Here's A Behind-The-Scenes Look At NRTHRN Strong's Nordic-Inspired Workout Classes

NEW YORK CITY — A Nordic-inspired boutique fitness studio wants to get New Yorkers in shape this year with its cross-country ski-inspired workout classes —leaving you more energized and empowered, its founder told Patch.

NRTHRN Strong, the Copenhagen-born fitness concept, recently opened its first permanent U.S. studio in Manhattan’s Flatiron District last October and is the brainchild of founder Nicoline Roth, who opened the inaugural flagship studio in Copenhagen in 2022.

The studio offers three distinct classes with its own focus that empowers every individual to feel stronger, more balanced, and more capable, according to Roth.

NRTHRN Strong’s 50-minute classes are meant for both beginners and seasoned athletes.

Stepping into the studio, Roth made sure the whole space maintained a Nordic theme and incorporated elements of Danish design.

"If you walk into our studio room, you see that the lights [around the room] are supposed to resemble the northern lights," Roth said. "So when we train in class, they actually change a little bit. We wanted to draw it back to the Nordics and the nature there, but also help make it a very intense and motivating atmosphere [in the studio]."

Building A Community

A few months into the Flatiron location opening, Roth said she has seen a slew of newcomers coming and giving the cross-country ski-inspired workout classes a try — many of them have become hooked and are now regulars.

"Most people, when they come in, they're like, we never tried anything like it. They don't know what to expect. But the feedback has been incredible," The NRTHRN Strong founder told Patch.

"So the first class, there's a bit of coordination, you just got to find it. But once you get that, it's a very different way of training, and it feels good for them."

Roth pointed to a regular attendee who didn't even start coming to class during the opening week but has already surpassed more than 40 classes in a short amount of time.

"People have really taken to it and really got hooked on it. I think we've now created a good community here," she said.

"People really enjoy coming here. There's a good vibe [here] and I see more and more people come in, and they'll meet somebody in class and really connect."

The clientele so far has been diverse, according to Roth. A number of people in their 60s and 70s have taken classes once they hear it's a cross-country ski inspired workout. In addition, the younger crowd has been drawn in to the studio from Instagram and TikTok videos highlighting the energetic classes.

Anyone Can Do It

The machines guests will use in classes can accommodate more than 50 different moves, according to Roth.

"You can do lateral and rotational movements, for our Signature Strong classes its one half machine exercises and the other half focusing on floor exercises," Roth said.

"I really like that you switch [between the two exercises]. It creates a good energy. And then you don't get tired of doing one thing."

NRTHRN Strong also offers two other classes.

Sculpt: Combines Pilates principles with deep muscle activation, focusing on precision and control. Using the machine, this class targets both large and small muscle groups, sculpting the physique and enhancing balance. Each session ends with mindful breath work, offering a holistic approach to align body and mind.

Cardio-focused classes also debuted at the Flatiron location earlier this year. It's all about building endurance, elevating your heart rate throughout the class — something more in line with cross-country skiing.

In addition, a new double-poling finisher completes every strength class, and post-class performance emails allows participants can track their progress.

Challenging Yourself

Roth advises that newcomers after taking an intro class should go to three more class to fully become confident with NRTHRN Strong's machines.

"You will see a massive difference," she said. There's also so much room for growth. You're challenging yourself, and it's a class where you're smiling because you're having fun. That keeps people coming back."

Take A Class

An intro class at NRTHRN Strong starts at $19. A three-class bundle will cost $75.

NRTHRN is also running an April fitness challenge for newcomers and for members.

• Complete 10 classes in the month to earn a free, guaranteed bib to the Yankees Pinstripe 5K on May 16, a race held entirely inside Yankee Stadium, through the concourses, ramps, and warning track along the outfield.
• The studio is also running HYROX prep sessions on Wednesdays leading up to the New York HYROX race in June.

To learn more about NRTHRN Strong and its classes, you can visit its website and Instagram page.