A couple of months ago I tried out the Core Fusion class at Exhale Spa—the one near Columbus Circle. The exercise hybrid combines dance, yoga, pilates, and calisthenics for a whole-body workout favored by yogic celebs.

Walking in, I see about five receptionists at a shiny white console. Being sans socks (it was a flip-flop day), I was told to buy a grippy-bottomed pair for $10 (note: bring your own non-$10 socks).

The basics class was in a spacious, carpeted room (hence the socks—you don’t use mats, so things could get grimy fast). A giant skylight washed the room in natural light and the instructor was perky, dark-haired, and equipped with a head-set microphone. One wall was mirrored and lined with a ballet barre.

Already I felt out of place; I'm used to a more hardwood-and-incense vibe. But a friend told me that if she could afford it (single classes are $30 bucks each), she would make it her only exercise. This should have been a sign—she has the energy of a three-year-old and the body of a teenager.

The class started with fast music and hand-held weights. There was marching, arm-swinging, and some serious—but friendly—aerober-vibes. I was wondering if I had stumbled into an advanced class by mistake—until she welcomed us to the basics class. Darn. Then we were at the barre, doing lunges on tippy toes—again and again and again. “The idea is to completely exhaust the muscles,” said the teacher. Mission accomplished.

Then we stretched, did leg lifts, knee bends, etc. Out came papaya colored squishy mats that we leaned on against the wall while locking our core and doing leg lifts—Jane Fonda meets mulabhanda. Camel was the only recognizable yoga pose, but little touches were sprinkled throughout—chaturanga, bhandas, etc.

For all the pain and sweat I was in, the teacher was really encouraging us to listen to our bodies and back off if anything felt wrong. She helped me modify a few things because of my hip problems (mmm, labral tears), and adjusted us all throughout.

Bottom line: Personally, I prefer my classes a little, well, easier. But if you want the physical benefits of yoga without all the spiritual accouterments—and want to solidify the ever-wobbly core (and tush, and arms, and thighs) AND have the cash to invest—Core Fusion is for you.

Exhale has locations throughout the city and country. Click here for more info.

What’s your experience with Core Fusion? Love? Loathe? Other?