteoporosis.

LASTLY (but not really because there’s a million more) A CONFIDENT STRONGER YOU!

That’s right, a healthy strong you. What can feel better than that?

Now go lift something!

The HARDBODY You and I Deserve

What is W3’s Hard Body?

Walking into this group exercise class I wasn’t sure what to expect. I mean “Hard Body” right? It could be a million of things! I wondered if there was a specific focus, and in the back if my mind hoped and prayed it wouldn’t be arms…because well…mine are like a big sack of Jell-O. Of-course right after this thought ran through my head the trainer Susan announced to grab weights.

Skeptically I walked over like a newbie and attempted to put weight onto my body bar (which I had never used before). The lady next to me noticed I hadn’t a clue at what I was doing and introduced herself, telling me she was Diane, while pointing at the correct weight I should be using. Immediately a rush of relief flooded me and I told her I was new (as if she hadn’t noticed). Diane giggled and showed me the right way to adjust the bar.

In no time I was set up with a body bar, 2.5lb weights, and another pair of 7.5lb ones. I had a step stool in front of me and Susan in the background with her MIC.
Now let me tell you Susan is a little petite lady with bright blonde hair, almost as bright as her smile. Her voice was sweet with motivation as she started the warm-up. The warm up got us pumped and ready to go. Susan may be tiny but that lady does not mess around. She started us off on abs and didn’t stop until we experienced a full body workout!

It was amazing! I felt my quads, biceps, triceps, abs like never before! She knew how to keep the muscles focused, while strength training them with body bars and free weights. We focused on a group of muscles to the fullest and adjusted by moving into different body parts to create an easier rhythm for our muscles to adapt.
During her resistance training routine she did each and every step with us. She guided us by creating a visual for our class to follow.  It made the women work even harder watching her do it so effortlessly. She is a BEAST. Her physique and attitude only motived me to push more than ever before.

Not only did I leave the class with a stronger mind and body but with new knowledge about my health. Not only does Susan count of each step as she goes but she inserts fun facts about your body.
For example, I have really bad knees, so while she was showing us a new hip flexor stretch she informed us that strong hips means healthy knees, therefore they’re key in every stretching routine!
Susan is truly empowering through Hard Body and strongly focuses on Energy, Stamina, and Progress.
I never experienced a brand new class of such welcoming ladies. Everyone was there for one another and worked together to push through the class feeling, stronger, happier, and healthier.

Oh and my arms?
No more Jell-O by the end of the summer.
That’s my Goal with W3Body.

Now what’s yours? Because trust me with W3 it’s easy, motivational, and attainable!

-Vanja, W3 Marketing Intern

Chicago Bootcamps at W3

Looking for a Chicago Bootcamp? Look no further! We have bootcamps at our W3 locations on the north side of Chicago, south side, in the Loop, Tinley Park & Berwyn!

Currently, for the holidays, we are running a specific challenge bootcamp for those women looking to fit in their holiday dresses this year. This Chicago Bootcamp is called W3’s Little Black Dress Challenge! It’s open to our members but also non-members as well. If you’re looking for a flexible Chicago Bootcamp, check out this challenge… it’s all of our TEAM training which uses functional training techniques. Max of 12 women in a class with a coach. The beauty of this bootcamp is that it’s flexible. We KNOW our members and their friends are BUSY during the holidays… traveling, family parties, cooking, shopping, etc. SO we decided that we aren’t going to hold anyone to a particular time frame. You just tell us how many classes you can do between now and December 31st, and we’ll set you up on the best bootcamp for you. Remember… it’s best to get those classes done sooner rather than later. 3x/week is the ideal bootcamp because you can really start to see a change.

Chicago bootcamps are for Chicagoland women looking to get RESULTS… and that’s exactly what you’ll get at W3! 

So do you need to lose weight for that holiday dress? Tighten up that tummy? Tone your arms for a sleek sleeveless dress? No problem! Just search Chicago Bootcamps and find us. Enroll in our Little Black Dress Challenge today!

W3 Chicago Functional Training

Chicago Functional Training at W3… WOW… all we have to say is RESULTS!

Chicago’s functional training programs have been very popular lately, and W3 has been a driving force! W3’s group training program does not only include functional training specifically, but it also includes TRX classes and POWER Boxing at select locations. The program is so successful not only because it offers Chicagoland different options for group personal training but also because it has amazing trainers. Why do the members love these trainers? Because they motivate them and help them get RESULTS! That is what it’s all about. W3’s group training members stay in the program because they see results and receive a consistent experience each time they come to a group training class- whether it’s functional training, TRX or Boxing. These members have various options of membership besides the simple access membership that allows them to come into the gym to take group exercise and use the equipment and machines. Members and non-members are welcome to these programs through various options and can choose exactly what they want, like how many times/week they want to attend these specialty, results-driven classes. Sometimes we run Bootcamps and Challenges, too, that are short-term and also open to non-members. Looking for Chicago functional training gyms? You have come to the right place!

More specifically, W3’s functional training program is the best around for women. How do we know this? Because it’s run by women who have seen our members transform through the functional training program, and we have had over 3 years of experience at our gyms with this program! Our members have received amazing results… from weight loss, muscle tone, increased energy and confidence… being able to walk up a flight of stairs (previously unable to)… to getting off of various medications! It’s amazing, and these results specifically are the reason they keep coming back to functional training. They love it!

Looking for Chicago functional training? Check us out today… you’ll be amazed at the results you’ll receive with W3’s functional training program, no matter which of our 5 locations you go to!

Berwyn Zumba Classes at W3!

Check out our hot group exercise classes at W3! One of our great locations on Cermak & Ridgeland has packed classes and if you’re looking for ZUMBA in the Berwyn area, this is the place to go!

Being a very heavily-populated Hispanic area, Zumba with its latin-inspired moves is naturally a very popular class at this W3 location.

We have a variety of Berwyn Zumba instructors. One in particular is Veronica! She is the club manager and was recently certified in June. She has been teaching and helping out to promote Berwyn Zumba at W3 ever since! Some of her favorite moves and types of dances are Merengue,”Beto Shuffle,” & Cumbia. Her absolute favorite are the reggaeton songs! She has helped W3 make the Berwyn Zumba classes popular!

If you’re looking for Berwyn Zumba classes, look at the W3 in Berwyn located at 6342 W. Cermak Rd- give them a call 708-788-0010, stop in for a visit, or email them at berwyn@w3body.com. Also if you’re looking for Berwyn Zumba and want to try a class, fill out the form to the right and you will be contacted to redeem your free guest pass to Women’s Workout & Wellness. Get ready to dance the lbs away! We are having a Berwyn Zumba party (Halloween Zumba= Zumbaween) at the end of October. All W3 clubs will have a Zumba party! Special Berwyn Zumba HALLOWEEN songs during the week of October 28th. Please see club for details!

*Check out the pictures of a Berwyn Zumbathon party we had in 2011! W3 is the place to be.

Functional Training with Tire Flips at W3!

One of our newest functional training “toys” at all of our W3 locations are TIRES! We have a smaller one, about 40 lbs, and a bigger one, about 70 lbs. As you’ll see in the picture below, these two women at the W3 on Monroe St. in Chicago are doing a partner tire flip. Talk about functional training… tire flips involve so many different movements- squatting, lifting, and pushing. It gets your heart rate up but is also a very strength based workout! These two ladies in the picture are newer to our functional training program. One of them signed up for our 8-week Bootcamp that we offered in August and the other is on a 6 month program. They have been doing a phenomenal job! They absolutely love the program and are already seeing RESULTS!!! Strong is beautiful.

Women’s Workout & Wellness, W3, offers functional training at our women’s health clubs all across Chicagoland. We have various programs each month to continue to always strive to help our members see RESULTS, whether it’s weight loss, muscle tone, increase of strength, or overall improvement of health! We know this program works from the amazing success stories we have collected over the past few years since we started the program. YOU should be our next success story! Contact a W3 near you today. You don’t have to be a member to take advantage of these amazing functional training programs! (We also offer POWER BOXING at Downers Grove, Berwyn & the Chicago Loop location & TRX at Tinley Park and Downers Grove!)

Labor Day Special Hours and Group Exercise Classes at W3!

All W3 locations, except the W3 downtown on Monroe St., are open 8a-1pm on LABOR DAY! Monday- September 2nd.

The Monroe St. club will be closed.

The following are the special group exercise class schedules for each club. Hope to see you at W3 for a Labor Day workout before your festivities begin!

Berwyn: 9am ZUMBA with YOLANDA & 10AM Step Jam with Maria!

Downers Grove: 9:15a- Zumba with Lupe & 10:15a Turbokick with Lauren!

Hometown/Oak Lawn: Cardioflex: 9-10am & Zumba 10-11am: GENESIS!

Kedzie: 9:15am STEP JAM with AMANDA & 10:30am BODYFIT

Lawrence: 9am ZUMBA with Olga and BodyFit @ 10am with Olga!

Tinley Park: 8:30-9:30a: ZUMBA with MARIA! & 9:30-11:00a: Extended TURBOKICK with DANITRA!

W3 to Host POWER Boxing Certification

We will be hosting another HIIT IT P.O.W.E.R. Boxing Certification at our Hometown facility on August 25, 2013. For more information, please go to: www.hit-itfitness.com to find out the cost, times, etc. for the event!

After hosting our first boxing certification in June, we have successfully launched this program at our Berwyn and Downers Grove locations. We know how important having boxing classes for women is with the boxing trend in the fitness industry today, so we wanted to make sure we offered our members something fun, exciting and effective! Our members who have been participating in our boxing program already are kicking, punching, hooking, jabbing and burning hundreds of calories to getting and staying fit! They love our POWER Boxing program and are getting great results. Now it’s time to share this women’s boxing class with all of our W3 locations =)

If you are interested in getting certified, please see the above website for details and/or ask your club manager about employment opportunities with this class!

Stay fit. Stay fabulous~

Women’s Workout & Wellness

Spring into Fitness at W3!

The big “New Year’s rush” is over…but summertime is almost here! So what does that mean? It’s REALLY time to get in shape. Pressure is on for beach/swimsuit season, not to mention the weddings, vacations, graduation parties, summer bbqs and more that await our agendas during the summer. It’s fun, but it’s also nerve-racking if we slacked off a bit during the winter months (especially these winter months in Chicago- it’s May and it’s 50 degrees outside!) So, with the weather (hopefully) attempting to warm up outside, it’s time to get serious and really take some time to focus on ourselves.

Besides the ever-so-popular Zumba, Turbokick, HardBody and CardioFlex classes at Women’s Workout & Wellness, you can also find a variety of bootcamps, challenges and functional training programs going on that are changing the lives of women across Chicago- helping them lose weight, tone up, increase their strength and cardiovascular levels, feel better and more energized, and just overall GET IN SHAPE! Before we talk a little bit about what these programs consist of, I just wanted to share a few comments we have heard from some members across our W3 locations. One 4-Week Summer Shape Up Challenge member from the Downers Grove W3 said she can’t even begin to explain how these workouts make her feel- not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. She decided the 4 weeks wasn’t enough for her and enrolled in this program for a minimum of 3 months! Good for her!

Another member from the W3 on Monroe St. in the Loop had to put another hole in her belt… not to make it looser, of course, but to make it tighter! Her belt has now become too big. She thanked her trainer for the great workouts so far. Yes, it’s the trainer’s motivating training style and amazing workouts, but she has put in a lot of work and has amazing fat loss results to show for it. Can’t wait to see her before and after picture side to side! Only a few weeks left of her bootcamp. Unbelievable RESULTS coming soon!

Intrigued yet?

We could write blog post after blog post of amazing success stories followed by pictures to show the results these women have received, and we will continue to do so because we know this program is what will help women across Chicago get fit and HEALTHY. What’s so great about it? It’s the functional training style of classes. Women join our group functional training program for various reasons: to lose weight, reduce fat and inches, gain muscle tone, feel better, get rid of pain, gain energy, sleep better, and more! And they are getting what they asked for. We use our functional “toys” and carefully designed workouts to produce amazing results. Some of our toys include ropes, slam balls, kettle bells, Bosus, TRX suspension training, plyo boxes, val slides, bands, superbands, monster tires, and more. Have you seen the Biggest Loser? Then you know exactly what we are talking about.

Check out our video HERE to understand  a little bit more about functional training. Come check it out for yourself- whether you are a member of Women’s Workout & Wellness or someone looking for a gym/program to join, we have a challenge, bootcamp or program for you! Non-members are welcome to enroll in a program for 4 weeks or more, depending on our current promotion. Call today- you’ll be amazed.

What are YOUR results? Be our next success story. Call or visit us today!

~Women’s Workout & Wellness~

W3 Fundraiser to Benefit A New Direction

This Saturday, March 23rd at our Hometown/Oak Lawn location, Women’s Workout & Wellness is working out to wipe out domestic violence. We are hosting a fundraiser to benefit A New Direction, a non-profit that works to raise money to help bring women out of domestic violence situations. We are happy to work with our members and neighboring guests to raise money for this amazing cause! ALL W3 members and any of their friends are welcome to participate in this event. We just ask for a $10 donation toward A.N.D. to take as many group exercise classes as you want- including our special MASTER class with top W3 instructors for our NEW launch of the Kickin’ Core Ball Round 21 class- signature to Women’s Workout & Wellness!

*We have extended our group exercise schedule for this day only to make the $10 spread from 8:15am-2:00pm! Join us- we will see you there!

8:15-9:00am: YOGA

9:00-10:00am: ZUMBA

10:00-11:00am: STEP

11:00-12:00pm: BODY FIT

12:00-1:00pm: PILATES

1:00-2:00pm: ***MASTER CLASS KICKIN’ CORE BALL***

If you have any questions, please email marketing@w3body.com. Thanks!

Women’s Workout & Wellness in Hometown/Oak Lawn:

4130 Southwest Highway

(at the corner of 87th and Pulaski)

(708) 425-2171