BalleCore At Sports Club LA Boston

July 25th, 2012

Thanks to the recent increase in popularity of dance in mainstream culture, ballet-inspired fitness classes have been popping up throughout the city. While the trend might not last, one such class that will continue to enjoy a packed studio is BalleCore at the Sports Club LA Boston.

SCLA Boston is located next to the Ritz Carlton on Avery Street. The gym is a two-floor facility, and studios are located on the second floor of the building. The BalleCore studio, which tends to be the “Fire” studio, is one of the most breathtaking studios in Boston. The back wall is entirely glass and showcases a phenomenal view of the Downtown Crossing area.

Exercise routines vary from class to class, but do follow a general flow cycle: a standing warm up, followed by a series of teasers, leg circles, hip work, standing balance poses and, finally, a quick standing cool down stretch. The class focuses on elongating your extremities and completing exercises in a strong, yet composed, manner. Minimal equipment is needed for the class, just a mat, band, pilates ring and bar (all provided by the gym). It is with your body weight that you develop the strength to lift, swing and control leg and arm movements.

(Photo Credit: thesportsclubla.com)

As an injury-prone athlete, I firmly believe that this class teaches a routine that every athlete should adopt. Furthermore, due to the nature of the exercise ,I’d highly recommend adults of all ages consider adding this practice as a supplement to their weekly fitness routine. For me, incorporating these crucial hip, knee and abdominal strengthening exercises into a routine like BalleCore was far more enjoyable than doing them willy-nilly during the week. Women and runners in particular, who are anatomically prone to hip and knee pain, will enjoy and reap the benefits of this class.

What is it that wil make you come back to the SCLA studio? Nancy Jesson. Nancy is a petite blonde who might be one of the sweetest fitness instructors in all of Boston. While this might seem counter-intuitive for a good workout, typically you need someone tough to push you, Nancy’s humor and kind motivation will get you through the hour-long session. Nancy welcomes all new attendees at the beginning of class and concludes each session with a quick applause, during which she thanks “all you beautiful people.” After a session of BalleCore you feel enlightened and accomplished, and Nancy’s enthusiastic send-off is just what you need to return back to the grind.