Monitor Energy Usage
The exhortation to conserve energy is all well and good when it saves you money on your heating bill. But things can get a little dicey when these principles are extended to personal energy. A winter of indolence, although it has a certain instinctual appeal, can seem interminable. Those of an embrace-the-season bent will be out skiing, skating or snowshoeing. That’s all well and good, but some may want to take a more combative stance. These people are in luck; before the end of 2016 three boutique facilities will open to teach Calgarians how to jab, cross and hook their way to a fighter’s physique. But heavy-bag workouts are only part of the appeal. From club-banging tunes to laser light shows to trainers at least as energetic as those who teach spin classes, each facility offers its own take on boxing-based sweat sessions. Here’s what you need to know before you glove up and step in the ring:
Undrcard Boxing Studio
The cavernous space (5,600 square feet) is designed by McKinley Burkhart, but you can admire it while towelling off. First things first: a 50-minute session is both gruelling and, thanks to club-worthy sound and lights, energizing. Trainers—all of whom have prior experience with boxing—lead the sessions to ensure that clients get all the thrill and skill development of training for a match, without the risk of taking an actual punch. Undrcard is set to open in the first week of December. 349 10th Ave. S.W. undrcard.com.
The Sweat Science
Dustin Sutley knows a thing or two about throwing a punch; he knocked out his first four professional opponents. Now he’s applying his knowledge and experience to whipping Calgarians into shape. When it opens later this year, the Sweat Science, his modern take on an “Ali era” facility, will have two training areas: the heavy-bag studio, where the 30-person HitFit classes will be held, and the Ringside Studio for smaller classes and private sessions. 1406 9th Ave. S.E., thesweatscience.com.
Rumble Boxing Studio
Cissy Chen doesn’t come from a boxing—or even an athletic— background, but she has stacked her bench with experienced trainers. Chen is the owner of Rumble (at press time, it was set to open Nov. 8), which will offer group heavy-bag classes for all levels of experience. Chen promises these will all have one thing in common: “a full-body sweat like no other.” Beyond the bags, Rumble Energy Bar, with a menu created by executive chef Shaun Desaulniers, will offer nutritionally dense fruit bowls and cold-pressed juices that will help fighters recover from the workout. 720 17th Ave. S.W., 403-617-0439, rumbleboxing.com.
OTHER OPTIONS Ninja Family
Those who spend a lot of time saying “I could do that,” while watching American Ninja Warrior now have the chance to prove it. Inja Nation (opening in “early November” we’re told) will offer two Ninja
Warrior courses: one with a warped wall just like on the TV show, and one for kids and teens. 102, 52 Aero Dr. N.E. 587-353-4652, injanation.com.
On the Ball
Beginning Nov. 16, Studio Revolution Fitness will offer Rollax classes. The 45-minute sessions will use mobility balls to aid muscle recovery and prevent injuries. A weekly session will allow you to work out with increased intensity in your cardio and weight sessions and reap greater fitness results. Studio Revolution, 313 17th Ave. S.W. 403-719-3488, studiorevolution.ca.
Sun, Sand and Sweat
Oshiis Surf & Yoga Experience is designed for those who want to stay active by fleeing winter for a while. Founded by Calgarian Amy Kapitza, the company offers fun in the sun in the form of surf lessons and yoga sessions. The next adventures (US$2,200) are scheduled Nov. 18-26 in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, and Feb. 18-25, 2017 in Playa Venao, Panama. oshiissurf.com.