Do YOU do Fitness Classes?
I know some people don't like the gym. In fact, a lot of people HATE the gym (I think mainly because they've never really been shown how to use it properly and how to get results from their efforts), but classes are slightly different.
People who you'd never see in the gym training, will turn up to classes.
Do you use classes?
Here's the thing - classes are great for getting you doing something, and something is always better than nothing.
If the option was to go to a class, or do nothing - always do the class.
But accept that it may not be the optimal choice dependent on your goals.
Turning up to a spin class to break a sweat and burn few calories is great - it'll do just that. It'll also help improve your fitness if you're working hard.
It might not be the best option for fat loss though; or if you'd like to build strength and "tone up".
Any movement [that doesn't injure you] is good, but not all things bring about the same results.
If you use classes, take a look at the timetable and try to figure out which classes are most suited to your goals.
Circuits or strength sessions may be better than spin or Zumba because you'll be working your muscles harder - and that's something you should aim to do 3 or 4 times a week.
Don't just pick the classes you dread the least.
Remember, the purpose of training is to make you better, so a degree of suffering or discomfort is required. You don't have to enjoy it (although it is better if you do), you just have to do it.
Again, if you hate it that much that you won't go, just do what you enjoy, but remember the trade off.
It's a means to an end, but if you can enjoy the process it makes it all a lot easier too.
My advice would be this:
- Look at your gym's timetable and look for the classes that aren't just "cardio" based.
- Look for circuits, kettlebells, calisthenics, strength sessions or something else resistance based
- Aim to do these classes 2-4 times a week as the base of your training, then, if you have the time and want to, add in an extra "cardio" or fun session to work your fitness a little bit more.
The great thing about classes is the social side of them. You're all in it together, you can push each other and encourage each other to work harder and really get more out of it.
You'll likely find that even more in the resistance based classes.
Spin and Zumba - you're just getting on with your own thing really. Very little group interaction.
Small group PT is the next step up where you'll really get your training aligned with your goals and far better results than generalised classes could ever get you. You'll also have a small group of fellow trainees who'll want to encourage you to do better, and you'll do the same for them.
This might be worth looking into if you're a class-goer with no interest in using the gym on your own, but want to get some direction and drastically improve your results, rather than just going through the motions.
Finally, (the shameless plug) if you would be happy to use the gym (much more flexible as there's no class timetable to work around) but just aren't sure where to start or what to do, Online Coaching would be perfect for you.
You can train whenever (and wherever) suits you, you'll be told exactly what you need to be doing, and how, and if you're still unsure on anything, we can break it down and go through it until you're 100% clear on what you need to do.
If you want to accelerate your results and have the peace of mind that you're doing the right things, click the link below and we can have a chat.
No obligation - you're not signing up yet, we'll just discuss the options and then if we both think you're a good candidate for the program, we can get you started. If we don't, you'll be a bit clearer on what you need to do anyway.
So have a quick review of what you want out of your training, and what might be the best way forwards for you, and if you want my help, get in touch :)
Mark
