Where: Equinox, 100 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY

IntenSati with Natalia Petrezela: Just Like Botox, You Can't Make the Smile Go Away

OK. So your first time in this class is going to be awkward. But if anyone can make chanting during your workout un-awkward, it’s my favorite lady, Natalia. And she makes it ROCK.

                  [Review Natalia's class yourself, or check out her RateYourBurn profile.]

On Natalia:

• Cute, bubbly, bizarrely happy. This is New York, where did you come from?
• Her enthusiasm is contagious; she makes the absurdity of IntenSati seem normal. And then addictive. And then insanely addictive.
• She gives the “you came here to play” vibe, and is blessed with a rare charisma that explains her massive and fiercely loyal following.

At first, I was annoyed by the 5 minute power-chat intro (this is a signature sati move). Basically, Natalia talks about a challenge she faced this week, and how positive thinking helped her overcome it. I was antsy - this little lovetalk was taking away from my workout (I came here for a 60 minute class, 56 minutes just isn’t good enough). Subsequently, I realized that 56 minutes is PLENTY of time for Natalia to bring me to my knees. And if you actually listen to her instead of getting in your own way – her stories are really cute and inspiring.

What is IntenSati (according to IntenSati)?

“IntenSati is a revolutionary workout fusing high-energy aerobics, martial arts, dance, yoga, and strength conditioning.  Combining spoken affirmations with simple choreography, IntenSati provides a heart-pumping, exhilarating workout that builds physical, mental, and spiritual muscle. IntenSati is fitness at its most efficient and empowering: one hour allows participants not only a killer physical workout but also the mindfulness and tranquility usually derived from yoga. Courage, confidence, willpower, enthusiasm, self-respect, and a strong, healthy body are all results of this powerful practice. The goal of IntenSati is to enable a seamless and total integration of body and mind, allowing you to be and experience all you deeply want... right NOW!”

What is IntenSati (according to me)?

It’s like working out with happy Tourrette’s. Essentially you yell out nice shit about yourself while you’re doing a really intense cardio workout to focus your attention on the words rather than the pain. The choreography is simple and additive. In a typical class, you learn the routine for the first 30 minutes, repeat it for the next 10, and switch to a slower, low-impact routine at the end. Note: low impact does not = easy.

What you might yell in IntenSati class:

• “My body is strong”
• “My mind is focused”
• “I am a warrior”

What you might yell if you weren’t trying to remember which phrase goes with the “jazz hands followed by highkick” move:

• “Help, I think a colony of fire ants has been released onto my buttcheeks”
• “I can’t see, I’m being blinded by my own perspiration”
• “Who invented this workout, I hate you”

Despite the hefty dose of skepticism, sarcasm and vulgarity that has seeped into my system from three years of breathing New York City air, I seriously love this odd little class. I mean, when my boss yells at me, I’m still not at the Intensati ‘zen’ level where I can calmly respond, “I am strong, I can achieve if I believe” but I DO believe in anything that makes me jump out of bed at 6AM. Except bedbugs and arson.

Natalia Petrzela is an AFAA-certified Group Fitness instructor, and teaches IntenSati and CoreSati at Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City. Recently signed as an Ambassador by global apparel company lululemon athletica, Natalia has appeared in the fitness DVD Kickbox Yoga Fusion and onstage at the ECA World Fitness Convention and at Nike’s Project Classified events. Natalia also teaches IntenSati guest classes at clubs across the East Coast, and in corporate and private settings.With teaching experience in a broad range of contexts and a long-standing passion for group fitness, Natalia is deeply committed to providing an incredible experience to participants at all fitness levels and from all backgrounds. Group fitness in general, and IntenSati in particular, has changed Natalia’s body and her life, and Natalia endeavors in each class she teaches to impart some of that transformational magic to her students. Natalia holds a B.A. from Columbia College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Stanford University.

Find Natalia on Facebook or Google Plus.

Follow Natalia on Twitter.

Check out Natalia's embassador pages for Lululemon Athletica and IAMMAI Athletics.

Read other glowing articles written about Natalia by Liz DiAlto and Well + Good NYC.

Learn more about IntenSati at www.satilife.com.

Learn more about classes at www.equinox.com (NYC) and www.eastfit.com (Hamptons)

Have you taken class with Natalia? Leave a comment below!

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