** I’m so excited to have Giselle posting here today! I love her blog! Also, while I have all you awesome I’m Fit Possible ladies here, be sure to stop by and share some of your posts – old or new – at our healthy living linkup!**
Hey Friends! How’s it goin?
I’m Giselle of Diary of an ExSloth and I’m so glad to be joining you today. I’ve ‘known’ Kristin for a while now thanks to a couple communities around the blogosphere and I gotta say that I love her blog and her readers š
So when I found out we’d been paired for the I’m Fit Possible blog swap I was pretty stoked! Kristin and I decided to tackle two different workouts styles today so be sure to check out her post on my blog for a different kind of inspiration.
My Journey to Group Exercise Classes
![[source]](http://www.exsloth.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/confused-300x199.jpg)
It was so intimidating to walk into a busy gym during prime after work hours and struggle to figure out where to begin. So eventually I stopped going.
But after a couple of months of having my gym membership weighing down my key chain I decided to try out a weekend Zumba class at my gym.
And I fell in love. Not with Zumba, although it’s pretty awesome, but with group exercise classes in general.
Fast forward to today and I’m much more comfortable in my gym going abilities š but I’m still a lover of group exercise classes. There’s just something about those classes that keeps me going back again and again.
1. They’re Challenging
I hate lunges. Give me squats, leg presses even box jumps and I’ve got no problems. But lunges? All of a sudden my knees are too weak, I broke a nail, I gotta wash my hair…basically I’ll say anything to avoid lunges. But put me in a BodyPump class and I’m there lunging with the best of them in that second legs track.
I’m also a lot more likely to push myself to complete every last rep even when I’m exhausted. Guess group exercise classes just bring out my competitive side š³
2. No Thinking Required
Okay, so you need to think about those basic things like breathing and moving your feet. But you don’t have to come up with your own workout. Can I get a hallelujah?!?
There are days when I drag myself to the gym only to realise that I’ve used all my higher brain power just getting there. In those situations deciding what workout to do is literally beyond me and then it’s a group exercise class to the rescue. Same great workout, less than half the brain power š
3. Learn New Skills
Group exercise classes are a great place to learn new things and how to do them properly, without paying out the eyeteeth.
I’d never done or even considered doing a deadlift before going to BodyPump. But after trying it once, it quickly became one of my favourite back exercises. And I still learn something new with each release. Plus, the instructors are usually happy to help if you’ve got questions about form. Gotta love free help š
4. Make New Friends
I don’t have many gym friends at my current gym but last year when I lived in Mississauga I had quite a few and I met them all through group exercise classes. Trust me, suffering through all the basics, straddles and knee ups in a Body Step class together is an excellent basis for a lifelong friendship š
5. Hear Great Music
Every top five list I do must include something about music. But it’s so true!
I don’t know about the classes at your gym, but those Les Mills people really know how to throw together a sound track. No playlist I have on my iPod can compete with the songs on BodyAttack 79. And it isn’t the same when you just listen to the playlist while doing your own thing. Seriously, don’t question it š
What about you?
Are you a fan of group exercise classes?
What’s your favourite thing about them?
Share in the comments below!
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I LOVE group exercise! I started my weight loss journey a few years ago and was so intimidated to go into my first group exercise class…which was spin. YIKES!
I also fell in love with group exercise. I’ve met some of my very best friends through group exercises classes. I also like the accountability. If I’m missing, the instructor and other people in the class notice. I also pusj myself a little harder when I’m with a group of people.
Jennifer recently posted…Reminiscing about the 80’s
That was the best part about when I did group classes. I met up with friends and didn’t miss bc it was scheduled
love these tips! i’m a group fitness junkie, so classes are totally my thing.
laura @ scribbles and sass recently posted…part and parcel: Jeremy.
It is such a fun way to exercise!
I only do group exercise! I went through a stint where I was off it, but ever since I started gymming at 16, it’s been step, spin, dance…it’s SO much more fun!
Chrissy recently posted…Iām Fit Possible Blog Swap: Amanda on the Whole 30
Group fitness is so much fun! If I didn’t have the kiddos and a husband who works long, unpredictable hours I’d probably be in group classes too.
I am not a fan of groups. I find I am more active when I exercise alone.
Lady Lilith recently posted…Death Metal: My Interpretation
I exercise alone too, but I really did love groups back in grad school – we had so much fun!
I avoid group exercises at all costs…but I think there may be some very real truth about classes bringing out the competitive side and making me want to push myself a little harder…
Rachel G recently posted…10 Things to do in West Michigan
I had a great group of friends to join me in my first group class, but I was completely nervous about looking a bit foolish – especially since I had quite a bit of weight to lose. It was a little intimidating to reveal my fitness level to the rest of them, but I got comfortable quickly and moved in to more difficult classes. I didn’t feel competitive, but I didn’t want to look like I was giving up, so I did push harder!
I LOVE group exercise! I probably rely on it too much…it’s a great time for all the reasons you mentioned. They can always come up with better workouts than I could!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Friday Five: 100 Flights of Steps in 24 Hours…
I really loved group exercise when I had the chance to make it a part of my routine. I loved having someone tell me what to do and other pushing me to do it. I still rely on someone telling me what to do because I mostly do videos now, bit when I get a chance to get back to a gym I will totally do group classes again – so fun!
I want an extra push for getting in shape. I think it would be helpful for me to take exercise classes with a group. That would allow me to make exercising fun and make some new friends. I’m sure you can make lasting friendships this way, like you said.