Engine Room
2026-03-01T16:10:52.114Z
I started going to the Engine Room in January. Yes. Another new year, another new exercise endeavor. Now, because I am on the older end of things, I have been to many gyms and have pursued many programs (OTF, 1Rebel, Fierce Grace, Row House, learn to row and masters sculling, pilates, yoga, spinning) -- to name some of them. Heck, I remember aerobics in the 80s. Jazzercise. I have also worked with personal trainers. What's unique about ER and what has not been true of my endless prior exercise adventures: at the Engine Room you not only get the attention that a personal trainer would provide, but you also get a community and a small group setting, led and guided by excellent coaches.So far I have pursued the three different strength training classes, each of which has a specific focus as well as some of the conditioning classes, which combine strength and cardio. The equipment for cardio (all Concept 2 machines) is superlative, as is all their strength training equipment; they have just the right type of weight or barbell or dead lift box-like thing or band that suits the exercise best. (And, it's all new and clean.) For the machines, all Concept 2 -- the rower, the skier, and the bike -- so you have choices.Yesterday I went to a workshop aimed at teaching excellent rowing technique (on the ergometer) while also providing a good overview of the skier. They are serious about helping people use the erg, an invaluable and challenging cardio machine to get the most out of the effort put in (and avoid getting injured). I've watched many people jump on the rower and work hard with modest results because they haven't been taught to erg well, and their technique is... well... not in place. ER and Chris, in particular, will set you straight! (and set you up for success)I would say this same approach characterizes everything: your strength routines will be designed for you, customised so that you are challenged in a healthy and meaningful way, and you will improve and get fitter and stronger. And, as you do so, they will change up your routines. As well, the coaches (Chris, Ethan, and Kevin) are empathic, kind, knowledgeable, and committed to ensuring your form is good, and you are getting the most out of all you are putting in.I look forward to going there (not always my feeling about the gym); I always learn something; and I am confident that my fitness routine is serving my goals (chief among them is to age well and to be able to work out for years to come). Speaking of age, it's a diverse group in this setting and doesn't have a gym vibe that can sometimes intimidate those of us who aren't gym rats or 27 years old and ripped, if you know what I mean. In fact, several people have told me their stories of coming to ER and having their workout lives transformed.Thank you, Engine Room.