A recent “Torch’d” class, at SoulCycle Annex, introduced me to the new method in a room lit up by candles, creating a warming atmosphere, and pulsing to the beat of workout favorites: Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea, Rihanna etc. Yes, these are the women that fire me up and it seemed my instructor Isaac Calpito felt the same. As I was guided through the workout with mere two-pound weights in hand and only my body weight as resistance, small motions and quick repetitions equated to targeted muscles and a sweat unlike any other.
Describe what Torch’d is.
Torch’d is a full body workout using body resistance, dance cardio, and targeted repetition to burn, lengthen, and tone. I created it when I was a dancer on Broadway in the hit shows West Side Story and Mamma Mia! and use it to train my celebrity clients.
What celebrities are regulars in your classes and have you trained?
Kelly Ripa, Lucy Liu, Priyanka Chopra, Faye Dunaway, Ariana Grande.
What type of workout do you prefer?
Small, specific motions with light weights mirror my training as a dancer to create a functional, lean body.
How long have you been with SoulCycle?
I’ve been teaching at Soul for three and a half years.
What’re some must-haves on your workout playlist?
I curate very detailed playlists for each class. Certain parts of my class call for more upbeat, celebratory songs and others require a more atmospheric sound. They range from Madonna, Kanye, Rihanna, exclusive DJ mixes that are made for me, to Nirvana, Blondie, and Kendrick Lamar.
Dance and sweat the hour away, go get Torch’d this summer with Isaac. Or, try any of the other classes located at SoulAnnex and switch up your fit!
This article first appeared in The Independent Newspaper. Read more about #EverythingEastEnd here