Has a workout ever been so hard that it brought you to tears? I’ve only experienced this a few times and I can tell you it wasn’t from working out on my own. Typically, when going solo in the gym or at home, you’ll stop before getting to that point of exhaustion, right? I know I do! This is why I have found group training to be a great fit for me. Birmingham is no L.A. or Dallas when it comes to cutting edge gyms and workout trends, but in recent years we have had some really cool workout concepts come to life in our city.

Are Big-Box Gyms a Thing of the Past?

Last year when we moved across town, I had to leave my big-box gym and I was pretty sad about it. I know some people don’t mind a little travel time to workout, but if a gym isn’t right under my nose, I’m a threat to skip it all together… anyone else?

I struggled to get back into my workout groove after the move and didn’t want to commit to a particular gym, so I started trying out some of the small boutique-style studios here in Birmingham to get my sweat on! Over the next few weeks, I’ll be taking you along with me as I try out different studios and review all they have to offer.

Mpower Pilates Studio in Birmingham, AL

I look to my friend and fellow blogger, Deanna, for health and wellness advice, so when she told me about MPower, I had to try it! MPower is basically pilates on crack. The machines can be quite intimidating when you first arrive but have no fear, Emma and her wonderful team of instructors are there to guide and coach you through each movement.

NOTE: this workout is TOUGH! But, there are modifications for each level and trust me you’ll use those modifications!

What is Pilates with Megaformer?

The moves are small and repetitive with a ton of resistance. This workout focuses on isolating certain muscles quite frankly you didn’t know you had! A good part of the session concentrates on strengthening the core, and baby it BURNS! Catch me on a bad day during one of these workouts, and I could probably muster up a tear or two, but hey, it’s probably cheaper than therapy.

Pilates in Birmingham, AL

MPower is a Megaformer Pilates studio with two locations in Birmingham. Both studios (Mountain Brook Village and  Crestline Park) are less than two years old and are among the first of their kind in Alabama. Another franchise location is in Huntsville. Owner, Emma Suttles, lived in LA for 10 years and brought this trend back to her hometown of Bham!

I am really loving these small boutique-style studios because the level of personal attention is paramount. They take the time to learn your name, figure out your goals and put a huge emphasis on tailoring the workout for YOU. It’s like personal training, but less expensive!

At my MPower class last night, the instructor said something I loved (and needed) towards the end of the workout. She said, “THIS IS YOUR WORKOUT! Modify as you need, but I encourage you to push yourself.”

Here’s to trying new workouts with friends and pushing your body to the max! What should I try next?