There are a lot of gym memberships out there that offer classes as part of the deal, and I was lucky enough to find one of those this January. As you may know I have never really been a gym bunny. I have been a pursuer of the home workout, a collector of weights, pull up bars and yoga mats - and I still am. But I was curious, and I felt it was only right that I learnt as much as I could about work out culture during this campaign. And when it comes to the bonus of classes, a gym membership can be a wonderful thing.
What to wear:
For these classes I personally go for tighter and very stretchy materials for the bottoms, but looser trackies would also work well. Those who decide on shorts need to bear in mind there is a lot of stretching and odd positions in these work outs, so short shorts might be a bit revealing...
As for the top half, I wear a comfortable sports bra and strappy top over. Lads, something comfortable and unrestrictive is the key, so a t-shirt or vest is perfect. Bring an extra layer for the meditative moments incase the air-con is on full blast, and remember, these classes are done barefoot for grip purposes.
The first class I tried was only last week. The day after I signed up to my membership I was already booked in for Pilates. The secretaries probably thought I was an eager beaver with some mad new years resolutions - and they weren't far off. It was my mission to see what the fuss was about.
Pilates was slow paced and thoroughly enjoyable. It involved core strength (something very important in the world of pole fitness), deep stretches, balance, breathing and posture exercises. The instructor was a lovely and gentle woman who was very helpful. I found myself really enjoying the time spent just focusing on details of my body, arching my back or suspending a leg all whilst thinking about my breathing. It was totally new to me and I am going again next week I think!
A few bonuses of Pilates:
- good for core strength
- promotes controlled breathing (perfect for vocalists like myself)
- deep stretching
- involves balance training (great for dancers)
- helps with your posture
- not too strenuous a work out
- slow paced and relaxing
- an amazing feel good work out
- de-stressing
This week was Yoga week for me. I absolutely had to try it after my bond with Pilates. My mum likes Yoga so we went together, and it was some seriously hard but rewarding work. I had a feeling it would be more challenging than Pilates, so I wasn't too shocked, but that still didn't help the fact that I was aching all over only part way through. I feel it was the fact that a lot of moves flowed into each other without a break that did it. I have such a respect for Yoga fanatics now! Their flexibility and strength is unreal. And yes, I most certainly will go again!
A few bonuses of Yoga:
- good for core strength
- meditative (you spend time at the end relaxing, reflecting and emptying your mind)
- A lot of position holding ('downward dog' was a regular occurrence)
- promotes controlled breathing
- deep stretching
- quite strenuous
- involves balance training
- all over muscle strengthening
- faster paced
- de-stressing
The best way is to have a 'get up and go at them' mentality where classes and work outs are concerned. Book a time, be fearless, and just allow yourself to face insecurities and come to terms with them. I have a tilted pelvis, something I never even realised existed until I stood naked in front of the mirror one day as a 19 year old girl, and saw my hips were slightly uneven. The clicking and locking of the left hip showed itself during pole classes, and I was initially worried and afraid. But I never let it prevent me from my athletic decisions, and every day I warm up, stretch the area and work the muscle around it and it does wonders. So yes, I walked into Pilates slightly nervous, but you will find these instructors are caring and helpful if you have any concerns. There are just so many things you can do to get around physical ailments you have and still feel healthy and strong.
I found these classes a brilliant addition to my work out regime, and really important where weight training is concerned. It is important to regularly stretch out the muscles you are putting weight on and to keep a good level of flexibility, especially if you aspire to have fitness based careers.
And when it comes to your mental wellbeing? These classes are cheap, positive and healthy therapy. You can come into the space and leave your problems at the door. Or, take some worries with you, and use the work out time to think through them and I promise you they will all seem so much smaller by the time you leave.
Pilates and Yoga made me think about the here and now, and recognise the strength I had within me that very second. But that doesn't mean I wasn't still a little teary eyed during meditation at the end.
Let me know any experiences you've had and keep powering on!
AKC x
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