join the pack LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO THE NEXT BIG THING IN FITNESS .
Former special forces operator Chris Finn has teamed up with fellow fitness expert Sebastian Morel-Ferreira to present The Pack Outdoor Gym , a series of group exercise classes that combine the best in fitness with the beauty of Manhattan ’ s parks . We caught up with Finn ( pictured )— an Australian ex-pat — to talk workouts , exercise and the joys of transporting 800lbs of gym equipment through the busy streets of New York City .
What is The Pack Outdoor Gym ? The Pack Outdoor Gym is a unique and comprehensive small group fitness experience . We are changing the way that outdoor group fitness classes are seen . We combine everything you love about indoor group fitness classes — like kettle bells , weights and a variety of agility and conditioning equipment — with everything you love about the amazing parks of New York City .
How did the idea come about ? The idea for the pack came about when I was outside at Rockefeller Plaza on a sunny day . I noticed how everybody from the local area came out of the office to eat lunch in the sunshine . This indicated to me that just like myself , other people living in New York craved sunlight and fresh air . New Yorkers also like fitness , so I started wondering why more people were not combining the two together . I looked into some outdoor fitness classes being run at the time and even took a few and quickly realized what the problem was . Without variety , the class becomes boring very quickly and without equipment it ’ s difficult to achieve . There is only so much that can be done with bodyweight and park benches .
What ’ s your fitness background ? My background in fitness began when I was living in Australia and serving in the Army . I spent five years as a paratrooper before successfully completing the selection process for special forces . During the process of special forces entry I had the opportunity to learn from some of Australia ’ s leading fitness experts , and during this time , I found my passion for fitness . Before moving over to the United States , I began studying to become a personal trainer and group fitness instructor . I am now a qualified fitness professional in Australia and The United States , having gained my CPT from NASM . When I first arrived in the United States , I began working at Equinox where I became a Tier 3 qualified trainer . I also am a kettle bell instructor having gained my level two through StrongFirst , the kettle bell industry leaders .
What kind of fitness level is required to join The Pack Outdoor Gym sessions ? The Pack is a totally customizable class . Our experience allows us to run a challenging class for anybody of any fitness level , age or gender . Whether you are a first-time client attending , or a veteran athlete you can expect a great work at from our class . We also teach a movement at the beginning of each class with the intention of enhancing the skills of our class progressing everybody towards the sexier activities ( if that is their desire ) in a safe and efficient manner .
We ’ re in love with your Pack bike , how did you come up with that idea ? The question for the class became how do we get gym equipment to the park ? In the metropolitan area , you often cannot drive to a park — and certainly cannot park there for an extended period — which ruled out a motorized vehicle of any kind . The idea for The Pack bike came about from my memory of tricycles being used to transport heavy loads of ammunition around the military bases in Afghanistan . When I teamed up with Sebastian Morel- Ferreira to leverage his years of experience in the fitness industry and help turn this crazy idea into an actual business , we both agreed that if the bikes work in Afghanistan , there should be no reason they wouldn ’ t work to deliver gym equipment to the New York city parks .
It must be pretty hard to ride , have you met a hill you can ’ t climb yet ? Haha , yeah it is quite difficult to ride . The intention is to leave the bikes fully loaded in various parking garages around New York City as close as possible to the location of the class . I definitely do not want to have to ride 800lbs of gear too far . As for the hills , just getting out of the parking garage is hard enough . It is more a question of Route selection — try to avoid any real inclines .
How can people join The Pack Outdoor Gym ? People can sign up for classes through our website at ThePackOutdoor . com and by selecting their preferred location ( currently Central Park in Manhattan and Gantry Plaza State Park in LIC ). You can also book directly through your Mind Body account , or on our Facebook page “ The Pack Outdoor Gym .” To stay up to date with our special events and community activities people can follow our Instagram @ thepackoutdoor .
HEAVEN HAS HEELS summer 2016 | @ HHHEELS