Cool Fitness Classes at the Boston Center for Adult Education

Astrid Bengtson photo provided

The Bullet Proof Bodies Series is coming to the Boston Center for Adult Education with three, 90-minute classes, which will focus on restoring proper postural alignment through strength training. Astrid Bengtson, a personal trainer and orthopedic exercise specialist who focuses on nutrition and exercise modalities such as kettlebells, pre- and post-natal training, and stretching/self myofascial release—soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain—is back to teach the popular series.

“The first class called 808’s & Booty Break will be focused on the glutes and intrinsic core,” Bengtson says. “The second class is called Hustle & Swole and will be focused on the upper body to help restore upper body alignment, and the third class, Golden Era Everything, will tie classes one and two together, and focus on the whole body. All of this goodness will be done to awesome hip hop music.”

We caught up with Bengtson to hear more:

What led to you teaching at the BCAE?

I taught a course (the #true28 course) there in February with my husband Sam, and I had such a great experience, that when the opportunity presented itself to teach more, I jumped on it. Simple as that.

Why did you decide to do it?

Usually I only work one-on-one with clients in my studio, which is great, but it also makes it so that the number of people who are exposed to my philosophy on training is very limited. To be able to spread the message of the importance of postural alignment and muscular function to a group feels exciting and also important. There are just so many pains and aches and chronic injuries that people suffer from today that are completely avoidable through specific, proper training. I’m just excited and grateful that I’ve gotten this chance to teach and hopefully empower people to feel better while also getting fitter. 

How did you come up with the classes?

I’ve spent years working with clients focusing on alignment, so I have a great understanding of what the most common muscular imbalances and weaknesses are today, and also what’s causing those imbalances. That knowledge is what I’ve used to develop these classes. For example, many of us spend a lot of time at a desk in front of a computer. For our alignment that usually means a forward head posture, due to rounded shoulders and a weak core.

Why are these classes good for you?

Because you will feel great! Seriously, this really is a great way to combine all of our vanity goals that most of us have when it comes to training, with something that’s very needed: proper alignment. If we are more balanced and aligned the way Mother Nature intended, chances are we will reduce our most common pains and aches as well as decreasing the likelihood of developing some more serious chronic injuries later in life, such as disc herniations.

Who should go?

Everyone! This class truly is for everyone, if something is too hard or too easy, modifications for the exercises are available and encouraged. However, if you are not into hip hop in a way where you simply can’t stand it, then this course is probably not for you.

The details:

Where:

The Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE).

When:

May 8: 6 p.m. to 7.30 pm
May 15: 6 p.m. to 7.30 pm
May 22: 6 p.m. to 7.30 pm

Cost:

All 3 classes: $50
Single classes: $20