• Liquidstrength at Crunch

  Multiple locations; see liquidstrength.com

  When dancer–trainer–marathon runner–martial artist–yoga instructor Elizabeth Story had twins three years ago, she didn’t have much time to hit the gym. So in the name of efficiency, she set about creating a workout that’s as multi-faceted as she is. LiquidStrength begins in “home” position—a kind of squat—then proceeds to a glute-burning series of squat extensions performed with a set of dumbbells in hand. Other moves simulate firing a bow and arrow, speed-skating, and using a quarterstaff to block an opponent’s imaginary sword, all set to driving beats from African chants to acid jazz. Leave your vintage kicks at home: The class is done in bare feet, says Story, “to keep you rooted.”

From the 2004 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine