Before I get into the review, I want you all to know that I did not pay for the classes I attended (I tried) but they gifted a week trial. This does not mean I am going to hold back on my review! As always, I will be as transparent as I know how to!
Ok let’s get into it.
If you’re not familiar with Blended Athletics, it used to solely be a CrossFit gym, with personal training services. Blended, stepped away from the CrossFit affiliation in 2019, as they didn't find it fit with their methodology (*edit). Now, Blended is a massive unit that uses different forms of exercising to pursue excellence.
Pursing excellence is their motto. Between their classes in Ground Zero, The Loft, Open Gym, personal training services and their hip new look, you get an understanding of why.
Ground Zero
Why it’s called that, not sure, but this is where the CrossFit like classes occur. These classes follow a similar structure: strength work followed by a soul crushing, heavy breathing, existential crisis provoking WOD (a little dramatic), and accessory work. These types of classes have me slightly out of my comfort zone. The mixture of running, heavy weightlifting and doing burpees as fast as possible just never made sense to me from a strength and conditioning point of view.
Even though you must complete an ONRAMP (3 personal training sessions going over the movements) and the coaches are great at giving modifications, I wouldn’t say these classes are for beginners or anyone who may have some type of movement issues.
Picture from Blended's Instagram
The Loft
If the Ground Zero classes are too much for you, you can venture upstairs to The Loft. In these classes you work on basic movement patterns and a lot of cardio. It could also be used as an active recovery day or just a simple break from going hard every day.
Is it a direct steppingstone to the Ground Zero classes? I would say no, but again, it’s a great option for those who just need to move, get their heart rate up and implement some strength training.
Picture from Blended's Instagram
I did one class in each space. Based on my schedule it was hard getting to Dartmouth this past week. And if I am being 100% honest, being able to see the workouts before-hand did not make me eager to make it work either. The formation of the GZ classes just weren’t for me and the Loft classes didn’t have enough sustenance. It’s very possible Covid has a play on the workouts!
Overall, Blended is massive and an aesthetically pleasing facility with 10/10 coaching (thank you Danielle and Morgan!!). Something I admire is that the gym follows a program, so each workout is meant to build on the last, nothing is just made up on the spot. Something I don’t think most group fitness classes around here do.
Like always, I encourage you to check it out for yourself!
Rating: 6.5/10