Exercise Your Options: Find the Fitness Class That Fits You Best
Kate Hauf teaches a barre class.
There is an age-old exercise adage: “The best exercise is the one that you’ll do.”
Whether you are just starting your fitness journey this summer or are a seasoned fitness expert, there are plenty of group class options here at Seven Mile Beach. The right class for you depends on many things, among them your fitness goals, health history, injury history, and the time you have to commit. I recommend you try them all until you find something that will keep you coming back for the long run.
One of the main things you have to consider in choosing a fitness class is what you think you will enjoy the most. Your level of commitment is usually very dependent on enjoyment. The help of a personal trainer might be necessary if you have a specific goal that you would like to reach most efficiently. A personalized program will be the best way to go. Group classes will not be specialized for you but will offer massive benefits that everyone should consider. Sticking with any exercise class you enjoy will always be better than being inconsistent.
Yoga, meaning “to unite” in Sanskrit, connects the mind, body and spirit. Based on ancient religion, yoga aims to achieve balance within the body. The many benefits for the mind and body include focusing on breathing exercises and utilizing flexibility and strength-building postures. Increasing flexibility will help your body operate more efficiently, thus decreasing stiffness and joint pain. Better posture is a major benefit from increased flexibility and mind-body connection. One of the main benefits of most yoga is stress relief. Mind-calming, quiet self-reflection has many positive effects. Reduced stress has been proved to lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, maintain a healthy immune system, etc., etc. But since there is not much of a cardiovascular component and the strength-building potential is limited, for overall health I would recommend supplementing yoga with some other form of aerobic and strength-building exercise. Even if you have an exercise routine already, I highly suggest trying a yoga class. There are countless mental benefits that most other fitness classes might not include.
Pilates is a form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates to rehabilitate injured soldiers in World War I. Performed on special equipment called a reformer or done right on the floor with a yoga mat, Pilates was designed to increase flexibility, posture and deep core strength in order to decrease injury. When performed properly, Pilates has the ability to ease and prevent lower-back pain. Described as “the thinking man’s exercise” Pilates places deep emphasis on the mind-muscle connection. One must be able to focus intensely in order to move into and sustain specific positions. Pilates has the ability to safely strengthen and tone. Again, there is not much cardiovascular emphasis, so get your cardio in other ways.
Barre fitness was designed by a German dancer, Lotte Berk, in London after injuring her back. She combined her dance conditioning routine with her own rehabilitative therapy, and barre was born. Exercises combine barre work (no dance experience necessary), small hand weights, and exercises done at the mat. Every muscle group is targeted and intense core work is included. As in ballet, posture is emphasized and crucial to the class’s effectiveness. The mind-muscle connection is very present as in Pilates. Awareness of your posture in class will transfer to awareness in life if practice is consistent. With intense importance placed on holding proper position the mental benefits abound as well, creating mental clarity and focus. Classes might also include low-impact, intense aerobic exercise for cardiovascular endurance and increased metabolism. While yoga is meant to be introspective, barre is meant to be fun and lively.
In addition to the small sample I mentioned, there are many other classes here on the island offering other potential benefits. Figure out what you want to accomplish and make sure the class you are taking will help you get there. Most important, find your tribe and enjoy yourself! Mix it up. Lift, run, do barre, do yoga, do Pilates, play the flugelhorn (possible breathing benefits). Do something! Find something you love and stick to it. The best exercise is the one you’ll do.
