Why do we love boutique fitness studios so much?
Proximity. Intimacy. And push-you-beyond-your-comfort-zone workouts.
At your favorite boutique fitness studio, you can attend an innovative, inspiring fitness class, make some friends, and be home within a few minutes to pour yourself a glass of vino. (If you’re really lucky, you may be within walking, biking, or jogging distance to burn a few extra calories!)
Case in point for Frisco’s east-siders and State Hwy 121 commuters, IM=X Pilates and Fitness is a quick jaunt from The Grove and several other newly-developed subdivisions.
How are they different from other studios? They’ve reinvented, re-choreographed, and reconstructed the traditional Pilates workout.
IM=X® stands for Integrated Movement Xercize. It’s a cross-conditioning system that includes pilates moves but adds strength-training and cardio elements for a more athletically-oriented workout so you can tone up and lose inches quickly.
They offer premier instruction in pilates, barre, yoga, cycling, personal training and back wellness – all under one roof.
The fitness program revolves around an apparatus called the “Xercizer” — their version of the Pilates reformer. Don’t let the name intimidate you… The classes are designed for everyone from couch potatoes to professional athletes.
A Team of IM=X Instructors Await You
During a 50-minute Xercizer class you’ll use colored springs, straps, and a Pilates ring to perform a series of slow and controlled movements. The sequences are full-body workouts designed to lengthen and stretch all major muscle groups.
My personal favorite is the Cardio Xercizer class which turns the reformer into a cardio-burning jump machine! You’ll experience the sensation of flying through the air while laying on your back. By performing the movements in a supine position it helps keep the spine in proper alignment.
Surprisingly the workouts have a lower impact on your joints than jumping on a trampoline and the movements help strengthen your hips, knees, and ankles.
Jumpboard classes will also help you achieve those coveted six-pack abs. The spring tension used in a jump motion on the Xercizer offers less than the pull of gravity. This requires your core to work overtime to stabilize your pelvis and spinal column.
While you might feel eager to add on the heaviest springs in a jump board class – hold up! Heavier springs work the legs more while the lighter springs force core control. You’ll learn quickly in a session to engage the core or the carriage bed will “kaboom” into the platform region.
(Don’t worry we’ve all let the carriage slam once or twice when getting the movements down pat.)
For those of you who prefer to keep your Pilates on the ground, check out the Mat classes. Don’t think for a second you’ll be lying down comfortably in sleep mode or fetal position. The Mat series uses your body weight to strengthen and tone every single muscle. It’s a tough but awesome workout!
IM=X also offers a smorgasbord of other fitness options such as dance, cycling, barre, yoga and more. Take, for instance, their Bollywood class — Indian-inspired dance fitness. The class will have you groovin’ to Bollywood music while performing several styles of dance with high and low impact movements. The class is so popular it often has a waitlist. (So, you better sign up early!)
Did you love ballet class as a little girl? Barre has your name written all over it. You’ll perform ballerina-esque pliés along with working the core and arms against resistance.
Oh, and when your instructor passes out gliders, get ready to feel the core muscles light on fire. Gliders are placed under your feet while holding in a plank pose and moving the legs. Think mountain climbers and straddle legs.
Runners, you’ll like this one – in barre class you place the spring straps over your shoulders and run against the resistance. (My personal favorite, the instructor had us run out and back, and repeat. It was a crazy-fun workout!)
Are you ready to achieve total cross-conditioning success? If so, check out IM=X Pilates and Fitness in Frisco and sign up for a free class.
Pro Tip: Sticky socks are required for Pilates Xercizer classes. Wear athletic shoes in the dance classes.
HOURS
Refer to the Class Schedule
WEBSITE | PHONE
IM=X Frisco | 469-664-0111
SOCIAL
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LOCATION
5353 Independence Pkwy, Suite 400
Frisco, TX 75035
