Article on HBFit
To start the year off with a bang, we’re stoked to introduce you guys to our Studio Spotlight this month: Switch Playground. We discovered Switch Playground as soon as its first US location opened by Union Square, and after our first class, we were hooked. This studio has it all: a live DJ, cool lighting, amazing machines, and tons of sweat. We caught up with Director of Business Development & Marketing, Susan Harrison, who gave us the lowdown on Switch Playground. Bonus, your first class at Switch Playground is free and because we know you’ll be hooked like us, they’re offering HBFIT readers 5 classes for $100 with code HBSWITCH20. Come sweat it out with us all month long!
Our experience at Switch Playground was unlike any other workout we’ve ever done! Can you explain the workout to someone who has never been before?
SWITCH is a precisely choreographed total body H.I.I.T. workout which challenges every fitness level. You perform the circuit with a partner. The 60 minute workout starts and ends with a 4-6 minute yoga flow. The workout itself consists of 20 different circuit stations, with various different exercises ranging from kettle bells,TRX, Assault Bikes, Rowing Machines, Treadmills, Heavy Bags, Medicine Balls, Box Jumps, the list goes on and on – it’s a fitness Playground for adults. Each round is 2 minutes long and broken up into 30 second intervals. Combining circuit training with intervals is one of the best ways to burn fat and gain lean, strong muscle.
We love that Switch prides itself on challenging the body, mind, and soul. Can you explain a little about the philosophy behind the workout?
Everyone should be able to tap into what it feels like to work their body as an athlete, and we believe that the mind, body, and soul are all intertwined. It’s not enough to just workout, its about having a healthy mind, body and soul. That’s why we use the first few minutes to center you, we ask you to leave everything outside the studio door and focus on getting your mindset where it should be, setting your intention for the next 60 minutes. Our philosophy is that when you are engaged on all 3 levels, you are truly “switched on” and realizing your best self.
How does Switch Playground’s vibe as a studio differ from other studio cultures?
SWITCH has a very inclusive, fun, edgy vibe. We want everyone who comes in our door to feel like they have found their fitness home. The Playground concept extends beyond just the studio doors. We are working hard in that studio, but we are also playing hard. It is serious fitness, but it should be fun. If we can inspire you to bring out the very best inside you, that’s when the magic happens. When you walk through the doors of The Playground you leave the world behind, you set that intention for the next 60 minutes — and you flick the switch on your day.
We noticed that the studio’s use of multiple trainers, high-tech lighting and sound, and state-of-the-art facilities makes up for such a fun, unique workout environment. What was the intention in all of these cool details?
Because we believe in the SWITCH Trifecta – where the best results are achieved when mind, body and soul are all engaged —we make a special effort to ensure our studio caters to this mission. When you are truly “switched on”, you are capable of being your best. So music, lights, sound system, all of those things are key to creating an amazing environment, and inspiring hard work. Multiple trainers are very important to us, as they help ensure proper form, safety, and provide modifications to any exercise, if needed. The state of the art facilities are something we are particularly proud of. We have spent a lot of energy and resources to ensure that we have the highest quality equipment and amenities. We don’t believe in cutting corners in our workouts or in our studios.
To view the original article featuring Switch Playground USA Health Club – please click here
Photos by Aydin Arjomand Photography