Workout Classes; My Experiences (Part One)

Hi All!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while then you should know that I’ve been trying to get myself fitter and into shape and to make sure that I’m doing that, I’ve been documenting it on the blog. The first two months actually didn’t go too well at all, but this month I’ve been doing well – aside from last week when I got ill – so I decided that, as it’s the first time I’ve ever been to any workout classes – aside from Zumba – I wanted to write about my experience at each of the different classes. I’ve only tried a few so far so I’ll keep updating every few weeks or so when I’ve tried other classes.

Body Conditioning

“A total body shaping workout utilising lower and upper body exercises usings bands, steps, hand weights and body weight.”

This was the very first class I went to and I had no idea what to expect. I felt nervous, shy and unfit. I placed myself at the back of the class so that way I could copy those in front of me and no one behind me could witness as I failed, spectacularly. But it actually went a lot better than I thought it would. Some of the exercises and routines I found hard to get my head around and it took a while to figure out what the commands were but once I got the hang of it, it all flowed pretty easily. It was a tough workout though and my body ached for a good three days afterwards – but I will admit to enjoying myself and looking forward to going again!

Body Pump

“The original barbell class that strengthens your entire body. This workout challenges all your major muscle groups by using exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls.”

This is the second class I went to, and once again, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I made it ten times worse for myself by turning up late – eek – but I quickly got the handle of it and was VERY glad when the instructor came over and told me to use the same weights throughout because it was tough. Fortunately the moves were easy to replicate and remember so I managed to keep on track in this class too. I enjoyed body pump so much that I have already been again and thought the difference in instructors was interesting. While most moves were the same, they both did it slightly differently which I thought was interesting – and something you’d obviously expect. I was also thankful that after the second time doing it, my muscles didn’t hurt quite as much afterwards!

Body Combat

“This fiercely energetic program is inspired by martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as Karate, Boxing, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, and Muay Thai. Strike, punch, kick, and kata your way through calories to superior cardio fitness.”

Last but not least we have this class. I actually turned up to this class expecting to do Step and Tone but unfortunately the instructor was off sick so we did Body Combat instead. A part of me wanted to turn around and walk out the door as I had seen the description of these class on the website and decided that it wasn’t for me but for some reason I decided to stay and I’m actually glad that I did. I ended up really enjoying the work out. It was energetic, interesting and fun. My arms, legs and back did hurt the next day but not nearly as much as I thought and it really wasn’t what I first thought it would be. I’m actively looking to go to this class again.

Overall

I’d always been a little shy of going to workout classes – wanting to take a friend with me and not wanting to make a fool of myself but I’ve actually found that they’re not as scary as I first thought they must be. Instead the classes are easy to hide in. The instructor is talking to the whole class and not to you personally and it is okay to just stop if you feel like it is getting to be too much for you – which, admittedly, I did have to do a few times. No one is looking at you and laughing because they’re all just working out too and want to help themselves get fit and into shape too. It’s a nice feeling. The only downside to workout classes is that I am a little worried I’ve been doing things wrong and may end up pulling a muscle because of it. But it hasn’t happened yet so I’ll just keep plodding along!

Classes I’ve got coming up to talk to you about soon include: Legs, Bums and Tums, Step and Tone and Aerostep!