5 Exercise Classes for All Abilities.

Next, I headed across town to the Behot yoga studio where I participated in a hot kettlebell class. The tagline to this class is “Twice the workout in half the time!” The class was intense and I sweated from start to finish. One thing that I love about these classes is that no matter your starting point, you can adjust the challenge level based on the weight you choose and the level of energy you put into the movement. I loved the feel of the hot studio and the amount I was able to sweat out.  It felt cleansing. The class was challenging and the instructor was encouraging, yet pushed the class hard. You could tell she wanted you to get your own personal best out of the exercise. I would rate this class an 8 out of 10 in intensity. I would love to attend this class again in the future.

Wow, this class was challenging and I loved it! Not only was the instructor a ball full of energy, the upbeat music she played kept you moving and feeling the insane energy from everyone in the class! The instructor took us through a warm up and then proceeded to guide us through an interval cycle ride. My heart rate was highly elevated throughout this entire class. I personally would love to start implementing a cycling class in addition to my weightlifting routine. I think it would be a killer combo to lean down and sculpt the body. Another element that I loved was the low lighting in the class, and it would definitely be a perk for someone that likes a little more privacy while exercising. The burn I felt in my quad muscles was wild!  I loved that each bike had different resistance levels so that all abilities could participate. I gave this class a 9 out of 10 because I really cranked up the resistance and gave it all I had! 

Tai Chi class was definitely a mix up from the rest because of its slow paced and calming nature. I loved the mixture of movement and the incorporation of mind and body connection. The instructor talked briefly about how Tai Chi is a graceful form of exercise that involves movement, they call forms, in a slow focused manner all while controlling your breath. An intention with this class was to center the students’ minds and bring coherence to their heart and body.  It was calming and I left the class feeling like I had relieved a lot of stress which I didn’t know was so needed! I would give the challenge level a 5 out of 10 but don’t discredit the overall benefits this class will give if you stay consistent. This is definitely a class I want to start incorporating in my exercise routine to add balance to mind in my busy life.

My last stop was Barre Fitness. Out of every class I visited, this class gave me that awesome and intense burn factor. The class was a full body workout but this particular class was a little more abdominal and glute focused. A great aspect of Barre fitness is that it is great for improving posture, strength and balance. We performed high rep pulse movements that were low impact. If you are looking for a great class that is easy on your joints,  Barre Fitness is a very great option. The other students in this particular class were very nice and inviting. I am going to rate the intensity level a 7 out 10 but again feel like it could be for anyone with any start point. 

I enjoyed the classes I took and the sense of variety that I experienced. Overall, I left each class feeling elevated, accomplished and met new people in the process. Whether you are beginning your path to health or you have already adopted a lifestyle around fitness, there are so many amazing options right in our community to move your body and get your endorphins going! If you are someone that is new to this, try shifting your focus from getting “into shape” to making a commitment to FEEL better and gather more confidence! Just show up and keep showing up and I think you’d be surprised with the mental and physical changes that will occur if you remain consistent!