Yelp Fit Club at Body Balance

It's been just about 20 years since I last took an indoor group cycling class, so when my friend invited me to be her +1 at a Yelp FitClub class at Body Balance, I was pretty excited to it out. Would the class be the same as the indoor cycling classes 20 years ago? Would my body be able to handle how that it's 20 years older?!

First, before I get into the class itself, I will tell you a little bit about Body Balance, the studio that hosted this event. It is a small, locally owned fitness studio located in Kakaako, minutes away from Ward Village.  Their classes are innovative and varied in disciplines, all geared towards giving you a full-body workout each and every time. 

Today's class was called BodyCycle, a 45 minute high-intensity cycling class.  Special indoor cycling shoes are required, and were provided to us free of charge. 

At the front desk, we were given a seating chart and asked to select the bike we wanted for this workout. As with any type of class (academic or exercise), I prefer to sit in the back. 

Our instructor was Nat (cool name, right?!) and she came around to assist us with getting our shoes attached to the pedals (it's tricky if this is your first time) and making sure our bike seats and handlebars were at the appropriate height.

Then the music started and we were off on a 45+-minute ride full of sprints, hills, bursts of energetic cycling, interchanged with freewheeling downhill segments.  At times we stood up and got our butts out of the saddle for that extra burn, and even did some push ups and arm work with dumbbells that were conveniently stored under our seats. The pace is set to the rhythm of the music, which added an element of fun into this grueling, sweat-dripping workout.

What's great about Body Cycle is that YOU are in control at all times. It's YOUR ride, and Nat made sure to remind us of that at the beginning of our workout. If you want to go hard, you go hard. If you need to take a step back and slow it down, turn the knob left and ease up on the tension.  At times it got hard, but with Nat's energy, positive encouragement, and coaching throughout the ride, I never gave up, and stayed on rhythm.    

At the end of the 45 minute ride, the mirrors were foggy and everyone was drenched in sweat - a sign of a great workout!

 Thank you Yelp for organizing this awesome Yelp Fit Club event at Body Balance!

BODY BALANCE
1019 WAIMANU STREET, #101
(808) 542-9597

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The Car Parlor

Thanks to Yelp Hawaii, I received a complimentary car wash at Oahu's newest automated car wash called The Car Parlor this past weekend.

The Car Parlor utilizes current, cutting edge technology to keep your ride clean.  Features include:

• Easy-to-use App
• 105 foot long car wash
• Cosmic Light Show
• Rainbow Cascade
• Scent Bomb
• Superpowered drying and rinsing agents
• High-pressure wash systems
• Ultrasonic sensors
• Shaka shield ceramic coating

Pay at the kiosk, or pay via the app.  Monthly memberships are available which include unlimited washes for monthly fee. 

There is an attendant at the entrance to scrub down the back of your vehicle and he also guides you onto the track. Then he'll point to the sign to tell you to put your vehicle in neutral and take your hands off the wheel.  Then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the light show. 

When you reach the other side, the lighted sign will indicate when you can put your car back into gear and drive towards the other attendant who will wipe down the remaining water on your car and apply the Gloss Boss Tire Shine (if you purchased the Fresh or Super Fresh package).

The entire process is fairly quick and the best part is you don't have to get out of your car at any time.  Go check it out and give your car some much needed TLC at The Car Parlor!

THE CAR PARLOR

1111 Kapiolani Blvd.

Monday - Sunday    7:00 am - 10:00 pm

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Kono's Restaurant

If you like to enter contests, hop on over to Instagram and follow @YelpHawaii. They have been giving away gift certificates and products from local businesses on an almost weekly basis. Entering is easy, and if you're lucky, you'll be selected as a winner. 

I recently won two breakfast bombers from Kono's Restaurant through one of Yelp's giveaways.  I've visited their Kapahulu location once, but the parking and traffic in that area is something else, so I decided to redeem my winnings at their location in Kailua.

Since Kono's is known for their 12-hour slow roasted kalua pork (that would explain why their logo is of a pig), I ordered the two breakfast bombers that had kalua pork in them - the Haleiwa and Chuns. The Chuns comes with kalua pork and bacon, the Haleiwa comes with just kalua pork.

All breakfast bombers come with a heft serving of potatoes, cheese, and eggs. They don't skimp on the portions here!  

Thanks Yelp Hawaii and Kono's for the delicious bombers! We'll be dropping in again soon!

Kono's Restaurant - Kailua

131 Hekili Street

(808) 261-1144

www.konosnorthshore.com

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