The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian, a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI's fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area.
Pulse is not just the name of a cycling and fitness center in Millbrook, NY — it’s also what you‘ll hear pounding as you make your way through Judy Fox’s PulseFit (AKA boot camp) class. With her booming voice commanding us to keep going, she makes this class inspiring and exciting. What Is It?I thought I’d taken boot camp classes before, but Judy’s class gives new definition to the term. At the start of class, she quickly demonstrates what’s required of us at varying stations which occupy two workout rooms — then off we go. Each exercise last two minutes with cardio or push-ups in between. This time a small sampling of the routine included: alternating lunges across the room (kettle bell in hand) with running across the room and jumping up several times to reach the top of the door; “around the world" hand walking with feet stationary on a tall fitness block; and side planks with legs suspended in long straps hanging from the ceiling. The cardio is just as varied; it could be jumping jacks, mountain climbers or — to my surprise — an outdoor run. After finishing one station I looked up to see I was the only one in the room (except for Judy) and realized my classmates had exited a conveniently located door leading to a side street. Color me chagrinned, I joined them, trailing behind like a lost puppy. This run is done in any kind of weather, but if you prefer, you can use the treadmill. Each class is different to keep you challenged and fit – or at least get you fit. Activity LevelIntermediate to advanced, although Judy is quick to point out that this is an all-levels class. During her initial demonstration, she offers modifications and while we’re working out she keeps an eye out for anyone needing help (like me!). Since I was new to the class and equipment she helped me on and off pieces, adjusted step heights and encouraged me to simply hold the first step of an exercise and not worry about getting to the next.
BenefitsAfter working through each station, running, doing push-ups and the floor work that comes at the end of the class, I can’t think of one body part that isn’t targeted. However, I was surprised by one development not on a physical level; one station that required us to jump onto a step with four risers underneath actually scared me. I’m not sure if it was anxiety about the impact on my replaced hips or the image of me falling, but no matter — Judy was quickly by my side to lend a hand, literally. She took out one riser and let me hold her hand as I jumped. Perhaps you wonder how I think of this as a benefit and not a humiliation; simply put, it forced me take stock of my fearful reaction and separate the physical limitations I must live with and the ones I can improve.
Instructor InformationI have absolutely no right to whine about a tough workout; Judy [standing in photo at right] ran the Hartford marathon just the day before and taught not just this class but one before it too. No wonder; she’s worked as a nationally certified athletic trainer for over 20 years, training athletes of all ages from middle and high school students to professional competitors. In 2009, Judy became a certified personal trainer through NASM. She holds a masters degree in Exercise Physiology. Facility/AmbiencePulse occupies two floors in the charming center of Millbrook Village. On the first floor you’ll find the check-in area, which is jam-packed with workout clothes and beverages to purchase. It blends into the first of two workout rooms that house a host of equipment including free weights, ellipticals and rowers. Upstairs there is a large and airy cycling room. CostPulse offers an array of class and membership options, from single class rates to monthly payment programs and Zumba-only memberships — all with no contact. Classes range from gentle yoga and low-impact body conditioning to cycling, and of course, PulseFit “Boot Camp" class. PULSE Cycling & Fitness3280 Franklin Avenue, Millbrook, NY (845) 677-4999
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A rendering of a proposed sign by Norm Magnusson.
- Norm Magnusson
Pam Ellis performs at the Bercshire South Community Center.
Alicia Johnson and Catherine Zack preside over a Buried Treasure workshop at Village Yoga. (Photos Provided by Alicia Johnson)
