Power Hour 360- 400 Urban Plaza-You know I love trying out all of the (many) new gyms in Kirkland.  I rally my usual workout crew and we all hit it hard and then debrief afterwards.  Check out the big guns on Christin and Megan, it's no wonder I feel inadequate.  This franchise is out of Las Vegas and Kirkland is the first WA location and they plan to keep expanding with their strength and endurance training.  They got excited about Kirkland because this demographic is young and activity oriented (good job, people! Please call me young).  Cardio is always half of the class, which kicked my butt the first half when we toggled back and forth from treadmill to rower, varying our focus and intensity.  Just when I caught my breath, as indicated on the screen, it seemed we were racing off to our stations where we had our own punching bag/gloves, instructional screen and peripherals (weights, med balls, etc). Our instructor, Andy, moved along with us and demonstrated and used cues as to indicate what was coming next.  I'm old and bad at following directions and so the lady and timer (90 seconds per round) on the screen were very helpful (similar to Orange Theory if that's your jam).  This boxing class moved us through about 4-5 cycles of punches followed by a body weight exercise such as mountain climbers or push ups. Everything feels clean and new, because it is! We all liked that we had to do cardio before the workout because we wouldn't normally push ourselves that hard on the cardio.  AJ wasn't sure if he could do that kind of workout everyday, but I think he was just trying to keep his heart rate score above ours- he's a bit competitive.  We all got our butt kicked and left feeling accomplished.

Hours are Mon-Fri 5am-7:30pm and Sat/Sun 6am-3pm. Parking is validated.  You can find Power Hour's list of classes on their website here. There are lots of membership options: the first 50 members score the Founder's special which is $139/mo plus free monitor and gloves.  Otherwise, it's $159/mo. Or you can pay $99 for 8 classes per month.  Membership is always month to month so you don't have to fret about over-committing yourself.  Best part- your first TWO classes are FREE! Pop in, tell Courtney, Don, Chanel and Andy you are friends with me. ;-)

     
Mosaic Salon + Spa- have opened their 6th location at Kirkland Urban (and 2nd one in Kirkland!). All 24 studios are fully occupied- mostly hair stylists, but you will also find lashes, microblading, botox and even a plastic surgeon is on site.  Mosaic's concept allows independent vendors/stylists to have their own space while all under the same roof.  Two more will be opening soon in Seattle. 

Mud Bay- 425 Urban Plaza-I haven't been in here yet, but it looks bright and open and ready for you and your pet ( I just have kids, no pets, I'd have a mental breakdown if there was one more thing to keep track of/feed). Coupons are filling my mailbox that you can save $8 on any purchase of $25 or more so swing by to introduce your little furry friends.  They've had healthy food, treats, toys, litter and supplies since 1988 so they must know what's going on.  It looks like there are some upcoming events for pet photos and Santa shots here.