BODI | Strength First, Then Cardio

For a free week of workouts at BODI, click here and select the $35 1-week trial. Use THEFOXYKAT as the promo code in order to workout for free. Let me know if you need a workout buddy – I’d love to join you!

I went through a phase during college when all I did to workout was cardio; elliptical machine, spin classes, running, etc. If it didn’t involve lifting anything heavy, then you better believe I did it. It helped me to finally lose that freshman 15 in my junior year (lol) along with watching what I was eating, but it wasn’t easy. I did some weight exercises, but not many. The weight room was very intimidating at the University of Arizona rec center. As I got older, I started noticing results less and less from cardio alone and cardio started to really feel like work. Plus, I had to commit so much time to it. I still enjoy a playlist driven spin class, and a 75 degree Arizona winter hike, but it really wasn’t until I learned how to incorporate weights that I was able to lose the lbs and discover muscles! 

A few years after discovering weights, I then discovered BODI. I already had an appreciation for strength workouts and knew the results that it would give me, so BODI was exactly the workout that I was looking for. Thankfully, the instructors at BODI create the workouts to give you the best calorie burn during the class, but also after you leave the class. They are very sneaky with their cardio moves and often times you don’t even realize that you’re actually doing a form of cardio in their Strength classes. You can see in these images, I am doing a strength move, but since I’m moving while doing kettle bell swings (above) and medicine ball throws with squats I’m actually out of breath after doing it for much longer than 30-60 seconds, which is usually the time frame that BODI has you doing each move. Even in a pushup position like Nikki is above, she is still feeling the effects of 

If you’re afraid of weights like I was, I highly suggest trying a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout class to test it out. The trainers/instructors do all the hard work for you. They tell you when and how to use the weights to get the best full body workout. Plus, you can take the class at your own level (modify the movements) and pace. If you’re still not convinced, try a low impact class or a yoga/pilates class that has weights, but not as much movement. 

A quote that stuck with me since Emma Stone’s killer bod debut in La La Land last year is from her trainer, Jason Walsch, in an interview with the Sun and replicated in this Delish article. Another great article featuring Emma Stone’s La La Land workout is from Women’s Health Magazine.

3:1 Cardio is nothing if you don’t move well. Staying strong supports the skeletal system, stabilises joints, makes your cardio safer and more effective. If strength training is done right, you get plenty of cardio from lifting as well. Cardio comes secondary.”

Other Details:

Photography by Matt Young Photography | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook |

BODI (these photos were taken in the previous location) | info@scottsdalebodi.com | 480-444-8062 | Website | Instagram | Facebook |

Nikki Metzger | Instagram | 

Disclaimer: I am in no way a fitness expert, everything on TFK blog and specifically this blog post is written in my own opinion. If you are not sure if you should perform an exercise, please consult a physician. 

Be you, bravely.

The Foxy Kat