Who: Niki L., 29, NYC; fitness model
How did you first discover obé?
I first found obé through friends of mine who are instructors! I always saw them re-posting members’ #SweatySelfies and it looked like everyone was having such a great time that I had to get in on the action!
What hooked you about obé—and what do you enjoy about it most?
I joined obé just a few months before March 2020, so as soon as the pandemic hit I was all in. The ease of taking class from home combined with the infectious energy of the instructors and the incredible online community kept me wanting to come back every day. As someone who travels frequently and doesn’t have a 9-5 work schedule, I especially love being able to take class wherever and whenever I want!
Has obé changed your approach to fitness?
One major thing obé has changed for me is that it’s made working out more FUN. Anytime I take class, I’m reminded that a workout doesn’t need to be this boring, grueling, hours-long ordeal—and that you will still get a major sweat on.
You’re allowed to laugh at yourself, take breaks, dance around; as long as you’re moving your body, you’re benefiting from it. Also, having that community feel without actually being surrounded by people has eliminated comparisons of any kind and has made me focus on getting to know my own body, strengths, and weaknesses without worrying about what everyone else in class is doing.
What are your go-to class types on obé?
I’m usually in one of two moods when I get on obe: Ready to get my day going—or ready to wind it down. To get that energy boost in the morning, I’ll look for a Power, Strength, or Cardio Boxing class (I love lifting heavy!), and to release the inevitable tension at the end of a long day, I’ll tune in to a Vinyasa Yoga flow.
Who are your go-to instructors?
This is so tough! The first instructor I found that I loved was Melody D.! I got in the habit of taking her Cardio Boxing and Power classes back-to-back whenever I could and was always asking myself, “how does this woman have so much energy?!” She always keeps class light and fun while simultaneously kicking your butt!
Another favorite of mine is Lulu S.! We actually went to college together for dance and I absolutely LOVE how graceful and juicy her yoga flows are. Honorable mentions go to Dorian C. and Ana C. for being fierce AF and always inspiring me to pick up the heavier set of weights.
Where do you obé? Coolest place you’ve taken it?
Most of the time I’m rolling out my mat whenever I have 28 minutes to spare in my NYC apartment where I have a few sets of dumbbells, kettlebells and two very distracting cats!
While I’ve also tuned in from quite a few places over the past couple years, one of the most memorable was when I got my mom and sister to take a dance cardio class with me on Christmas morning, 2020. We danced around in our PJs while using wine bottles for weights and it was the perfect way to celebrate being together for the holidays after a long, tough year apart.
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