Written by Em Wooden
People of all different fitness levels work out at the Evolution gym. Some of our clients are cultivating new skill sets, while others are perfecting ones they’ve had for ages. New and experienced runners alike will enjoy working with our trainers one-on-one and in a group setting.
The Altitude Training Room is an excellent place for runners to get in a workout. The temperature- and humidity-controlled room contains treadmills, bikes, stairclimbers, a rowing machine, a SkiErg, and a ClimbStation. The altitude ranges from 9,000 feet on Mondays to 17,000 feet on the last Sunday of every month. Contrary to popular belief, you can start training in the room anytime you like. You do not have to begin at a relatively low altitude and work your way up. Some clients walk slowly on a treadmill when the altitude is higher, and they are still reaping the benefits of the hypoxic environment. As you spend more time exercising at altitude, you will be able to increase the intensity of your workouts.
Generally clients train independently in the Altitude Training Room and work with trainers in the main gym. At 6 a.m. on Wednesday mornings, however, you have the chance to participate in a group class that takes place at an altitude of 11,000 feet. High Altitude Interval Training is taught by Dr. Brad Farra and Eric Lubell. Together they take their students through cardio intervals that will benefit runners and other athletes, as well as students who are just beginning to work out. Because this class is capped at 8 participants, you will receive plenty of feedback from the instructors. This class is an excellent option for anyone who wants to learn about altitude training, regardless of their fitness level.
For those of you who are seeking classes that cater specifically to runners, you might want to stick around for a couple hours after the Interval Training class. Jeremy Currie offers an Amplified Agility class at 8 o’clock every Wednesday morning. This class is particularly useful for trail runners who want to take their performance to the next level. Students should be prepared for a series of drills focusing on coordination, hairpin turns, and deceleration. If Wednesday mornings don’t fit into your schedule, Jeremy has personal training sessions available throughout the week. He also teaches Deadlift Academy on Monday and Wednesday, and Core Strength on Saturday, both of which can benefit runners immensely.
Swing back by on Wednesday evening for Dana Katz’ Strength Training for Runners class. An ultrarunner herself, Dana founded Ultra U, a company that seeks to inspire athletes as they work toward their goals. She believes that every runner should work a significant amount of strength training into their exercise regime. Her small group class takes place at 5 and 6 p.m., and caps at 8 students. You should expect drills that involve BOSU balls, weights, and sandbags. You will likely be working everything from your core to your legs over the course of the hour.
Valerie Uskoski also teaches two strength training classes. Start off your Monday morning with a 6 a.m. session of Fundamentals of Strength Training; the focus is on form, which makes this a fantastic precursor to Valerie’s Tuesday/Thursday class, Strength Training for Endurance Athletes. Both classes will help you to build a strong foundation, and they incorporate a lot of cardiovascular work. Please note that Fundamentals of Strength Training is a prerequisite to Strength Training for Endurance Athletes.
Scott Plested’s 12 p.m. Monday/Friday Butt and Gut class isn’t just about getting a six-pack…although you could walk away with one if you work this class into your weekly fitness regime. Engaging your core (including your glutes!) will help you become a stronger runner, and can even lead to reduced back pain and better posture. What better way to spend your lunch hour?
Runners need more than just cardio. These classes will help you become a well-rounded athlete with a solid fitness foundation. In each of these classes you might find yourself working out alongside someone who is training for their first 5k as well as a seasoned ultramarathon runner. That’s the beauty of Evolution.
