Brynn Jinnett (left) created The Refine Method after years of research and a career as a dancer and fitness instructor.

We’d been hearing a lot of good things about the Refine Method, a workout regimen that focuses on Metabolic Resistance Training (MRT) that’s taught at a boutique studio on the Upper East Side founded by former New York City Ballet dancer Brynn Jinnett. When we checked out a class recently, after Refine was named the Best New Workout by New York Magazine, the praise continued from fellow students in the 12-person class.

“Last week, the woman next to me had the best butt I’ve ever seen,” confided the woman to our left, as a testament to the method’s effectiveness. “I couldn’t stop looking at it.” Another student told us that even though she’s always been fit, she shaved a few inches off her frame since taking up the method.

Each station is outfitted with a barre and a mirrored panel framed by pulleys. “Refine incorporates many props, including foam rollers, weighted balls, sliding discs, mini bands and our exclusive Refine Pulley System,” explains Jinnett. “However, the method is driven by science-based principles, not props.” She adds, “I always joke that Refine is not fusion-ates or a variation on anything.”

We found the hour-long class was indeed unique, although there were familiar elements from other workouts — the barre from Lotte Berk-inspired classes, down dog and planks from yoga, and mountain climbers and push-ups from boot camp. We started class by rolling our thighs over a foam roller to improve mobility, then moved on to a quick warm-up and circuit training, which included lifting a weighted ball and navigating the pulley system. Each circuit is completed at least twice. “At Refine we not only train hard, we train smart,” Jinnett says. The MRT philosophy “is the use of resistance exercises to produce a metabolic effect. You build lean muscle, produce a cardio burn and boost your metabolism more than traditional cardio exercises, like a slow jog.”

Right now classes are available only at the New York City studio and cost $25 each. Beginners, however, can try the first Refine Method session for free and can purchase an intro special of eight classes for $100, which also includes measurement and nutrition tracking.

We’re planning to visit the Refine Method studio again. What is your favorite new workout?

Tags: Brynn Jinnett, circuit training, Metabolic Resistance Training, Refine Method