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.

On May 14, 2008, his doctor told him that he was going to die.  Not only was it a chore to get through day-to-day life, like walking up a flight of stairs, but, his heart was working twice as hard as it should.  The next day, he cut out sugar and soda–resulting in a weight loss of 50 pounds over the next few months, alone–and never looked back.

Meet Doug Johnson, über instructor at SWERVE and one of the most inspirational guys on the NYC fitness scene.

Why he’s different: Well, for one thing, there’s Doug’s story–which is pretty unreal, especially once you check him out in a tank top.  In class, you’ll also find Doug alternating between riding and walking around the studio with an iPad in hand, like a clipboard.  Yup, he’s got your RPM, resistance, gear and output right in front of him, so, basically he knows exactly how hard every rider is working at all times. “I hold you accountable because I want you to be a stronger and more efficient rider,” he says.  And really, who wants to mess with that?

Doug’s schedule: “Nothing less than 20 classes per week, typically 24″ which nets out to 4-5 per day.

What he loves about SWERVE: “There’s unity in the team.  We really rile people up and it’s this rooting for their team, and for each other, as friends, that changes how the class ends.”

Where you’ll find him before or after teaching class: At Barry’s Bootcamp! “The best way that you stay on top of your craft is learning from others,” he says, noting that his ever-expanding core group of favorites there include: Patrick Frost, Courtney Paul, Noah Neiman and Natalie Raitano.

What’s inside his closet: Sleek, form-fitting pieces by Y-3, Zara and Lululemon.

Favorite restaurants in SWERVE’s neighborhood? Westville and Republic.

Guilty pleasure? Sour Patch Kids (highly addictive, he says), along with any other type of sugar-loaded, gummy candy.

Fitness (and life) motto: “You are the embodiment of infinite possibilities.”  Can’t argue with that.

Want to book a class with Doug?  Click here.

On Friday night, Audrey and Diane, two of my 100-mile relay teammates, drove down from Vermont for a fun fall weekend in the city.  On the agenda: shopping, snacking on B-day Truffles at Momofuku Milk Bar, sipping Salty Dogs at Willow Road and cycling at SWERVE, the newest studio in the city, which opened yesterday.

Located on West 18th Street in the Flatiron, the exterior is reminiscent of SoulCycle, with colorful branded window vinyls.

The SWERVE concept is a team inspired ride, whether you come with friends or solo (both are encouraged). The bikes are brand new Schwinn, with the most amazing flat handles for position 2, separated into three teams: red, green and blue via overhead lighting.

Each bike is equipped with a monitor à la Flywheel and Revolve, but here, it’s synced to measure team performance, which is displayed via color-blocked bar charts on flatscreens. Go, team spirit. (SWERVE’s founders are college friends with finance backgrounds.) You can also check out your personal performance at the end of class via the ride summary that appears on your monitor.

Our instructor was Trisha, a blonde, braided Cali turned city girl. This was her fourth class in two days, but, we never would have known–she had great energy on and off the bike, plus a killer playlist.

After class, you can hit the juice bar with a selection of freshly blended smoothies, Chia Bars and cold-pressed juices from neighborhood favorite Liquiteria.

While SWERVE’s studio interior also looks like SoulCycle, bespoke details make it feel more luxe.

As a new Cory Vines ambassador, I was psyched to see SWERVE’s branded apparel collection includes the brand’s tops and tanks, plus some Nike favorites.

The SWERVE experience was fun. It definitely brings some additional energy to the city’s increasingly crowded cycling scene, And, girls, if you’re looking for eye candy, you can find it here…the studio was filled with cute finance boys on bikes!

I’ve passed by a million times on my way toward Union Square – for the Saturday greenmarket, Lululemon, Refine Method, Soul Cycle – and, I’ve always thought that it looked chic, but, not cold.

An hour later, we had chopped off 4 inches.

Too many layers, too many highlights over the years…it just seemed like the right thing to do.

In my 30s, I’m trying to embrace the fact that we go around only once, so, I may as well have a little (or a lot of) fun. And, really: don’t we all want to feel a little lighter?

Meet my Brush dream team!
Genyii & Yuli