A partner routine like you’ve never seen
“Small wins lead to positive habits,” says Brian Mazza, New York City-based co-creator of Four30 at PROJECT by Equinox. For him, those victories happen every time he logs a 2V2 workout, which he devised with Four30 business partner Rob Pannell, professional lacrosse player and entrepreneur.
Here’s how it works: In 2V2, two sets of partners face off to complete a prescribed routine with the goal of finishing before their opponents do. While one person on each team works, the other rests; once that partner is totally breathless, the other taps in. The pairs can only move from one exercise to the next once they’ve completed it in full.
Take the video above as an example. In it, Mazza and Pannell compete against CeCe Marizu and Mary Onyango, group fitness managers at the soon-to-open Equinox Hudson Yards in New York City and Equinox Brooklyn Heights, respectively. Each team had to finish the 1,500-meter row before starting the 40-calorie burn on the air bike.
Training in pairs has many benefits, but the 2V2 setup takes it to another level. “First of all, It’s competitive, which allows you to push your limits and get the best workout possible,” Pannell says. “Second of all, you must complete the exercises and strategize as a team to decide the best course of action to help you win.” Bonding in that way adds to the experience.
Plus, Mazza notes: “The accountability factor holds you and your partner to an elite level.”
To get inspired, watch him and Pannell go head-to-head against Marizu and Onyango. Then, find a partner (“Choose yours wisely,” Mazza warns) and two opponents and try the workout for yourself. For a one-on-one challenge, cut the all the exercises in half—or keep them as they are, “if you’re crazy enough,” he adds.
THE 2V2 WORKOUT
1,500-meter row
40-calorie burn on the air bike
60 box jump burpees
60 trap bar deadlifts
40-calorie burn on the air bike
1,500-meter row