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My Gym Dilemma Continues

 

gropu fitness


A few months ago, in an attempt to save a little money, I switched up my gym routine and made a plan to use a less expensive gym in an area a little further from my apartment. I found that with a little extra planning, going to this gym wasn’t so bad after all, and actually shortened my commute time. Since then, I’ve made the decision to end my membership to the expensive gym and make my cheaper gym option work.

 

The cheaper gym option does have its drawbacks, though. I’ve found that what I thought I would miss the most about my expensive gym – the fancy locker room, endless supply of towels, free samples, and clean, intimate environment – I’m actually not missing too much. What I do find myself missing most of all is the abundance of group exercise classes that are offered. Unfortunately, at my new gym, there aren’t as many classes and they fill up very fast—so it’s been incredibly stressful signing up for a class I like.

While many of my friends would describe me as an independent person who is able to do exercise on my own, I also really enjoy group exercise and receive a lot of benefits from participating in a controlled, supportive, accountable, and well-rounded exercise program. I find that with group exercise classes – whether I’m taking or teaching them – I feel like I’m getting a “more intense” workout that includes all the major muscle groups and is actually fun! (I especially like to teach classes because I can choose the music and the exercises for the class.)

Just last week a woman in my class openly said she almost didn’t make it to the gym because she was tired, but somehow she got herself there and into my class, and in the end she was so glad she did – by the end of the class, she said she felt much better. She also shared that, without the structure of the class, she would have never worked out as intensely on her own as we had during the 50-minute class. I totally agreed – I also left the gym that night feeling very satisfied with my workout and feeling happier than when I first arrived.

Do you attend a group exercise class?
Does having a class to go to help you get yourself to the gym, even when you just don’t feel like it?
 

 

 

by sailGirl on 06/11/2012 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: motivation, exercise, planning, strategies

About the Author

Maria Trainor

Maria started at HMR in 2011 and immediately felt at home. She has a passion for fitness and healthy living—including running and teaching fitness classes at a local gym. She is looking forward to sharing her own health and wellness ideas, experiences, and strategies with the HMRdiet community.

Comments (4) Post a comment
I love group classes. There is usually an energy and excitement you don't normally experience exercising alone. I do have my days when i just want to do a solo run or bike ride, but when i'm at the gym i like to workout with other people.
by SandiBraithwaite on 06/19/2012
Having a class with structure always makes me more excited to go to the gym. When I am feeling tired I know half the battle is just walking into the class. Once you hear the music and start moving time goes by so fast and you get excited about the workout.
by EmilyMet on 06/19/2012
I agree, there is something about working out in a group that's different than going alone.
by phillAtSilverscape on 06/11/2012
Thanks Maria. I too like working out alone but there is something about the energy of a group. I find that it also pushes me because i want to keep up with everyone else (not that I'm competitive or anything). I actually haven't gone to a group class in a while but I think that I would like to restart my kickboxing classes which I haven't gone to in a couple of years.
by debbiec on 06/11/2012