Welcome to our Fit Date series, a cross between a blind date and a workout review! For each column, we send two intrepid strangers to get sweaty at a fun gym/studio in Toronto, then quiz each of them afterwards on their experience. Let’s meet our latest blind daters.
Who
EMMA, 27, is an account manager at a marketing agency who describes herself as “outgoing, playful and energetic.” She’s super active—running two times a week, cycling two times a week (besides commuting to work daily), and strength training two to three times a week—but practices yoga only occasionally. When not working out, she’s into patio drinks, cooking for friends and trying new restaurants.
ADAM, 28, is a network analyst who considers himself “outgoing, active and optimistic.” When not at the gym three to four times a week, doing light weight training mixed with light cardio, the documentary connoisseur loves hanging out with family and friends. He’s a yoga virgin.
Where
Love Child Social House, an Instagram-friendly co-working space in downtown Toronto, where a recent pop-up fitness studio was held to celebrate the Canadian launch of Truly Spiked & Sparkling, a 100-cal spiked sparkling water (the 5 percent alcohol comes from fermenting cane sugar).
What
We sent Emma and Adam to try an all-levels yoga class with Kaitlyn and Sydney, the dauntingly limber duo (best friends since age 5) known as the Yoga Twins.
He Says…
What was your first impression of your blind date? She has a fun and outgoing personality.
How would you describe your blind date in three adjectives? Active, personable and outgoing.
How would you describe the workout overall? It was my very first time doing yoga, so I was a bit nervous but excited to try it as I’ve heard a lot of great things about it. To be honest, I had assumed yoga was a pure relaxation thing, but it ended up being an intense core workout even though the movements were slow. The instructors had a calming demeanour and explained/demonstrated the movements in a way that was very easy for a complete beginner to understand.
How hard was the workout on a scale of 1 (stroll in the park) to 10 (still recovering)? I’d give the workout a 5. It was definitely harder than what I’m used to! In a good way though.
What was the most challenging part of the workout? The hardest part was attempting the more challenging positions and trying not to fall. I forget the exact name of it, but there was one I wanted to try where you balance your body weight on your arms and put your knees on your elbows [Ed: crow pose]. I attempted to do it but quickly said “nah” as falling and making a ruckus was imminent.
What was the most fun part of the workout? The entire workout was fun. I learned a lot of new things I never considered would make for an intense workout. I definitely would try another class in the near future.
How did your workout partner do? She did great. Every time I glanced over she was doing the moves as they came naturally… Whereas for me, every five seconds I had to look around to see if I was even on the same planet as everyone else.
What type of person would you recommend this class to? I’d recommend it to anyone. I was a bit apprehensive because of the “stigma” [that yoga is a workout for women], but I did see a few guys there. I always love to try new things that go against my initial beliefs, so I was pretty open to the idea and was pleasantly surprised when it ended up being everything people praised about it.
Any awkward blind-date moments? There were a couple times when I stumbled over words but not too many awkward moments!
Was there a good-vibes connection? Definitely good vibes. She was very personable and the conversation flowed naturally. At first I was nervous, but she put me at ease pretty quickly.
Final verdict: would you be up for date #2 (or is it a friend zone situation)? It was a fun experience, but I don’t think there will be a date #2.
She Says…
What was your first impression of your blind date? Friendly and fit.
How would you describe your blind date in three adjectives? Outgoing, relaxed, athletic.
How would you describe the workout overall? It was a great intro level and I worked up a sweat as there was a lot of core strengthening involved. I also haven’t done yoga in over a year, so it was a little challenging for me.
How hard was the workout on a scale of 1 (stroll in the park) to 10 (still recovering)? 4!
What was the most challenging part of the workout? As funny as it sounds, the downward dogs. This pose has always been challenging for me if I am not going to yoga consistently and if I am using those muscles a lot for other things such as cycling.
What was the most fun part of the workout? The environment! I loved the pop-up at Love Child Social House and there was great energy.
How did your workout partner do? He was pretty good for never having done yoga before and picked it up pretty quick.
What type of person would you recommend this class to? Anyone at any fitness level. I am a firm believer that yoga is a great complement, mentally and physically, to any workout routine.
Any awkward blind-date moments? Not that I was aware of as we are both quite talkative.
Was there a good-vibes connection? I think he is definitely a really cool person so we got along.
Final verdict: would you be up for date #2 (or is it a friend zone situation)? Friend zone situation. ????
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