The Scoop: For couples who feel stuck in a rut with their at-home workout routines, Epic Interval Training can help them mix it up. Epic locations around the country have been teaching live virtual classes that allow users to work out from 16 to 45 minutes. By participating with live video, users can receive pointers from instructors and see what everyone else in the class is doing. Couples who need a little extra motivation can sign up for challenges and compete against other Epic members for prizes and recognition.
Couples stuck at home during the COVID-19 quarantine may feel that they’ve become a little, well, unathletic. Like most people, their gym routines have been disrupted, and they may think they can’t get a quality experience from their living rooms.
But how about trying some at-home inverted rows?
“If you have a table at an appropriate height, you can grab the edge of the table to do your bodyweight rows. Feet planted or legs extended. Add a little challenge by doing it on a single leg!” according to an Instagram post from Epic Interval Training, a fitness program that offers live video training options for those at home.
Epic also suggests ways couples can change up the way they work out by switching out the standard medicine ball for heavy things around the house — for instance, incorporating a folding chair or a full backpack instead of gym equipment. Or they could add overhead presses, windmill arms, or rotational thrusters to leg workouts to work the upper body at the same time.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, gyms were among the first businesses to shut down. But while Epic Interval Training locations throughout the United States closed their doors, the trainers haven’t stopped teaching clients.
Instead, they are keeping that connection going with daily online training experience that keeps individuals and couples working toward their fitness goals. Through those initiatives, Epic stays engaged with clients during this time of social distancing so they don’t have to give up working out during quarantine. Couples can get creative with their workouts and plan times to work with an Epic trainer.
“In person, we do classes with 16 people. Online, you can work out with someone at home,” said Epic Interval Training D.C. Owner David Fuller. “When you’re exercising together, you’re going to give each other the motivation. It’s not a competition; it’s positive reinforcement. A continual loop of positivity.”
Epic Interval Training is a unique fitness system that transforms traditional exercises. When people work out with Epic, they move through a series of short circuits that allow them to engage in cardio, body weight, and strength exercises to improve their overall fitness.
Epic also has an online platform, Epic Odyssey, that virtually mimics in-person classes. The program gives users an unlimited number of in-home workouts for $29 a month. At 16, 24, or 30 minutes each, the sessions can easily fit into a day and are structured to motivate participants.
Epic Odyssey members can choose to move through the classes at their own speed and try some of the platform’s challenges. Others can continue to work with their local trainers through virtual classes made available by Epic locations across the country.
Whatever they choose, though, David suggests working out with a partner, or even with the entire family. Since the quarantine began, David said he has been working out with his wife and teenage daughter, who encourage him to push himself further than he otherwise would.
“We were doing a workout where you were supposed to do one to five burpees between each exercise. We were going to do three, but my daughter said, “All right, let’s do five.” When you’re together, you’re going to be working harder,” David said with a laugh.
Accountability is one of the core philosophies that Epic classes emphasize — both online and in person. That’s because having a partner often makes people work out harder than they ever would alone.
Many members work at home with partners for the same reasons that they’d join an Epic Interval Training gym: motivation.
If people use a treadmill or elliptical machine at home, they may be moving and getting their heart rate up, but they probably aren’t pushing themselves. But in a small group environment where they can see what the instructor and others in the class are doing, they’re much more likely to increase their intensity.
Epic trainers, and its Odyssey program, can bring that type of motivation online.
“Translating that from the gym into your homes involves both the instructors and the participants. Our instructors teach and try to interact. We ask our guests to have their cameras on so the coach can talk to — and encourage — them. You can also see other people in the class putting in the effort, too. The idea is that you’re all in it together,” David said.
That makes online classes more like those that happen in person. Instructors will push participants and suggest modifications to their form. Watching others can encourage people to keep going.
Couples can take classes taught by instructors from different Epic gym locations. That means couples who frequent Epic gym locations in Chicago can take a class from a New York City instructor. They’ll also see new faces they may not see in their local fitness centers.
“One day, you and your partner could say, ‘Let’s try a coach from San Francisco.’ Your physical location doesn’t matter anymore. We’re trying to shake it up,” said David.
When people are stuck in the same place for an extended period, it can be hard to stay motivated. If they’re working from home, cooking, and relaxing in the same space, they may not be too excited to work out there.
Epic trainers can still provide couples with that sense of enthusiasm at home by creating different workout challenges that will keep them focused on reaching their goals.
“We offer these challenges where you compete while taking classes. You post your feedback and your dinner online, you talk to each other, earn points, and get prizes at the end,” David said.
Not only do these challenges keep everyone motivated, but they also build a community of Epic participants.
“We’re trying to create that communal environment,” said David.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Epic has made significant changes to its regular workout programs. But the fitness centers have plans to welcome its athletes back when social distancing restrictions are lifted.
“We are doing everything we can to keep people engaged and healthy during this time of crisis. But we want everyone to be ready to get back into the gym and work out together when it’s all over,” said David.
Madeline is a international fitness guru located in Washington, DC. She is certified in 83 disciplines, a Reebok sponsored athlete, and trainer to the trainers. In addition to being a Spartan Ambassador & Coach, she is an Elite Spartan Racer. She has run 23 marathons in addition to making the podiums in numerous adventure, trail and duathlon races.
Delivering fitness with a holistic approach is Khetab’s mission. Growing up with a very diverse background, Khetab experienced a multitude of approaches to health and wellness including meditation and Chi Gong. On a daily basis, he applies these various practices to his own lifestyle and in his training of clients; strengthening their minds and bodies. Khetab’s is an AFAA certified Personal Trainer/ Group Ex instructor. He also has expertise in Functional Movement Screening, Anatomy Trans Movement Therapy, and Medical Chi Gong Therapy.
Christina’s passion for fitness began when she was a high school athlete and continued as she received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Christina has been an ACE Certified Personal Trainer for four years and has taught a variety of group fitness classes over the past three years. Christina also has a background in yoga sculpt and believes that a strong body and the prevention of injuries start with a strong core and proper form. Christina has a knack for gauging your abilities quickly and will push you to reach your highest potential while also keeping you safe and supported. When she is not coaching, you can find Christina training and cuddling her two black Labrador retrievers.
Britney moved to DC just over two years ago from Salt Lake City, Utah. She played Division III soccer and softball. Her love for sports and athletics led her to become a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. She believes humans are incredible beings with unlimited potential that fitness can help unleash. When she’s not working she’s probably in the sunshine playing soccer with friends or catching a baseball game with her dad.
Mackenzie is a lifelong athlete engaging in a number of sports and activities to keep up with her high energy. She is a natural mover and is always looking for ways to challenge the body and mind. Mackenzie has a masters in Integrative health as a wellness coach, a NASM certified personal trainer, a youth gymnastics coach, and handbalancing instructor. When Mackenzie is not working out and throwing around a kettlebell you can find her walking on her hands, dancing or performing circus acrobatics.
Allison spent her childhood as a gymnast, but didn’t develop a passion for fitness until college when she suddenly needed to find a hobby while her friends were at sports practice. Since then she’s discovered a love of high-intensity workouts, so it was love at first sweat when she took her first Epic class. When Allison’s not coaching you can find her taking class – she’ll be the one with the reddest face.
Starting out as a member of Epic NYC, Teddy became an Epic coach and is now an Epic owner. In addition to singing karaoke, he has a passion for learning all aspects of fitness and applying them to help others improve their quality of life. You can find him coaching or taking class with MAX effort!
Gina is the Fitness Editor at POPSUGAR with a background in yoga and strength training. After traveling the world for four years, she decided to settle in San Francisco. You can often find her throwing around a kettlebell, desperately trying to become a better runner, or baking the most delicious vegan desserts (key lime cheesecake is her specialty). She’s excited to be part of the Epic family!
From college athlete, to a Crossfit competitor/coach, Jeff is always looking for his next fitness challenge. It’s when he stumbled upon Epic Hybrid training, (and laying in a puddle of sweat!) that he knew where he wanted to focus his fitness goals and coaching at. He believes true strength comes from being well-rounded in the pillars of power, conditioning, and mobility. He continues to hone his craft while creating a fun, safe, and challenging atmosphere.
Jenn is a San Francisco Native with a passion for all things fitness! She has been a runner for most of her life and has a background of competitive racing. Most notable is her passion for Obstacle Course Racing which is why she instantly fell in love with Epic and knew she had to be part of the Epic family. When not running, and trying to get faster, or teaching at Epic Jenn is also teaching Indoor Cycling. TRX, HIIT practicing her Kettle Bell skills or more recently trying to climb some high rock walls! And of course, she can always be found ending her days by snuggling her daughter Olive and reading all the Dr. Suess books ever written.
Luis has been a lifelong athlete that strives to be the best version of himself. There have been countless times that he has faced different challenges but that’s never stopped him from trying and figuring it out. Here at Epic, Luis will make sure to take you through one EPIC workout that will keep you coming back for more. Will it be hard? possibly. Will you want to come back for more? most definitely! He is a big believer in giving it all you’ve got in each and every one of his workout one obstacle at a time.
Originally from Australia, Dan recently spent over 5 years living in Asia, gaining invaluable and comprehensive experience in the health, fitness and lifestyle industry.
She’s a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Crossfit Level 1 Trainer, boxing coach and group fitness instructor, and is currently completing her Precision Nutrition certification to further her passion for nutrition.
Always having a passion for health and wellness Vishal carried on with his interests all the way into college. He received his degree in Exercise Science and from there began pursing a career in the fitness industry. As he further continues to expand his education through various forms seminars and certifications he really enjoys just helping others aspire to their true potential both mentally and physically.
Vin’s passion is to help people get the results that they want, but normally struggle to achieve!His love for fitness really took hold at the age of 13, as he began to see incredible results as a standout high school and collegiate runner because of great coaches. He has been training, competing, and coaching since for 23+ years.
Trevor may, or may not, be a fitness junkie. Being a lifelong athlete;
These days, “How do I improve, help others & have fun?” Is the question Trevor wakes up looking froward to, each day.
His truest passion is road cycling & he’s always looking to add power to his legs, while focusing on full body conditioning & cardiovascular endurance.
Trevor became certified as a personal trainer through NASM in 2013 & has since added spin, TRX, group fitness, Kettlebells & FRC certifications. For Trevor, “fitness” is a never ending journey that can take you places both physical & mental, that you may have never seen coming. Never take a workout for granted & always state your intention before each & every session. Train w/ focus, passion, belief & intensity. Remember that you’ll never accomplish all your goals in 1 class, or 1 week. Health & fitness is a lifestyle, not a 6 month trial. Together, we’ve got this!!
Ready, set, go!!
Sarah is passionate about having an active lifestyle, whether it’s getting outside for a hike or training for an event. With a background in CrossFit and competitive obstacle course racing, she loves high-intensity workouts. She is always eager to share her enthusiasm and getting others involved in their own fitness endeavors.
Joe’s (aka Panda Joe) goal is simple; to inspire people to become active, get moving, and keep them excited and entertained so that the stigma of exercise is eliminated. His mission is help others regain confidence in how they move and control their body, whether in their selected sport or simply getting around in their day-to-day.
Jamie is the co-owner and coach of EPIC Fairfield County. As a former gymnast turned coach, Jamie has always had a love for high intensity interval training. Her mission is to inspire others to find their fitness passion, live a healthy lifestyle, and reach their goals one monkey bar at a time.
Coming from a fitness background of dance, martial arts, and track & field, Emily loves high intensity workouts. Except running… give her 100 burpees over a mile any day of the week. Her drive is to help anyone and everyone reach fitness goals they thought were out of reach! She also firmly believes that every single person should know how to throw a proper punch.
Sarah is dedicated and passionate about health and fitness and strives to lead a healthy lifestyle through overall wellness of mind, body, and spirit. She is a blend of kind urban grit and comes from an extensive theatre and dance background making class a unique experience for all.
Cassidy lives and breathes the Hybrid Training lifestyle! As is Head Coach and Program Director, her passion is creating exciting and effective workouts and putting them into a well-rounded program for all levels to get (and stay) in the best shape of their lives. Cassidy is a member of the Spartan Race Pro Team and is the Champion of CMT’s Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge. Cassidy practices what she preaches…when she is not coaching, you can find her taking a class and setting a brutal pace!
Matthew is the co-owner and coach of EPIC Fairfield County. He graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science and a minor health promotion.
Alexander Nicholas is the owner and founder of EPIC Hybrid Training. He is a fitness entrepreneur always looking for the next EPIC challenge.