Category Archives: SWEAT + STUDIOS

Elevate Your Workouts! Meet Extrech Workout Bands

June 20, 2024

As a fitness trainer and teacher, I’m always on the lookout for tools that can enhance my clients’ workouts and help them achieve their fitness goals efficiently. Recently, I came across the Extrech Workout Bands, (thank you, Instagram!) and after integrating them with my private clients and into my classes at The Micropause Studio, I’m excited to share them with you!

The Extrech Workout Bands solve many of the problems associated with traditional resistance bands. Rubber bands often roll and snap, and fabric bands tend to slide and slip. These issues can lead to discomfort, distractions, and even injuries. The Extrech design addresses these concerns effectively.

Each set includes three bands with varying resistance levels, all made from high-quality, 100% BPA-free silicone. The bands come in a cute silky bag ( dare I say ‘chic’?!) drawstring carrying bag with a little instructional manual with some simple easy to follow basic ideas on how to use them. I love the colors! Not your typical, hideous primary colors but actually gorgeous deep orange/red hues that you don’t need to hide when someone comes over because those other bands are the clashiest ( made that up) tones ever. These are super visually appealing – but also easy to quickly identify the different resistance levels.

One of the standout features of these bands is their durability. Made from high-quality silicone, they feel sturdy and resilient. Unlike traditional rubber or fabric bands, or the super thin ones that NEVER STAY ON (!!!) the silicone material ensures that these bands do not roll, snap, or slip. This is the secret sauce here. This makes them an excellent choice for high-intensity workouts, walking lunges and squats – and of course, floor work.

Extrech Workout Bands come in three distinct resistance levels: Light, Medium, and Heavy. This range caters to all fitness levels and workout intensities. Beginners can start with the lighter bands to build strength and gradually progress to the heavier bands for more challenging exercises. And when they mean heavy – they mean it – the heavy is a BEAST.

The versatility of these bands is truly impressive. They can be used for a variety of exercises, including:

  • Strength Training: Squats, lunges, bicep curls, and shoulder presses.
  • Flexibility and Mobility Work: Assisted stretches and mobility drills.
  • Rehabilitation: Physical therapy exercises to aid in recovery from injuries.
  • Cardio Workouts: Adding resistance to enhance the intensity of cardio routines.

What sets these bands apart is their ability to be seamlessly integrated into almost any workout regimen without slipping and sliding all over the place. Or just falling down or – breaking. Yes, been there, done that.  They’re perfect for home workouts, gym sessions, outdoor activities, you get the point.

Comfort is another area where Extrech Workout Bands excel. The bands are smooth to the touch and do not dig into the skin during use. This makes them comfortable to use for extended periods, even during the most strenuous workouts.

The bands are crafted from high-quality, 100% BPA-free silicone, ensuring they stay in place during workouts and do not require constant adjustment. This feature alone can increase workout efficiency by up to 64%.

Suerpowers:

  • Outer Diameter: The outer diameter of the bands is larger than the inner diameter, preventing the narrowing effect that can cause pinching and bruising.
  • Segmented Design: Multiple segments on the inner surface of the band prevent slipping and rolling.
  • Thermoplastic Rubber and Silicone: These materials are more skin-friendly and environmentally friendly than traditional rubber, reducing health issues and environmental impact. And easy to wipe and clean.

Since introducing these bands into my sessions at The Micropause Studio, I’ve noticed significant improvements in my clients’ workouts. The bands’ stability and durability allow clients to focus on their exercises without constant adjustments, or just giving up because they are too uncomfortable, pinching and falling off when we try to use them. This has been particularly beneficial for clients recovering from injuries, as the bands provide a reliable and safe resistance option and we can focus on training, not dealing with band babysitting.

The Extrech Workout Bands live up to their name by providing a next-level experience in resistance training. They are durable, versatile, and user-friendly, making them a valuable addition to any fitness arsenal. Whether you’re looking to enhance your strength, improve flexibility, or aid in rehabilitation, these bands offer an effective and affordable solution.

If you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile set of resistance bands, use code EMILYWAGNER for 10% for 3 Extrech Workout Bands.

 

Camp Los Angeles Opens Doors to Newly Expanded State-of-the-Art Studios in Santa Monica

June 1, 2023

Camp Los Angeles – the multi-disciplinary yoga and fitness destination in Santa Monica –opens the doors to its newly expanded state-of-the-art studios, doubling the size of the campgrounds and bringing the best of four programs to one location.

camp los angeles

To celebrate the grand opening weekend from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, Camp Los Angeles invites class-goers to tour the new campgrounds and take part in sponsored Sculpt, Circuit, Yoga and Stations classes in partnership with brands including Vuori, Lululemon, Essential Elements and Athletic Lab – with lots of giveaways up for grabs. Promising a vibrant scene, local pop-ups from known and loved local brands will be on-site throughout the weekend providing complimentary bites and beverages and experiences, from ice baths to permanent jewelry and flash tattoos.

To join the community of CAMPers during the grand opening weekend, secure your spot on the Yoga, Circuit, Stations or Sculpt class taking place that weekend across the four studios, led by L.A.’s very best instructors.

Visit welovecamp.com to learn more and book classes. Saturday, June 10 line up: LINK x LOU Permanent Jewelry Experience, Essential Elements, Celsius, Holy Grail Donuts Sunday, June 11 line up: Pause, Christians Tattoos, Ritual, nocco + barebells

“The grand opening is just the start of our next chapter as an all-encompassing fitness and yoga playground where our wellness-centered community can grow and thrive. We have the crème de la crème of collaborators all in one place who are bringing the nostalgic summer camp experience to life,” said Jamie Lanza, Co-Founder of Camp. “We’re so excited to bring the best of all worlds to our campgrounds and share it with our campers from all walks of life – right from that first class on a Monday morning to enjoying food truck fare at our campgrounds on a Friday night.”

Sweat, Dance, Burn, Change! AKT Opens On LA’s West Side

March 27, 2022

AKT, one of the industry’s most highly respected fitness concepts with over 30 locations around the country, just opened its doors to it’s second LA location on the west side. Following the West Hollywood opening, LA’s newest workout concept, AKT is a full-body workout that combines cardio dance intervals with strength and toning, which are effective and accessible for all fitness levels. The 45 minute signature classes – Dance, Bands, Tone and Circuit, provide both physical and mental transformations from experienced AKT trainers.

The full schedule of classes can be found HERE!

11800 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

The Deep Therapeutic Sport’s Massage Your Body Is Crying For

December 25, 2021

It’s that time of the year when you’ve given and given and GIVEN and now it’s full-on what about me mode. Maybe it’s just a quiet cry it in the middle of the night but it’s a “no, seriously, what the fuck about me?!”

Nothing says hell yasss me time, like some therapeutic bodywork. Massage is always my go-to self-care treat. I was excited to check out this guy Terry’s work. This is not a soft and fuzzy warm and cozy deal. This is, you got to his raw and NYC cool little private training gym, hop on his table (wear something warm and cozy it can be chilly) and he gets to work on you. No frills, just deep work.

Of course, he can also come to you. I chose to try the gym/studio because I live a few blocks away and wanted to check it out.

So, the work is VERY GOOD. Deep and sportsy – made me feel like a real athlete. He worked deep into my scapula and aching shoulder in a way I so deeply needed. I was fully dressed – in my sweats – this is not an under the towel type of thing – and he worked one body part at a time – a combo of many disciplines, strokes and styles. It was just right and exactly what my body needed. I’m excited to go back and just fully relax and focus now that I know more about Terry and his work (I am always a little in editor mode on my first try, asking questions and forgetting to focus on how things FEEL sometimes.) Even so, this work felt great.

MORE ABOUT TERRY

Fitness specialist Terry Smith is the owner of Tsmithfitness & Massage. A multifaceted fitness company that has been helping clients obtain their fitness goals for over 15 years. Terry provides high-end health and fitness services for dedicated, goal-oriented individuals. Terry holds certifications in strength training with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In addition, he is a licensed massage therapist with the California Massage Council and is certified in Pilates and CPR.

At an early age Terry displayed a passion for sports, in particular boxing and track and field. In 1996 Terry turned his passion into a successful fitness company. He started teaching cardio boxing classes at the Marina Fitness Center one day a week. One day a week quickly turned into two days a week and within 6 months Terry was teaching 6 classes a week. After a year of teaching classes Terry and multiple requests for personal training he decided to become a personal trainer.

Terry wanted to expand upon his knowledge in health and fitness and in 2000 became a certified Pilates instructor. In 2005 Terry attended the Institute of Pyscho-Structure and Balance (IPSB) to become a massage therapist. He spent 2 years learning how the human body works from the inside out, giving him the unique skill set to work with a wide range of clients.

 Clients from all walks of life have sought Terry out for his expertise in health and fitness. Whether your goals are weight loss, getting in shape for a specific sporting event, your wedding day or your pre- and post-natal needs, Terry’s plan will get you there. He will cater a plan to your specific needs. They are designed to target everything you need in a workout.

As a client of Tsmithfitness & Massage not only will you feel good and look good, you will be in the best shape of your life. Terry’s Philosophy is to give everyone the quality of life they deserve!!!

You can connect with Terry here: terencewsmith@gmail.com

And follow his work on Instagram here.

Meet Kemtai, The Fitness App That Corrects Your Form

October 1, 2021

After spending over a year avoiding crowds and likely also the workout studio and weight room, you might have already leapt at the recent opportunity to return to your gym. But also, maybe not? Working out from home really wasn’t so bad once we started to find our flow, and you don’t need us to tell you about the abundance of at-home workout products, apps, and service out there. (Instagram’s got that covered.) Also, reluctant as we are to say it, Covid isn’t over over yet.

That said, there is one thing that home workouts definitely lack: Feedback. Whether you typically work out with a trainer or even just a friend, it’s always nice to know there’s somebody there to (hopefully) call out your less-than-textbook form when you start slacking.

Well, it looks like there might be a way to finally get that experience from home, too—and it doesn’t require you to add yet another fitness app to your phone’s home screen, or heap any more bulky fitness equipment onto the unruly pile of miscellaneous workout gear in the corner of your living room.

Kemtai is a new web-based fitness platform that turns your laptop or desktop computer into an advanced, motion-tracking digital personal trainer, complete with real-time personalized feedback and guidance. 

Technically speaking, it leverages computer vision technology and artificial intelligence to analyze motion and provide real-time training feedback. Humanly speaking, it tells you when you’re dragging ass—or potentially setting yourself up for injury. 

Unlike, say, Tempo, which offers some motion tracking functionality but requires you to spend thousands of dollars on 100-plus pounds of bulky equipment, Kemtai provides you with personalized, real-time training feedback and guidance during workouts right from your web browser. And it works on virtually any computer with a camera.

Behind the lens, Kemtai captures and tracks 44 different data points on your body—more than any other motion-tracking fitness product available, apparently. In addition to real-time training feedback and guidance during workouts, one of the best perks is being able to see quantitative results from one workout to the next, and even from rep to rep.

The service costs $19 per month, which will give you access to diverse workouts and series from a range of different trainers and workout styles ranging from HIIT and strength training to yoga and Pilates, but you can actually access Kemtai’s coolest feature for free here. Kemtai Now is the platform’s AI-based custom workout builder, and it is definitely one of the quickest and simplest ways we’ve found to get a sweat on when there isn’t a ton of time and we don’t feel like searching around for the perfect workout. The feature is capable of assembling endless unique workout combinations based on your preferences,