Warrior Rising: Fitness Classes for Mind and Body in Hastings

Gyms can be intimidating.

Not only that, said Hastings' Sarah Rubin, "The gym atmosphere can be bad for your self esteem—especially women's."

Last winter, Rubin—a yoga instructor— and personal trainer Anne Marie Costanzo launched "Warrior Rising" at

The four-week program combines Rubin and Costanzo's fitness and wellness expertise to offer 1.5-hour classes of circuit training and yoga. Oh, and sorry guys, the classes are for women only.

"Unlike most workout classes, this one has weekly check-ins, said Costanzo. "Where we talk about different things facing all women and their abilities to lead healthy lives—like food and nutrition, fitness goals, stress management and sleep."

Rubin added: "We're both moms, so we get it. Everyone around here leads a busy life, so we wanted to provide a program that would be manageable and accessible to everyone."

Costanzo described her portion of the class as very active with pretty intense strength training and quick cardio bursts. "We have fun though. It's a lot more interesting that plugging away at the gym; we do silly things and are always laughing."

Rubin teaches yoga from a meditative and contemplative place, emphasizing relaxation and breathing.

"The two come together really well," Costanzo said.

Classes are open to women of all ages and fitness levels and can be tailored to meet nearly anyone's specific needs.

"We had a 65-year-old woman participate in the last series," Rubin said. "It was really inspirational."

The next series of "Warrior Rising" begins on October 3. Group A meets on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. Group B meets on Tuesdays from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

The eight-session series costs $220.

You can try a free session on Saturday, September 17 at the Purple Crayon Center in Hastings.

Find out more at www.warriorrising.com