Picking a Group Exercise Class

By: Yvette Patterson

 

Today there are so many group exercise options, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Trying to figure out what group exercise program is best for you can have you second guessing yourself.  Weight training, Bootcamp, Kickboxing, Zumba, many different types of dancing, individual and group training.  Its no wonder we are so confused!  First of all there is hope and we are here to help you weed through all the different options.

Here are a few things to ask yourself when making your decision on how to proceed in achieving your fitness goals.

1.  Understand your body; do you have any injuries current or past you are dealing with?

If so consider beginning with a program that takes those injuries into consideration by giving you low and high impact alternative movements.  Most group fitness classes offer a free class, take advantage of this offer.  During your “free” class assess the program and how your body is reacting to it.  Not returning because it was hard or the people were not that friendly are not valid excuses.  Endurance takes time and you will get there, no matter what shape you are starting in.  As far as the other class members give them some time, if they are regulars they just want to see if your committed or not… there so many starters, very few finishers!

2.  Where is the class located and what time of the day is the class.

Two equally good things to consider.  Set yourself up for success!  If the class is located near your home or near your work it would be easier to attend.  If the class is out of your way even though it may be the best class ever when you’ve overslept or returned from a long day at work getting to class my become a challenge.  Proximity can be a critical detail to your success!  When selecting the time of day be honest with your time, don’t try to schedule your work out time during a time of the day that is not necessarily open most days.  If your only time is before work or the kids wake up then challenge yourself to make it work.  Go to bed 30 minutes earlier, drag yourself out of bed in the morning and get moving!  I promis you will never regret having woke up and you will feel amazing… after a good shower 🙂

3.  What is your fitness goal?

Are you looking to lose weight, build muscle, participate in one of the many endurance events available or just want to get your body moving.  Having a goal of what you want your body to either look like or endure is important in picking your group exercise program.

4.  How much does the class cost?

There are many great group exercise programs and the cost do very.  When selecting the program you would like to be part of consider the cost and length of time.  Is the program fee month to month, 10 weeks… or what is the deal?  I understand that cost is not a factor for everyone and quality is worth paying extra for but real change takes time. When searching for a new program consider devoting at least 3-6 months to it.  Yes, you can lose weight in 1 month but to keep it off you need to make lifestyle changes and create new habits that takes time.  You don’t want to start a new program then find 2 months in you don’t have the money for it and you quit.  With that said have a budget ready so you never have to think about if you can continue on another month or session.

If you have ever watched the sitcom “Cheers” the theme song goes hand in hand with group exercise classes and how we are as a society.  Group fitness classes can be so much fun and give you the results you want but more importantly they can give you accountability and just make you feel good.  Here are the lyrics if you never heard them…

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got. 
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. 
Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go 
Where everybody knows your name, 
and they’re always glad you came. 
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows 
Your name. 
You wanna go where people know, 
people are all the same, 
You wanna go where everybody knows
your name.

Have fun in your search!  If you live in Southern California check us out at Fitness Results Upland!