BLOCK21 Fitness

BLOCK21 Fitness offers cardio dance fitness classes in Denver that turn your workout into a party. Disclaimer: This is not your mother's Zumba class.

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Have You Watched the 12 Best Dance Movies of All Time?

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

We know. This can get controversial. There’s really nothing better than a good dance movie, and we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. They all have the right amount of drama, love stories, and epic dance battles and will leave you ready to get your boogie on.

1. Center Stage

Didn’t we all want to be Jodie Sawyer during the most iconic final dance scene in her red dress? If you don’t know what we’re talking about, we recommend starting here.

 

2. Flashdance

So 80s and so amazing. You’ll be throwing on some leg warmers and a leotard after this one.

 

3. Stomp The Yard

Fraternity stepping at its finest.

 

4. Billie Elliot

A heart-wrenching coming-of-age story about a young ballet dancer in England. We dare you to get through this movie without tearing up.

 

5. Step Up

This movie gives us what we all want: dance scene after dance scene. Step Up is the perfect meld of entertainment and a good love story.

 

6. Save the Last Dance

With some epic dance scenes throughout the movie, this one is a dance movie classic, or at least a 2001 classic.

 

7. Shall We Dance

It’s hard to choose a favorite Jennifer Lopez movie, but this one is a real contender. Even if ballroom dancing isn’t your thing, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it (and with Richard Gere!) during this one.

 

8. Black Swan

The only thriller on our list! Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis bring a bit more edge than your average dance movie and will have you on the edge of your seat.

 

9. Honey

This list would not be complete without Jessica Alba’s best dance role. It will give you all the 2000s vibes in the best way.

 

10. Dirty Dancing

One of the most classic movies (dance, or not!) of all time. The soundtrack alone will get you on your feet.

 

11. You Got Served

While this might not have the finest acting on the list, Omarion will 100% steal your heart.

 

12. Magic Mike

Channing Tatum in all his glory. You can’t make it through this movie without smiling. We recommend starting with the original and then moving on to the sequel.

 

Are we missing any of your favorites?! You might even hear a few familiar songs in our classes…

The Best Denver Activities to Make Your Summer Even Better

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

Want to squeeze the most out of the final days of summer in Denver? We’ve got a list full of the must see activities you don’t want to miss. There’s a reason we live in one of the most beautiful places, so get out and enjoy! Keep reading for 8 summer activities in Denver that you’ll want to check off your list.

 

1. Film on the Rocks

Film on the Rocks is an 8-part movie series held at Red Rocks Amphitheater every summer. Watching a movie in the presence of 9,000 people makes the jokes even funnier and the thrilling movie climax even more momentous. FOTR is a great way to rewatch the classics or catch a movie you may have missed the first time around. Prior to the movie, enjoy comedians and live music, At only $16/ticket, this event is a steal. Check out their website here.

 

2. Progressive Dinner Date

What is a progressive dinner you might ask? It is a 5-course meal where you walk or bike from restaurant to restaurant between each course. Start at a bar for a drink, head someone new for appetizers, split a main dish at a restaurant, try the local ice cream spot…you get the idea. Biking allows you to cover more terrain and work off some of your last course before indulging again. Extra points for a tandem bike!

Sample Itinerary in the Highlands:

  1. Grab a frozen congelado at Señor Bear

  2. Order an app at one of Avanti’s “food trucks”

  3. Try a taco at My Neighbor Felix

  4. Split a main dish at Postino

  5. Top it off with Ice Cream from Little Man (Salted Oreo. It’s a no brainer)

 

3. Rockies Games

Denver is lucky to have a baseball stadium in the heart of LoDo, which makes for easy transportation and pre and post-game activities. The games are fun for everyone, even if it is just an excuse to eat a hot dog and drink a Bud Light. Plus, you can snag a Rock Pile ticket for just $6-$8. View the schedule here.

 

4. City Park Jazz

This is a 10-week free concert series held in City Park on Sunday evenings. Grab a park blanket and a lawn game, pack your favorite picnic, and spend the evening enjoying good music with your besties. The coolest park about this tradition? It’s been going on for over 130 years! Concerts are held from June to August. Learn more here.

5. Hiking in Golden

There are so many accessible hikes within 30 minutes of Denver. South Table Mountain, Chimney Gulch, Matthew Winters Park, and Mt. Galbraith are just a few of the options. Evening hikes are a great way to avoid the heat and the crowds and, if you’re lucky, catch a stunning sunset on the way down.

 

6. Concert at the Botanic Gardens

This is one of the best kept secrets of Denver’s music scene. The Denver Botanic Gardens is an intimate concert venue, and the fact that you can bring a blanket, bottle of wine, and all the snacks your heart desires makes it even better. Check out the line-up here.

 

7. Tubing Clear Creek

The water stays icy cold all summer long, so grab a tube and head to 10th Street in Golden. The stretch of the creek is relatively short and can be lapped all day long. Be sure to bring a croaky for your sunglasses and strap-on sandals in case you take a dunk.

 

8. Picnic at Cheeseman

Cheeseman Park is our favorite park. Spikeball, BBQs, (happy hour) walks, and take-out picnics. There are a few designated picnic tables, but we recommend bringing a picnic blanket and heading to the east side of the park for stunning views of the city.

 

Did we miss anything!? What are the best summer activities in Denver, CO?

Our Top Picks for Dance Fitness Shoes

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

Your feet are important! While we think that whining on the dance floor can fix all your problems (or at least make you forget about them for 50 minutes!), it is vital to keep your feet healthy and happy while jumping, shaking, grooving, stomping, etc. Shoes makes a big difference and are the first place we recommend diving into if you’re having any issues.

In our experience, running shoes don’t cut it! Your average running sneaker will have a heel-toe drop or an offset, which lifts your heel slightly higher than your toe. This helps absorb the strike to the heel as your foot rolls through a typical running stride, but leaves your foot in a funny position on the dance floor. We recommend looking for a training shoe that will help with lateral movement and keep your foot supported no matter how low you drop it.

Rotating through 2-3 different pairs of shoes to keep from stressing the same spot repeatedly can be a huge help. It may be time to upgrade them when the shoe shows physical signs of wear or your feet are feeling more fatigued than normal after class. Here are 5 of our favorite options:

1. Nike Free TR8

These Nike Free Shoes do just what they promise and are so comfortable that you may forget you’re wearing them. While they don’t offer much cushioning below the foot, they are breathable and offer wide support for the foot.

 

2. Reebok HIIT Training Shoe

Lightweight but supportive, these sneakers will flex to just about any position you find yourself in.

 

3. Under Armor TriBase Reign 4

Breathable and responsive, these shoes provide grip and support where you need it!

 

4. Nike Free Metcon4

While these shoes are a bit pricier than some of the other options, they provide a ton of cushion below the foot and bracing support on either side of your arch.

5. Reebok Guresu Training Shoe

These shoes are designed specifically to dance! They have a flexible toe bed but synched lateral support where you need it.

 

See you and your favorite new kicks in class!

An Emoji Story: The Complete Breakdown of a B21 Class

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, an emoji has to be worth at least 500. We’re giving you a complete visual breakdown of class to show you all the stages of B21. #6 tho, AMIRITE?!

 

1. 🧐 Ok, I’ll sign up

Maybe you have this one friend that won’t stop talking about BLOCK21. You’re not sure exactly what a hip-hop cardio class entails. You’ve already tried the “I’m not a dancer” excuse, and she’s not letting up.

 

2. 🤷‍♀️ Why not, I’m Adventurous!

You’ve finally pulled the trigger. Our 2 for 1 Intro Offer was too good to pass up. At the very least it means you don’t have to go for that 3-mile run you’ve been putting off. And maybe your friend will stop nagging you…

 

3. 😬 30 seconds until class starts

!!?$#@?!! Here we go! Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

4. 🥵 10 minutes into class

You’re starting to get the hang of the flow of the class and how the moves repeat. You’re following along with the instructor and actually feeling like you can do this.

 

5. 😅 This workout ain’t no joke

You reach the interval section half way through class. Your heart rate is up and you have 30 seconds to push yourself as hard as you can. You really didn’t anticipate sweating like it’s a hot yoga class.

 

6. 💃 I’m A Bad B*TCH

The hip-hop section comes on, and you’re feeling yourself. You never knew you could shake it like that. Plus, is it these lights or does your butt already look tighter? Ready to audition for Beyoncé’s 👑🐝 tour over here! 🙋🏻‍♀️

 

7. 👯‍♀️ Endorphins are the sh*T

You’ve made it through class and have a smile on your face knowing that you just got a full body workout and actually had fun while doing it! Also, your friend’s wedding is in two weeks and you’ve got some new moves to debut on the dance floor.

 

Ready to see if we nailed it?

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How to Plan the Best Denver Bachelorette Party Ever

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

Were you selected by your sister/bff/college roommate/cousin for her bachelorette party planning committee? First off, you should feel honored that you are the “fun friend” appointed to plan the ultimate weekend for someone you care about deeply. That being said, we know that coordinating all the little details and finding unique bachelorette ideas in Denver can be challenging. We’re here for you, sis. Keep reading to plan the best Denver Bachelorette Party ever!

 

1. Shake it at BLOCK21 Fitness

Custom parties at B21 are the best. Help choose the playlist before you break it down on the dance floor and sweat out every last toxin in your body. Classes are designed for newbies, so just let go and have fun booty-poppin’ with the girls. Prices start at $25/person.

Check it out here.

 

 

2. Belt it out at Voicebox

I am a terrible singer and the thought of voluntarily singing in front of anyone makes me cringe. But even as the #1 skeptic, I’ve been to Voicebox three times and absolutely love it. The intimacy of the rooms helps any self-consciencousness fly out the window, and there’s something oddly empowering about having a microphone in your hand. Conveniently located, Voicebox has a ton of bars nearby for the after party. Private rooms start at $60/hour.

Check it out here.

 

3. Hop on a Pedal Hopper Bike Bar Crawl

This modified bike trolley that seats 8-16 allows you to pedal your way between bars and breweries. Seriously, it is so much fun. Make a pit stop to quench your thirst before hopping back in the saddle and heading to the next spot. Throw on the bride’s favorite jams and get the party started. Book a bike for $320.

Check it out here.

 

4. Channel your inner lumberjack at Bad Axe Throwing

Axe throwing has been sweeping the country, and, we have to say, it’s strangely satisfying to hurl an axe at a wooden target. Their coaches will help guide you, and you’ll leave as a team of professionals. People can’t seem to get enough! Prices start at $40/person.

Check it out here.

 

5. Get Ready with Blow-outs at Fluff Bar

We love Fluff Bar. It is very conveniently located near Union Station (#8), but you’ll feel transported from the city in the charming villa-style salon complete with a sunny brick patio. The team will having you feeling like a million bucks as your primp for the evening’s festivities.

Check it out here.

 

6. Get crafty at Circus Upstairs

They have a ton of DIY projects to tackle like custom jewelry, pop-up art, and leather wallets. Grab a glass of wine to sip while you’re creating, and you’ll end up with the perfect keepsake from the weekend. Prices start at $38/person.

Check it out here.

 

7. Sip The City With Delicious Denver

New to Denver? Team up with Delicious Denver for a cocktail (or food!) tour of downtown. You’ll get behind-the-scenes access to the best bars and restaurants, and your guide will teach you a thing or two about the city as well. It’s the perfect way to pack it all in one afternoon. Prices start at $59/person.

Check it out here.

 

8. Crack the code at Escape Works

You’ll have an hour to work together to find clues that will help you escape from a series of rooms. The story lines are creative, and it is a fun way to get your wheels turning. This is a perfect team-building activity to kick off the weekend. Typical prices are $27/person.

Check it out here.

 

9. Make a Toast at Terminal Bar

Terminal Bar is inside Union Station, the updated train station that exudes charm and character. With an open format, you can grab a drink, order food from several different restaurants, or play shuffleboard in the center of it all. Cheers to an amazing weekend!

Check it out here.

 

10. Grab a show at Comedy Works

Comedy Works is in the heart of Larimer Square, which makes it a very convenient stop to get the night started. They host all sorts of comedians, so find something that suits your style and get ready to laugh your ass off. Tickets range from $12-$30/person.

Check it out here.

 

Want to learn more about A custom Cardio Dance Class?

We’ve got the Deets

5 Reasons Dancing is the Best Thing for Your Body (And How You Reap the Benefits!)

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

We all find ourselves on a dance floor at some point: weddings, holiday parties, friends’ living rooms. Maybe you’ve heard that dancing is good for you, but do you know how it can positively impact your health and your life? We’re breaking down the science for you and giving you 5 easy ways to capitalize on the benefits of dancing.

1. 30 Going on 13!?

According to this 2017 study from Colorado State University, dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain by increasing the size of the hippocampus, a region of the brain that tends to shrink as we age. The hippocampus is associated with memory and, when damaged, with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dr. Rehfeld notes, “Dancing is a powerful tool to set new challenges for body and mind.” Focus and memory are two skills that are critical to picking up new choreography and moving your body in a new way.

TRY THIS: Pick a simple dance move and repeat it several times. This can be as basic as walking across the room. Now, reverse it. I’m not just asking you to walk the other way. Move as if someone hit the rewind button. This can be a lot harder than it may initially seem and gets your body moving in a new way.

2. Hip-hop and Ya Don’t Stop

Dancing can also boost your mood. A 2007 study showed that students who started taking a hip-hop class reported a boost in their “well-being”. And this was not just due to being physically active. Scores were significantly higher than other fitness activities like ice-skating and body conditioning. Furthermore, the students had reduced feelings of anxiety and depression after hitting the dance floor.

TRY THIS: Turn on the song that can always get you moving (Beyoncé? Missy Elliott? Taylor Swift?) Now, using only your body, tell the story of your day. What happened? How did you feel? What surprised you? Dancing is a powerful tool to convey a story, and you may find yourself loosening up and getting silly as you recreate the elevator ride up to your office.

3. It Takes Two to Tango

Dancing with others builds a strong connection and social bond. When we synchronize our movement with another person, which can be as simple as walking in time, our neural networks reduce the distinction between our “self” and our partner. This means we can feel closer with someone without even saying a word.

TRY THIS: Next time you are walking down the street with someone, match your strides so that you are both stepping with the same leg at the same time. And just like that, you are “self-other merging”!

4. Feel the Music in Your Veins

Vigorously moving your body to music can actually increase your pain threshold and flood your body with endorphins. MRI and PET scans have shown that music activates the “pleasure and reward” areas of the brain. Even the beat of the music can affect us in different ways. A strong, upbeat, techno song will release more endorphins that a soothing piano track.

TRY THIS: Just pop in your headphones and let the music do the trick.

5. Hello! Dancer’s Bod?

It would be hard not to mention the physical benefits of dance. While it can improve memory, boost mood, aid social bonding, and produce endorphins, dancing will also increase your flexibility, strength, coordination, and cardio fitness. For people that have a hard time slogging it out on the treadmill, dance is a great balance between working out and having fun.

TRY THIS: Find a local dance studio or try a BLOCK21 Fitness class. If you’re slightly nervous to try it alone, bring a friend along. You never know until you try!

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5 Post-Workout Tips to Ditch the Shower and Refresh Your Body in No Time

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re on your way to work, meeting a friend for happy hour, or heading out to dinner. Skip the time-consuming shower routine after class and freshen up with these 5 tried-and-true post-workout tips.

1. Choose your hair tie wisely.

Avoid the dreaded workout crease! Fabric or novelty hair ties can give you the freedom to choose your post-sweat sesh hairstyle rather than being stuck with the high pony you rocked in class. Plus, they are less abrasive on your hair and will help keep your hair healthy and breakage-free. Our favorite? Invisibobble 100%!

 

2. Spray happy.

This one is a no brainer. You can probably get away with applying dry shampoo to slightly damp hair, but don’t even think about spraying it onto your soaking wet post-workout mop (yup, we’re talking B21 status). However, using dry shampoo before your workout can help to speed up the process of refreshing your hair after class. Remember that sweaty hair ≠ dirty hair, so think of it as a free beach salt spray.

 

3. Fake it till you make it with body wipes.

They’re basically like a shower without the shower, right? Throw these in your bag to wipe down your face, neck, chest, and arm pits after class. They will keep your skin from feeling sticky for the rest of the day. Face wipes, baby wipes and deoderizing wipes also do the trick.

 

4. Reduce the redness.

Did you bring an ice-cold water bottle to class? To reduce the redness in your face, hold a cold water bottle or wet towel to the side of your neck where your carotid artery is. This will calm the skin in the face and reduce inflammation.

 

5. Crystals are more than just hippie sh*t.

Bear with me here. Crystal deodorant is comprised of a clear salt rock that has been mainstream for over 30 years. It can take some getting used to, but this paraben-free, bacteria-fighting stone can keep you smelling fresh for 24 hours. Don’t knock it till you try it!

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5 Tips to SLAY the Dance Floor

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

We all find ourselves on a dance floor at some point: a cousin’s wedding, a Friday night out, a holiday work party, a B21 class. Nothing is going to build your confidence like some good ol’ fashion practice, but we thought we’d give you some easy tips to up your game instantly.

1. Dress to impress (yourself)

If you throw on some old, frumpy workout clothes, you are going to feel old and frumpy on the dance floor. We all have that outfit that makes us feel our best. If you hit the dance floor in something that channels your inner badb*tch, you’ll be amazed at how much it affects your moves.

2. Picture this

When on the dance floor, don’t waste your time worrying about how you look. Picture yourself KILLINGGG ITTT and focus on that instead. The second you start to doubt your moves, just breathe and return to that mental image.

3. The music is your friend

Could you imagine how hard it would be to dance in silence? Really listen to the music, and feel it in your veins. When you are too focused on the moves, you miss out on subtleties in the music that may inspire the body to try something new.

4. Just keep swimming

No matter how much you might want to retreat and go sit down, don’t stop. The moment you freeze up, your brain will go into panic mode. Keep moving and repeat Step 2.

5. SMILE 🙂

Your smile is contagious. Even if you have to force it at first, your smile will spread to those around you and ensure that everyone is having fun together. If you mess up, don’t be afraid to laugh at your mistake and put it behind you.

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What Should I Expect at BLOCK21?

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

Coming to your first BLOCK21 class? We’re so excited to have you join us and thought we would break down what to expect in class to keep the first-time jitters at bay.

1. What is a BLOCK21 Signature Class?

We created the class from scratch, so it’s not like any other workout out there. Think: Nightclub meets HIIT. The class is a 50-minute workout that combines hip-hop cardio, interval training, and strength training.

 

2. What should I wear?

Any workout clothing should do the trick and be prepared to sweat! Wear athletic sneakers with good lateral support. You may find that your feet are sore and tired after your first class, but as you continue to strengthen the muscles in your foot, that will go away. Be sure to bring a water bottle to class. There are water fountains outside to refill as needed.

3. What’s the music like?

Music is very important to us. You know that feeling when your favorite songs reenergizes you? We bring you that feeling for 50 minutes straight. We mix up our playlist every week and keep it fresh with all the latest hits. Want to hear more? Follow BLOCK21 on Spotify.

 

4. Do I need dance experience?

Definitely not! All dance moves are designed for beginners with zero dance experience. Come as a beginner, leave as a PRO!

 

5. How many people are in a class?

We cap our classes to 25 people to give you enough space to let loose a bit. Additional sign-ups will be placed on the waitlist. Sign-up early to ensure your spot.

Book a class

 

100 BLOCK21 Classes In: Meet Jooeun

Posted on by BLOCK21 Fitness

Quickly approaching her 100th BLOCK21 Fitness class (!!), I sat down with Jooeun to hear about more about her experience both in and out of class. As a touring pianist and one of the friendliest people I’ve met, she has a lot to share. Check her story out below and be sure to say ‘hi’ in class!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Seoul, Korea. Since I moved to the States, I have moved around to many places including Washington, California, Indiana, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and finally Colorado! I came to Denver three years ago for a new position at Metropolitan State University of Denver as an Assistant Professor of Piano. I travel frequently for concerts, masterclasses, end-of-academic year treat for myself, etc.

What are you most proud about yourself?

I am proud of the phase of my life when I had to fight against my fear and depression every day. Several major events of my life made me define concrete reasons to live everyday fully with appreciation. Through the journey, I experienced various shades of emotions and tried to genuinely express what is important to me, as an individual, woman, and musician. Ups and Downs came and left, and I have discovered vulnerable but strong side of me. As someone who will always strive to pursue a life as an artist,  I am proud that I came to be fully comfortable with who I am, while knowing the value of being empathetic to lives that I never lived. 

Why did you first come to BLOCK21? What do you remember from your first BLOCK21 class?

In summer of 2017,  I was on a quest to find something I never tried before! I was actually looking for tango class, but hip-hop cardio sounded interesting too.  I remember having so much fun during the first class. I was immediately impressed by how energetic and cool Sally was!  As a teacher myself, I could not help noticing how Sally was observant of and sensitively responsive to the overall class level. She was prepared to lead us with full energy in each class and would considerately make adjustments so that we have fun while getting a full-geared workout done. 

What is your favorite song?

All of them!

Is there a moment or class that particularly stands out to you?

When I feel like I will faint but push myself to go further! I look around and know others are using their limits too- the moment is incredibly empowering!

What would you share with someone who has never taken a class before?

JUST TRY IT. You will love people you will see in class. You will love what you see in yourself during the class. You will love how fun and easy work-out can be. 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Every BLOCK21 class is exciting, healing, refreshing and empowering!

Check it out for yourself!