Did you know that exercise is not only foundational for your physical health but also for your brain health.
Studies have shown that adults who are physically active are better able to perform everyday tasks, have less anxiety, sleep better, and have a better quality of life. They also help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp now and as you age.
In addition, active adults feel better, are healthier, and are less likely to develop many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer than inactive adults.
If working out more often feels like a chore or an obligation instead of something you are looking forward to, then you just aren’t engaging in the right workout or exercise routine for you.
When I first started looking for ways to add indoor workouts and strength training to my running routine, I tried different types of exercises until I found the right combination of activities.
I had no idea where to start so I signed up for ClassPass. What I love about ClassPass is that it lets you try workouts at different studios and select from an array of wellness services in their network of partners.
If you want to try Class Pass, scan the QR code below or here is a referral link that will give you an extra 20 bonus credits if you sign up.
I started exploring my options with different Pilates workouts at different studios. I loved my Pilates workouts because of the almost mindful strength-building routines. You really get a great workout that improves your overall strength and balance, and I always left the class feeling great and centered! After a few months, however, I decided I wanted something with more movement and some pumping music.
Next, I tried Barre workouts. Wow, these were hard. If you want an awesome leg and glute workout, checkout the Barre classes. The movements were not at all what I was expecting, and the music was good. However, because I alternate my workouts with running, the Barre classes were too much for my legs with not enough recovery time in between. Also, I wanted more movement.
I went on to try dance and hip-hop classes which were LOADS of fun. I was smiling almost the entire class and sweating up a storm as I attempted twerk and boogie my way through an amazing workout.
Although I loved the classes, my lack of coordination came back to bite me in the ass as I often found myself scrambling to catch up to the group as they all seemingly new the moves. While I was laughing through that catching up process and enjoying the class, I realized that learning dance routines is not one of my strengths!
While I enjoyed all the workouts I tried, none seemed perfect for me until I tried a HIIT class. I was intimidated at first, not knowing what to expect and assuming I would find myself in a room full of super-buff fitness pros.
Instead, what I found was a room of ordinary people, fantastic coaches (after trying a couple of different studios), and an amazing workout. I was hooked.
The HIIT classes have everything I wanted: Music--check! Fun--check! Strength-building--check! Great people--check! Great coaches--check! Lots of movement--triple-check!
I had found the right indoor workout and studio for me.
I added two days of HIIT to my weekly routine. I look forward to every single one of the sessions. Even on days that I really don’t want to go, I still want to go, knowing that I will feel amazing afterward.
Here’s what my typical week now looks like:
Mondays and Wednesdays: HIIT workout
Tuesdays: Run
Thursday: Active recovery with an easy walk, which ranges from 1 to 3 miles.
Fridays: Running (4-6 miles) or paddleboarding (typically about 1 hour)
Saturdays: Recovery.
Sundays: Running, paddleboarding, biking, or hiking approximately 4-6 miles
I'm going to start exploring their wellness services next! I'll keep you posted on what I find.
If you want to try Class Pass, scan the QR code below or here is a referral link that will give you an extra 20 bonus credits if you sign up.
I'm a member so I will earn a referral fee, but this pass is a great way to get started trying out different workouts and studios in your area that fit your schedule and meet your specific needs.