Fitness Friday: Flywheel Highland Park in Dallas

Oh, how I love the tex-mex food at Mi Cocina in Dallas. I know you’ve heard me wax nostalgic over my favorite family haunt in a few of these blogs so you know what I mean. But here’s the thing. I have been spinning and working out regularly here in LA and knowing I was going to be home for 12 days, I knew if I was going to be enjoying that oh-so-yummy queso and those delicious chips and tasty margaritas, I was going to have to come up with a Dallas fitness plan to keep in shape.

Naturally, I took to social media to find out where to go and the answer was unanimous: Flywheel Highland Park. When I asked my Facebook friends about it, I received dozens of comments with suggestions for Flywheel instructors they loved and even a super sweet big ole Texas welcome on Facebook from instructors, Mark S., Cristin C. and Kelly M.

How could I not love this place?

Well, love it I did. And Troy Aikman is also my biggest fitness inspiration…but more on that later…

First impressions. My first impression of FlyWheel Highland Park was clean, clean, CLEAN! With streamlined lockers, elegance to spare and my beloved Bliss products in the bathroom, it felt more like a spa than your standard spin studio. And for a beauty blogger like myself, that is a MAJOR plus. I mean luxury and losing weight? Yeah, I can do that. Plus, they supply the spin shoes for free (many studios don’t) so that’s worth its weight in gold right there.

The water is even a little luxe...

 

Bliss products at my spin studio? Heck, YEAH!!!

Instructors. I ended up going to classes for 8 of the 10 full days I was there. Yep. It was that good. My family was impressed. My friends couldn’t believe it, “But you’re on vacaaaaaation!” My mom actually went with me the first day for our class with Missy Q who was just as adorable and energetic as they come. Great music, great energy and super supportive to boot! She was especially supportive of my 67-year-old mom who was attending her first spin class! Go Mom!! I ended up attending a few of Missy’s classes and left each time feeling amazing! Another favorite instructor was Mark S. Mark was full of happy, encouraging energy and had a powerful playlist both times I went to his classes. Overall, there wasn’t one instructor that I wouldn’t go back to.

The Studio...

 

What Makes It Different. At Flywheel, they really emphasize the importance of using your resistance or – as they call it – torq. This was a new approach to me. At my regular spin studio in LA, we sweat it out more with speed. But I loved getting this different take on it. And it obviously worked – as I’d lost 2 lbs when I got home! And remember, y’all, this was over the HOLIDAYS. Mission accomplished. Many folks who are more competitive than me also enjoy that they keep a digital “TorqBoard” in class so you can see how you compare to your fellow riders. It wasn’t for me but then again I’ve never been the competitive sort. I’m the cheerleader sort. But I talked to a few fellow classmates and they swear it is the edge that propels them forward in every class. I also loooooove that you can view your stats, calories burned, average RPM and see how you compete with your fellow Flywheel classmates privately by looking at the “My Performance” tab on your online account. I wish every studio did this! Not only is it helpful to know these details as you’re getting in shape but it also inspires and encourages you every step of the way.

The TORQ-MASTER…bahahaha…okay, that's just what I call it. Nevermind.

 

Bonus? I’ll just say this: If I was able to ride next to Troy Aikman EVERY day of my life, I would be in the BEST shape of my life. Yep, Troy was my FlyWheel buddy for two days. Ahhhh, memories.

Well, hey there! It's my spinning buddy, Troy Aikman!

 

Prices. The prices are a little cheaper than my studio here in LA. And yet the amenities are amaaaazing. I mean, the Bliss products alone!! It’s 1 class for $25, 5 classes for $117.50, 10 classes for $225 or 20 classes for $400. If I were living in Dallas though, I’d DEFINITELY-without-a-doubt opt for the $180/month unlimited special. It’s a deal, y’all!

Overall. I HIGHLY recommend Flywheel Highland Park if you’re relocating to Dallas or just visiting there like I was. Like me, you will love the clean and luxe facilities, super comfy bikes (seriously, I’ve never felt a more comfortable bike seat in my life of spinning) and the sweet and accommodating staff who specialize in customer care. Also, for you new riders, there is a super helpful staff member there at the beginning of every class to help you get all set up and feel comfortable while doing it. Love that!

And I love the fact that now whenever I go home, I also have a home studio that I can call mine. Thanks, Flywheel!

Thanks, FlyWheel HP!

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What’s your favorite way to get in shape? 

Fitness Friday: AuraCycle in Los Angeles – my new fave find!

Okay, I have refrained from posting this two times because I’m kinda reticent about telling you guys about my new favorite place. See…if I tell you, you’ll wanna go and then you’ll go and then your friends’ll go and then I won’t be able to get a bike. Tear.
But I decided that’s selfish.

Tea before I head off to Auracycle!

And I – as BeautyFrosting – refuse to be selfish. Sooooo…here ya go! My new favorite find and my girl crush all in one place. Thanks Whitney Lader of hoopLA for introducing me to my little fitness heaven. With 50 pounds gone and 20 more to go, I’m gonna get super fit thanks to this place!!

***

I have a girl crush. It’s best I just come out and admit it.

It’s Heather – an actress – and my spin instructor – at AuraCycle.

Heather Adair: The Spinning Dancing Queen

She’s made me fall in love with fitness again so how could I not have a crush on her?

Me & my fave instructor - Heather. Don't judge. It's too early for makeup and we just got our groove...and sweat on at Auracycle!

 

Besides being full of energy and spiritual motivation, Heather boogies throughout the class keeping you on your toes, motivating you to do your best and reminding you that you can accomplish ANYTHING. And she doesn’t just mean what you can accomplish in class.

I like her so much that I’ve started calling her the Reverend. I have had some spiritual moments in her 9:30 am Sunday morning classes. Last week, I even cried. Don’t judge. I’m in the early stages of the moving process as I just got kicked out of my apartment. And she was playing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Yep, The Rolling (f’ing) Stones. And her message before it was exactly what I needed to hear at that exact moment.

So what makes Auracycle different from any other spin studio in town?

Well, it starts with the appearance.

Auracycle Exterior on 3rd Street

Think Virgin Airlines meets laid back dance club meets spa. Oh, you haven’t seen that before? Well, neither had I…until now.

Where all the magic (and calorie burning) happens at Auracycle

Then, there’s the “show” element . The patent-pending Aura lighting design is something to behold – and get fit – to. Think the “Light-Brite” days of your youth. Soothing, inspiring and invigorating LED lights are moving along with the music, dimming and lighting up as you spin away.

For the physical element, you’re burning oodles of calories and fat all while feeling like you’re at a dance party. But unlike so many spin classes, here they don’t neglect your upper body and body’s need to stretch. You get a super comprehensive light arm weight workout and a good, comprehensive stretch sesh at the end of every class. I usually wake up the next day feeling stronger, longer, leaner, more refreshed and not writhing in pain.

Then, there’s the spiritual element. Hang with me here. I’m not gettin’ religious on ya. Heather is somehow able to whip your butt physically while renewing you emotionally and spiritually. While your stress and body break down the toxins and fat in the best way, your spirit is being built up by the minute.

Plus, this girl knows how to jam. Whether it’s 80s (my favorite! more please, Heather!), Beyonce, Kanye, Rolling Stones, 30 Seconds To Mars, some indie awesomeness or whatever else is tickling her tablet  - and our fancy – her tunes will warm you up, rev you up, get you up and over that hill and then cool you down. And then you’re all ready set for a blue ribbon kind of day. (* I’m so addicted to Heather’s playlists that I’ve asked her to contribute a post for Music Monday…stay tuned!)

I am now addicted to Auracycle and I blame my girl crush – the “Rev Heath”, if you will.

Her energy is contagious. And I wanna catch it! Anyone who can inspire that many people in that short a time has something magical going on and even more magic up ahead of them. I’m happy to meet her early on in her journey.

Between the lighting, the mixed bag of music and the yogi-infused teaching, you’re sure to get fit and feel fabulous. The best part? Sometimes I enjoy it so much that later that day, I forget that I’ve worked out!!! Seriously. I enjoy it that much. And yet even though it’s fun and inspiring, you feel like you treated yourself for the day!

And then, there are the treats at the end of class. Instead of a sticker after a dentist’s office visit or a piece of candy after the pediatrician (do they still do that, by the way?), your treat after your kickass Auracycle class is a eucalyptus-infused cool towel. I look forward to this more than what is considered normal. It’s a slice of heaven for your head.

Oh, you say you’re thirsty afterward? Didn’t eat breakfast? Need some potassium reinforcement? Check out their juices from the uber-popular juice spot, Clover. I always do!

Clover juices & coconut water post-workout - all provided for your enjoyment - and health - at Auracycle on 3rd!

To reserve an Auracycle class with Heather – or any of the other awesome instructors, check it out here. Usually, classes are $27 but they have some awesome deals right now. For a limited time, they have $15 for an introductory class or $285/month for unlimited spin classes. With this being my new healthy addiction, I guess I’m gonna have to buy a series.

Spin away, beauties!

Auracycle & Aurapulse

8231 W. 3rd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 570-0570

http://www.aurapulse.com

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: How do you get your fitness on? And, do YOU have a girl crush?