December 5, 2024

Build your Fitness this Winter by Nicole Bryan

You’re hearing the murmurings and mumblings…winter is coming.  Take advantage of the “off-season”, and wait out winter by trying group exercise classes. Prepare for spring and outdoor athletics now with fun indoor group exercise. Always consult your physician before beginning exercise.

Indoor cycling classes. Group indoor stationary cycling classes have become main stay at most fitness facilities. For your first class, you’ll be met by the instructor who will offer a proper bike fit. There are varying adjustments on the bikes and it’s important that the bike fits appropriately for an effective workout. You’ll try moves like standing hill climbs, seated climbing and sprints. Indoor cycling classes are useful for those interested in learning proper cycling form, as well as picking up some fun drills to transfer to your riding on the road. You’ll finish with a cool down and a stretch; always a useful reminder of productive stretches to do after every ride.

Suspension training. Suspension workouts involve using body weight as resistance. Offered through classes with an instructor you’ll be guided through a workout involving pushing and pulling movements at various angles. This type of training is a great workout for total body strength. The workout requires to use your muscles how you use them in every day function, in groups and in patterns. It also challenges your posture muscles, as it requires holding your body straight.

Pilates mat classes. Mat classes lead by an instructor offer a super effective floor based workout. This takes an everyday abdominal workout way beyond endless crunches. You’ll learn what everyone means when they refer to the “core,” and more than that…you’ll feel every muscle in the core! Even more important is you’ll learn tricks of the trade to do daily as you’re going about your day to engage and strengthen your muscles. Mat classes are not only a workout, but an education as to how your body works.

Boot camp classes. If your warm weather outdoor hobby or sport involves upper body strength like kayaking or paddle boarding, check out a boot camp style class. Usually a fast paced circuit format class, you won’t even have a chance to look at your watch! Squat down, jump up, sprint forward, side shuffle to your right are just a few of the moves you’ll repeat. What tends to be a high intensity workout, you’ll strengthen not only every muscle in your upper body and lower body, but your heart as well. The camaraderie is what many report as their favorite benefit of boot camp style classes. The creative moves which require every ounce of concentration, along with the constant challenging hustle and bustle keeps motivation high.

Start building your springtime sport and hobby fitness base now by taking advantage of indoor exercise classes. Group fitness classes may be just the way to go; you’ll pick up workout tips, discover new drills applicable to your outdoor spring and summertime hobby, and maybe even meet a new training buddy or two. You’ll enter spring stronger, leaner and way ahead of the game!

 

*Disclaimer: Result may vary from person to person.

 

Indoor Fitness Circuit by Tera Busker

If you like to exercise in the open-air, then your “gym” time is totally dependent on the weather. Getting outdoors and taking in the sun on a beautiful day can make your workout enjoyable, but when the weather goes south, running in the rain while dodging puddles in squishy shoes is no fun. So what do you do when a rainy day forces you to forgo your alfresco sweat session and you don’t have the option to go to a gym?

Take your workout inside and use the best piece of equipment you have – your own body! Here is a fast and effective indoor workout that you can do without any fancy equipment. Perform the following exercises at your own risk. Please consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Indoor Circuit

Beginners: Complete each exercise for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds before moving on to the next exercise
Intermediate: Complete each exercise for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds before moving on to the next exercise
Advanced: Complete each exercise for 50 seconds and rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise

Squats (Advanced: Jump Squats)
Pushups
Jumping Jacks
Plank
Alternating Reverse Lunges (Advanced: Jump Lunges)
Inchworm (Advanced: Add pushup)
Mountain Climbers
Alternating Side Lunges (Advanced: Skater Lunges)
Rest for 2 minutes. Repeat circuit 2 more times.

Tera Busker is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Fitness To Go, an exclusive In Home & Private Studio Personal Training Service based out of Roberts, WI. www.fitnesstogo.net