THIRTY SECONDS INTO

Split squats take on a new dimension when performed on a surfboard four stories high in Manhattan’s bustling Lower East Side. As I teeter on the Rip SurferX, sweat trickling down my brow, each pulse of muscle reminds me that this workout is about balance—physical and mental. In that moment, framed by beachy decor and a room full of strangers, there’s only one goal: to avoid a spectacular fall.

An Unlikely Encounter with Surfset Fitness

Despite years of experience in various fitness disciplines—weightlifting, walking, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—the thought of stepping outside my routine is daunting. Yet, curiosity piqued by the impending Group Fitness Awards from Men’s Health compelled me to explore the unconventional—Surfset Fitness, an indoor surfing-inspired workout that blends high-intensity training with an ethos of fun.

Founded in 2011 by Sarah Ponn and Mike Hartwick, Surfset Fitness quickly became a sensation, earning a whopping $300,000 deal from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. At its height, the company operated in over 19 countries with 250 locations. However, in 2021, the brand faced challenges leading to its decline. Today, the rebranded Surfset New York City thrives under longtime practitioners Aaron Thouvenin and Diana Garrett, who embarked on their own journey from students to instructors.

Inside the Surf Intervals Class

As the hour-long Surf Intervals class begins, I’m introduced to the signature “pop-up” move—the essential transition from lying to standing akin to a surfer’s movement. With Thouvenin’s energizing presence guiding us, the first of two four-round circuits unfolds, and I’m immediately aware: this is no ordinary workout.

The stability of the surfboard is deceptive, as it balances atop three inflatable balls, transforming every exercise into a precarious challenge. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) fills the room, where every push-up, squat, and lunge becomes an intricate dance of maintaining balance and strength.

The Mechanics of Movement

Each circuit integrates core, lower-body, and upper-body movements. The intensity of the workout escalates, and it becomes clear that the board amplifies even the simplest exercise. Falling off becomes a humbling experience, and here, I realize: I am but a novice, thrust into a world of unfamiliar challenges.

• Split Squats target stability and strength, yet my ankles and shins scream with exertion.
• The pop-up ignites my neck more than my core, revealing weaknesses I never knew I had.
• Planks and push-ups show me that muscle engagement can be unexpectedly distributed, emphasizing the importance of stabilizing muscles not often exercised.

Gimmicky or Grounded in Fitness Fundamentals?

At first glance, the overall theme and decorated environment border on the gimmicky. Terms like “Hot Sand” crunch and “Starfish” leave a playful impression, yet the depths of the exercises possess a legitimate rigor. Evidence of this is backed by fitness expert Dr. Lisa Mensah, who asserts, “Surfset is not merely a marketing gimmick. It challenges the body in unique ways that traditional workouts don’t.”);

What truly distinguishes Surfset is its foundational grounding in familiar movements. Each technique is rooted in classic exercises while offering variations suited to individual capabilities. Thouvenin’s approach to framing these as “options” instead of mere progressions permits participants to embrace their current fitness levels without intimidation. “Effort is paramount. By focusing on what you can do, rather than what you can’t, you open the door to improvement,” he emphasizes.

Insight Beyond the Workout

The hour-long class offers a clear takeaway: stepping into discomfort can illuminate pathways toward growth. Personal insights bubble to the surface as the instructor’s energy and camaraderie within the group create an uplifting atmosphere. For too long, I confined my training to a linear path, a self-imposed vacuum of familiarity. But what’s more invigorating than stepping out of certainty?

As my muscles quaked and my body found equilibrium amidst chaos, I came to appreciate this primal connection with motion. Reflecting on a study from the Journal of Experimental Psychology, which found that engaging in novel experiences can lead to heightened motivation, I understood this sentiment firsthand. The shared energy of my classmates breathed new life into the workout.

Embracing the Unconventional

If you find yourself caught in a cycle of monotony, consider this a gentle nudge to break free. Dive into a new workout that ignites both apprehension and excitement. Embrace the instability—whether on a surfboard or within your comfort zone. There exists a transformative potential in feeling like a beginner again.

As I stepped off the board, drenched in sweat yet invigorated, it became clear: the realm of fitness doesn’t just reside in pushing heavier weights or perfecting competitive patterns. Instead, it thrives in the willingness to explore, adapt, and rise to challenge. In a world where the only constant is change, embracing discomfort may be the most rewarding journey of all.

Source: www.menshealth.com