Know me well and you know I love Core Fusion at Exhale (945 N. State St., 312-753-6500). I started taking the total-body workout classes — a mix of yoga, Pilates, strength training, and bar work — more than three years ago, and I've never looked back. And as Exhale has added to the repertoire with Core Fusion Yoga and Core Fusion Sport, I've only found more to love. Exhale has just introduced the latest addition, Core Fusion Boot Camp. I sat down with Exhale and Core Fusion cofounder Fred DeVito to talk about the new class and why Core Fusion has such a devoted following.

PopSugar's FreshGuide: Tell me about the new class, Boot Camp. Fred DeVito: It's a heart-pumping cardio and strength training program that will give you ripped abs, sculpted arms, shapely legs, and a firm backside. This class brings variety galore! We do athletic Plyometric-type jump-backs with a core ball, planks and push ups on a core ball, and then we do yoga flow movements for breath work and elongation of the muscles. Also the ab work in this class is the toughest that we do . . . but after all, that's what Boot Camp is, right?!

FG: Why is it important to have such diversified classes at Exhale? FD: We are proud of the fact that we have been able to put together a variety of movement styles that are options for our members. They have the options to take a strong athletic Core Fusion Sport or Boot Camp class on one day and then come back the next day for a Music Yoga flow class, which is an entirely different way of moving your body. It's a fact that if you do the same movements all the time, your chances of creating an overuse injury are much higher, so variety is healthy, and your body changes much quicker when you cross train.

FG: Why is Core Fusion unique? FD: We have been teaching Core Fusion for eight years now, and since day one, there have been at least 10 brands created based on the same core/bar class format. All the major gyms and a lot of smaller yoga studios are now offering bar/core/Pilates type classes, where five years ago this thought was unacceptable to purist yogis. Our class has stood the test of time. We have seen thousands of students change their bodies. We know that if we focus on proper exercise position and alignment, and then movement and reps, the student will get fantastic results of a high round butt, long lean thighs, and washboard abs. We also balance our strength moves with flexibility moves, and the core is the center of our universe in every exercise. Our class energy is warm, welcoming, and positive. We teach people how to exercise with wisdom, not with ego, and to follow the exercise progressions so that you are constantly challenged and will always see results.

FG: Can you recommend a Core schedule for a newbie? FD: Sure! I will give two scenarios. First, the student who is overweight, out of shape and hasn't exercised in a long time. In this case, I would recommend our Six-Week Core Evolution Program. This gives you unlimited classes and six nutrition counseling sessions. For classes, I would recommend four to five days a week of classes mixing Core Fusion with Absolute Beginner Yoga. This will build a core foundation of strength, breath control, and focus. The most important component of a higher fitness level for a person in the category is proper nutrition, so being accountable to someone about your diet will create a new healthy habit and lifestyle. Taking long walks on days six and seven will increase caloric burn without risking the weak joints of someone who is out of shape. Second, for the athletic student, I would recommend a membership and participating in all styles of classes. Sometimes you will favor one type of class over another but for sure you should take Core Fusion as a part of your plan.

FG: What’s next with Exhale and Core Fusion? FD: We just filmed DVDs number eight and nine, which will be released this year, and we are working on a new class called Core Fusion Chill, which will be a restorative Core experience.

Source: Exhale Spa