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Barre Fusion

Are you planning on setting a fitness-related resolution this year? You’re not alone. In fact, about 95% of New Year’s resolutions are fitness-related.

Only 10% of people think their resolutions will last, though. In fact, about 43% of people give up their New Year’s resolutions by February. 

Instead of giving up on your resolutions in 2022, consider trying something new! For example, you can give Barre Fusion classes a try this year.

What exactly is Barre Fusion? How can it help you accomplish your fitness goals? Keep reading to find out!

After reading this guide, you can determine if this is the fitness class for you. Then, you can set a new resolution to work up a sweat! Read on to learn everything you need to know about Barre group classes today. 

What is Barre?

First, let’s answer the question that likely brought you here: what is Barre Fusion?

These low-impact strength workouts can boost your:

  • Muscle tone
  • Posture
  • Flexibility

When you look good, you’ll feel good, too! Taking these group glasses could boost your overall wellness and self-confidence as a result.

Barre uses a combination of dance, ballet, functional strength, and mind-body-inspired movements. The exercises require concentration and precision to ensure you experience optimal results. During a class, you can modify each movement to suit your strength or skill levels.

You can find group classes for different expertise levels, too.

A typical class is completed at the ballet barre. Exercises can get your heart pumping to boost your cardiovascular strength. At the same time, you’ll sculpt, tone, and lengthen your muscles.

Before signing up for a course, consider your specific fitness goals. Barre is ideal if you want to improve your flexibility, strength, and posture. 

If you already focus on strength training, a class could help you strengthen and lengthen those muscles. 

Barre will also help improve your mobility and core strength. Though it’s a low-impact class, it’s also fast-paced. It’s ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

Though Barre is ballet-inspired, you won’t need to have experience as a ballerina to perform these exercises. Barre is safe, fun, and effective as well.

Some classes involve mat-based warm-ups and core-focused sessions as well. You’ll complete lower body isometric exercises at the bar, too. 

Repeating the same small movements over time will help you build your endurance. You can strengthen muscles without the risk of ligament or tendon strains. 

What Are the Benefits?

Remember, Barre Fusion classes can help sculpt, tone, and lengthen your muscles. It can also get your heart pumping to improve your cardiovascular strength. Other benefits include:

  • Improving your fitness level
  • Improving your posture
  • Burning calories
  • Reducing stress levels
  • Improving your flexibility

Flexibility can decrease as you get older. These classes could help.

In some classes, you’ll use a barre and your body weight for each rep. These exercises will help improve your muscle endurance. 

Other exercises incorporate additional tools, including:

  • Sliders
  • Ankle weights
  • Free weights
  • Resistance bands
  • Exercise balls

Workouts are broken into different sections, allowing you to focus on different major muscle groups. These group classes can strengthen your arms, glutes, legs, and core.

The muscles within these core groups are fatigued through small, targeted movements. A higher number of repetitions with light resistance can strengthen each area.

Despite the lighter weights, you will feel your muscles burning after a session.

Parts of each class are also paired with stretching. These stretches can further improve your overall strength.

If you’re searching for group classes that can improve your flexibility, consider giving Barre Fusion a try. 

Most classes keep the movements slow and steady. However, there are different types of “fusion” sessions available. Each group class can accomplish different goals.

For example, some classes combine traditional barre moves with interval training. You could boost your heart rate to get in a cardio session.

Some classes incorporate weights and resistance tools. These group classes are ideal for improving your overall strength.

You’ll also improve your endurance, balance, range of motion, and posture. In fact, these classes can even support weight management. You can sculpt a stronger, more defined core at the same time, too!

Tips Before Class

Barre classes are beginner-friendly. They’re also easily adaptable for different skill sets and ability levels. However, it’s important to note that classes move quickly.

Some first-timers also find sessions challenging.

With that in mind, consider talking to an instructor before class. They could provide you with helpful tips before your first Barre session.

You’ll likely use muscles you never knew you had, too! Don’t worry; you should get the hang of it after three or four classes. Stick with it.

You’ll likely experience results in eight to 10 sessions.

Don’t feel intimidated when trying Barre for the first time. As with any group class, it requires a high level of physical fitness. Stick with it to watch your performance improve over time.

Consider wearing leggings or capris that you’re comfortable in. Pair it with a workout tank or T-shirt. Wearing close-fitting clothing will help your instructor get a better view of your form.

They’ll help by offering advice, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments.

Consider sticky socks to avoid sliding during group classes, too.

Talk to an instructor about the lingo you might hear during a session as well. For example, they might say, “Tuck your tailbone.” If you hear that phrase, draw your abs inward.

Then, roll your hips under slightly, creating a neutral spine. This position can help engage your core.

You might hear “pulse,” too. This phrase means you should move about an inch up and down. These small, controlled movements will ensure your range of motion is more precise.

You’ll have an easier time contracting targeted muscles as a result.

What is Barre Fusion?: Your Guide to Toning Up

To recap, what is Barre Fusion? It’s a fun, low-impact fitness class you can use to tone your body. With multiple sessions, your flexibility, posture, and muscle strength will improve, too.

Consider giving Barre a chance as you set your fitness goals for the year!

Want to give it a try? You’ve come to the right place.

Explore our class schedule today to get started.

holiday workout

About half of American adults plan to abandon their diets around the holidays. Another 41% use the holidays as an excuse to postpone living a healthy lifestyle. You don’t have to abandon your workout or wellness regimen during the holidays, though!

Instead, use these five holiday workout tips to stick with your fitness goals this season. 

With these tips, you can keep your health and fitness goals intact while enjoying the holiday season. It’s normal to give in to party-going, feasting, and shopping at the end of the year. The festivities don’t have to impact your health, though.

Instead, learn how to stick with your workout schedule using these five simple tips today. 

1. Develop a Schedule

Before the holiday season begins, sit down and start planning your workouts. Try to plan about a week’s worth of workouts. You can plan for more depending on the duration of your trip. 

Planning your workouts ahead of time can help you make a holiday workout game plan. You can have visual proof of your plans, too. Documenting your plans will serve as a visual reminder once your vacation begins.

Writing workouts into your schedule can help you recognize you’ve blocked out time for your workouts. Then, you can set out to actually do them.

Consider adding each workout as a calendar reminder on your phone. Then, set an alarm 15 minutes before each workout. 

As you begin scheduling out your workouts, try to remain flexible. Think about different times or days of the week you can dedicate to working out. If you have specific plans for the holidays, review your itinerary, too.

For example, you might find it difficult to work out if you’re planning on visiting family. Schedule your workouts first thing in the morning. If any random plans pop up, you won’t have to worry.

You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve already completed your fitness regimen for the day.

Have a backup plan in mind for your busier days, too. 

2. Exercise First

Taking a week or two off from exercise could erase months of favorable metabolic gains. In fact, gaining just 1% of your body weight could lead to serious complications. 

After all, low levels of fitness and physical activity are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The best way to avoid skipping your workouts is to complete them first thing in the morning. Remember, you won’t have to worry about unforeseen interruptions impacting your workout regimen. You might have more willpower to complete your workout first thing in the morning, too. 

Dedicate about 20 to 30 minutes of your morning to exercising. An early workout might even help you fight food cravings throughout the day.

Exercising first will also help you earn your calories. You won’t have to feel as guilty about indulging if you’ve already worked out. 

3. Find a Partner

As you begin using these fitness tips, remember: you don’t have to go it alone. Instead, consider recruiting an exercise buddy. Partnering up with someone could help keep you motivated.

Ask friends or family members to attend group classes with you. Working out together could make it more enjoyable. It’s also a productive way to spend time together (especially if you plan on relaxing later).

If you can’t find someone who wants to work out with you, that’s okay. Instead, ask someone to hold you accountable. Have them check in with you once or twice a day.

Having someone hold you accountable could help you avoid skipping a fitness season.

Otherwise, head online or visit the gym to find someone who can hold you accountable. Check social media, too. You’ll find plenty of workout challenges and support networks online you can utilize. 

Don’t forget to check fitness-oriented forums or apps like MyFitnessPal or FitBit, too. 

4. Look for Seasonal Offerings

The average American gains about 10 pounds during December festivities.

Remember, the holiday festivities don’t have to impact your fitness goals this year. Instead, use them to your advantage. 

There are plenty of seasonal promotions available that can help you remain on track during the holiday season. Keep an eye out for specials on class packages, monthly rates, and membership fees. If you plan on working out with a friend, look into coupons for group classes, too.

Whether you’re staying in town or visiting family for the holiday season, research local fitness centers. See if any of them are offering free trial periods you can use during the holidays. You can remain on track with your fitness goals and get the chance to explore a new gym.

Look into each facility’s classes, services, and amenities, too. Exploring new services like a sauna or massage therapist will make it feel like a treat!

5. Plan for Travel

Do you plan on traveling during the holiday season? Make sure you have an easy, convenient workout routine you can utilize. 

You don’t have to match the intensity of your usual workout routine, especially on the day you’re traveling. Instead, pick three to five exercises you can complete without equipment. Choose exercises you can complete in small spaces, too. 

For example, you might consider:

  • Push-ups
  • One-legged balance stands
  • Walking lunges
  • Bicycle crunches
  • Supermans

Try completing one to three circuits. You can get a little cardiovascular workout to maintain your endurance and muscular strength.

Otherwise, try squeezing mini-workouts into your day.

Short bursts of activity throughout the day can help you maintain your weight and fitness levels. Try walking as much as you can, too. Keep moving to remain active, especially if you have a long day of sitting around ahead! 

Get Pumping: 5 Tips to Help You Stick With Your Holiday Workout

Maintaining your health and fitness regimen during the holiday season shouldn’t feel stressful. Instead, enjoy the season with these five holiday workout tips. With these tips, you can remain active and deck the halls!

Searching for a fitness center that can help you accomplish your workout goals? We can help.

Check out our class schedule today to get started.

no excuse november
choosing a personal trainer

On some level, all of us want to invest in the improvement of our physical and mental health. Adopting a regular exercise routine is a great way to accomplish both, but it’s not always easy to find a safe and effective form of exercise for our bodies and goals.

Working with a personal trainer has many proven benefits, including increased motivation and lowered safety risks. However, that doesn’t mean that every personal trainer offers a one-size-fits-all approach.

Choosing a personal trainer is a lot like choosing a diet or choosing a therapist. You want to ensure that the one you’re working with is right for you and your needs.

How can you approach this choice? Read on for eight factors to consider when finding the perfect personal trainer for you.

1. Location

Some of the first few factors we’ll discuss are quite practical and easy to gauge. The first is location. 

Where do you want to perform your workouts? Are you looking for a gym you can go to right after work or a gym located closer to your home? Do you want to go to a gym at all or would you prefer working with someone who meets you in your own specified locations?

Our personal trainers will work with you at one of our two facilities, both located in Cambridge, MA.

2. Availability

Once again, here is a practical consideration. There are a few steps that you can take to form a new habit, and one of them is setting realistic intentions. Sure, you might want to start waking up an hour earlier to get your workout in, but is that something you can really see yourself doing?

Find a personal trainer who is available at a time when you are most likely to exercise. Of course, you will want to select a time when you aren’t fulfilling other obligations. However, you will also want to pick a time that you tend to have a decent amount of energy and motivation. 

3. Cost

Make sure that you review the costs associated with different personal training sessions. For example, we offer 12 sessions over the course of three months for $319, 24 sessions over the course of three months for $619, and so forth. It’s important that your personal trainer’s rates fit your budget–even if that means making a few changes to your spending habits.

4. Qualifications

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a personal trainer is that you’re working with someone who has extensive knowledge of safe and effective practices. There’s no point in hiring a personal trainer that isn’t qualified in tangible and specific ways.

Make sure that your personal trainer has received both educational and practical fitness training. All of our personal trainers are either exercise physiologists or certified personal trainers. They all hold nationally accredited certifications combined with extensive experience providing hands-on assistance and guidance to clients.

5. Expertise

Here’s where your own preferences and needs really come into play. You may have a general idea of your fitness goals or you may have a very specific plan for what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. Take some time to brainstorm or write down your goals and the types of exercise (ie a cardio-heavy routine vs a larger focus on weight lifting) you want to try. 

This makes it easier to find the right personal trainer for you. While any good personal trainer has a generalized knowledge of all things fitness-related, they tend to also have a specific area of expertise. This expertise is usually informed by their training as well as their personal training experience, both things you should feel welcome to inquire about.

6. Personality

When reviewing their options for trainers, people tend to underestimate the importance of personality. Admittedly, you may not get a good sense of your personal trainer’s personality until you have your first session with them. Still, you should feel comfortable making a change if your trainer’s personality doesn’t mesh with yours.

Ultimately, a good personal trainer is going to push you out of your comfort zone. However, how they go about doing it and the attitude they have during your workout matters. Some people prefer a heavy dose of positive support while others prefer a tough-love approach and it’s all about knowing what works for you.

7. Exercise Philosophy

Expertise, personality, and exercise philosophy all go hand in hand. It’s easy to confuse exercise philosophy with personality, but they’re not quite the same thing. By reading online reviews and asking different personal trainers questions before signing up, you can start to learn more about their exercise philosophy.

Do they prefer to have their clients focus on one specific thing until it’s mastered? Do they prefer to change things up throughout the month to keep things fresh and exciting? What do they hope to teach their clients and how do they intend to pass on that knowledge?

8. Risk Assessment

One of the biggest jobs a personal trainer has is keeping clients safe. They can only do this by learning more about each client’s health history, potential risk factors, and physical needs.

If you find that your personal trainer is taking a one-size-fits-all approach and pushing you to perform tasks that aren’t safe for your body, it’s time to stop. Talk to us, instead, and find a personal trainer that will always take risk assessment into consideration.

Be Selective When Choosing a Personal Trainer

People often assume that any personal trainer can help them achieve their health and fitness goals. The truth is that you want to approach choosing a personal trainer with several considerations in mind. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or do a little digging to find out if a personal trainer checks your boxes.

Want to know more about one of our personal trainers? Have you found a match and want to get started? Contact us today.

beginner yoga mistakes

Yoga is a wonderful practice that comes with many benefits for your body and mind – if done correctly. 

It can help you destress, reduce inflammation, help with chronic pain, and improve your sleep. These are just a few of the many advantages that a yoga practice can have on your mental and physical well-being. However, you can only really reap the benefits of yoga if you’re practicing the right way.

If you’re thinking about starting a yoga practice, there are some common beginner yoga mistakes that you should know about. 

Keep reading to learn about eight beginner yoga mistakes and how you can avoid them!

1. Holding Your Breath

Focusing on your breathing is one of the most important parts of yoga practice. 

Many beginners are so preoccupied with trying to nail a pose that they completely forget to breathe. While yoga is about the physical movement of your body, it is also about connecting to your mental and spiritual self. Paying attention to your breath is the best way to bring yourself to the present moment and connect to yourself. 

If you are taking yoga classes, a skilled yoga teacher will pick up on your lack of breathing and remind you to do so. 

2. Overexerting Yourself 

If you’re a yoga newbie, you probably want to get in the yoga studio and keep up with the teacher and the other seasoned yogis. But yoga isn’t about that. It is a deeply personal practice that will look very different for everyone. 

When you are first starting out it may be tempting to push your body and overexert yourself to try to nail every pose. 

Instead, you must honor your body and respect its limits. Not only does pushing yourself too hard go against the purpose of yoga, but it can also cause injuries

3. Yoga on a Full Stomach 

This is another common mistake that beginner yogis make. A full stomach can affect your metabolism and leave you feeling bloated. It can also affect your practice and your stamina. 

Before a yoga class, eat a light and healthy snack instead to give you fuel for a productive practice but avoid bloating. 

4. Limiting Yourself to Advanced Yoga Positions 

There are many different types of yoga and a multitude of poses. Each type of yoga comes with its own set of poses, some of which are more or less advanced. 

Many beginners often want to breeze through the basic poses and skip straight to the more advanced poses. But yoga is about the journey, not the destination. 

Focusing on the basic and beginner poses helps you build a foundation and strength in your mind and body. This will be the foundation upon which you can slowly build up to more advanced poses when your body is ready.

Additionally, trying out advanced poses too hastily can lead to injury. If you haven’t practiced yoga before, you can be more prone to injury if you don’t move through the basic movements first. 

5. Comparing Your Practice with Other Yogis

This is a very common mistake and it can be detrimental to your practice. As previously mentioned, yoga is a personal practice. Your progress is yours and shouldn’t be compared to anyone else’s. 

When you’re sweating bullets trying to hit that pose, it’s common to look over at your neighbor and envy their effortless posture. But staying within and focusing on your own mind and body is how you can make your own progress with yoga. 

Instead, if you look to your neighbor, ground yourself and wish them well in your heart and mind. 

6. Forgetting Your Alignment 

Alignment is one of the most important facets of your yoga practice. 

It might surprise you to know that alignment doesn’t look the same for everyone for each yoga pose. There are modifications and variations depending on your body type, flexibility, strength, and range of motion. 

Some people will need props, some will need adjustments, but it is important to know what alignment is right for you. 

As a beginner, it may be beneficial for you to take private yoga classes to personalize your practice. This can help you understand the alignment that suits your particular body. 

7. Placing Your Mat in the Front Row 

As a good yoga student, you grab your mat for yoga and hit the front row to soak up the teacher’s knowledge. You think that as if by proxy you will be able to absorb their flexibility and technique. 

In fact, as a beginner, you should stick to the back of the class instead.

This will help you be able to see what the class is doing. Instead of trying to find the teacher from an awkward pose, you have the view of many more people to help you. 

8. Avoiding Props

Some people think that using props is cheating in yoga. This is simply not true. Props are wonderful tools to use in your yoga practice to help you with each pose. 

As previously mentioned, alignment will look different for everyone and props can help you achieve the alignment right for your body. Props can also help with pain and discomfort. 

Grab a prop for a more mindful practice. 

Avoiding These Beginner Yoga Mistakes 

Yoga is not a one-size-fits-all type of practice. It’s fun, meditative, therapeutic, and even silly at times. Although yoga will look different for every individual, these common beginner yoga mistakes are best to avoid if you want to get the most out of your practice. 

Be sure to breathe, respect your body’s limits, practice foundational poses, focus on your own body, and sit in the back of the class. Remember to have fun with your practice and appreciate your body for all it does for you!

For a full range of classes and services, visit our website or drop into one of our two convenient locations. 

October offers
fitness

Massage therapy is a great way to help treat a variety of health issues, including anxiety, nerve pain, soft tissue injuries, and fitness injuries. However, to get the most out of your massage, you want to be sure you find a high-quality massage therapist.

Do you need help finding the best massage therapist for your needs? Keep reading this article for questions you should ask your massage therapist before receiving treatment.

What Can I Expect from Treatment?

An important question that you can ask your massage therapist to improve your massage education is what you can expect from your massage therapy treatment. This can help eliminate any potential stress or anxiety that you feel.

For example, some people do not know that it is normal to have occasional bruising after your treatment, as long as it is not excessive.

The increased circulation that you have after a massage may even lead to a headache. By asking your massage therapist about what you can expect, you will not worry about these small side effects.

How Should I Prepare for Treatment?

Ask your massage therapist what you can do to properly prepare for your treatment.

First, you want to make sure you are hydrated. By drinking a lot of water, your body will be able to eliminate toxins more easily during your treatment.

Take a hot shower before your massage. This can help relax your muscles to give you the best results possible. Some massage therapists also have a sauna or steam room that you can use before your massage that will provide the same benefits.

Finally, arrive at your appointment on time. This will allow you to get signed in, use the bathroom, and fill out any health records that your massage therapist needs from you.

There are also some things that you should avoid before getting a massage. These include sunbathing and drinking alcohol.

What Types of Massages Do You Specialize In?

Ask your massage therapist what types of massage they specialize in. Each type of massage will have different benefits, so you want to be sure you are getting the services that will benefit you most.

For example, you may just want a relaxation massage. Any massage therapist can provide this service, as it simply aims to help you relax your body.

However, if you need more specialized massages, like a sports massage or a deep tissue massage, you will want to be sure they have plenty of expertise offering these services.

Will a Massage Make My Injuries Worse?

If you are visiting a massage therapist to help with an injury, it can be helpful to ask if your massage will make your injuries worse. While many health issues can be treated with a massage, others may worsen.

Talk to your massage therapist about what kind of injury you have so they can help you find the best massage treatment options for you.

Even if you have an injury, your massage therapist may be able to work around this. You can still enjoy a relaxing massage without the worry that your injury will get worse.

However, it is important to realize that you should always stay home from a massage if you are sick. First, you will be in close quarters with your massage therapist and may pass your illness to them.

Additionally, getting a massage in the early stages of your sickness may make your symptoms worse.

How Can We Improve Communication?

Establishing good communication with your massage therapist is key to getting the most out of the treatment. Asking about ways that you can give feedback or ask for adjustments to your treatment is vital to maintaining a good relationship.

For example, if you feel like the massage pressure is too hard or too soft for you, you should be able to ask them to adjust the pressure to help make the massage more enjoyable.

When you learn to communicate your preferences and needs more effectively, you’ll have a greater experience.

Are You Properly Qualified and Licensed?

Finally, you want to be sure you are meeting with a massage therapist that has the proper education, licensing, and certifications. One way you can do this is by asking your massage therapist what massage program they completed.

It is vital that you only work with a licensed massage therapist. This shows that they have passed the requirements necessary to practice massage therapy in your state.

Understanding more about your massage therapist’s education and licensing can help you feel more comfortable while you are getting your massage.

How Long Have You Been Practicing?

You should find a massage therapist that has plenty of experience. To learn more about their experience, ask them how long they have been professionally practicing the different types of massage services they offer.

The more experience your massage therapist has, the better your experience with them will be.

Get the Healing Touch of a Top Massage Therapist!

Finding a massage therapist you can trust is a great way to improve your fitness and other aspects of your health.

However, it may seem intimidating to work with a new massage therapist or to get your first treatment. By asking your massage therapist each of these questions, you can better prepare for your treatment.

Are you looking for a reliable massage therapist that offers mobility help? VIM Fitness can help! We are a gym that offers everything from massage treatment to group classes to corporate wellness.

Check out our blog today to learn more about our massage therapy services or to get other fitness tips to improve your health.

fitness

Getting into great shape comes with a large number of benefits. Not only will you establish a healthier lifestyle, but there’s also psychological proof that looking good improves your mental state. When beginning your fitness journey, it can be difficult to choose between personal training and group classes. The good news, though, is that it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Personal Training

Working with a personal trainer is relatively commonplace. For some reason, however, can also be intimidating for many people.

Regardless, there are certain attributes that you should consider before deciding whether or not it’s right for you. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

One of the primary pros of working with a personal trainer is the fact that you will be able to have all of the attention focused on you. As you might guess, this can help prevent mistakes, optimize your training progress, etc.

Those who have special training requirements (such as training around old injuries) will also have the benefit from working with a personal trainer.

Since your trainer will guide you through your journey, you can also decide how quickly you would like to scale your progress. Not everybody has the time or mental energy to give 100% in the gym during each session.

Some people simply want to slowly lose weight or build muscle over time. This allows for much greater flexibility in terms of how they manage the rest of their lifestyle.

Something else to consider is the fact that a trainer will help you target weaknesses that you may have.

Most people have certain muscle groups that grow faster than others. In context, this means that it might be relatively easy for you to build up your arms but your legs may take a bit more work.

Your trainer will immediately recognize problem areas and come up with a plan to help you fix them.

It’s also worth acknowledging that you will be able to develop an ongoing relationship with your trainer. As you get more comfortable, you might even find that your training sessions become therapeutic.

If you find that you need help with recovery, they could also help you implement mobility routines or recommend a massage therapist.

Cons

There aren’t too many drawbacks to working with a personal trainer. The primary one that most people are deterred by is the price.

Depending on who you work with and what gym you train at, personal training costs can quickly add up. The good news is that it’s possible to find high-quality personal trainers at a reasonable price.

Some people are also intimidated by the fact that all of the pressure is put on them. If they don’t perform as intended, or if they aren’t making progress quickly enough, they may begin to feel guilty.

For those who enjoy working out with their friends, personal training prevents you from doing so under most circumstances. So, there’s a chance that you may not find training as enjoyable as you could.

Group Classes

Group classes are fairly diverse and aren’t limited to a certain demographic. In fact, there are group classes available for virtually everyone.

Let’s explore what you need to know about them.

Pros

Most people are drawn to group classes due to the fun, energetic environment. It’s not hard to see why this form of training is often more enjoyable than working out by yourself.

It’s also very music-centric. You will likely be working out to high-energy, upbeat tracks that help keep you focused and motivated.

For those who have a love for music (especially while working out), you’re more likely to feel like you’re on a playground than in a gym.

Classes are also great ways to meet people.

For example, let’s assume that you just moved to a new city. Outside of work, it can be difficult to develop new contacts.

Since group classes are such a social environment, many people go there with the intent to make friends.

As you might guess, group classes are also ideal for corporate wellness sessions.

Above all else, group classes are a great way that you can help relieve stress. So, consider them as a way to unwind after a hard day/week at work

Cons

Since the progression of the group classes will depend on the group as a whole, you may find that you aren’t moving at the ideal speed. So, you may begin to feel as though you are falling short of your goals.

In contrast, you may even feel that the class is progressing too quickly.

Those who are less experienced with their training also run the risk of developing bad habits. This is simply due to the fact that the class instructor may not always be able to discern improper form.

Finally, participants who are not mentally primed to take a group class may not be able to keep up. This is especially true for advanced classes, which can be notably strenuous.

Which Fitness Path Is Right for You?

For those who would like to optimize their progress or are unfamiliar with fitness routines, personal training is the route you should take. For those who enjoy the company of others or would prefer to perform aerobics-based workouts, group training is best.

The above information will help ensure that you choose the ideal option for your situation. From here, you’ll be able to optimize the progress you make.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see how we can help.

September Savings
personal trainer

During 2019, there was a total of over 300,000 personal trainers within the US alone. All of these PTs have been trained and educated in the personal fitness field.

Personal trainers are not just random fitness fanatics who have walked off the street. They have studied and completed exams to become accredited personals trainers. 

Due to this training, there is a vast range of benefits which they can offer you. We have gathered some of the top benefits why using a personal trainer can add to your workout regime.

1. Hire a Personal Trainer to Perfect Your Form

Choosing personal training will not only help you succeed but also lower the risks of injury. PTs have gone through special education to learn everything about the human body.

If you are working out on your own, you may not realize you are doing something wrong. When it comes to your form and posture, the slightest mistake could cause some serious harm. 

A PT will be able to tweak and adjust your form to ensure you are getting the most out of your workout. They will also help you remain as safe as you can during the workout. 

2. Hire Someone Who Can Cover All Aspects

One of the benefits of personal training is that PTs have been trained in all aspects of health and fitness. By working closely with a personal trainer, they will be able to teach you what is actually happening. 

The internet may have the most extensive range of information available on all subjects but a PT will know the difference between what information is helpful and what is harmful. 

The main problem with searching the internet for advice is that it makes it sound so easy for everyone to follow but due to the fact that everyone is different, this may not be the case.  

3. Every Body Is Different

Each of our bodies will be different from those we see around in the gym. The basics may be the same, but a personal trainer will understand the subtle differences.

People will have different abilities from others. This means that you could potentially hurt yourself trying to mimic someone else. Each body will have additional requirements to succeed. 

Some of us may have been injured previously, which requires a particular type of training. If you attempt something new with a previous injury, you could end up causing yourself harm. 

4. Focus On the Long and Short Term Goals

Another fantastic benefit of having a personal trainer is that they will stick with you. No matter your reason for joining a gym, your PT will help you hit all your goals.

Do you have a short-term goal, such as running a marathon or a long-term goal of hitting a certain weight? If so, personal trainers can help you achieve both. 

Once you tell them what your goals are, they will create a personalized workout regime to help you get there. These workouts might include training muscles you may not even know you had.

5. Gain the Challenge You Need to Succeed

When you are running solo through a workout routine, you may find yourself growing bored. This means you may have risen to a level where you don’t see the workout as a challenge anymore. 

This is another of the personal trainer benefits. They will progress you through different levels. They will consistently create a challenge to push your body through to success.

It may turn out that your current workout schedule only needs minor changes. Gaining a fresh pair of eyes could be all you need to create that challenge. They will also push you further past your limits than you would on your own. 

6. A Personal Trainer Will Keep You Motivated

Most of us will have had days when we wake up for the gym at stupid o’clock in the morning. How many have been guilty of turning the alarm off and going back to bed? I know I have.

This is one of the motivational personal training benefits. If you wake up for an early morning session and decide not to attend, your PT will not be happy with you. They will motivate you to participate in every session you book with them.

Finding the right personal trainer to help motivate you shouldn’t be a difficult task. Once you do find the right PT, you will start to reach new potentials with your workout.

7. A Personal Trainer Can Advise on Nutrition

Another of the best benefits of having a personal trainer is, they don’t simply focus on your workout. To become a qualified personal trainer, they will have completed a course on nutrition. 

Together, you will create a nutrition plan so you can work on your fitness outside the gym as well. The food you eat will have a drastic impact on the overall health of your body. 

If you stick to the nutrition plan the PT provides you, you will find both your body and even your mind improving. Personal trainers aren’t solely for gaining muscles. 

Get Help Getting the Body You Want

Taking the step towards hiring a personal trainer might be the best choice you have ever made. Deciding wether you want a healthier body could only be half the battle. 

If you aren’t finding your workouts to be challenging, you may be hindering your progression. Use a PT to help push you towards gaining your perfect body. 

If you live in and around the Boston area, why not drop us a message to see how our personal trainers can help you. We can help you mold your body into the one you have always wanted.

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fitness classes

You’ve heard of fitness classes, and your gym probably pushes a bunch of different options on you. Is there something to them or should you just ignore them?

Well, there’s a reason that there are over 100,000 gyms in the US, and almost all of them offer some type of class. There are classes inside and outside, gym and community-organized, and for all different levels and styles of fitness.

There are many reasons why somebody would want to join a fitness class or even just a gym, and it goes far beyond adding extra equipment. There are so many benefits that fitness classes can offer you. Let’s talk about some of them!

Advantages Of Fitness Classes: Exercise Adherence

This is going in the number 1 spot for a reason. It is by far the most important benefit that people get out of fitness classes. Starting an exercise routine is a challenge in itself, but sticking to one is a lot harder.

Studies have shown that people who stick with their routines after 6 months are a lot more likely to stick with them forever. Well, people who started doing group fitness classes had an adherence rate of 66%, compared with 26% in the control group who exercised on their own. That’s a staggering difference.

If you start a workout routine, your body won’t even begin to make serious adaptations until about 4-6 weeks in. You may start seeing minor results after 2, but 4 weeks is the minimum for noticeable bodily changes. However, if you want to see the real benefits of exercise, long-term adherence is the key.

Meet New People

Participating in a new community is the other biggest benefit of trying a group fitness class. People come to fitness classes to socialize every bit as much as exercising. You could make new friends who share your goals or passions and be part of an overall fitness community!

As an adult, it’s hard to make friends outside of work. The only time-tested, perfect way to make new friends is to show up somewhere regularly and interact with them over time. With fitness classes, you know you’re meeting the right kind of people to make friends with. Those who will keep pushing you to do better along with them!

Motivation

It doesn’t matter if you think you’re an exception, everybody performs better when they have company. Reasons may vary, but it’s just a fact. We tend to do our best when we are working alongside others who are working toward similar goals.

Not only that, having a community of people who show up regularly, and getting to know them over time, will certainly help motivate you to come back to the classes every week.

Learn Proper Techniques

Nothing beats starting out with a personal trainer, but you’ll still have a dedicated fitness professional present who can show you how to do movements properly, and correct any mistakes you make.

Your form is super important for building strength and endurance, but also for preventing injuries and imbalances, which will not only affect your fitness career but your life. Don’t be embarrassed if your form is corrected at all. There won’t be a single person in the class, including the trainer, who hasn’t had their form corrected at least once. You’ll be surrounded by people who understand the struggles.

Long-Term Structure And Balance

These classes will be different every time you go, but they will be designed in a way to put you in the best physical shape. The varying techniques, the new knowledge you require, and the progressive structure of these classes will have lasting benefits throughout your fitness career.

You’ll also get the best of all that fitness has to offer! Taking a fitness class comes with the opportunity to become stronger, faster, increase your endurance, your flexibility, your mobility, and even your confidence!

Over time, you’ll start to see drastic results and when a similar workout does come up, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you will have made in such a short period of time. Having people around really does speed up the process.

Increasing all these different aspects of your personal fitness will have effects throughout your entire life! You’ll enjoy playing with your kids more, you’ll find more enjoyment in different activities that involve moving your body, and you’ll just feel better overall!

Advice

Not only will you have an experienced trainer who can offer you fitness and maybe nutritional advice (hiring a nutrition coach is still a great idea), but you’ll have plenty of people around who have been doing this for a while! They’ll be able to tell you what’s worked for them, how they stay in shape outside of class, when they started seeing results, and it will keep you motivated and hungry for more!

It’s Fun

Some will argue that this is the biggest benefit, and that will have plenty of merit! Yes, fitness classes are fun! You meet new people, you interact, you sometimes work in teams, you learn new things, and you face different challenges every time! Sometimes, you’ll even play a game or some kind of activity! 

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet active people who want to have fun outside of class! They may invite you to go on a hike, or a bike ride, or a swim at the beach! The opportunities to have fun are endless!

Join A Class Today!

Now that you know some of the benefits of fitness classes, the time to get started is now! Check out our FREE functional training class offer today, and keep up to date with our latest fitness and nutrition news! Stay safe, stay healthy, and have fun!

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weight loss plateau

Whenever you’re on a weight-loss journey, there typically comes a point that you’re having trouble making noticeable progress. During the most difficult among them, known as the plateau stage, it might feel like you’re not making any progress at all, and won’t again any time soon. 

While this can be frustrating, it’s important to know that this stage will come and go when you figure out the cause of it. Losing weight is scientific, so there’s likely a good reason that you stopped seeing progress, and we’ll get to the bottom of the most common issues. 

These tips will serve you when you’re going through a weight loss plateau and will help you when you want to get to the other side of it. 

Re-Assess Your Goals and if You’re Exerting Yourself Enough

There are several weight loss plateau causes, so make sure first off that you cross the most fixable one — your effort. 

The thing about fitness is that the workout that used to be an all-out killer that left you exhausted and dripping with sweat will someday feel like a warmup. Your body is meant to get stronger and better, so you need to be making your workouts increasingly difficult to give you new challenges. 

Otherwise, you’ll more or less stay the same, rather than putting on more muscle and burning less fat. If you’re doing the same workouts that you’ve been doing for a while, your heart might be in the right place, but you simply aren’t exerting yourself enough. 

Figure Out if You’re Getting Enough Rest

If you’re struggling to figure out how to overcome a weight loss plateau, you also might not be getting enough rest. It’s the rest that allows your changes to set in after you have been working out consistently. 

Make sure that you get about 7 or 8 hours per night so that you can restore your energy, build muscle, burn fat, and more. People that aren’t seeing tangible results might be skimping on sleep and getting in the way of their own progress. 

Check Out Your Nutrition Intake and Document It

Taking care of your personal nutrition is impeccably important if you’re trying to improve your health and fitness. When you first have a lot of weight to lose, it’ll naturally melt away even if you aren’t eating as clean as you could. 

There always comes a point that eating a poor diet will catch up to you and make it difficult for you to get any substantial results. Make sure that you cut out processed foods and fried foods as much as possible. A lot of these foods have filler and additives that will cause you to deal with issues. 

Take the time to document every meal that you eat each day so that you aren’t overlooking problem areas that you can cut out. Instead, fill your diet with foods that are nutritious and that help you to get results out of your health and fitness. 

Get the Help of a Personal Trainer

When you have a personal trainer, you’ll be more likely to push through plateaus and hit your fitness goals. No matter how overweight you are, it happened because you overlooked the importance of nutrition, had bad information, dealt with emotional trauma, or otherwise found it difficult to put in the work. 

Trying to fix all of these issues by yourself can cause you to run into roadblocks. It’s difficult to see your own blind spots, but a personal trainer is a much-needed set of eyes that will help you push through to the finish line. They also give you the accountability to show up each day and work hard, especially since you are paying for their services. 

Above all, a trainer has the expertise and experience to get whatever goals you have. 

Add More Activity In-Between Your Workouts

Make sure that you think bigger than simply the time that you’re putting into your workouts. You burn calories in your regular life as well and should add an uptick of activity in these areas. 

Take the time to walk more in your everyday life. Consider walking for errands that aren’t far from your house, and take the time to walk a half-hour once or twice each day, no matter what you have going on. Park far away from the store so that you burn more calories coming in and out. 

When you’re out and about, make sure to use the stairs rather than the elevator. Become more mobile in your daily life and it’ll pay off across the board. 

Manage Your Macronutrients

Make certain that you’re also breaking down every food item based on the nutrients that you’re taking in. Keep track of your macronutrients, which are fats, carbohydrates, and protein. 

When you use a fitness app, it’ll log your meals and compare them to your goals, so that you know exactly how much of each macronutrient you will need to find success. It’ll also let you know which to cut out or reduce. Many people struggle with weight loss because they ingest too many carbs each day. 

Make Changes to Get Through a Weight Loss Plateau

The tips above are useful if you happen to be dealing with a weight loss plateau and need answers. No matter how much weight you need to lose, these factors will serve as pillars to assist you in your journey. 

Rely on us for your training and nutrition needs. Take time out to contact us and call us up at either (617) 577-1100 or (617) 945-2708.

personal trainer

Are you looking to hire a personal trainer to help you get in shape? If so, there are several things you should consider before committing. This is so you can get the most from each session and see progress.

Working out and becoming fitter is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Not only can it reduce your likelihood of suffering a stroke or heart attack, but it’s great for your mental health too.

People who regularly exercise are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Plus, working out can help you build the body you’ve always wanted. So, you will no longer be embarrassed about stripping off at the beach.

Hiring a personal trainer has many advantages. Not only will you be more motivated, but you’ll be put on a specialized plan tailored to your needs.

But, it’s important to take your time when choosing your personal trainer. All trainers are different, and you want to ensure they’re right for you.

In this article, we’ll share some tips and advice on what to look for when hiring a personal trainer.

Read on for more information.

Ask to See Credentials

You can’t just wake up one day and begin working as a personal trainer. Instead, you have to study and pass an exam through an accredited organization such as:

  • The American Council on Exercise
  • The National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • The National Strength and Conditioning Association

Passing an exam set by these organizations shows that they are knowledgeable and have the expertise to practice as a personal trainer.

All personal trainers should be able to show you their credentials without issue. The majority of the time, they’ll show you them before you have the chance to ask.

This is because they’re proud of what they have achieved.

How Experienced Are They?

All personal trainers will have some relevant experience. It’s just that some have far more experience than others.

It’s completely up to you whether you want to go for someone newly qualified or one that has been working for years. At the end of the day, there are pros and cons to both options.

A newly qualified trainer may still be finding their feet and a little nervous. But, on the other hand, they may be full of confidence and wanting to try new ideas.

Plus, you may even get a discount from them.

An experienced personal trainer will know which practices work and how best to guide you. But, they’re often the most expensive option.

Areas of Expertise

A lot of trainers usually specialize in a certain sport. This may be because they competed at a high level, or it’s their passion.

So, if you’re looking to improve at something, in particular, look for a specialist.

For example, you may want to improve your 10k time. In this case, you need to look for a trainer who specializes in running.

These types of trainers are fantastic and usually great value for money. Most of the time, you’ll be able to achieve your goals quickly and even exceed them.

Most personal trainers will advertise what they specialize in upfront. But, if not, you can ask.

Personality

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them over the course of your personal training sessions. So ideally, you want there to be a connection.

You don’t need to become best friends, but you need to ensure you feel comfortable in their company. You also want to make sure they understand what motivates you.

Everyone is different, and the best personal trainers can figure out how to motivate their clients quickly. For example, some people like to be shouted at, whereas others need a gentle approach.

To determine if they’ll be a good match for you, book an introduction session.

This gives you a chance to see how they work and if you want to commit. If you have any hesitation, we suggest searching for someone else.

Their Availability

We all have different schedules which determine when we can train.

Before you hand over money for some sessions, ensure that they’re available at a time that suits you. Most personal trainers are flexible and can work around you.

But, others are only available at certain times due to other commitments.

Cost

A lot of personal trainers either charge an hourly rate or offer package deals. Generally, package deals are more value for money and are better to see progress.

This is because you’re more likely to stick to the training plan because you have paid upfront. Whereas if you pay hourly, it’s easy to skip a week or two.

You should also be aware that a lot of personal trainers offer semi-private training or virtual sessions. These are usually cheaper and perfect to test the waters.

But before you commit to anything, sit down and work out what you can afford to spend. Remember, though, that this is an investment in your health, so it’s worth spending a little extra.

Reputation

This is one of the best ways for how to find the right personal trainer.

You always want a personal trainer with a great reputation. To ensure you get this, ask to see client testimonials and reviews. The best personal trainers won’t hesitate to show you how they’ve helped clients and what they can do for you.

But, if they struggle to show you anything impressive, you may want to look elsewhere.

What to Look For When Choosing a Personal Trainer

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when searching for a personal trainer.

Take note of everything we’ve mentioned, and you’ll end up with someone professional who can help you achieve your goals. In fact, you’ll probably achieve things you never thought possible.

Finally, if you need any information about our personal trainers, feel free to contact us.

how to become a personal trainer

If you spend a lot of time at the gym, why not get paid for it? Personal trainers make a good living, after all. Why not cash in on your love of the fitness lifestyle and become a personal trainer?

No matter what your background is, there’s a niche in the fitness world that you can likely fit seamlessly into, from working with athletes to keeping older adults fit, to helping people return to exercise after an injury or illness. 

Careers are abundant and the industry continues to grow, so jump on the trend now and make a living while you do it. Here’s how to become a personal trainer.

What Does a Personal Trainer Do?

The basic duty that a personal trainer performs is to create customized exercise plans for clients to help them reach their fitness goals. They are well trained in anatomy and physiology and use that knowledge to design a workout program that fits the needs of the individual. 

A personal trainer may work with one person at a time or conduct group sessions to instruct several people in a similar way at one time. They might also coach sports teams, work in rehab facilities, create gym programs, or instruct fitness classes. 

Personal trainers do not offer medical advice and cannot diagnose health problems. They cannot create customized meal plans either.

They can collaborate with other health professionals as part of a team to help you be the healthiest you can be.

Sound interesting? Keep reading to see if you’ve got what it takes with these handy tips for becoming a personal trainer.

Personal Trainer Prerequisites

Before you can begin a personal trainer course, you must meet some requirements, including being at least 18 years of age and having a current CPR and AED certification.

Most certifying agencies also require you to have a high school diploma or GED. 

How to Become a Personal Trainer

If you meet the requirements and are ready to get started, there’s a path that you must follow to become a certified personal trainer. That path starts with choosing your certification program.

There are several to choose from and you need to be sure that the one you choose is accredited, which lends it credibility. The National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise are two of the most popular programs. 

While a college degree is not required to pursue a personal trainer certification, many people have a background in exercise science or kinesiology. This often gives them a leg up when studying for the personal trainer exam.

You might decide that having a bachelor’s degree is important to you and it creates a strong stepping stone for your future endeavors in the field. 

The Certification Program

Each program varies on how the information is presented, but you can likely expect to have a set of materials that will guide your studies. This usually includes a textbook and study guide.

Often, lectures and webinars are used in conjunction with these materials. As you progress through the program, you’ll learn anatomy and exercise science techniques.

These will teach you to choose the right exercises for clients in a variety of situations. That includes those who want to build muscle, are overweight or obese, and have health conditions like arthritis or diabetes. 

You’ll also learn about the skeletal system and will be able to identify the muscles in the body that are used for various movement patterns. This assists you in learning to customize exercise programs for people with full range of motion and those who struggle with everyday activities. 

The Personal Trainer Exam

After you complete the certification program you choose, you will take the personal trainer exam. This exam tests your knowledge of the topics taught in the classes and lectures, and you must achieve a passing score to earn your certification.

The test is pass or fail and if you don’t get through the first time, you can retake it. The exam is typically administered at a testing site, though some organizations offer an online version.

If you prefer one or the other, be sure to ask about the testing process before you choose a program so that you can align your needs with the type of exam offered.

Choose Your Niche

While many personal trainers start out working in a gym, you’ll quickly find that you prefer a certain type of clients, such as women or young athletes. Finding your niche allows you to progress your career.

In addition to working at corporate gyms, many personal trainers work in corporate settings or in hospitals, spas, and wellness centers. Others find fulfilling work on cruise ships, directing exercise classes for vacationers. 

Specific niches to consider include athletics, weight management, nutrition coaching, and orthopedics. You might also be drawn to personal training in the medical industry or working with young children.

Going into business for yourself might sound appealing. This is entirely possible as a personal trainer. Due to the flexible nature of the job, there are a lot of ways to open your own place. 

Whether you want a brick-and-mortar gym of your own or you see clients in their own homes, the advantages of working for yourself are plentiful. That includes a personal trainer salary that rivals those working in other settings.

Continuing Education

Like many careers, you’ll have to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the fitness industry to keep your certification current and valid. You can take continuing education courses through your certifying agency.

You can also take them through other organizations that track your progress and contribute the credits to your certificate. This is an exciting way to stay on top of what’s happening in the industry.

Ready to get started on learning how to become a personal trainer? Let Vim Fitness help you build your career and get people moving.

virtual fitness classes

Even though we might want to, not all of us have the chance to make it to the gym. On top of that, Covid-19 has made it even more difficult for us to get to the gym and get a workout in. 

The good news is that virtual fitness classes offer a great opportunity for people looking to work out from home. Whether you’re looking for virtual fitness classes for beginners or want something more advanced, plenty of online instructors can help you get in shape. 

If you’re planning to get started with either pre-recorded or live virtual fitness classes, there are a few tips for making sure you get a great workout in. Check out these 5 tips for having the best online workout classes possible.

1. Set Aside a Designated Space for Your Virtual Fitness Classes

With many family members working from home and kids on summer holidays, finding a designated space to get your workout in can be difficult. However, with a little creativity, you can usually find a spot that works. 

One place that many people don’t think about is the garage. If you move a car out of the way, your garage offers a large, flat space for completing workouts. You can lay down a yoga mat for any floor workout routines so that you can stay comfortable. 

Another great option for people who are strapped for space is the backyard. Not only do you get your workout in, but you also get some vitamin D!

Choosing where to take virtual fitness classes in the home is important for helping you stay focused and making the most of your class. It can also help train your brain to understand that when you’re in that space, you’re getting down to business. 

2. Bring a Friend to Your Home Workout Sesh

Staying motivated when you’re the only one doing your workout can be tough. You may find yourself taking more breaks or only putting in half the effort when doing different exercises. 

Bringing a friend along is a great way to stay motivated and get fit. This is because group exercise can actually help you to motivate yourself. 

When you see your workout buddy successfully completing the exercise, it tends to promote some healthy competition. In turn, you tend to push yourself more to keep pace with your friend. 

On top of this, working out with a friend helps you stay confident! You might feel silly completing exercises, but when you have a friend there with you, you’re able to keep your head in the game. 

3. Choose Classes You Genuinely Enjoy

While you can take advantage of the benefits of virtual fitness classes with any type of workout, there’s no point in choosing a workout that you don’t actually enjoy. When you don’t like the workout, you’re less likely to give it your all. 

The good news is that there are so many different types of adult fitness classes that you can take. A few common classes you can take online include: 

  • Pilates classes
  • Core training programs
  • Step classes
  • Yoga
  • Aerobics
  • HIIT workouts

If you have an exercise bike or a treadmill, you can even enroll in virtual spinning or running classes. These classes are much easier if you have the equipment, however, as trying to complete them on the go can make it difficult to follow your instructor. 

No matter what type of exercise gets you inspired, choose a class that you’ll enjoy. The more you like it, the more likely you are to stick with it. 

4. Create an Inspiring Workout Playlist

While many virtual fitness classes will have music in the background, you don’t need to use their soundtrack! In fact, listening to your own music can help you stay motivated and can make the workout more enjoyable. 

If you’re already fairly familiar with the type of exercise you’re doing, you can often simply mute the instructor. Then, you can play your own music out loud so that you can stay motivated and get your workout in. 

For those who are just getting started and don’t know all the movements, you can try using two separate speakers. Connecting your phone to a Bluetooth speaker nearby can allow you to play music in the background but still hear the instructor. 

As you get more comfortable with the movement in the classes, you’ll be more easily able to turn off the instruction and blast your music. Blast those tunes and don’t be afraid to let the adrenaline kick in!

5. Create Your Own Fitness Schedule

There are a surprising number of health benefits to routines. Those benefits apply to workout routines, too!

One reason why developing a routine is so important is because it helps you to find a time that consistently works for you. For instance, maybe you’re most available when you first wake up in the morning. 

As you begin to settle into your routine, the routine will slowly become a habit. Pretty soon, your workout will become as essential a part of the day as your afternoon coffee. 

No matter when you choose to work out, be sure to keep it consistent. It’s okay to mix things up from time to time, but sticking to a schedule will help make sure that you keep taking the time to work out. 

Get in Gear With Virtual Fitness Classes

With summer right around the corner, getting in shape is more important than ever. By following these five simple tips, you’ll be ready to rock and roll in whatever virtual fitness classes your heart desires. 

At Vim Fitness, we offer a number of online fitness classes. Choose a class that you’re interested in and sign up today!

adult fitness classes

Are you looking to get more out of your gym time? Or do you want guidance when knowing what exercises to do? 

Going to a gym can be intimidating even for the most workout-savvy people. But, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of waiting in line for machines or wondering which moves you should do next, take a class! 

Adult fitness classes are a great way to not only work out but meet new people as well. Ready to find the class that works for you?

Why Choose Adult Fitness Classes

Does taking a fitness class give you flashbacks to P.E.? Don’t let the set-up fool you. There are many benefits to joining a gym with fitness class offerings. 

1. Group Fitness Helps You Blend In

If your primary concern with going to the gym is that you think others will look at you, joining a fitness class may be the remedy. Depending on the class you choose, each member of the group will be doing all the same moves at once. 

This means no one will hone in on exactly what you’re doing. Members of the class will be focused on their exercises and non-members won’t pick you out of the crowd. 

2. Get Specific Feedback

Though working out in a group helps you blend in, it also allows a trainer to evaluate your exercises. This is beneficial as you’ll know whether you are doing a move correctly. 

Getting feedback from a trainer can help beginners learn the moves correctly. But, it’s also a great opportunity for work out pros to practice their form or learn advanced moves. 

3. Community Mindset

When you consistently show up to a certain class, you get to know the other dedicated members of the group. This is good if you’re new to town and wanting to meet new people or if you want to find new like-minded friends. 

4. Learn Modifications

Are you nervous about being able to perform each exercise? In group fitness classes, the trainers know there are varying levels of expertise and abilities. 

The trainers will provide modifications so you can find the right variation for your body. This works for basic moves or when you want to advance to more difficult versions. 

Which Class Is Right for You?

There is a seemingly endless amount of adult fitness classes to choose from. So, which one is right for you? Check out the classes listed below and their descriptions to find which one will help you meet your fitness goals. 

Barre 

Barre combines Pilates and ballet to create a body-sculpting class. The class normally takes place in a room with two or more mirrors and mounted bars around the room. 

Expect to use dumbbell weights between 1 and 5 pounds, a mat, the bar, and occasionally a small rubber ball. Each of these elements helps you with the minute exercises you’ll be doing in class.

Instead of a large range of motion, you’ll be doing small movements and isometric holds. These types of moves keep your body contracted and core engaged the entire time. You may also hear the instructor telling you to “embrace the shake,” as your body may shake a bit as you hold each pose. 

This class is ideal for carving out toned muscles over time. Barre is a low-impact class. 

Boxing

What better way to get in shape and take your anger out than by boxing? 

Boxing classes have full-size punching bags scattered around, hanging from a section of the room. Though shadowboxing is also a popular fitness class, where no punching bags are used, this is specifically about boxing. 

For boxing, bring your own hand wraps or buy them at the gym. The same goes with boxing gloves, though you may be able to borrow some during your first few classes. 

For this class, be sure to wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing. This is to ensure you don’t get tangled up while performing technical moves or body-weight exercises. 

During boxing classes, expect to have a short warm-up. Then, you’ll jump into learning punching and kicking combinations. Sometimes classes end with a section to focus on strengthening your core. 

Boxing classes are great for building cardio endurance and building muscle. 

Spinning 

Spinning is ideal for those wanting to ride an adrenaline high and push their limits. Spin classes are normally characterized by loud, energetic music, and a trainer calling out commands for your sets. 

In this classroom, there will be bikes set up around the room. Similar to boxing classes, you’ll want to wear form-fitting clothing to avoid any entanglements with gear. 

The most important thing in spin classes is to make sure you set up your bike correctly. Arrive early to chat with the trainer or watch videos online beforehand to get an idea of how to adjust the settings. 

These classes are great for building cardio strength and carving sleek leg muscles. 

Yoga

Get zen and fit all in one! There are various types of yoga, ranging from sweat-inducing hot yoga to relaxing zen. 

But, they each have a similar setup. You’ll need a yoga mat, a towel, and a yoga block. You can borrow many of these items from the gym, especially the first few times you try the class. 

Normally in these classes, there are guided breathing practices, poses held for 2 – 3 minutes, and intense stretching. No matter which type of yoga you choose, you’ll grow a deeper mind-body connection and increase your mobility through stretching. 

Ready to Get Started? 

Depending on your fitness goals and your gym’s class schedule, you could take multiple adult fitness classes. This is known as cross-training and helps you reach more than one fitness goal at once. 

Or, pick one class and invest in getting to know the trainers, your classmates, and the skills needed for that class. 

Want to get started on your fitness journey today? Contact us for personalized training or group fitness classes to meet your needs.