Most of you know I'm a gym rat ~ and, this pandemic has been BRUTAL on me from that perspective. While we have a bike and I can work out with a trainer or on zooms, I have really missed the people. Not really because I chat at the gym, but because it drives me to work harder. When someone next to me is going hard, I want to go hard too.
So, when ISI Elite Trainings opened their INDOOR classes two weeks ago at the new Matthews location (Potter and Chestnut Rd), I (double) masked up and went into one of the classes. ISI is limiting class sizes to 18, which is about half of the expected capacity, and is going above and beyond to ensure the facility is fogged and sanitized before and after every class.
I was both pumped and nervous. It had been a while since I had worked out with....OTHER PEOPLE. I am not afraid to tell you that I have definitely developed social anxiety these last 12 months - who hasn't?! But again, masked and ready for a killer work-out, I joined the other 11 for what ended up being one of my hardest and BEST workouts in almost a full year.
The circuit was a doozy - it was an arm day and I was THERE. FOR. IT. I grabbed weights that looked decent and figured I'd do my best. After our warm-up, I got to work with the team. At ISI, we are a team - a team of people striving to live our best and healthiest lives. And our coach, JJ, was there to make sure we didn't cheat ourselves during our time. So, when I saw him eyeballing me - I knew what was coming next. "Rach, go heavier." And so, I did. I'd really missed that.
The 50-minute workout went by quickly. We used the ski-ergs (these are the devil if you ask me), medicine balls, plates, weights and kettlebells. We shot glances - both of encouragement and disdain for the difficulty- at each other from our little squads and ultimately pushed ourselves and each other harder. I liked it so much that went back for a leg day later that week. I was able to go harder and heavier than I had in a long time.
This community that ISI is building here in Union County is amazing. And having a gym with childcare, when needed, is also an incredible gift. The space is clean and bright, with doors that open for cross-ventilation. They are adhering to the safety protocols the state has mandated to keep everyone healthy and safe, while providing one heck of a killer workout. With four incredible trainers and two great owners - you are destined to have a great workout.
If you haven't yet been, ISI Elite Training Matthews is offering a special $99 rate for 6 weeks and your first week is ALWAYS free! Oh, and the 2021 Transformation Challenge just began! It is an opportunity to truly commit to being your best self.
Come join me for a free trial and get to know the ISI difference. We know you'll love it! ISI Elite Training® Matthews is located at the corner of Potter Road and Chestnut Lane. You can get more information on the website or find them on Facebook or Instagram!
**While ISI Elite Training Matthews gives me free classes to attend, the views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
