I'm a sucker for unique workout classes, so when my friend suggested this spot, I was in. The entrance is to the side of a construction site with a passcode protected door. From outside, it may not look like much, but the door actually opens to several flights of stairs. The studio itself felt so cute and homey, with cubbies for your belongings, a coat rack, and a bathroom. I know I'm not athletic, but I really felt it here when I struggled just standing on the surfboard. The wobbling and instability was unlike any feeling ever, and will require some getting used to if you don't have good balance or hip mobility. Our instructor, Aaron, was the founder and a cool positive instructor. I loved that he took note of our names to give us shoutouts. But as soon as we started, his instructions were easier said than done, because I could not keep up for the life of me. I do wish there was slightly more personal attention or feedback throughout the class because he would constantly compliment everyone despite seeing me over there causing a ruckus. It took me the whole session to understand how the sensitive surfboard shifts according to my weight pressure. While the class was definitely not beginner friendly, even I was surprised by the improvement of everyone and myself by the end of the class. I truly think these tough exercises, if practiced frequently, will help us when surfing. This is probably the most challenging class I took so far, that it left me sore for days, but inspired to try actual surfing. If you're looking for a different type of workout class one day, check out Surfset! read more

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I had so much fun! I signed up for the beginner's class and had a blast. It wasn't very difficult. Our instructor was amazing. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to try something new and different. read more

Surfset New York City - Surfboard yoga - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

Loved doing this class with friends! Highly recommend for company events. It was fun and challenging.

I meant to write this review awhile back when I was invited to Surfset by a friend of a friend and we had a great time. Its a really hard workout but a really good one. Lots of fun! You don't have to bring anything, just workout clothes, barefoot, and maybe water. Its not really like surfing in water but the balance and exercise make it just as challenging! You will sweat a lot but you will have a great time. I plan to go back sometime soon! So fun read more

Surfset New York City - Surf's up! Fun with friends! - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

This review is so long overdue. I've been going to Surfset since 2016. Their work outs combine cardio, resistance, balance, yoga and pilates. If you are not an exercise junkie and want to take it easy as an intro, do Diana or Gail's classes. If you run, lift on a daily basis and consider yourself in great shape you can take Aaron's classes. Be aware Aaron's classes are tough. I would not bring newcomers who don't typically exercise to Aaron's even beginner classes bc they may get the wrong idea that all the classes are as hard as his. I love their positive attitudes, kind encouragement, and energy. They make exercise fun. Their studio is on the top floor so you get extra exercise pre post sessions! The studio is really clean and airy. They modified the studio over time and looks very cute and surfing inspired. They give you towels and you can refill your water bottles. The workouts are surf inspired so you can pretend you are on the water. I really go because I like them and want to support their business. Aaron and Diana work really hard and started their business from stratch. They used to lug 15+ giant surfboards to set up in their shared studio space from jersey city up 4 floors with Aaron having a shoulder injury. They are incredibly sweet, humble wonderful people who want you to feel great! Yes, it is expensive (anywhere from 25-35 per class, recommending that you buy in bulk packages) but you are going to it as a fun experience with your friends, comparable to soulcycle, flywheel, peloton, and think of it as an investment in your health. I bought packages and use them when I want to work out and catch up with friends in the east village. Also in the summertime, they go out to Long beach and do actual surf classes with skudin instructors. I've gone for 3 summers! read more

Learn to balance your weight on a rocking surfboard, wetsuit and swim skills not required. The way I struggled to stay on the board, which shook like crazy under my novice feet, is what I imagine it would be like to struggle to stay on a mechanical bull. The latter is designed to send you swinging onto the floor whereas the former is designed to help you build muscles, which I absolutely believe it can do. While we're on analogies I have one more for you. Much like swimming, tensing up and staying rigid will only keep you from accomplishing the task at hand. When you tense your muscles in the pool, you struggle to float, and when you tense your muscles on the surfboard, you might find yourself face planting off the board. It's so much easier said than done but when you chill out and develop a sense of comfort, you'll eventually find a way to distribute your weight on the board so you don't fall off. It took me most of class to figure this out but it felt great to get it in the end. The class I took included glute bridges, resistance band work, and lots of walking along the length of the board, which required a sense of balance that most of the class did not have. While this was a fun experience and nicely designed work out I personally will stick to my preferred HIIT bootcamp classes. read more

Surfset is such a coooool & effective workout! I took my first class via ClassPass. I love classes with equipment that I can't typically find at the gym. Surfset uses a surfboard on Bosu balls. Surfset NYC offers a few different classes: Blend, Yoga, Burn, Newbie. I tried Surfset Blend for my first class. It was a beginner/intermediate class. There were a mix of regulars and newbies taking the class and the instructor was accommodating to everyone. She offered easy to advance moves throughout the workout. I absolutely loved the class & instructor. It was so much fun and definitely still challenging. It's definitely a sweaty & active workout. In terms of amenities .. there's not much to say. There's one bathroom with a shower attached. Check in is right when you walk in to your right. You place your belongings to the left. The class is taken within the same room. It's just one large studio. read more

Surfset New York City - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

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*one uni-sex bathroom for changing, that is shared with the business across the hall* (so if you can, change prior to class because there was a long line as class was waiting to start* *located by st.marks, up a 4 floor walkup* *no lockers* I discovered surfset via ClassPass and my only regret is not taking it with someone else. It's a fun class that works out your balance and core. At the start if the class you'll find yourself struggling to maintain balance, but towards the end of the class you'll notice immediate improvement. Personally I think this class would be a fun class to take with your friends, a group outing, or even with your significant other - I found myself smiling a lot to myself. A singular class is $30, which is a bit steep for me, so I'll keep an eye out for special promotions so I could return with a few others. read more

Love the workout!! A must try fitness class for sure. Fun and encouraging environment. Our instructor was Aaron, he went the extra mile of writing down everyone's names and where we were standing in class so when he gives encouragement he actually calls you by your name. It's the details and it works! As many have mentioned the beginning of class your are a bit shaky and wobbly but once you're warmed up and more confident the surf board seems to wobble less. There are a lot of balancing moves on the board as well as lunges squats and some cardio on and off the board. There are times you're paddling like you're in the water. It's like you're surfing without having to get wet or deal with sand! Well you're sort of wet from your sweat. Unique fitness class for sure. All in all a fun class JUST BOOK now! read more

Surfset New York City - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

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I discovered abs I didn't even know I had! I've been doing classpass for 3 years and have always seen SurfSET as an option - but always went for something more traditional like spin or yoga. After my first class last night, I'm so upset I went so long without this class. It was a ton of fun, super effective, and added bonus - I slept so well afterwards! This workout is SO EFFECTIVE. I already booked my class for next week with Aaron. read more

Variety of classes with different fitness levels. I love the the blend for beginners/intermediate. It's a core strength class with slower controlled movements. We also get to do a lot of pop ups in this class which is great. Easy online class booking, but beware on canceling. There's a 24hr policy. Love the surf fitness! read more

Surfset New York City - The view - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

A welcome addition to Classpass! I first tried Surfset at Chelsea Piers (awesome location as you get access to everything else available in the complex) and wanted to do it regularly.... except there was never any spots! Hoping that Surfset New York City will double my chances of successful booking. Is the location a bit strange (4th floor in the Paradise Factory Theatre Building)? Yes. Is the space a bit bare? Yes. But cut them a break -- it's New York City and they haven't had time to really settle in yet as opening night was yesterday! This is seriously such an awesome, all-encompassing class to get your core, balance, and strength workouts in one! Aaron is super personable and gets you motivated to give it your absolute best (and then some). Also love that the classes (at least the intermediate one) incorporate a good number of yoga balancing poses -- and then intensifies them by requiring you to maintain them on a wobbly board. Siiiiiiiiick dude. I will now go on to book as many classes as I can (reasonably) fit into my schedule. If you spy me at the studio, feel free to say hey! read more

Surfset New York City - A bit bare, but plenty of space for about 15 surfers. Cowabunga dude(tte)s! - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

Enjoyed the workout! I took my first class - a Surfset Newbie - beginner class and boy was it hard! First of all, I was sweating buckets - bring a towel or you can buy one with the Surfset logo emblazoned on it for $5. Also, bring a bottle of water or if you forget, you can get one for $1. I thought my core was strong, but definitely it could be stronger! IMO, this workout requires fresh legs - I took this class the day after I ran a long run (~18 miles) and my quads, hamstrings, calves were on fire and so wobbly! The second time I took this class, it was the Surfset Blend - beginner class, I took it the same day I ran ~10 miles, and my legs were much better. I took one class with Aaron and one with Diana, and both were very nice and helpful. A great core workout, that definitely tests your stability, especially when we're doing SUP squats or sideways sumo squats. I will be back for this innovative and fun workout!! read more

Ready to hang 10? Then come on down to SurfSet NYC! This was my second time doing a SurfSet class, the first time was at Chelsea Piers. Both times, I took the beginners class. While both were good classes, I definitely thought the class at SurfSet NYC was more challenging and I was sweating a lot more. It was a good workout and I found myself feeling exhausted towards the end and my body was sore the next day. One of the best things about SurfSet in my opinion is every time you do the workout again, you are a bit more stable on the board, which must be great for your core! The instructor was very energetic throughout the workout. The studio itself is pretty nice and spacious. It occupies the 4th floor of a studio building? There are no elevators (at least not that I saw any) so it was a workout just getting up there. There's no front desk and they just check you in on a iPhone. They have a lot of surfing themed decor: a projector that plays the surfing waves, a futon with beach wall paper, and beach towels! The instructor even offered to take pictures if that was your heart's desire! One minor nitpick: I did notice hair and various other particles on the floor which can be unpleasant to look at when your face is pretty close to the floor. Lastly, make sure you are early! You may need to be buzzed in and if you're more than 5 min late...you'll miss class. Definitely go check it out! read more

Very fun workout. It's a lot tougher than you think as you need to use a lot of core and balance on top of all the moves. Makes me want to learn real surfing ! read more

I attended a level two class (Blend - Beginner/Intermediate with Aaron Thouvenin) even though it was my first class so I was a bit nervous, but I did well and had a blast. My gym classes and Pilates helped. It was a combo of cardio, balancing and calisthenics. I had a good sweat and my thighs got a workout. It might be difficult for those without an exercise background, but Aaron provided options for beginners as well. If you like trying new activities, give Surfset a try. I swear I heard waves and seagulls. read more

Surf set is fun the class goes by quickly and you learn how to surf ! I like workouts that you learn something new and this is definitely a new way of working out read more

Surfset New York City - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

Surfset is soooo much fun! I decided to try Surfset with my class pass (which is about $14/class vs. directly booking for approx $25/class -if you get the package, otherwise $30 for single classes). The studio is located near St. Mark's on the 4th floor walk-up, it's a bit of a warm up to get there. Our instructor was Lauren, who is super sweet and adorable. She introduced herself to each of us separately and asked if we have injuries. This is a big deal for me because I have a herniated disc and sciatica, so I have to be careful with certain ranges of motion. Safety first! Class is only 45 minutes, but you get decent cardio (you're heart rate will def go up and you will def be sweating) and you don't feel like you're dying..all while having lots of fun. Lauren had on a dope playlist (paired with the projection of surfers and waves on the wall) that really gives the whole thing a chill vibe. I will def be coming back for more classes, I think I might even get a package! read more

Great idea from Shark Tank and I am so happy to have tried it. You have to walk up (no elevator - there begins the warm up) to the 4th floor. The beginner's class had me sweating - a workout! Def bring a towel and water. Aaron was my instructor and he was great with giving us modifications. The start of the class was a tad wobbly but by the end, it became progressively easier to stabilize on the board. Super fun class - I can't wait to go "surf" again. There is one bathroom for you to change before class. read more

This is a really fun class! Great full body workout, and I genuinely enjoy myself. The instructor Aaron brings really positive energy and cares that everyone gets the most out of the class. I leave feeling energized and a little sore. read more

This is such a unique, fun and challenging fitness class. You have to balance on the surfboard (which is on the ground, strapped to 3 balance balls) and do a wide variety of movements such as lunges, push-up type movements, jumping up / on / off the surfboard, fake paddling with your arms (it's surprisingly still hard work even though you're only paddling through air!), etc. It doesn't get boring because they switch between exercises quite often and mix up the cardio and strength building intervals. Sometimes there are arm exercises with resistance bands, but not always so it's more of a workout for legs and core and, of course, general cardio. I've taken classes with both Aaron and Diana and they are both the most friendly, encouraging, and enthusiastic instructors I've ever met. I am amazed that they are mostly doing the exercises alongside you while still managing to call out the movements and help and encourage specific people. I've also tried the yoga class but it wasn't as well suited for me because I prefer slower yoga practices, especially if it's going to be done on a surfboard. Studio is basic, but very clean and inviting. There's music and a large part of the wall has a video screen projection with surf videos playing. Class sizes are small, mostly women but I've brought my boyfriend a few times and he admits that it's much more challenging than the running and lifting he does at the gym. Definitely need water and a sweat towel and I'm usually sore for a day or two afterward! read more

What a unique idea in Surfset, a plastic surfboard strategically placed on the top of three balance balls, the end result is a semi-stable balance board. Surfset takes place on the fourth floor of the Paradise Factory, the space is bright and open with a large skylight. I went to a newbie class and was immediately welcomed at the door by Lauren who was incredibly friendly. The class started right up and had a cardio portion followed by a more "surfey" inspired portion on the board. We even caught a few symbolic waves at the end. After class everyone took about 10 minutes for a social media moment, taking photos on their boards. The class was fun, but not a huge effort. If you want a tough workout this is not for you but if you want more of a novelty/core class this is a good fit. Try out the challenge move at the end, this week it was dragonfly on the board. read more

Recently attended a private event & yoga class at one of their spaces. This is a very inviting, well lit environment with clean bathrooms & workout space. There are not many private spaces that have ample room for showers & small amenities after a sweaty class, not even at the "bougie" boutiques. The only downfall is that there are no elevators at this four-story building, otherwise I'd definitely attend another class here soon. read more

I've taken lots of different small group exercise classes at fancy studios and have a gym member at New York Sports Club where I take different classes. Surfset is definitely my favorite workout. It is so fun and I always leave feeling like I got a great workout. The instructors are all so enthusiastic and tries to make sure everyone is having a good time. I recommend everyone to try these classes at least once. read more

I just tried one Surtset blend with a gilt city deal. I am so glad they have a deal because I have always been wanted to try it out since I went on a surf camp and had did some surfing before. Unfortunately I am not a good surfer nor the weather allows me to surf. I consider myself physically fit but balancing on the surf board is very different. I love the variety of song selection! From the 90s onwards makes me feel like I am literally riding on the waves.. There's also a projector that shows some advance surfer riding on those huge waves.. It gives u a feeling that u are at the ocean! The blend class includes interval training and strength training.. Balancing On the board requires some serious core strength!! At the end of the class, there's some arm workout with the resistant band and also some stretching to cool down.. I also love how they have challenges of the week/day. We did the dancers post.. I can definitely do a dancers post on the ground but it requires 10x more effort trying to lift my legs up.. One day maybe??!! Can't wait to try out the burn class!! The owner that comes up with this idea!! Props to you!!! What a creative way to workout!! I was literally pouring sweat after 15 mins in class.. read more

I have always been intrigued by this sort of surfing class, but was never up for trying such a thing on my own. A friend of mine was visiting from out of town and together we decided we should give surfing a try. It is quite the hike up to the Surfset studio, so that adds to the workout. The studio itself is nothing special and not large. There are about 14 surfboards in the studio. We started off learning the basics of the board and at first balancing on the board is the main challenge. You jump on and off the board throughout class, so having some coordination and stability is a must. I was mainly focused on staying balanced on the board. As the class progressed the movements on and off the board became more difficult. Overall, I thought it was a decent workout, but nothing I would be rushing back to do in the next month. On the other hand, my friend who is slightly more coordinated than me was largely unimpressed and did not feel she got a sufficient workout. In the future, I would return to Surfset. I think they could find a better location. The bathroom was a little weird as it shared a door with unknown neighbor. I found the beginner level class to be good for newbies, although others might prefer something more challenging. read more

Fun class especially if you're looking for something different from your average workout equipment and routine. Obviously, surfing inspired minus the water, it works out your entire body. Not just cardio but also your balance. I have some serious balancing issues due to a prior accident so it was a good way to train. As far as amenities, they don't offer much here. So bring your own towels and water. They don't have showers or lockers either. I would wait until they offer deals via GiltCity. They pop up usually at the beginning of the spring season. read more

Surfset New York City - Trainers Near Me - New York, New York

After seeing this program on Shark tank, i was super stoked to try it out via my Class pass membership. I didn't know what to expect so I signed up for the Beginners class which was a Blend of cardio and core exercises. Your core definitely needs to be stabilized if you don't want to fall off the board. I actually loved how all the movements that you do throughout class leads up to you being able to hop on the surfboard from your belly.... just like a real surfer!! You can definitely tell the difference from when you first attempt it in the beginning of the class and when you try again an hour later. I can't wait to come back and try their other classes. read more

Loved this. Great work out, friendly and motivating instruction- but most of all, it was super fun! I had no idea what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. The girls before my class were taking pictures on the boards. So cool how they project surf videos on the walls! read more

Came here with a friend after discovering it on Classpass! We took the beginners class and had a lot of fun. As someone who doesn't workout that frequently, it was a little challenging to stand up and I was shaking a lot at some points but the instructor was very patient and would help stabilize me when needed. You definitely get a good low intensity, core and balance focused workout. No complaints from me! read more

I came for a ClassPass event, and I had a lot of fun! The workout can be embarrassing or funny, but it is actually very helpful. Living in NYC, I obviously can't surf much, but I learned a lot in this class. I was able to apply some of the moves to my long board, and it totally improved my skating! read more

Here's the thing about surfing. It looks cool. Also, it's kind of a great workout. Also also, it typically requires water. Typically. See some enterprising Californians, Mike and Sarah Hartwick figured out a way to bypass that whole ocean thing with the creation of the RipSurfer X. They designed it to simulate the physical demands of surfing without the ocean. The idea here: translate the moves a surfer does on the open water to dry land. The secret: a specially designed board with the same core-strenghthing instability of an actual surfboard on water. They pitched their idea on ABC's hit show "Shark Tank", and have been riding the wave to success all the way to the bank. Paddle out to the East Village where you'll get mentally prepared while serene ocean scenes are projected on the wall in front of you. A nice tranquility bender from the usual dark rooms and blood-pumping beats I've become accustomed to. Each class is led by one of two Surfset NYC Master Trainers Aaron Thouvenin and Diana Garret, who'll school you in some basic surf moves like how to paddle out, pop up, duck dive, water walk, carve turns and shark kick (okay, that last one you're pretty well versed in). After the 45 minute mini boot camp of combined strength training and stability work, the pace will be slowed, and you'll wind down with some stretching to the sweet sounds of the Beach Boys. They offer three different classes: Newbie, Blend and Burn are each structured in custom intervals to shock the body. I took the newbie beginner with Aaron, and the blend intermediate with Diana. Both class were challenging in different ways, made me sweat and left me sore the next day. The main difference I noticed between the two classes was the amount of cardio work in the blend class versus the newbie. Just learning to stay upright and stable on the damn thing is work, so Imagine doing lunges and squats with a BOSU ball underneath you...you'll want to start with the newbie class. I don't care if you're Gillian freaking Michael's, doing an entire workout on an unstable surface isn't something a majority of people are great at right off the bat. Get a foundation for the workout, then build up to the more advanced classes. read more

I have been 3 times to Surfset and really like it (both for the Beginner/Newbie class and the Burn Beg/Int class). I really enjoy it as a good mixed workout with my wife. Its a good workout and I don't feel horribly out of place as a guy. A few notes. -Studio is fairly barren (clearly a dance rehearsal space) you walk up a few floors -There is a small bathroom, waters for a dollar and towels for 5. Nothing else really provided -Staff and trainer are nice, trainer remembers us and gives good instruction, but doesn't tend to single people out during exercises -As others have noted, the beginner class is still somewhat difficult, this isn't really the class for someone massively out of shape or elderly etc, but that is part of what makes it fun -I improved pretty dramatically between my first and second class, so expect to as well -It's also fun as something you clearly can't do at the gym or at home -I have surfed a few times and as they say it isn't a learn to surf class, but I think does work some of the same muscle groups and will be helpful for when I get back in the water. read more

This has been my most fun class I've ever taken. That doesn't mean it doesn't make you sweat though, because trust me you'll be working. I've only done the beginner classes because my balance is a little sketchy, but this place has improved it substantially. At the end of my first class, I was able to do a 180 jump squat on the board and I started so wobbly at the beginning of the same class. You def see the difference after one class. I love to stand-up paddle board and surfset helps with all the core and balance. I love to add this to my rotation once in awhile to spice up my workout routine. read more

I've been taking a bunch of classes via ClassPass and this one has been by far, my most favorite! I took the beginners' class called Surfset Newbie with Diana. Upon entrance to the studio, I was very intimidated by the more advanced taking place before me and honestly, wasn't sure what I signed up for. It looked hard as eff! Diana, our instructor was SO welcoming when it was time for the newbies to start. She spoke to the new students individually and explained what the class was going to be like. The class was a perfect combo of cardio, strength training and basic mechanics of popping up on a surfboard that I had been wanting to learn. It had some yoga elements in there as well as other common workout exercises, but doing it all while trying to maintain balance on a surfboard added some extra difficulty and excitement to it. I will definitely be back!!! read more

What a workout! Mix of yoga, p90x and surfing. I swear way more than I thought I would- was fun!

I took the class through fitreserve and Diana was a great instructor. I was mesmerized by her energy and her ability to have full energy for the whole class. She was making sure that she was making eye contacts with everyone and she was smiling/encouraging which made the class whole lot funner and she set the positive tone in the room. I think that she's one of the best instructors I've ever seen on class through fitreserve/classpass. I wish I took a harder class though. I didn't find it too challenging to balance myself on the surf board and to do work out on it. But, definitely a great way to start my surfing career! read more

This was my second class. First one was with Diana and the second with Aaron. Both classes had different moves and most importantly, was enjoyable. I signed up for beginners each class and although it was extremely challenging (for someone that does not exercise routinely), it was a lot of fun. Don't underestimate the newbie class! Recommend bringing a friend to enjoy and laugh it off with. read more

I found Surfset through ClassPass, which I started doing so I could try new things. Their unique workout moves and apparatus are definitely novel, and my favorite find so far. Their cool, surf-themed, sunny studio is a great spot for imagining you're at the beach. (The walk up to the 4th floor, however, feels almost as daunting as a trek out to the Rockaways.) The classes are fun and challenging, with enough repetition to help you master moves, and enough variety so you don't get bored. Aaron, the trainer I've gotten twice, is great and motivating, and the studio attendant (didn't catch her name, unfortunately) was super friendly and attentive. I'd highly recommend Surfset if you're looking to smile while you sweat. read more

simply superb. it's an oasis in the middle of NYC and will immediately transport you somewhere tropical. Both Aaron and Diana are fantastic. You'll get a sweat worked up almost immediately but you'll find it hard not to smile - such a fun workout. beware - you will be sore, but in the best of ways (as in, you worked some muscles that have probably never been worked). wish I could give it 6 stars! read more