September 26, 2006

Blast Off

Orbital 360 Rocket Workout

Yoga, Pilates, Tae Bo, Sweatin’ to the Oldies — without question, you’ve put the work in work out.

But even so, it’s starting to seem like wearing skinny jeans and breathing at the same time is going to require the help of some otherworldly force.

Something, perhaps, along the lines of the Orbital 360 Rocket Workout, a brand new, twenty-minute class done on a special cross-training apparatus. It combines stretching, strengthening, and cardio movement with resistance training.

Following trainer Timothy Di Pri, step onto one of the fifteen Orbital pods and take hold of two handles that twist and turn in every direction. Adjust to your comfort level, then start on free-flowing moves like Mercury Descending (a butt-toning lunge) and Saturn’s Rings (a trunk twist with extended arms).

It may look simple enough, but you’ll feel the burn. And those who insist on being hardcore can crank up the resistance. Though the class is available only at Crunch West Hollywood, anyone can take it. Nonmembers can simply call Di Pri ahead of time and arrange to be his guest.

So prepare for takeoff. And to push your fitness level way high.

Sky high, to be exact.

Crunch, 8000 Sunset Boulevard, at Crescent Heights Boulevard, West Hollywood (323-654-4550). To sign up for classes, call 877-668-3360 or e-mail orbitalsphere@aol.com. For more information, go to theorbital360.com.