Kait Vadenais

Get back to your quality of life with help from Chainwork in North Miami. A physical rehabilitation facility, Chainwork prioritizes musculoskeletal resilience and durability, empowering the body to sustain and optimize movement.

Chainwork mixes traditional, proven techniques with cutting-edge theory and technology which creates a wide range of services for patients.  Chainwork is located in the space adjacent to ADAPT. Both facilities are in the same building and share some of the same common spaces meaning clients have easy access to therapy, recovery, fitness, and other services.

Some of their traditional services include stretch therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, and physical therapy. Some of their more cutting-edge services include:

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)

Cuff-assisted muscle training used to prevent venous return while maintaining arterial outflow via low-load training

Cupping

Decompression used to alleviate pain associated with myofascial adhesions and soft tissue restrictions

Normatec Recovery System

Minimize post-workout soreness with sequential compression sleeves for upper and lower extremities

Gameready

Cold compression system to control inflammation and soreness

Compex Electrical Stimulation

Sensory nerve stimulation (TENS), motor nerve stimulation, neuromuscular re-education (NMES)

Chainwork also offers recovery services including a recovery lounge, sauna, and cold plunge.

Check out Chainwork at 14901 NE 20th Avenue in North Miami or online at chainworkphysio.com.

Looking to develop long lean muscles, strengthen your core, and improve your posture? Grab your grip socks and head to one of these nine can't-miss Pilates classes in South Florida.

Tremble Pilates

Tremble is committed to making stronger, healthier, and more flexible bodies and minds. Workouts range from 45 minutes to an hour of reformer fun with full-body signature classes or lower or upper body focused classes. Check out their newest location inside Anatomy Midtown.

• Locations: Miami Beach, North Miami, Coral Gables, Midtown

JetSet Pilates

JetSet classes deliver resistance conditioning, cardio, and Pilates all in one non-stop, 50-minute class. Create a more sculpted you by working your muscles to failure on their custom reformer. As they say on their website, the best things in life make you sweat!

• Locations: Sunset Harbour, Brickell, South Miami, Miami Beach

Club Pilates

Club Pilates can be found across South Florida with a range of class offerings. Try CP F.I.T. for a bootcamp-style, face-paced class designed to enjoy maximized results and burn more calories in less time. 

• Locations: Brickell, Coral Gables, Sunny Isles, South Miami, Aventura, Doral, Hollywood Beach, Kendall

Solidcore

Your core will be the focus during Solidcore’s high-energy sequencing on their custom reformer called Sweatlana. The blue studio lights and playlist full of recent jams will almost distract you from what has been called the hardest workout.

• Locations: Aventura, Midtown, Boca Raton
  

Transition Pilates

Transition your mind and transition your body at Transition Pilates. You might spend time on a reformer, tower, or chair at this studio. Transition Pilates also offers pre and post-natal Pilates classes.

• Location: Coral Gables

Pilates in the Grove

This studio wants to empower you to live the healthy, pain-free, and fit lifestyle you deserve. Class will leave you feeling strong, stretched, and energized so you can get into the best shape of your life.

•  Locations: Coconut Grove and South Miami

Pilates One

Pilates One incorporates springs, pulleys, straps, and other props during classes to keep your body evolving. Strengthen while gaining flexibility and never get bored. Try their CIRCUIT 3A’s: Arms, Abs, Ass class to sculpt those desired places.

•  Location: Coconut Grove

Breathe Pilates

Small class sizes at Breathe Pilates keep the focus on you and your form as you revisit the basics and work on your mind-body practice. Their Cardio Jumpboard Reformer class will leave you smiling after a series of movements based around a jumping platform at the end of your reformer get your heart rate up. 

• Location: MIMO

Code of Life

Correct your alignment while shaping your body at Code of Life. The Pilates principles guide all classes, including their fast-paced Hardcore Pilates class. Move to the rhythm of the music and be prepared to sweat during these energetic classes.

• Location: Key Biscayne

Pilathon

Pilathon is a mainstay in Miami's Pilates scene. Along with their virtual offering, Pilates boasts a nine class lineup on their schedule ranging from traditional reformer Pilates to "Abs-Oh-Glutely" and everything in between.

• Location: Wynwood

Take a break from the daily hustle and enjoy some time to quiet the mind and strengthen your body at one of these Miami yoga studios. Your mind and body will thank you.

Ahana Yoga

There is something for everyone at Ahana Yoga, where instructors will take you through anything from sun salutations and twisting to inversions and chanting depending on the class. Find Ahana Yoga at Paradise Plaza in the Design District for outdoor classes.

• Location: Design District
  

Wynwood Yoga

Wynwood Yoga has two studios, one heated and one room temperature, for a variety of classes including Hot Candlelit Yin, and Warm Vinyasa Flow. For extra energy, try Agni yoga. This fast-paced heated vinyasa class promises intensity as you remember your inner and outer strength.

• Location: Wynwood
  

Turquoise Floating Yoga

This mobile studio takes your practice onto the water with Standup Paddleboard Yoga. Take one of the weekly yoga classes or schedule your own private session and enjoy the views that can only come with being on the water in Miami.

• Location: Brickell and Homestead

SOL YOGA

SOL YOGA's mantra is "to feel good here" with the goal of helping you be a more balanced and grateful being both on and off the yoga mat. Their infrared-heated studio means the heat penetrates beyond your skin to reach your internal organs for a full-body, cellular detox while you stretch and flow.

• Location: Wynwood and Fort Lauderdale

Exhale 

Experience mindful movement and inspiring flows in one of Exhale's yoga classes. Breathe through poses that will leave you a little stronger, a little sweatier, and a lot more relaxed than before class. Take advantage of South Florida's beautiful weather with outdoor classes on the pool deck, terrace, or beach depending on the location!

• Location: Brickell, Bal Harbour, and South Beach

Casa Vinyasa

Classes at Casa Vinyasa are geared for beginners, the seasoned yogi, athletes, weekend warriors, and the yoga-curious. Heated classes use Infrared heating while some of their non-heated classes include Restorative, Yogalete, and Yin Classes.

• Location: South Miami

Modo Yoga

All classes at Modo Yoga are based on the Modo series – a dynamic system of postures and breathing exercises specifically designed to be practiced in the heat. Every class is a cardiovascular workout intended to strengthen, tone, and loosen the muscles while calming the mind and reducing stress. 

• Location: Miami Beach

Green Monkey Yoga

Green Monkey Yoga is a Miami Beach staple since 2009. They encourage their community to live their practice beyond the walls of the studio. Check out their Weekend Warriors class on Sunday mornings and start your week with challenging, inspiring fun. You are only one class away from a better you.

• Location: Miami Beach

You don’t need to have dance experience to enjoy the benefits that come along with barre workouts. Here are eight barre studios around South Florida to try in 2021.

Pure Barre

At Pure Barre, you can start with a Foundations intro class to learn the barre technique before moving onto tougher classes like Empower and Reform for a proper challenge no matter your level.

• Locations: Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, and East and West Boca Raton
  

Sweat Studio

This studio is heated to spike your heart rate and ensure a good sweat. The barre-less barre class will dynamically have you moving in all ranges of motion in order to burnout each muscle group.

• Location: North Miami
  

barre3

Feel empowered after a full-body, balanced workout at barre3 combining strength conditioning, cardio, and mindfulness. Meet yourself where you’re at and go after your goals with self-love!

• Location: Boca Raton

The Bar Method

The Bar Method is proud of their signature technique and claims it's the most-efficient way to reshape your body. Using many class types such as Bar Move and Bar Express, there is a challenging (and safe!) workout for everyone!

• Location: South Miami
  

exhale

Strengthen and lengthen in a peaceful environment with amazing views at exhale. Enjoy their signature approach to barre with sustained holds and micro movements both in the studio or on the beach.

• Locations: Brickell, Bal Harbour, and South Beach

Barre Envy

Barre Envy's Classic class may be traditional, but their classes such as Barre-lesque and Barre Rhythm are anything but, blending other disciplines with traditional barre techniques.

• Location: Delray Beach
  

The Barre Code

Pulse and shake at The Barre Code and take class knowing that you will use a variety of different props and the routine will constantly change, all while enjoying high-energy playlists.

• Location: Edgewater

Athletix Rehab & Recovery, a boutique physical therapy clinic with locations in Coral Gables and Davie, opened its third location in Deerfield Beach at the end of last year. This new location is located inside D1 Sports Training. 

In order to expedite clients’ return to play, Athletix focuses on functional rehabilitation with an emphasis on manual therapy, corrective exercise, performance-based sport-specific exercise, and postural realignment. 

D1 Deerfield Beach is a 21,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that includes top-of-the-line strength and performance equipment, an expansive turf, a half basketball court, and a specialized lacrosse training area. D1 Sports Training offers superior performance and fitness training to athletes of all ages and skill levels. 

Some of the services that Athletix offers include sports physical therapy, stretching, spinal manipulation, and massage therapy. With a variety of techniques and amenities available, Athletix can help with maintenance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Their exercise recovery services help decrease recovery time and optimize future performance. 

Athletix physical therapists have all graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state-licensed. While the Athletix team has extensive experience treating athletes from various disciplines, including professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, USA Olympics, and more, they accept patients with all different conditions.

Upon booking an appointment, the doctors at Athletix first conduct a physical therapy evaluation to determine the root cause of your impairment. From there, they create a customized plan of care to get you back in the game. 

Athletix Rehab & Recovery is located at 1401 Green Road, Suites D/E/F in Deerfield Beach. For more information, check out their website at athletixrehab.com or follow them on Instagram at @athletixrehab. 

Glassbox is 3,500 square feet of light-filled space with the goal of helping local health and fitness entrepreneurs cultivate their communities. Located in Miami Ironside, Glassbox offers inspiration for all types of mindful wellness experiences.

Glassbox was neutrally curated to allow itself to serve as a clean canvas for all creators to utilize the space for their individual offerings. Some of the features of Glassbox include floor to ceiling windows, a wraparound balcony, and the ability to open up to three sides.

The space is equipped with hi-speed wifi, a SONOS sound system for easy airplay, and an auxiliary cord setup for DJ or external players. There are three onsite bathrooms, two showers, and a refillable water station. Street parking is complimentary and the North Side parking lot also has 80 paid parking spaces available.

Wellness-preneurs can safely host clients, workshops, and more on an hourly basis. This large, open air space is perfect even during COVID. Glassbox has the ability to fit up to 45 mats while still maintaining social distancing regulations. The in-house cleaning team uses natural, hospital-grade solutions both before and after studio use. Masks are also required to enter the space and at event check-ins.

Glassbox offers memberships with benefits that include:

• Private bathrooms & showers
• Fridge & kitchen space
• Refillable water station
• Check-in desk & area
• Natural décor elements like rugs, plants & pillows
• Daily cleaning team
• Easy online booking platform
• Wifi
• Outdoor sound system 
• Wrap around balcony
• Direct access to Lemon Garden

Right now Glassbox is offering an exclusive founding member offer at $300 per month for 4 hours per month. There is no sign-up fee and a minimum three-month commitment required. This special membership pricing ends January 31st.

Glassbox is located at 7610 Northeast 4th Court in Miami. For more information on Glassbox, email connect@miamiironside.com or head to www.glassboxironside.com. You can also find Glassbox on Instagram at @glassboxironside.

Find your new favorite pair of jeans with Revtown. Meant to feel as comfortable as your sweatpants, these jeans guarantee your perfect fit.

After 20 years of designing technical athletic and training apparel, the Revtown founders headed off to Milan, Italy where they combined the science of performance fabrics with the art of high fashion.

Revtown jeans are made with premium Italian denim infused with a flexible athletic yarn so the jeans have no squeeze and just enough stretch to move with you and stay in place.

The trademarked fabric fits perfect from day one and won't lose shape during the course of a day. Although they look and feel designer, there are no complicated wash instructions - the shape and color will stay throughout all your wears and washes. 

Sustainability is an important part of Revtown's production. 100% of all waste is recycled into denim yarn or insulation for local housing. Their fabric is also sustainably sourced, using BCI-certified cotton. This ensures water is used efficiently, that the cotton’s soil meets high health standards, and also protects rights for farmers.

Revtown’s denim is sustainably dyed using indigo, shrimp shells, orange peels, and nut shells. This process uses 30% less energy, 50% less water and 70% less chemicals than traditional dying techniques across the industry.

The athletic stretch denim comes in a variety of washes and styles for all sizes. Prices start at $79 with free shipping and free returns within 30 days. Find your perfect fit at revtownusa.com.

Body Fit Training is the newest studio in Fort Lauderdale, having officially opened last month. In each 50-minute class, members will experience proven training techniques for fast conditioning results. The Fort Lauderdale location is the second Body Fit Training franchise in the United States and the first on the east coast.

With a background in strength and conditioning, studio owner Andy Hanley decided to get into group fitness with Body Fit Training. Originally from Ireland, Hanley's brother owns two Body Fit franchises in Australia, where the concept was created.

"What drew me to the company was that it was a very well-considered approach to training, anchored to scientific loss," said Hanley. “There is constant variety but there is also consistency that builds familiarity and allows you to learn the workouts and patterns.”

The Body Fit system is made up of 10 programs, some more aerobic based, some more endurance based, all done within 4 to 6-week training blocks. Within those blocks, members are encouraged to progressively overload, meaning that they are gradually increasing the weight, frequency, or number of repetitions week over week. According to Hanley, this is as close as the average person will get to training as professional athletes do.

There are two floor coaches at all times to assist with form and offer direction. The technology at Body Fit Training is meant to enhance the experience, with heart rate statistics quantifying how hard everyone is working and screens showing the moves on the walls. 

Body Fit workouts are designed to be high-frequency, with members attending up to six times a week. The rest and recovery are built into the workouts each week, making it easier to maintain training consistency and also making it more sustainable.

Body Fit also runs challenges three times a year to help members get extra dialed into their goals. While some challenges are based on body composition, others are based on strength gains and personal records. Challenges include detailed nutritional plans and specific goals, and of course, there are winners.

Members can manage their workout schedules and payments from the Body Fit app. Memberships also include access to  BFT2U for virtual workouts. This allows members to do a similar session at home or while traveling. The workouts will have the same theme as the in-person class that day, whether it be power or endurance, and there is the same work to rest ratios. The app also gives you the option to do the workout bodyweight or with resistance bands.

Of course, BodyFit is complying with all current COVID-19 guidelines and best practices in studio and they invite you to come in and try a class. Check them out at 408 N Andrews Ave in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, head to their website or find them on Instagram at @bodyfit_fortlauderdale.

Wynwood-based law firm AXS LAW Group is proud to announce the launch of its first annual “WINwood Scavenger Hunt,” a free event open to the public that encourages locals to safely shop, eat and visit Wynwood merchants. The event takes place Friday, December 11, through Sunday, December 13, with one lucky participant winning a $1,000 prize.

Participants are encouraged to register by Thursday, December 10, on AXS Law Group’s website, www.axslawgroup.com. Upon registering, they will receive a list of  riddles via email, directing them to clues hidden within the 16 participating Wynwood locations. Contestants, who can work together in groups or compete individually, need to snap and accurately post a picture of answers to at least 10 of the 16 riddles. The list of riddles will also be posted on the AXS LAW Group’s Instagram page, @AXSLAW, and on the company’s website by December 7. 

Participating Wynwood businesses in the “WINwood Scavenger Hunt” include: The Salty Donut, Museum of Graffiti, BASE, Buya Izakaya + Yakitori, Cielito Artisan Pops, Candle Land, Sana Skin Studio, Doma Restaurant, Morgan's Restaurant, Fireman Derek's, Beaker & Gray, R House, D.O.G. Wynwood, SuViche, rácket, and The Lab Miami.

“As a Wynwood-based company, we have always been driven as a business and family to support our fellow neighbors by giving back to the community where we live and work,” said Jeff Gutchess, founding partner at AXS LAW Group. “With most local merchants open for business again, we hope South Floridians are encouraged to come back and visit our neighborhood by taking part in this fun, safe and family-friendly scavenger hunt, all while helping us in our mission to boost our local economy.” 

The rules to participate in the “WINwood Scavenger Hunt” are as follows: 

• Participants have to post their answers to a minimum of 10 of the 16 riddles by snapping a photo or video of each answer and sharing it on their personal Instagram Stories. Participants can choose which 10 riddles they wish to answer in any order. 
• Participants have to tag @AXSLAW and the participating business they took that particular photo at, as well as use the hashtag #AXStoWynwood, in each story post/frame. 
• Instagram entries will only be accepted between 12:01 am Friday, December 11, through 11 pm on Sunday, December 13.
• The winner needs to be at least 18 years old to redeem his/her prize. 

One lucky participant will be selected based on the most correct and creative answers, such as dressing up in a holiday costume, wearing fun face masks, using unique props, etc., and will win a grand prize of $1,000 in gift cards to redeem at the participating Wynwood retailers, merchants and restaurants, sponsored by AXS LAW Group. 

The winner will be announced on Monday, December 14, on AXS LAW Group’s Instagram page. For more information about the scavenger hunt, visit www.axslawgroup.com. 

MIRROR is at-home fitness technology that can bring the boutique studio experience to your home at a time when virtual workouts reign supreme. Now available at lululemon Aventura, I got a chance to demo MIRROR and experience the technology for myself.

MIRROR is, quite literally, a computerized mirror, showing the trainer and your metrics on it's screen while also allowing you to check your form (or take a selfie!) in the reflection. When not in use, MIRROR is a tasteful decoration against your wall. It connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, which is where you can scroll through the extensive library and choose your workout through its companion app.

MIRROR has more than 50 different types of workouts and thousands of classes to choose from. There are also weekly live classes, and 1-on-1 personal training is available, giving you extra accountability to complete your workout if you need it. A camera at the top of MIRROR can also be turned on, allowing your video to display to the trainer for additional feedback and motivation during live classes.

Workouts can be filtered to include what you have on hand, whether that be dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, or even just bodyweight. Whether you are looking for a 5-minute class or a 60-minute class, a class for beginners or something more advanced, you are sure to find the perfect workout for you.

The strength workout I chose was very easy to follow along, and had me breaking a sweat just a few minutes in. I appreciated the timeline along the bottom of the screen that showed me where I was at in the class and how much longer I had in a specific movement. There are so many other classes I would have loved to try - like kickboxing.

MIRROR costs $1,495 with payment plans available, and also requires a $39 monthly membership that gives unlimited access for up to six members.

To learn more and book your own demo at lululemon Aventura, click here.

It has been an extremely tough year for the fitness world, with many studios being forced to close for months. According to a recent ClassPass survey, 95% of studios around the world closed their physical spaces, ClassPass helped 5,000 studios to add livestream and on-demand workouts, and 81% of ClassPass customers reported that they worked out using digital options.

The survey goes on to reveal that of the different workout options available to consumers, Yoga reigned supreme as the "top digital workout of 2020," closely followed by HIIT and Pilates.

*RELATED No Surprise, Survey Says Miamians Are Afraid to Commit... to a Workout

While fitness persevered , here are seven ways the pandemic impacted 2020 fitness trends.

1. Yoga increased in popularity by 25% as members called for ways to manage pandemic stress. Yoga was also the most popular workout for someone taking their first livestream class.

2. HIIT’s share of all workouts increased by 26% and Pilates’ share of all workouts increased by 16%. 

3. Restorative fitness was also very popular in 2020. Meditation and Stretching both rank in the top 10 on-demand activities booked through ClassPass.

4. At home classes that require less equipment are more popular. Classes that require bodyweight only pulled in double the number of bookings as classes that require equipment. 

5. When members found a strength training workout they loved, they repeated it. Strength training was the on-demand workout most likely to be replayed.

6. There was a 400% increase in the number of outdoor classes being offered by studios this year as many closed studios moved outside, taking advantage of fresh air and room to socially distance. 4 in 5 surveyed members reported a willingness to attend these classes, and we anticipate this will be a lasting trend into 2021.

7. Transparent safety information is a key factor in the decision to return to studios, according to more than half of ClassPass members. To help, ClassPass added a feature that allows members to preview the specific safety and sanitation precautions of every studio, from distanced bikes to contactless check-in. 

For more of this year’s fitness trends, check out the full survey here.

We don't think anyone could have predicted 2020 fitness trends would have taken the turn that they did this year. COVID changed the way we workout and now ClassPass is taking a stab at predicting 2021 trends. Here's five things they think will define fitness in the coming year - what do you think?

‍1. Taking A Crunch Break For Lunch Break:

• For the first time ever, 12pm is the most popular time to work out during the week. 
• Lunchtime workouts have seen a 67% increase in popularity. This shift can largely be attributed to a rise in remote work, and the ease of no-shower required virtual meetings. Even as people have returned to studios, the 12pm weekday time slot for in-person classes is more popular now than it was before lockdowns.  

2. Fitness Travel Is In, No Passport Required:  

• With digital options, you are no longer limited to your geographical location, so it’s the perfect chance to take a dance class with a friend across the country or revisit a studio you loved on vacation. More than half of members are chiming in regularly for classes taught from other cities.
• New York and Los Angeles studios are getting the most attention from international members. Fitness fans based in cities such as London and Singapore are eager to try top US studios.
• Members already based in North America are most likely to take a class streamed from London (UK), Sydney (Australia) or Amsterdam (Netherlands). 

3. Open Air Gyms Are a Breath of Fresh Air:

• Outdoor workouts first emerged in Europe and have continued to grow in demand throughout the US. 4 in 5 surveyed ClassPass members are willing to try outdoor classes -- ClassPass has added a search for “Outdoors” classes to support this trend and the number of outdoor class options has increased by 400% in 2020.
• Many studios are getting creative with outdoor classes including using beautiful city backdrops for class. One studio in Amsterdam even rented out an underutilized wedding venue!

4. Corporate Wellness Benefits Have Become a Must-Have for Companies: 

• 25% of professionals are exercising more now than at the start of COVID-19, with 1 in 5 using their previous commute time to exercise
• 4 in 5 professionals say fitness activities have been crucial to establishing a new work-from-home routine. 96% of professionals say they feel more motivated and less stressed after exercising, with 89% of professionals saying they feel more productive during the work day after exercising.
• 3 in 5 professionals who have participated in a team workout report feeling more connected to their team afterwards. Teams are most likely to book a private HIIT or yoga class to stay engaged and workout together, and hundreds of private classes have been booked.

5. People Will Head Back To Studios Once They Feel Safe

• 92% of professionals hope to return to fitness studios and gyms in 2021, with 40% planning to return exclusively to in-studio workouts when they feel safe to do so (source: Nov 2020 study of 2,185 professionals from 19 countries)
• ‍After attending their first indoor class since the start of the pandemic, 89% of subscribers responded they would go back as or more frequently to future classes.

For more on the fitness trends of 2020 and 2021, check out the full survey at https://classpass.com/blog/classpass-wellness-fitness-trends-2020/

Sarah Sutin's journey as a professional aerialist and flying trapeze artist has taken her around the world, to resorts and hotels in the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Mexico, Canada, and back again, before settling in Martha's Vineyard.

It was there in Martha's Vineyard that Sutin was inspired to bring the magical world of aerial art to the masses. Now, Sutin and her team of high-flying, mind-bending, aerial artists are making Alchemy Circus accessible to all, no-experience required. Alchemy means a "power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way," and that is exactly what Alchemy Circus encompasses.

After fine-tuning her offering to local in Martha's Vineyard, Sutin has brought Alchemy Circus to Miami, complete with a private rig, silks, straps, and a Lyra hoop. So what can guests expect? Exactly what you might imagine.

Sessions are 60 minutes in length and begin with a 10 to 15 minute warm up with stretching and mobility. From there, guests work on the apparatus of their choice, with the class structure pending experience level, comfortability, and skill progression. While beginners might work on technique, strength and basics, more advanced individuals will be challenged with more dynamic work. The session comes to a close with a cool down, some stretches, and aerial yoga if you're still craving more.

In addition to private, group, and kids classes, Alchemy Circus offers entertainment for corporate events.

Alchemy Circus is continuing to grow and expand their offering to include trampoline classes in the future. Classes start at $75 for one class or $350 for a 5-pack. Kids classes are $65 per class. For more information, visit https://www.alchemycircusmv.com/

SQUAT | PERFECT, a set of patent-pending height-adjustable squat wedges was first conceived of by Dwayne Douglas, a Fort Lauderdale-based fitness entrepreneur and former studio gym owner of HUNGER 4 FITNESS. Douglas found many of his female clients struggled with maintaining an ideal form that would allow them to maximize the benefits of their workout. While most of his clients were eager to tone their glutes and legs, they were struggling with back strain and finding items to raise their heels comfortably when performing a squat, deadlift, or lunge. He came up with a unique, lightweight, and compact solution for training your lower body.

“Most of my clients have one goal in mind, apart from wanting to be trim and healthy, they wanted to work on shaping and sculpting their glutes and legs in the most efficient and effective way possible,” explains Douglas. “I would be in the gym with my clients and we’d try to use a foam block, but they were clumsy or unstable. Instead of helping the workout, it would make the workout dangerous. We’d try towels but couldn’t get the angle right or get them high enough. We even tried a weight plate, which often slid or left the arch of their feet unsupported. Nothing we tried was doing the job efficiently. I thought about the challenge for a few years and in 2019, I finally perfected SQUAT | PERFECT.”

SQUAT | PERFECT allows the user to maximize the benefits of squats with half the effort while providing a total lower body transformation system that targets quads, glutes, and hamstrings during the workout. The wedges are made from high-quality rubber. The surface had a tread in order to offer maximum grip, high adherence, and prevent slippage. The high-density rubber prevents compression under load, even when working out with heavy weights. In fact, the wedges can withstand thousands of pounds without compressing. SQUAT | PERFECT is height adjustable from 30 mm to 60 mm, measures 9” long by 7” wide and weighs just under 2.9 pounds making it ultra-portable.

SQUAT | PERFECT is the ultimate at-home workout system. The height-adjustable wedges are easy to use, take up little space, and make a variety of positions and workouts more efficient, leading to faster and more dramatic results. Pop the SQUAT | PERFECT height-adjustable wedges into a workout bag and bring the ultra-efficient system with you to the gym or workout classes.

For more information, or to purchase SQUAT | PERFECT online, visit their website at www.squatperfect.com. To connect with SQUAT | PERFECT on social media and get the latest workout tips, follow @squatperfectofficial on Instagram.

All good things start with the name. For F45, the F stands for functional training, and 45 is the total workout time. But 45 minutes is all you're going to need at F45 Upper East Side.

The massively popular franchise, which to our estimate is approaching 20 locations in the South Florida market, is a mix of circuit and HIIT style training focused on everyday movement. The franchise seems to have struck a cord with group fitness goers, with Instagram users sharing their latest sweat.

Designed to unify the muscle groups of the body to improve performance, the F45 programming mix boasts 37 different workouts, using a combination of over 2,700 exercises so members are always experiencing a different workout. Some days feature more cardio, while others are centered around resistance training.

"F45 has taken functional training to the next level. We are a HIIT training program that is not pigeon-holed into a repetitive and predictable class," said Alex Fernandez, Director at F45 Upper Eastside. "Our sessions get the most out of only 45 minutes, keeping our members guessing every day. There's no wasted time here. From the novice to the seasoned athlete, everyone sees results."

F45 Upper Eastside has free and easy parking, a big perk in Miami, a full service shower facilities., and a positive environment with coaches keeping you moving and motivated.

The studio is also following all current CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic for cleanliness and safety.

"The well-being of our members is always on our minds since and even before our reopening," said Fernandez. "We take meticulous care to keep the studio clean and disinfected. Now we have doubled down our efforts by taking member and staff temperature before coming into the studio, requiring masks while working out, giving a towel and disinfectant when attending class to wipe down equipment, and creating individual pods for our members where they do not have to share equipment."

F45 Upper Eastside, is located at 7549 Biscayne Blvd in Miami. Sign up for your first class free at https://f45training.com/uppereastside/home or check them out on Instagram at @f45_training_uppereastside.

If ever there was a time to stand up for Greater Miami, it’s now. Due to the pandemic, local nonprofits are seeing significantly increased needs while facing decreased revenues. Starting today, November 19, it is our turn to give back to these charities and organizations during Give Miami Day 2020. A record-breaking movement in previous years, Give Miami Day is the chance to support nonprofits. Hosted by The Miami Foundation, the goal is to connect philanthropy with the community's needs and make Miami a greater place to live.

While there are over 850 deserving nonprofits participating, here are six health and fitness related organizations to check out and support.

‍

1. Empowered Through Fitness

The mission of Empowered Through Fitness is to provide tools and interventions for empowering women and girls through access to community resources that will aid them in creating and sustaining an active lifestyle. Empowered Through Fitness has brought various fitness instructors to Chapman Partnership monthly through the Empowered TRY program. During these events, participants engage in a confidence-building activities and experience fitness modalities like yoga, dance, and bodyweight movement.

2. Miami Marlins Foundation

The Miami Marlins Foundation makes a positive impact on South Florida by creating opportunities for youth to stay active, achieve academic success, and build leadership skills. Their sports-based youth development programs focus on wellness and empowerment, utilizing baseball and softball as the vehicle to provide kids with life-changing social and emotional learning experiences.

‍

3. Special Olympics Florida

The mission of Special Olympics Florida is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

4. The Underline

‍

The goal of The Underline is to deliver and activate a 120-acre, world-class linear park spanning 10-miles below Miami's Metrorail that will transform regional mobility and celebrate diversity, culture and lifelong learning.  When we are able to gather once again, The Underline will offer free, year-round health and wellness, art and culture, education, civic engagement and volunteer programming to connect and serve our community.

5. Smoothies 4 Students Inc.

Smoothies 4 Students combats diet-related illnesses and problems in K-12 education caused by food deserts around underfunded schools, and underserved communities. By providing healthy options and nutrition education to students with limited access to quality foods, Smoothies 4 Students empowers young people to reach for the stars while providing them with the fuel to do so.

6. The Warrior Flow Foundation

The Warrior Flow Foundation ignites social change by bringing trauma-informed yoga, mindfulness, sound therapy, and stress reduction programs, among other modalities, to places where they are most needed. This including hospitals, homeless shelters, schools, police stations, first responders, and more.

If there is one thing we all learned this year, it's that you can truly workout anywhere. As long as you have a computer or smartphone, you can also participate in a workout class or have a trainer telling you what to do. Sweat From Home offers live-streaming, interactive workouts for everyone, wherever you are.

Launched during the pandemic, trainers Brendan Bellantoni and Kyle Bergman started Sweat from Home when they lost their job as fitness instructors. With their love of coaching and fitness, they decided to create a virtual workout community. Sweat From Home currently offers over 40 classes per week from a growing list of coaches across bodyweight, bootcamp-style, strength, spin, yoga, and shadow boxing.

There are a couple things that set Sweat From Home apart from other online fitness classes. Sweat From Home has two trainers per class, one demonstrating the workouts and one watching participants and coaching for form. Interaction and personal connection is very important to the team. For that reason, coaches will also utilize breakouts rooms through their Zoom classes to split the class in half for a bit and allow for a more intimate vibe similar to what people would experience in-studio.

Each month, Sweat From Home partners with different organizations to give back. Their goal is to make fitness as accessible to as many people as possible, especially since boutique fitness is known for being pricey on a per class basis. During the month, they hold weekly donation-based classes where 100% of the proceeds are given to a nonprofit partner. In addition to collecting donations, Sweat From Home also donates a class for every class purchased, helping an individual or community in need of a great sweat.

"Our mission is to deliver the world’s best live-streaming, interactive, and inclusive workout with coaches that SEE and care about you; and a giveback promise in each class designed to give everyone and anyone the an incredible workout. Every time."

Online fitness is here to stay. Check out Sweat From Home and book your first class today. A drop in class is $10 and a 10-class pack is $90. They also offer an unlimited membership for $149. Learn more at sweatfh.com or check them out on Instagram at @sweat.fh.

As a volunteer firefighter in Long Island, New York, Sarah Apgar was looking for a way to help her department train for live fires. An Iraq War veteran and a fitness professional, Apgar invented the Steelhose to mimic a fire hose filled with water using pieces of a fire hose filled with steel and stitched with resistance grommets. While the FitFighter fitness program was originally created to help firefighters train with the Steelhose, programs are now available for everyone.

"FitFighter began in a Long Island firehouse to better prepare firefighters for their job," says Apgar on the FitFighter website. "Now, we bring that same strength, stamina, and spirit of service to you, whether you're a soldier, CEO, athlete, parent, pro, or all the above."

The Steelhose is a versatile tool that does the work of a dumbbell, sandbag, medicine ball, and sledgehammer in one, giving you all the benefits of your favorite gym equipment in one easy-to-store tool that comes in a variety of weights. The weighted hose allows for a variety of moves including lifting, swinging, dragging, and tossing so that you are working on strength, flexibility, and range of motion in each workout. The Steelhoses are made right here in the United States with real firehose and steel.

Not only does FitFighter improve your fundamental movements like core and rotation, power and conditioning, and grip strength, but it also builds readiness methodology like physical preparation and mental fortitude to help you be your best all-around.

"Our Vision is to make you demonstrably stronger and more ready: for your everyday demands, to assist those in need and to better handle anything else that may cross your path," explains the FitFighter website.

FitFighter is available through an iOS training app and features live and on-demand workouts. Users can create their perfect workout by making a playlist of short exercises to keep the workout fresh.

A portion of sales benefits the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation, supporting wounded warriors, fallen first responders, and their families. Apgar also provides at-cost equipment to FDNY firefighters who need to train at home AND she is also working to keep high school and college athletes in top shape until sports can resume safely.

Check out Steelhose starter kits and membership options at fitfighter.com.  FitFighter will also be airing on Shark Tank on November 13 at 8 pm.

Take a spin class overlooking the ocean at Ride Element's new outdoor pop-up studio Sea Sycle at the W Fort Lauderdale. Breathe in the ocean air and enjoy weekly sunrise and sunset classes four floors above the beach.

Ride Element, a Fort Lauderdale spin studio, has hosted several other classes and events at the W Fort Lauderdale previously including Pump Your Ride and Glow Your Ride.

Classes will be held weekly on the rooftop in a safe, socially distanced environment. Bikes are spaced 6-feet apart and there is deep sanitation of all shared surfaces and equipment after each use. While masks are required for entry, a mask is not required to ride. Participants should bring their own spin shoes or plan to use sneakers for class.

"Sea Sycle was created to provide an alternative option to those indoor cycling lovers that are not comfortable in an indoor setting due to COVID. We decided to take advantage of the Sofla fall and winter to enjoy riding outside with an incredible view provided by our partnership with the W Fort Lauderdale. We have done many events with them in the past and Sea Sycle is here to stay through at least the end of the year," said Ride Element owner Ana Gajardo. "We can’t wait for people to experience this amazing cycling class while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean!"

Morning classes include an all-day pool pass and evening riders are welcome to enjoy a post-class cocktail at the outdoor terrace or the Living Room bar. Pricing is $20 for a single class or $54 for a 3-class pack. There are only 20 spots available per class.

"We love our community and we look forward to welcoming you back whenever you feel ready," said Gajardo.

The schedule right now is Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 am and Fridays at 6:30 pm but check seasycle.com for the most up-to-date schedule. Book your spot online or call the studio for any questions at 954-280-7433.

Get LIIT under the purple lights of FORM50 in Midtown Miami. FORM50 was founded by Monica Marder and uses a science-based functional approach by Ky Evans called The L.I.F.T. Method. The LIIT I'm referring to stands for low-impact interval training and the goal is to transform your body.

"FORM50 is a vibe -  the class moves to the beat of a party playlist with an ultra-sleek, boutique vibe that feels nothing like a gym, so you actually want to be there," said Marder, Founder & CEO of FORM50 as well as Coach.

The studio's custom-designed equipment, the FORMformer, may look like one that you've seen around town in Pilates studios, but FORM50 wants you to know they are NOT a Pilates class. Inspired by weight lifting and functional training, LIIT at FORM50 is a full-body workout designed to make you stronger for everyday life while still being low impact on your joints. This makes it perfect for strengthening and challenging your body or coming back from an injury.

Some of the benefits of LIIT on the FORMformer versus your typical Pilates class include a wider range of motion, a wider variety of moves, and more resistance. FORM50 aims to increase your caloric burn - and you'll have fun doing it.

"At FORM50 we do not lay down, pulse, or train in blocks," said Marder. "We use this science-based approach of super slow in combination with fast explosive movements, all done without running, jumping, and injuring your body. This is the workout Miami has been waiting for!"

In what is arguably the best feature for a Miami studio, there is free parking in the lot behind the building. FORM50 is following all COVID-19 protocols for cleanliness and social distancing and masks are required per Miami-Dade regulations. The studio sells grippy socks, activewear, and various other workout accessories.

Your first class is free at FORM50 with promo code 305GETLIIT.  There is also a two-class special or a first week discount for new clients. Class packages and memberships are also available on their app or at form50fitness.com.

FORM50 is located at 3130 North Miami Ave. Follow them on Instagram at @form50fitness.

Virtual training continues to dominate fitness in 2020. Not only is it a convenient option, allowing you to join any time and anywhere, but it offers variety and allows you to stay connected with your local studio and find motivation from new trainers. Here are three apps offering different options for virtual training.

1. Mindbody Flex

Bring your favorite classes into your living room and find workouts to fit the space and equipment you have at home. Mindbody has a new membership that offers 10 virtual classes per month for $59. Tapping into the wide variety of studios that are already on the platform, this recurring membership allows you to attend classes from participating studios around the world. If you hop on the waitlist for this new membership now, you can get two weeks free.

2. FlexIt

FlexIt has a network of trainers and fitness experts ready to provide you with personalized, one-on-one sessions using the equipment you have available. Prior to your first workout, FlexIt offers free consultations where you can submit your fitness goals, injuries or limitations, and the equipment you have available to find the best trainer for you. You can also use the app to visit local participating gyms and fitness studios and only pay for the time you are there.

RELATED 6 Local Trainers Share Their Thoughts on Teaching Virtually

3. Motify

Tap into a library of virtual workout classes with Motify. There are programs to suit everyone's skill level and preference, with trainers hosting one-on-one sessions including unique offerings like stretching, meditation, and pre-and post-natal specialization. There are also nutritionists available to offer guidance and help you reach your health goals. Subscriptions to Motify start at $9.99 per month.

Download one of these apps and start training today!