What's in a group wellness workout?

I have taken so many different fitness classes over the years that it makes my head spin. Often I'd stay true for a several months or maybe even a year and then move on due to an over-use injury or shifting priortities. What I found true of so many of these classes is that they always worked us like draft horses, going until we couldn't go any more. I've come to realize that there are alternatives.

As you probably already know, I’m offering regular outdoor wellness classes for the remainder of the summer. I currently have three classes scheduled per week but am looking to add more, locations and times. If you haven’t joined in yet then you may be wondering about what we do and why.

I am offering events that will push you to strengthen muscle, increase your endurance, improve your balance and increase your flexibility without pushing your over the edge. Being part of a group builds connections, provides motivation, and stimulates you with camaraderie. The outdoor settings are just icing on the cake and should leave you feeling a little better connected with your body, your classmates, and your city.

What to expect

As with all things you will get out what you put in. I will give progressions for most of the exercises and it’s up to you to take the one that meets your current fitness level and helps you aim for a loftier goal. We will use primarily bodyweight exercises to train you to use your muscles and joints in a functional (everyday) environment. We may use various equipment based on class size but count on using your mass and your current fitness as your guide.

We may have music to keep you moving or just listen to the sounds around us. We’ll use the amenities at each location to ease or evolve the exercises. We’ll run/jog, perform some yoga vinyasas, push, pull, jump, and stretch.

How to prepare

You will burn several hundred calories and your body will continue to burn calories for hours after the class so I highly recommend coming with food in your system (a couple hundred calories of low-sugar foods will do) and having drank some water within the previous hour. Towels and yoga mats will keep you clean and dry. Running shoes are not advised due to their propensity to cause ankle rolls but if you need to wear them just be careful (barefoot workouts are encouraged to build stability). I discourage static stretching before class. Research has shown that such stretching increases the chance of injury.

If you are looking for a class to break you down please look elsewhere. There are plenty of such offerings in the Twin Cities and they all offer great high-intensity workouts. Just remember that if you aren’t living a high-intensity life then you might not be training for your specific needs. See you soon.