Element 22

I am a big fan of Element 22! I was at home for the summer, bored, and I needed a good workout to challenge me. Dow Fitness center does have great specialty classes, but only on certain days of the week — and no ballet bar (yet!). I’ve been wanting to try ballet barre classes for a long time, but the rival ballet studio down the street is hugely expensive. Someone recommended Element to me, and I was very impressed with the experience overall. The classes are reasonably priced, the online scheduling system is easy to use and the instructors are really talented. They also let you try your first week free, in case you are unsure.
When you first go, the instructors are very high energy — the workouts are extremely intense, but in a positive way (this is not bootcamp style). You will be very tired but amazed what your body can do by the time you are done. Ballet bar was one of the hardest workouts I have ever done, even with years of tennis, spinning and Pilates under my belt. The idea is very tiny, very slow muscle movements that work under-​used muscle areas. The first few reps are easy, until you suddenly feel an intense burn. They will take you through about 15 minutes each of Arms, Abs/​Back, Glutes and Legs. It is not for the faint of heart, but don’t be scared off by the challenge. It becomes addicting!
Pilates was still tough but incorporated enough yoga elements to give your muscles a periodic break. I recommend this for those just starting over the ballet bar. I didn’t get to try the yoga, unfortunately.
I also wanted to address the stereotypes head on — a lot of people are intimidated by places like this because they think everyone will be too fit, too wealthy and too snooty. You will see the lululemon crowd here to be sure, but I also saw a range of fitness levels, body types, fashion choices and ages. Yoga guys in loose sweaters would do planks next to high school students and seniors. Tanned fitness buffs would chat with new moms and people with muscle injuries. It’s very diverse! Personally, I never felt out of place, although I am not very fit. I think it may have something to do with the instructors — they put out a very welcoming vibe to everyone, and do their best to remember everyone by name.
Element 22 only has a few downsides. When you first start they will often publicly correct your form, which can be a little embarrassing. You may also not make it through the entire workout. But different instructors have different styles and they have a good variety of personalities and class types to try until you feel comfortable. All of the employees are extremely outgoing and personable, so it’s totally okay to pull them aside and ask them anything (like modifications for injuries, which I saw a lot of).
I suggest going for the first week, giving it a try and seeing how goes — I think almost everyone will be pleasantly surprised!