Movement U: new fitness studio now open in Bridgeland

There’s a new fitness studio in town and it’s the perfect place to kick-start your year and get started on your fitness resolutions!

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Movement U brings a new concept to fitness, as they have made it their mission to turn the concept of “working out” from a daunting and dreadful task into a part of the day that is enjoyable and something you look forward too.

They are located in Bridgeland’s new Meredith Block on 4^th Street NE, which offers street and underground parking, and is exorbitantly accessible for city dwellers in surrounding downtown neighbourhoods. The studio boasts an industrial modern design, with antique Marquee signs, brick walls and moody undertones to set the tone for your workout. Each fitness class has it’s own studio room with well-appointed décor that matches the purpose of the space. The best one by far is the infamous wall of running shoes that is located in the spin room.

“Think rough wood & brick against gold tile & sleek white countertops,” says Julie Lanctot of Paul Lavoie Interior Design, “I wanted to take their concept of a “Brooklyn Style’ and mix it with a clean and fresh finish, creating a gym that is inviting and intriguing.”

Movement U opened its doors to YYC in November 2016, and already they are beginning to cultivate a family like community. “We will hear girls talking in the change rooms like they are good friends, who just met in the previous class,” says Aleena Lalani, Founding Partner of Movement U. “Its so great to hear and we feel that the movement from the classes really connects people in a unique way.

With an emphasis on connection and experience, Movement U aims to bring people together through music and well, movement. Through various types of fitness classes, they work to inspire people and ignite their personal growth through consistent progress and a mind-body connection that allows them to feel empowered and in control. Their workouts are designed for those looking to increase and maintain their fitness, burn calories and lift their overall energy level while having fun in a social setting.

Currently, they offer classes that can be categorized into spin, rowing, high intensity interval training (HIIT) and personal training, each having their own priorities and intentions.

Spin

“Imagine 28 people moving together, working off of each other’s energy and the beat of the music,” said Sunny Britton, Row and Spin Program Director, “It allows everyone to push each other, while reminding them that they are working towards a common goal. It’s almost meditative in some sense.” They aim for their classes to be a 50-minute escape, allowing you to clip in and zone out, while mindlessly getting into the music and moving together, transporting your mind to somewhere other than your bike.

Row

Comparable to spin, their rowing classes work to get people moving together and consequently pushing each other. The great part about rowing is that it targets almost every muscle group, within a 45-minute class, while having little impact on your joints. “It’s rare that you feel a true connection to people in this age of technology, but in the room you really feel it,” commented Britton. “Everyone holds each other accountable and when the music lifts it’s a synchronized experience.”

HIIT

High-intensity interval training is meant to compliment row and spin classes, as they are intended to get people moving on all planes of movement and in directions that you’re not used to at the gym. “HIIT instructors set their classes to a soundtrack that lifts the energy and motivates the class through the highs and lows within each song,” says Luke Leimenstoll, Founding Partner and Operations Director. “We try and adjust the classes to meet the needs of the people in it. For example, if there are lots of people in a class with desk jobs, we introduce exercises that will help with posture and muscle building.” These classes may sound slightly intimidating at first, but they are catered to all fitness levels.

They also offer a line of branded workout attire, along with water bottles and other fitness accessories that will get you excited to begin moving! If you are interested in learning more check out their website, or go into the studio and one of their instructors will gladly show you around and get you more familiar about the fitness requirements and the space.

Also, be sure to check out their “Share your Sole” campaign and get your shoe up on their famous wall of shoes. For every pair of shoes donated, Movement U will donate a brand new pair to charity