Everyone has their workout preference – individual workout at the gym or at home, personal training sessions one on one or in small groups, group fitness classes and the list goes on. Whatever decision you make, as long as it is motivating and leaves you feeling happy and accomplished then it is the right choice for you.
My personal fitness journey started in school. I have always been an active child participating in various school sports such as track and field, volleyball, you name it. I dabbled in ‘out of school’ activities as well (starting with gymnastics) but really found my stride and passion in baseball. When high school wrapped up, so did my regular fitness routine. I was no longer playing on any sports teams but I knew that I wanted to stay active. Joining a gym was the solution. At that time I really didn’t know “how” to work out. I would go to the weights area and do what I thought was right or copy exercises I would see other people doing. It kept me interested for a while but I didn’t find it as satisfying or motivating as I had hoped. All that changed when I discovered group fitness. I would always see people in the studio at the gym and hear the loud music blaring. It would always call my name until one day I decided to attend a few classes. Cardio kickboxing and hip hop were the first classes that I tried and I never looked back after that.
Group fitness. Working out with a group can only really be explained once you try it. First of all, you get to participate in the class that interests YOU. You choose the challenge. You discover what drives you. Like any workout, it takes perseverance to attend, to accomplish the workout, to not give up when it gets tough, to not feel intimidated by others and to continue with it week after week despite all of these challenges. You have an instructor who hopefully inspires you and encourages you to push the limits. You have a group of participants who slowly become your friends or even family. They hold you accountable asking where you were when you miss the occasional class. They motivate you to keep going when you’re tired or want to skip out. Personally the music in a great group fitness class really gets me going as well. It can be another driving force that keeps you moving and pushing through.
Since the day I was curious enough to step into my first class, group fitness has become my workout of choice. Although I now participate in a broad range of exercise; appreciating solo workouts as well as occasionally seeing a personal trainer to reach my fitness goals, I will always have a soft spot for a good, heart-pumping, music blasting, group fitness class. Being an instructor myself for the last 8 years has made me value it even more. A room full of people pushing and encouraging each other is a wonderful thing. The smiles at the end of a challenging workout say it all. The results achieved are a group effort. Take the plunge and give a class a try and you will see what I mean.
Take the risk. Don’t worry about other people in the class. The hardest thing about a group fitness class is walking in. The rest will set your heart free.
Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂