The AKT is a fitness method developed by trainer Anna Kaiser in New York in 2013. In the last few years Exponential Fitness company, who also franchises Pure Barre, Cycle Bar, Club Pilates started Franchising AKT Fitness, the dance inspired fitness boutique.

The AKT Fitness method has four different formatted classes: Bands, Dance, Tone and Circuit. When you arrive in the studio the actual room you work out in is called The Factory. Everything is set up for you and ready to go for the particular class you are taking. The Factory is dark and dance club vibe with mirrors, disco ball and all black with different lighting settings to set the stage for the workout.

The Bands class is my personal favorite. In Bands, you will work through intervals of cardio with the extra support of unique overhead resistant bands and alternate between functional choreographed cardio and strength intervals. Your balance, agility and full body conditioning will be challenged. Bands also utilizes the box and other exercise tools such as light weights, sliders, and medicine ball for the strength segments. The choreography is always fun and fast. If you like some fun cardio mixed with some strength training check it out. Check out this video here to see more.

Dance alternates between a choreographed dance and transitions into strength intervals. The dance routine is taught broken down in small chunks then at the end of class the whole routine is performed while the disco ball is on and music is pumping! In the strength intervals there are planks, upper body, lower body and core. I think it’s important to explain the word “dance.” The word dance can mean lots of different things. I would explain this type of dance as similar to what you would see as an NFL/NBA cheerleading team would be performing.

The AKT is for everyone. Come as you are, and be confident that showing up is half the battle and being consistent will get you in understanding the workout.

Tone is AKT’s low impact full body training class. Tone pairs smaller isolated exercises and burn out large muscles on all planes of motion. This is similar to a Barre experience however the Barre is not used in every workout. It’s always a little different, which I like. The unique part about this class is foam rolling is inserted at the end of the class for about 10 minutes. I love they put this recovery technique into the format. Check out more info here.

Dance/Bands class is a combination of the current Dance routine and Bands routine. One thing to note is there are 45 minute version classes and 60 minute so pay attention to the time when you go. The 45 minute version of Bands they cut out strength segments and have leave most of the cardio. Each format has a plank segment as well.

Circuit is a full body training class using medium weights while doing compound strength exercises in intervals, and plyometric full body power exercises. Using a heart rate monitor is encouraged in Circuit and the other classes too. You can purchase these at the studio. This is not done to the beat of the music and is more time focused. Check out more info here.

Wear anything athleisure you feel comfortable getting sweaty in. When taking Dance or Bands I recommend high impact shoes and max impact sports bra. My favorite for max support is the She Fit. You can check She Fit bras out here. The Tone class is low impact and mostly body work with light weights so a moderate support sports bra will work fine. Make sure to bring a water bottle. There is a water filter system at the studio you can fill it up with. They also have a retail section you can purchase clothing and other items such as a heart rate monitor.

AKT is all about celebrating the badass in each person. The “Baddassery” is the self-confidence that comes from the authenticity of someone being their true self in The Factory. Each workout has bursts of celebration at the end of sections throughout the class which creates an atmosphere of high energy and fun. Clients get celebrated on a milestone class number of classes attended. Attendance is tracked when clients check in and then when the number gets to a certain amount of classes they are celebrated and acknowledged which creates culture and party like atmosphere.

Each of these AKT fitness formats are sure to bring you to an elevated fitness high with a lot of fun and pizazz. The content/choreography is new and fresh every 3 weeks. So the more you attend class the more you will catch on and crush it! All content is the same at all AKT’s for that 3 weeks. So if you travel to another location you will see the same programming/choreography a different location. I do recommend going often to learn Dance and Bands choreography. It is fast pace and and a lot of choreography. With anything new, keep after it and you will get the hang of it. It’s all similar in branded moves so eventually you will see the same move repeated as you attend different workouts and learn the language and how to execute it.

One thing I encourage the clients who come to my classes is to ask questions at the end if they didn’t understand what the exercise is so next time they come they will execute it properly and understand the lingo. For example many of the moves all have unique names; Swipe, Hit the Floor, Fly, Throw Jacks, Double Jack, Kickbacks, Switches, Party, Ski’s, Double Runs, Rocking Horse. It’s kind of like learning a new language. Once you understand the language fluently, it all flows beautifully and you show up ready to crush it! The AKT also loves to celebrate everyone’s milestone of number of classes!

The AKT Fitness Method is for all body types and it builds a strong community of badass women ready to dance, work, and sweat all while having fun. Modifications are always given and you can find your success by modifying and returning to the classes.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve experienced AKT classes yet.

If you are ever in the Charlotte area and would love to come to a class I would love to see you under the disco ball! Your first class is free.

Until next time!