It’s day one of my Tribe Training at Hamptons Gym Corp. and I have no idea what to expect. As I walk into the studio, a former Crossfit space, I’m partially intimidated. Kettle bells, TRX bands, weights, medicine balls, rogue racks, resistance bands, jump ropes, jump boxes . . . holy bleep, what did I just sign up for? Then I read the board for a rundown of the workout ahead. Half of the terms I didn’t even recognize, and the fear is replaced with adrenaline. Call me a masochist, but I actually got excited for the challenge ahead.
Tribe Team Training is broken down into three categories: TribeLIFE is low-impact and focused on reducing body fat and increasing strength; TribeCORE, the next level, brings toning, strengthening, stability, and power to the overall core but also uses the shoulders, back, booty, and legs; and TribeFIT, the high intensity class, which is focused on making individuals fitter, faster, stronger, and challenging overall endurance and strength.
I tried all three to properly assess their difficulty levels, and they’re accurate in description. Envision interval training in a group environment with multiple sets and rounds. Aside from the clock, the only one you’re competing with is yourself. It’s especially great for those who prefer constant movement over routine, as it really is an animal of its own.
Team Training members, across all levels, are part of a unit with a common goal of being better than they were yesterday. It’s a supportive, reassuring, motivating, tribe environment. While a white board lists the workout, it’s up to the individual to accomplish each goal to the best of their ability, with their fellow tribe members there to serve as inspiration. It’s a welcoming feeling to hone in on personal capabilities while drowning out the competitive edge to keep up. Although, part of that competition is fuel for the fitness fire.
“Our aim is to be the best, work hard, and exceed expectations. No one in our tribe gets left behind. We unite together, we work together and as a result, we grow together. We are one body, one unit, one team,” Rebeca Olender, Tribe master coach, said.
I met Olender during day one of training, except she wasn’t the coach but my tribe member who stationed herself alongside me. As she lapped me, several times, she paused during her workout to properly aid in my movements (which, of course, only made them harder to do). Olender is inspiring, helpful, extremely outgoing, and most of all, you can relate to her. I only took one of her classes, after our initial meeting, and, despite her overawing physically capabilities, I felt like I truly had someone on my side pushing me to do better. That’s what we all want in a coach/instructor, isn’t it?
Other coaches are Ivette, who radiates kindness and feels like the girl everyone wants to work out with; Oscar, who always has a smile on his face but equates that friendliness with strength; Amber, who has a deep understanding of all the movements; and Rob, a perfectionist for the right technique and attention to detail. Each personality and style are unique, so certain members will gravitate towards certain coaches but they all have the same goal, to help their tribe members achieve their goals.
Tribe Team Training programs are released every six weeks with new exercises, new music, and new workout formulas. No two workouts are the same, which pushes the body further, equating to noticeable results.
Learn more about these options at www.hamptonsgymcorp.com.
This article first appeared in The Independent Newspaper. Read more about #EverythingEastEnd here