Let’s face it. Exercise can be expensive! Over the past few years I have been blessed with the luxury to use personal trainers, go to a yoga studios, and kickboxing classes. I am not rich by any means, but prioritize my spending towards fitness. I understand not everyone may have that choice.
I have strayed away from my college love of gym group exercises classes for the luxury of different studios. However, feeling a little injured and sore after running the Falmouth Road Race and knowing that I am supposed to run the Rock N’ Roll Half in Providence this weekend I knew I had to do my most hated activity. Yoga.
Being creepy and taking pics in yoga class. #iamthatperson
Running late and with no cash on hand, I knew I wouldn’t have time to get to the yoga studio. So instead of doing a yoga workout video, I decided to bring myself to the Gold’s Gym yoga class. To be honest with you it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be!
The instructor was really nice and well informed. I like how they brought in dimmed lights, soft music, and incense. I also liked it was only an hour because I get really bored in the 1.5 to 2 hour classes and usually fall asleep at the end. It also was more like basic stretching, which I can sort of do. I am not trying to be an experienced yogi, I just do the bare minimum I must to prevent injury. I want in and out.
Now the bad part was this. It was loud. Spin in the next room was going on and shaking the wall I was next to. There was no one on one correction or adjustment. There were also no props, tools, and specialty items like the handstand machine. I love that. There was also no massage with tiger balm, warm blankets during shavasana, and no cool lavender eye covers. I SERIOUSLY love that.
However, in tight times this is perfect for someone to try out new activities. I know my gym which is only $19 a month has Zumba, kickboxing, piloxing, yoga, muscle building, spin and more! These classes are great for people of any fitness level and also great for people not wanting to spend a bunch of cash or make a long term commitment to a single exercise discipline.
Question: Do you go to group exercise classes? Which is your favorite?
I teach group fitness and agree, it’s a great way to get an inexpensive workout. Many instructors are just fabulous
and will be happy to teach proper exercise form. I don’t give out eye pillow though. Sorry….
I probably should have said there was like thirty people in the class. She probably couldn’t get to help everone vs. didn’t want too. The cold eye pillow is the only thing that keeps me awake! I swear I fall asleep everytime! So embarrassing!!
I LOVE group fitness classes. But then I confess that I also teach them so I have a bias. They are cost effective ways to access a good workout, an experienced fitness professional, a group of like-minded people, all while getting curriculum (exercises, cues, program design, set up and form feedback) that is not available when on one’s own in the gym or at home. Free answers to questions, immediate feedback – what could be better!?
Definitely. I used to love when my gym had body pump and a weekly regular weight lifting class. It was how I began to learn how to lift in the beginning, I would have been a lost puppy (with terrible form) without it!
YES yes yes. I love group fitness classes! I usually do them right at my own gym, because it’s included in the price. There’s so much variety, it’s usually easy to find at least one favorite class that fits your schedule.
As for yoga, I started my first ever yoga practice at my gym and loooved it, but I completely understand now the difference between being in a studio and in a gym. (Although lately I’ve also taken my yoga practice to my bedroom floor with a good DVD!)
Great post, the pros and cons. It’s an excellent, frugal option for those who want to try new things.
I always try to do yoga in my room but I usually end up rolling off my mat and texting through half the video! I have a terrible attention span! That is why if I am going to do it I have to do it in a group setting. With gym group exercise I definitely like the variety of classes so you never get bored!
i always keep saying that i need to get into these, but i never have!!! i guess i’m too nervous still to step out of my comfort zone, and i don’t have anyone to go with me! haha. i guess i really need to step my game up and make it a goal of mine!! i know it’d do me good! thanks for sharing! SPA LOVE!
There are so many people there by themselves you wont feel out of place! I used to get nervous about it too but I always kind of grabbed a spot in the back last minute to avoid any awkwardness!
I use my school gym’s group exercise schedule when I can. It’s certainly not the same as what I would get elsewhere…but my wallet feels a lot happier.
Love your yoga class picture taking skills.
Haha thanks, blogging has really turned me into the ultimate creeper!