Intimidated by Exercise Classes? Don’t Be.
By Kerri Eggleston, PT, DPT, Cert. DN.
Are you:
• unsure how to start an exercise routine?
• afraid to step foot in the gym?
• intimidated by the variety of cardiovascular machines?
• overwhelmed by the weight room?
• nervous about people watching you?
• unable to pay for a personal trainer, but looking for individualized direction?
You’re not alone. The good news is that there’s an option that may let you find the perfect balance!
Group exercise classes are a great option for those who are looking to begin, mix-up, or challenge their fitness programs. Group classes offer a variety of programs, from cardio to strength to mind/body connections. They can accommodate all ages and levels of fitness, while providing you with the direction you desire.
Positive interaction is another benefit of group exercise. You’ll have someone motivating you and instructing safe exercises, while also providing a “friend-and-family” atmosphere. Sharing your workout experience with others not only offers opportunities for long-lasting friendships, but can help you stay motivated, energized and committed to achieving your fitness goals as well.
Here are some examples of the basic classes you may find at any gym:
BodyPump, Group Power and Body Sculpt are all strength-training-based classes that will leave you with a total body burn. They focus on muscle strength and endurance.
Cycling will help you build a strong, healthy heart along with leg strength and endurance. Cycling also limits impact on your joints.
Zumba is a free-style dance class that incorporates anything from salsa to hip-hop dance steps for cardiovascular health in a fun environment.
Pilates focuses on core strength, including the abdominals, hips and lower back.
Yoga classes benefit the mind and body. Yoga is designed to promote flexibility, strength and mental relaxation. Classes range from meditation-inspired relaxation focusing on breathing techniques and flowing eloquently through poses, all the way to powerful inversions with headstands and handstands.
Aquatic classes can provide all the benefits of land exercises, while reducing the risk of injury and impact on your joints.
Group exercise has a place in everyone’s life. I was always running or in the weight room, until my mom convinced me to try a Pilates class with her. I didn’t realize how weak the smaller muscles in my core were and how much core endurance I was lacking. The strength I gained in Pilates was incredibly beneficial in adding more weight to my lifting and more miles to my running.
These results inspired me to explore more of what group exercise had to offer from yoga to BodyPump and boot camp classes. I fell in love with the classes so much that I became an instructor. I loved pushing and motivating people beyond what they thought they were capable of achieving. The passion I developed for teaching and exercise helped me embark on my career as a physical therapist. That first step in the door changed my life without me even realizing it at the time. It could be the next change you need in your life as well!
Did you know that Sheltering Arms offers group exercise classes, as well as fitness center and pool memberships? Head over to our fitness and aquatic classes page to see the fill list!