Class Action: Shockwave at Equinox

Fitness classes follow fashion. The city’s gyms and studios constantly launch new “It” classes. In Class Action we dish on what we’re trying, or what we really want to. And please tell us what classes you’re excited about in the Comments section, below!

The rowing machine's had a long-term flirtation with group fitness. Until now, it's been a stop-and-start romance—one that looks good on paper (like a newly minted doctor on JDate.com), but that disappoints with tedium on the first date.

Shockwave, a new Equinox class, is a workout you can commit to. In just 30 minutes (there's also a 45-minute version), it delivers a full-body workout using four circuit stations (rowing, core, legs, and upper body), plus a dose of healthy competition. The rowing portion of the class is turned into a race with rowers competing to finish the same yardage in the fastest time. Trust me, it's surprisingly exciting.

The collaboration of Josh Crosby, a World Champion rower (and star of Equinox's just released video, above), and Jay Blahnik, a group fitness guru, Shockwave succeeds because it's more about the fun of high-intensity circuit training than trying to convert the average gym-goer into an avid rower. (Though the new video with Crosby might earn rowing some new converts.)

The instructors peppered the class with compelling rowing facts, e.g. rowing taps 9 major muscle groups, that's more than any other type of exercise (except for swimming and cross-country skiing). But ultimately it's the racing and the killer circuits that make this class a winner—and a keeper. —Alexia Brue

Who it’s for: Rowers, of course, plus anyone looking for a super efficient circuit class.

Book it or skip it: Book it.

Select Equinox locations, www.Equinox.com