Risk rating
each pose to entice a pleasant burning sensation in the muscles – particularly when moving in and out of various lunge and ballet-style plies. After an upright section of choreography to focus on the arms, legs, and balance, the class moved down to the floor for some light core work. A resistance band was available for assistance if required.
Why you should try it
The founders of essentrics state that the benefits of the technique stretch as far as, ‘‘improving posture, flexibility, mobility, and range of motion, rebalancing the body, relieving pain and reducing any existing scar tissue in joints and muscles’’. By incorporating the technique into a regular workout they also suggest that it will help to improve your overall performance in other activities. A 23-minute essentrics workout will burn on average around 75-125 calories. The possibility of injuring yourself in an essentrics class is highly unlikely. It’s a low-impact workout with fluid movements that intend to strengthen and stretch the body. Essentrics founders suggest that first-timers and participants with injuries should approach the workout with limited contraction or ‘‘loose like a rag doll’’.
Any surprises
Upon the conclusion of the class, instructor Jeanne suggested that I may feel some muscle fatigue in the days following. Given the low-impact nature of the workout this didn’t seem entirely plausible. She was right.
For more information visit essentrics.com.