If you’ve ever wondered what a gym-based boot camp would be like without a “drill sergeant” screaming in your face, an hour in the 24 S.E.T. class at 24 Hour Fitness will paint a picture for you. But don’t let that scare you, because this strength endurance-training interval-based class at the chain’s Lowry location will get you in and out while keeping the friendly, group-fitness atmosphere.
Who it’s for: If you enjoy cardio and weights, yet don’t like to work with them on your own, this class is for you.
What it’s like: Instructor Soraya Shelley runs through a quick cardio warm-up, using the raised steps to get students off the ground and in the air.
The music stops, and a beat similar to your heart pounding in your chest takes over while Shelley explains the next set of exercises. “Everybody grab your weights, because we are going to do chest presses,” she tells the class as she lies down and crosses her feet in the air.
And for three minutes, it’s pumping iron up and down until just before you reach your point of failure, which, in the world of exercise, is a good thing because it develops muscles.
The music pulses, and after you rehydrate with some water, it’s back to the grind, working every body part at least once.
By the end of class, all 20 participants were lying on the ground, covered in sweat, and barely able to move.
The fun factor: Even though the class was hard, it wasn’t bad enough to keep us from going back. The variety of exercises challenged and engaged while giving a power workout we wouldn’t be disciplined enough to do on our own.
The morning after: Be prepared to be sore, especially after Shelley has you lie on your back, feet in the air, while you use your core to spin yourself in a circle.
Advice: Arrive early because you will need to gather and set up equipment before class begins. We used barbells, hand weights, steps and mats. Keep in mind that the class fills quickly, with more than 25 people participating in the evening.
Details: The class is offered at 7600 E. Academy Blvd. in Denver at noon on Mondays; 6 p.m. Tuesdays; 5:30 a.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. Saturdays. Call 303-343-1049 or visit .
