by CASSIE MCINTYRE
CTFashionMag.com
New Years Day feels like it was yesterday and a lot of us have committed to our New Year’s resolutions for 2019. We’ve signed up in gyms and have bought class packages at our favorite studios.
But what happens when we get bored of the same old routine? It’s February and a lot of us have struggled to get into a routine so why not give yourself some variety. Have you ever thought of trying that barre class? Have you gone to that kickboxing class with your friend? Did you pluck up the courage to go to that indoor rock climbing gym yet? If your answer is “no,” what are you waiting for?
Variety is the spice of life, but change can be intimidating.
A great way to ease yourself into switching up your regular routine is to try that new class. Grab your fitness friends and go try something new. You’ll never know if you like something unless you try it.
A great tool to find new classes in your area is the Mindbody app. I’ve used it to find a lot of great places in the local area I might not have known about otherwise. The app caters to your fitness goals, tracks your workouts when paired with a Fitbit, and suggests new places to try. You can even filter through classes with times that work for you by the day.
Mindbody also gives great class pricing offers for new students and even has options for wellness-related activities like massage and acupuncture. Variety can make exercise more enjoyable and it’s a great way to keep your body moving so you don’t fall into any plateaus.
Trying new activities can spark interest in regular exercise. When you don’t have to dread getting on a treadmill every day for 30 minutes, you find you’re more willing to get up and move. As an added bonus, when you add variety to your workouts you engage muscle groups that you might have neglected with your normal routine. Classes like yoga and Pilates are constructed to hit each area of the body for a full body workout.
My suggestion for first timers going to a yoga or Pilates class, look for the “Intro To” classes. It’s better to start at the beginner level so you can work your way up to the harder/ more challenging classes.
If you start in the most difficult one, you’ll most likely give up; and worse, never go again.
So please, no matter what class you go to make sure it caters to you and your body. Listening to your body is the most important thing you can do for yourself so you know how far you can go and when to take a step back. Introduce yourself to the teacher if you have any physical limitations. Teachers are there to help you so don’t be shy!
Lastly, breaking out of your comfort zone will help you in more than just class. Walking into a new studio or a new gym could inspire a new-found confidence. It can lead to more productivity at work, inspire creativity, and even help deter any social anxiety. When you’re in class, chances are the other people there are here for the same reasons you are; to try something new or get better at something. New classes are a great way to meet new people and gain a better sense of community.
I’ve met countless amazing people at classes around Connecticut. I’m so happy I plucked up the courage to get out of my normal routine. There are so many great places to try in the area and lots of cool opportunities to take the chance on.
My final question for you if you’re willing to try why are you waiting?
Cassie McIntyre is a NASM certified personal trainer, yoga instructor, and nutritional coach at The Edge Fitness in Bristol.
