SLT Tread: Cardio + Megaformer = Magic
Tucked between 28th and 29th Streets on Madison, SLT (Strengthen, Lengthen, and Tone) is a unique gym experience that ties together cardio, strength training, and the most challenging aspects of Pilates. The gym’s newest class, in fact, is a killer combination of treadmill-based cardio and toning. Split into two parts, SLT Tread is a 50-minute class that leaves you both breathless and exhausted as you move from the Megaformer (which works each muscle group) to the Woodway treadmill for fast-paced intervals.
Founded in 2011 by wellness entrepreneur Amanda Freeman, SLT, prides itself on delivering full-body results. Designed to be an all-in-one workout, SLT is results-oriented, challenging, efficient, effective, and fun.
Freeman began her career in trend forecasting and after studying the rise of preventative wellness back in 2006, she knew she wanted to be a part of the trend. She made the decision to leave her job and start her own venture called Vital Juice, a daily newsletter that covered health, wellness, and fitness. After trying a private session of Pilates in Los Angeles, Freeman decided to bring the experience to New York — but with a twist of focusing on private sessions, she turned it into a group fitness class.
Freeman launched SLT in 2011 and was met with instant success. By 2020, there were 26 studios including the NoMad location which opened early that year. One pandemic later and the fitness conglomerate is still going strong with its standard Megaformer classes and SLT Tread — which is offered only in NoMad.
“The great thing about SLT is you feel the results right away. We usually say there’s a 36 hour lag with our classes. That’s when you start to feel sore. People will often comment that they feel sore in muscles they didn’t even know they had. Plus the SLT Tread class is accessible. You can walk part of the run. You don’t have to be a big runner to come to our classes,” Freeman explained. “And if it’s your first time on a reformer you only have 25 minutes of it. Plus, you get to choose which machine you start on so if it’s your first time we recommend coming a little early, receiving a demo on the reformer machine and then starting class on that same machine.”
The NOMAD Magazine team tried their hand at the popular class this fall. Here’s our take:
KAREN: I’ve often joked that if I ever win the lottery, I’d hire a Pilates instructor and have a reformer installed in my home. So when I learned about the SLT combo class, I couldn’t resist trying it out. After all, the idea of blending heart-pumping cardio with the body-toning power of Pilates felt like the ultimate workout dream.
SOPHIA: I’ve been a long-time reformer lover but also feel like there’s nothing that clears my head better than cardio, so the thought of bringing the two together excited me. I started on the treadmill because I was slightly late. Oops. (Thank you to the SLT team for excusing my tardiness). Twenty-five minutes later and it was my turn on the reformer. Since I don’t love running this was the perfect balance.
KAREN: The Megaformer itself is an engineering marvel, using a system of springs, pulleys, and body weight to deliver an intense workout with adjustable resistance. It’s no wonder why this machine has become a favorite in the world of fitness. But be warned, for first-timers like me, the unique movements and machine setups take a little getting used to. Many of the exercises have names like wheelbarrows, French twists and mermaids and may not be immediately intuitive, so it’s best to stick with it for a few classes until you find your rhythm.
SOPHIA: My class was led by Adam who expertly guided both halves of the class. He made adjustments as needed on the reformer side while yelling over to the treadmills to speed up, slow down, or find a happy medium.
KAREN: This is not an easy class — I took a series of six — and my experience varied greatly with the instructor and their level of demonstration. One cannot expect to walk in and “get it,” it’s a fitness regime that requires dedication and consistency.
A great option is that you can choose to start on the Megaformer or the treadmill. Personally, I’m not used to tackling cardio before hopping onto a reformer and when I started out on the treadmill, it left me feeling sweaty and slightly slippery by the time I transitioned to the Megaformer. That said, this made me quickly realize that grippy socks and the right wardrobe are essential for this class — something to keep in mind if you’re as injury risk-averse as I am.
SOPHIA: Although each class is a different mix of movements on the reformer, getting used to their style and the machine in general would absolutely help make the classes feel a bit more stable. That said, the reformer movements weren’t reinventing the wheel so anticipate being able to jump in pretty quickly. I left the class feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on the day. Not only will I be back but I’ll be strengthened, lengthened, and toned in no time.
KAREN: All in all, I love the balance SLT provides between cardio and toning. The amenities are also top-notch, with luxurious showers that make the post-workout transition back to daily life a breeze. This gym is a great option for anyone looking for a challenging and diverse workout routine. It’s also important to note that the facility was squeaky clean, the amenities were high end and abundant and (pro tip) if you want the best shower, go for the middle one!
SLT in NoMad is definitely worth a try. But come prepared to feel the burn. Book a class online at sltnyc.com.