We have heard rumors of a training program that you only needed to do 1-2 times a week for 20 minutes each session to get results. But, knowing that most times if something sounds too good to be true it probably is, we had filed it under the “ya right” category of our brains, along with Diet Pills, Big Foot, and Lip Plumpers.

Then, about a month ago, our PR gal, Lindsey introduced me to Estelle. Estelle talked about a 20 minute “class” she taught and I immediately thought it would be perfect for busy PoorLittleRichGirls. I e-mailed her to let her know how perfect a 20 minute workout (once a day I assumed) would be for our readers. When she responded with “the workouts at super slow are 20 minutes a WEEK” I felt like I had seen a Sasquatch with my own two eyes. Could it be the rumors are true? I had to check it out for myself.

I met up with Estelle to try out the SuperSlow program last Saturday and was pretty nervous, seeing as how I haven’t moved on purpose in quite some time. She immediately put me at ease and took some time to explain to me the theory, history, and practice of Super Slow. The SuperSlow theory was developed by Ken Hutchins over 20 years ago to assist those with Osteoporosis. Most people kill themselves at the gym doing rep after rep and running mile after mile on the treadmill, only to see little result and putting themselves at a greater risk of injury. SuperSlow is very different in that it is, of course, super slow. Instead of using 2-6 seconds to complete a rep, as most training does, SuperSlow requires each rep to be completed in 20 seconds (lift for 10 seconds, lower for 10 seconds). By slowing down the workout, you are forced to use your muscles to complete the reps, rather than momentum. Working the muscles to the point of exhaustion causes them to grow and build, which in turn causes your body to burn more calories, lower blood pressure, build bone density, reduce your risk of diabetes and the list goes on and on.

SuperSlow is also less intimidating and more personal than your average trip to the gym. Workouts are done one on one with a trainer in a room with no mirrors, music and there are no beef-heads or barbies to make you feel like you don’t belong there.

During our meeting, Estelle is able to rattle off a persuasive list of SuperSlows’s benefits. “If you go running say, you’re probably burning around 300 calories and that’s during the workout. If you add 3 lbs. of lean muscle mass to your body you will be burning about 10,000 extra calories a month and its even happening after [the workout] when you’re just sitting down!” she tells me. By that point I was psyched and ready for what I imagined would be the most torturous 20 minutes of my life. I started with a leg press. I immediately felt the muscles in my butt and thighs begin to burn. It was tough, but not unbearable and before I knew it my 2 minutes were up and we were on to the next machine. I eventually ended up on the floor for some sit-up like core exercises. As I came up from the floor Estelle said “you’re done.” I got up and scanned the room wondering what the next machine would have in store for me. Estelle snapped me back to attention “No, you’re finished. The class is over.”

Someone must be punking me I thought, as we walked out of the studio. I was amazed that in less than 30 minutes I could get such a great workout (I know it was great because I could feel my muscles quivering, already trying to recover from the intensity I had just put them through). I immediately scheduled another appointment for Tuesday evening (because SuperSlow is so intense you cannot go more than twice a week. Love that). Best of all, I walked out of there with a smile on my face and a ton of self-confidence, which is something I have never done with past workouts or classes. Estelle made me a believer in one session, and if you are serious about doing something positive for your health and well being you should giver her a call and try it for yourself.

Estelle is a certified SuperSlow trainer and you can find her at Citywide SuperSlow at 1901 N. Clybourne. To schedule an appointment give her a call at 630-730-1410.

(Story by Lacey Brenly, Photos by Neal Agustin)