Located on East 4th Street a few blocks away from SoulCycle Noho and David Barton Gym Astor Place, the studio has 30 Woodways–the same high-tech, otherworldly equipment that you’ll find at Barry’s Bootcamp. These aren’t your mama’s treadmill, but, don’t worry, they’re remarkably easy to use. And, if you’re like me, who generally steers clear of the “dreadmill” while exercising on my own, Mile High Run Club is our chance to mix things up in the company of others.

Each Woodway is stocked with a cheat sheet, breaking down the 4 different training levels for novice Joggers or more experienced Racers. And, there’s plenty of space for a water bottle and towel.

I chose a class called Dash 28, structured intervals for 28 sweaty minutes plus 10 minutes of kettlebell training for 45 total (the other option is an hour-long class called The Distance, with 50 minutes of treadmill work).

Pro golfer and über all-around instructor Andia Winslow took our all-female group through a challenging mix of sprints from 1% to 5% incline, staying mostly within Levels 2 and 3. At the end, we popped off behind our treadmills and finished strong with sets of lunges, squats and pushups holding 3- and 8-pound kettlebells.

Despite mic trouble and a playlist including “Mambo Number 5″ that should be curated with an ear for much newer endorphin-inspiring tunes (like Row House), this was, for sure, the fastest half hour that I’ve ever run inside.

And, on the way out, a list of upcoming races got me thinking.  In New York, as always, the options are endless. Which races are you running this season?

But, just because the new year is here doesn’t mean that the party’s over. Never one for major New Year’s resolutions, I do believe in reasonable goal-setting to keep myself motivated through the dead of winter.

So, I’m dedicating 2015 to moving forward.

STRENGTH+Sole is getting a new look and we’re busy behind the scenes now, making your experience even better. That means: easier search, bigger images and more weekly fitness and fashion content. Stay tuned–it’s coming your way by March!

If you’re shopping for a new gym, take a look at David Barton‘s just-opened Chelsea location. Formerly, the raging, all-night dance club The Limelight, it’s now a haven for sweating of a different sort. With Life Fitness treadmills, ellipticals and weight machines tucked into dimly-lit, dreamy spaces and the original stained glass windows all around, this gym is proof that in New York, everyone–and everything–is always being reinvented.

Here’s to the power of positive change.

Designed to burn fat and sculpt muscle simultaneously, HIIT includes a mix of kettle bell training, burpees, lunges and squats. This class incorporated those–and then some. It was a sold-out show, with 21 clients, and we each occupied a fixed spot in the studio vs. other HIIT classes, which often rely on circuits and continuous movement of small groups between stations.

In addition to the music, those of us who’d chosen to wear a Wahoo heart rate monitor supplied by the front desk were also able to push ourselves using the numbers displayed on a flat screen.

I always find this type of information inspirational vs. defeatist, so, whenever I saw my intensity level change from orange to yellow, I knew it was time to step it back up.

After several rounds of exercises, laid out for us on a chalk board at the beginning of class, we ended with abs: side and center planks plus scissor kicks. Ugh. What I need and dread most.

And, before I picked up my berry smoothie and headed out the door, I grabbed Robert plus a kettle bell for a sweaty photo opp. Posing for the camera and on the mic in class, this guy was born to do it.

First, there’s the bike. In my opinion, it’s the most superior indoor cycling bike out there. Highly connected, it offers up each rider’s personal cadence, resistance and output along with a real-time leaderboard, so that we can see how we measure up against the rest of the class and others tuning in from home.  It rides like a dream.

For virtual cyclists, Peloton is the first experience to provide streaming of live and on-demand classes, right from their home gyms, libraries or living rooms.  So, if you skipped Lisa Niren‘s 10:30am class last Sunday because you slept in, were on a plane or simply live in Detroit, don’t worry, because it’s available…24/7. (And, trust me, if you want to be in amazing shape, you don’t want to miss Lisa’s Endurance ride–check out her way enviable abs.)

For New Yorkers, Peloton’s 23rd Street studio is the brand’s home base. With a spacious lobby lounge that’s like a comfy-meets-chic living room and a Jack’s outpost with freshly-brewed coffee and fruit-infused water, the pre-and post-ride experience is made to feel equally important.

And, as always, there’s a full collection of branded tees, tanks and crop capris on your way in and out. (If you don’t have your own cycling shoes, they’re complimentary with the ride, along with water.)

In New York, we often grumble that everyone is always looking for the next best thing in lunch spots, labels and even love. But, after having taken three Peloton classes with another scheduled for tomorrow morning, I gotta admit: my present is pretty perfect.

The entire class is done on a machine called the Megaformer, an über version of the traditional Reformer, timed to a pumped up, pop playlist.

Equipped with adjustable springs, stirrups and straps, I found myself hanging from and twisting on the Megaformer in ways that I didn’t know were possible. Moves like the Mermaid worked our obliques, Scrambled Eggs targeted the outer thigh. Plus, there were many, many planks.

This is my instructor Emily, showing off her best side plank. (I love her look, especially the girly toe socks.)

Mixed with high intensity cardio like cycling and running to shed fat, I can definitely see how SLT would deliver on its promise. And, you know me, I’d rather be sore than sorry any day.

SLT Flatiron opens next Monday, 11/3. Find a class here.

You’re wrong.

Welcome to Tone House, the hardest workout in New York City.

Bathed in red light, you’ll breathe harder than in any other class in town, you’ll sweat profusely as you carry the weight of a 70-pound harness on your back and you may even see black spots in between sets. But, you’ll be back for more.

Founder Alonzo Wilson lettered in every high school sport and went on to play college football. He now models for Wilhemina (that face, those guns!) and in conversation, he’s surprisingly soft-spoken for someone who designed a workout so crazy fierce.

The 15-minute warm-up consists of several rounds of hurdles, like these.

Then, there are pushups and burpees wearing the harness, strapped to the wall.

And, sprints back and forth across the studio, followed by resistance exercises using TRX bands that leverage your full body weight.

You’ll do all of this for an hour until it’s time to stretch and gather for one last team huddle signifying “game over.”

But, if you’re like me, the next morning, as you tell your friends about your more-than-grueling evening the night before, you’ll maybe, just maybe, also check the schedule.

Those were my first words upon arrival at Living Room Soho, the bright, airy Gyrotonic studio on Broadway founded by a gorgeous Greek former ballerina named Angeliki.

From white-washed brick walls to fluffy towels in Neopolitan shades of cream, pink and chocolate, it’s heavenly.

Influenced by gentle, flowing movements like those in ballet and using a special piece of equipment with weights and pulleys (made by a company called Cobra), Gyrotonic can help build strength, increase flexibility and maybe even teach you how to sit up straight.

Until last week, I always thought that meant arching my back, stretching myself up, up, up–all the way toward the ceiling.  But, I was wrong. Sitting up straight actually means shifting your weight back so that your head, neck and spine are in perfect alignment (no arch or curve of your spine, whatsoever). Why does it matter? Well, if you find that after a few hours at your desk, you suffer from lower back or neck pain, you might want to examine how, exactly, you sit.  You’ll likely find that a few ergonomic tweaks make all that time at the office more enjoyable (though I can’t do anything about your boss!).

Besides feeling a little taller and much more relaxed, after our session, I got busy with Angeliki’s amazing collection of floral scented bath products, lotions and oils by girly brands like Cath Kidston.  Yum!

A big thanks to NYC’s ultimate Greek goddess!

Book a class or private session at Living Room Soho here.

Row House is the newest leader, launched last week near Columbus Circle.  Owned by my new favorite power couple Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo Frohlich, and combined with the popular EVF CrossFit located on the lower level, it packs a one-two punch.

The studio is spacious, with a mellow black/white/buttercup yellow color palette and an iconic “river” view.

Each station is equipped with an erg (indoor rower), a mat for planks and pushups plus Sandbells (like slam balls, but won’t roll away) and an Ab Wedge. Bring a big eco-friendly water bottle.

I took Debra’s Full Body class, 10-minute row segments interwoven with arms, abs and squats. Before settling in at our ergs, we gathered around her tablet to watch a video tutorial showing proper rowing form (straight back, shoulders down and pulled back, torso shifting between 11 o’clock at the movement’s start and 1 o’clock at the finish).

Debra also rowed along with us, on an erg in front, so everyone could emulate her and easily follow along.  The class was challenging but not overwhelming, the playlist was loud and fun. Afterward, I toweled off and stuck around to chat with Eric, Debra and friends who’d stopped by to check out the new hotspot.  Just like their decor, I found Row House’s staff and students to be warm and friendly.

Work in midtown?  Stop by on your way to/from the office.  Rowing at Row House is one revolution that you’ll want to be part of this spring.  Book your class here.

My next one is the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon in July, with three of my best friends from high school.  To toast our birthdays, we WILL run for wine.  So, like many of you, I’ve been searching for ways to maintain (and even increase) my fitness level this winter before race training kicks into high gear.

Enter Soho Strength Lab.  Founded by 3 former Equinox trainers, it’s bright, big and industrial with a 54′ landing strip of astro turf that serves as the main training area for individual PT sessions and small group classes.

Equipment ranges from kettle bells and free weights to slam balls and battling ropes, plus the infamous Power Sled, which I’ll tell you more about in a bit.

I took Soho Speed, a 45-minute cardio conditioning class incorporating a mix of sprinting drills and ab work to help us find our “inner athlete.” Led by Andy Speer, who’s also an Elite model, Soho Speed was the closest thing to high school track practice that I’ve experienced since 2001.  From “high knees” (running in place, pulling the knees way up for stronger hip flexors) to suicide sprints, it was reminiscent of running for the Ramapo Raiders, all the way.

And, similarly, once Andy busted out my newest friend in fitness, which I’ve lovingly nicknamed #thesled, I was definitely feeling the burn.

That night, we pushed around a 120-pound Power Sled – the sled, itself, weighs 50 lbs. and the plates on top were 70. Hello, it was SO hard! I was totally seeing black spots afterward (in a good way).

My take?  If you’re in pretty good shape, you can definitely handle Soho Strength Lab classes.  It’s perfect for runners, cyclists and guys who find some of the boutique studios way too frilly.  Participating in passport programs like ClassPass or FITiST?  It’s part of their list.  If you’re coming off an injury or are just getting back into things, you might try personal training with Andy or another of their trainers, tailored to your current fitness level.

Before I arrived at Soho Strength Lab, it had been a rough day. Nothing seemed to be going right in my world. After the class, I walked outside and in the glow of the “Little Italy” sign, I texted a photo with #thesled to my dad. His reply?  I looked strong.  Even on the worst day, I know that I am.  You are, too.

I’d love to know: which races are you thinking about or training for right now?

In place of promotional signage and a wall of merchandise, you’ll find a projector screen with riders’ names and performance numbers, the weekly schedule on a gigantic chalk board and stacks of magazines like Competitor and Women’s Running. No frills, but, totally authentic.

The technology behind T2 is the CompuTrainer, which delivers real-time results as you ride. Whether you bring your own bike or use one from the studio, everyone is plugged into the system, showing the “road” and our individual numbers (watts, distance, calories burned, etc.) on flatscreens.

After inputting my height, weight & age and selecting my virtual outfit colors, my bike was waiting for me, so, I hopped on and started getting familiar.  While I’m a huge indoor cyclist, I’m less experienced with riding outdoors on anything more complicated than a Citi Bike, so, my only challenge was shifting gears.  Otherwise, it was very simple–each rider followed his/her personal pane, showing our course and metrics (I was bottom left).

My neighbor, whom I jokingly nicknamed “the guy,” was a tall, hardcore triathlete and international finance type whose output was consistently through the roof: he hit 375 watts vs. mine, which ranged between 100-140 during the 90-minute class.  I was more than happy to follow his tips and tricks, which he happily offered throughout our ride.

Meanwhile, all around us, there was a lot of sweating going on.

Things to know before you go:

• Bring a slim water bottle that will fit into your bike (mine’s Klean Kanteen); refills provided.
• As with any cycling class, if you have shoes, wear those, otherwise, baskets are available so that you can rock your sneakers, too.
• Eat something light but substantial before you ride: a banana with peanut butter or small bowl of high protein cereal with almond milk.
• And, there are showers, if you’re headed to brunch with friends afterward.

It’s always easy to zone out on an elliptical and call that a workout. So, one of the things that I’ve loved about writing STRENGTH+Sole is pushing myself far from what was once my usual routine.

Next week, I’m back at T2 for another class and my FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test, which will give me an accurate sense of where I am now, performance-wise, and help set my training goals.

And, ya never know, you just might see me this spring in Central Park, dressed in head-to-toe spandex and riding alongside “the guy.”

Are you with me?  Try T2!  Log on to T2NYC.com and use promo code STRENGTH for 25% off a single class or any class package through February 28, 2014.

Stay tuned for more from my FTP test and a special giveaway, coming soon.

Photos by Jeanne Meyer.
This post is in partnership with T2; all thoughts/assessments are my own.