The Woman Who Will Change Your Workouts
HEATHER SCHNEIDER’S OUTDOOR BOOT CAMP CLASSES IN
BINNEY PARK AND ROWAYTON ARE WILDLY POPULAR. JULIE KNAPP HASHES OUT THE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM.
WHETHER YOU WANT TO WHIP your body back into shape post-baby or simply take in a little extra fresh air each week, Uptick Fitness can help.
Its boot camp-style fitness classes have amassed a dedicated following both in Rowayton and Greenwich, where founder Heather Schneider has built an outdoor fitness routine that’s sure to challenge even the most fit. Classes are held either in scenic Binney Park or in Rowayton at Bayley Beach. “We have views of the Long Island Sound on some workouts and of a farm and creek during others,” says Lisa Shanahan of Darien. “It’s so much easier to get through a tough workout when you’re looking at beautiful views.”
But taking your workout outside means more than just fresh scenery. While Schneider provides her clients with light free-weights, jump ropes and resistance bands, the biggest tools Schneider uses are hills, sitting benches and a client’s own body weight. “The best gym is your natural surroundings,” she says. “You don’t need any fancy or expensive props.”
Schneider started Uptick Fitness a year ago after leaving a career in pharmaceutical sales. She wanted to pursue her love for fitness training and spend more time at home with her three young boys in Rowayton. Schneider studied for and earned a group exercise certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and, shortly thereafter, launched the business. Now, she offers boot camp classes as well as cardio kickboxing, body sculpting, sports training and one-on-one private workout sessions.
Each hour-long boot camp class is a series of intervals and every session is unique, a big plus for anyone who is easily bored with repetitive gym workouts. Schneider mixes up her class plans and adds new sequencing regularly. Her goal is to keep things interesting, as well as challenge her clients strength, stamina and ability to utitlize different muscle groups on a regular basis. During a typical session, you might do a mix of cardio bursts and sculpting, or maybe some hill sprints, jump squats, walking lunges, suicide sprints, push-ups, dips and Schneider’s signature “Marisa Miller Finales,” grueling butt-shapers named after the Victoria’s Secret swimwear model.
Without question, Uptick Fitness classes are tough. You’ll move from drill to drill without breaks, making it ideal for anyone who regularly works out (and so is already pretty fit) and wants to turn things up a notch. Lindsay Wernert Potter, manager at Lululemon Athletica on Greenwich Avenue, says taking the class with Schneider has reconnected her to the commitment she had as college lacrosse player to be in her best shape and at her strongest. “I have never felt as fit as when I finish her class; it is a total body experience that leaves you feeling stronger, leaner and happier.”
Even though fitness first-timers don’t usually sign up for Scheider’s classes, you can work at your own pace and choose modifications whenever you need a break. Classes draw both men and women, young moms, singles and couples ranging in age from late 20s to mid-50s. With small class sizes, Schneider can keep a close eye on each client’s ability and form, offering up individual attention even in a group setting.
Schneider must be doing something right; 90 percent of her clients come back and she receives lots of positive feedback. It also doesn’t take long before her clients begin to feel a difference. “One woman who was a bit out of shape when she started says she walks taller and feels stronger, a month later,” Schneider says.
Schneider may often be on the receiving end of compliments, but she’ll also give you lots of positive, enthusiastic comments during and after class.
“She utilizes a great combo of in-your-face intensity and encouraging support,” says Erin Heide, an Uptick boot camp client. “I love how she’ll sternly say things like, ‘Faster! Harder! Higher!’ but then a little while later she’ll compliment you by saying you’re doing a beautiful job.”
After the session is over, Schneider
e-mails you to recap every session and outline the specific exercises and repetitions you’ve just completed in class. “It’s very empowering and motivating to see a tally of everything you were able to do,” and, she says, inspiring her clients to feel better about themselves and their bodies is one of the biggest rewards of her job.*
Try It
IN GREENWICH Meet at Binney Park on Monday and Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
IN ROWAYTON Meet at Bayley Beach Tuesday and Thursday at 9:40 a.m. and on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
COST $20/session
SIGN UP Visit uptickfitness.com or call Uptick Fitness at 917-658-7421.
{SEASONAL FITNESS}
Warm Up to Winter Exercise
If you opt to run outside, you’ll burn up to 5 percent more calories than you would on a treadmill and you’ll produce less cortisol (a stress hormone), too. Don’t let frigid temperatures discourage you from exercising outdoors. Here are some pointers to help make it more comfortable during winter months.
CHOOSE SMART COLD-WEATHER CLOTHING Dress in layers with a moisture-wicking material
on the bottom. Avoid cotton, which holds sweat and will make you colder. For feet, look into shoes with a lining like Gore-Tex, which is waterproof yet breathable.
DON’T GET STUCK IN A RUT There may be less of a variety of activities to do in the winter, so avoid overuse injuries by switching up your exercise routine to target different muscle groups.
LOOSEN UP Cold weather tenses muscles, so proper warm-ups become more crucial in winter.
STAY HYDRATED You may not feel as thirsty as you would in warmer weather, but don’t forget to get plenty of fluids during your workout. —Kelley Granger