The Gym Project

This week I had my very first 90-minute pilates class. It was enjoyable and actually very quick. I visited the Manhattan Plaza Health Club.

MPHC

482 West 43th street at Tenth Ave web: http://www.mphc.com/

Score card

Facilities: 7/10.

Limited facilities for a gym with such a fancy name! It is admittedly a large health center with a 75-foot atrium swimming pool with sundeck, cardio equipment and various exercise classes. As I arrived early, I explored the center but I found myself lost somewhere on the deck and couldn’t go back. Luckily, I met someone who helped me find my way back to the exercise room. The women’s changing room was clean but small, you have to pay $1 for a towel (something I consistently refuse to do) and you need to have your own locker.

Variety of classes: 9/10

There are 80 fitness classes per week so there is plenty of choice: From Power Cardio Sculpt to Theatre Jazz, Sharqui Belly Dance, Power Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Bosu Bar/Glide, Core Power, Spinning, Express Abs, Alexander Technique, Funky Aerobics and many more!

Rate of difficulty: 6/10

The 90-minute pilates mat class wasn’t particularly challenging for a pilates addict. It was more of a stretch class with pilates elements. The pace was slow so were the movements. I felt relaxed at the end and I didn’t realize how the time flew so quickly. It was a good class for a Sunday morning. I just wonder how I will be feeling tomorrow!