Looks can be Deceiving at JCC

I love trying out new forms of exercise. During my last visit to , I met certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor Sharon Tobey. When she called the Gravity System an "inch-loss machine," my interest was peaked. I asked her numerous questions on how it worked. Her response: "You have to try this for yourself."

Tobey teaches both groups and private clients on the machine throughout the workweek. I opted for a private session. When I arrived, I felt confident that I would be able to figure out what to do quickly and easily.

I was wrong.

The Gravity System looks somewhat like a pilates reformer machine. Both systems work your core and use your own body weight as resistance. Basically, it's a form of strength training combined with stretching.

Tobey guided me through a full body circuit. In the hour that I trained with her, I don't think there was one single body part that did not get a workout. The cool thing is that there are many different ways to perform the same movement.

"When I group train, many times everyone is at a different level," said Tobey. "I can modify all the moves and yet everyone is still working at their ideal level." For example, she showed me how she sometimes has clients jump during a leg exercise. I tried it and decided to stick with the beginner move.

"The more you train on the machine, the more you become familiar with it," said Tobey. "However, it never becomes easy. There's always a way to challenge my clients."

Even though I am a hardcore "group ex" person, that's "group exerciser" for those not in the know, I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Tobey. She has a very engaging personality and had me laughing, which really helped when I felt I could not perform another rep. While she typically does not chit chat with her clients during training, I felt it helped me a great deal to become more comfortable with the equipment. She would also demonstrate the moves on a machine and made sure that I had the right form during the moves. She would remind me to watch my knees and the ever favorite "are you feeling this in your glutes?"

Tobey said if a client utilizes the machines twice a week, they can see results within weeks.

"It does depend on the client's level and their diet, but I have had many clients say that they have lost inches, especially around the waist, hips and butt, very quickly," she said. She not only trains on the machines, but she uses it herself. "I love this machine. I just love it. I have seen results so I know it works," she said.

The day after my workout I was happy to feel sore. I'm one of those people who enjoy feeling sore, not to be confused with pain, after a workout since it helps me feel like I worked out hard. Two days later, during my usual cardio and weight training class, I continued to feel sore in places I don't usually feel sore. I was pleased.

Group sessions are $36 per hour. It's $36 for 30 minutes and $65 for an hour for a private session. For more information, visit JCC.

Do you have ideas for upcoming columns, know an athletic enthusiast, want to ask a question, or can put me in touch with people who are inspiring or creating a healthier West Orange? Post a comment or e-mail Hurtado. Hurtado is an enthusiastic fitness and wellness expert with years of experience. She blogs about her health and fitness adventures at JudiesJuice. Her articles have been published in magazines such as Time Out New York and Park Place.