Diversity in exercise

Well, I decided to spice up my exercise routine this week since the weather was not very condusive to being outside I had to get creative and I started looking at the group fitness classes offered at the YWCA and decided to try a beginning pilates class yesterday.  To my suprise I was able to keep up and only had to rest during a set once or twice.  The thing I have the most trouble with the roll up which you go from lying on youback to sitting up without using your hands or legs....I think this will take some time.  Then today I was still looking for something and there were no classes at the Uptonw YW where I go so I started looking at a couple of the Yoga studios I had come across a while ago.  I ended up going to CorePower Yoga in downtown Minneapolis and took their beginning class and it was a blast.  I was able to do all of the poses and the teacher was wonderful.  I felt so relaxed and calm afterwards but could tell that I had gotten a good workout.  The room is kept pretty warm so that took a while to get used to, but after a while it was really nice.  I am thinking about getting a membership and going several times a week.  I used to do yoga six years ago and really enjoyed it and it really helped me manage my stress and get in touch with my body.  Oh, and the nice thing about CorePower Yoga is that they don't push the spiritual part of it so it doesn't infringe on anyone's religous beliefs.  While I was the largest person in the class for some reason I wasn't very self-conscious like I would have been 6 months ago.

Very cool! I am trying to figure out a way to not get bored with exercise either. I want to do something different almost every day. I think... as I just start out making an exercise plan... my goal is to exercise 30 minutes every day at an elevated heart rate... no matter what it is. I hope this works!!  I want to join some kind of a fun dance studio or small class gym somewhere... any suggestions? Thus far, I am a little overwhelmed with Lifetime Fitness because there's the OPTION of going to classes. I want no option... I want to pay specifically for classes so that I guilt myself into going. lol.

I am not sure where Long Lake is so I am not sure what your options are, but I would look into any dance studios that offer adult classes.  I am thinking of getting the membership at CorePower Yoga so that I will keep in practice!  Good luck finding something you enjoy!

Long Lake is right by Wayzata/Plymouth. I'm willing to drive where ever.... I work in St. Paul. I figure Mpls. has a lot of small studios.

Suzie told me a couple of weeks ago that Zenon Dance Company offers adult classes and they are located in Minneapolis.  Otherwise I am not sure of any other dance studios.  If you are able to find some more if you could let me know that would be great! 

Good for you Nikki...I hope it works out well for you!! Hugs, connie d

I have been thinking about yoga to help with stregthen ing my back. My chiro says I can't bend very well and yoga may help.

Yoga is really good for helping with flexibility and all of the poses are adaptable for those who are just beginning.  Gaiam has some really great videos if you aren't able to get to a class you can buy them at any Target or online at www.gaiam.com  I hope you can find something to help with your back problems I know that when mine went away life became so much more bearable.  My sister, the personal trainer, says that yoga is also a good way to build muscle because you are supporting your own body weight in different ways.  I will warn you though after my class on Frdiday Saturday I was hurting in places I didn't even know I worked!

Nicole, You're so great at going for new exercise. You are my role model to try new things. I need to break out of my safe rut and try something different. It really takes a lot of courage, congratulations!!

I too like doing different things - I love to roller skate and play tennis when the weather is nice - I'm not good at tennis but I have fun anyway!!! 

I'm just now getting into yoga at home....and am checking into purchasing some Zumba videos!!

OH YEAH - I also pre-ordered Wii Fit - cannot wait to get that!!!

Have FUN is the most important thing!!!