I did something yesterday I’ve never done before. I was planning to go to my regular 5:30pm cycling class at the gym but was running a little bit later than normal. (True story: I got distracted eating cheese puffs. I wish I was kidding.) I got there just as the class was starting and was bummed to see all the bikes were in use. It was such a packed class that the instructor gave up his bike so another person would be able to ride.
I was sad to not be cycling but decided to make the best of it and see what other classes were going on. I noticed a small fitness class going on that looked sort of like Zumba. I noticed the name Turbo Kick on the class schedule as I walked in. I had never heard of it before and had no idea what to expect but I figured it would be a fun time. All of the classes I’ve spontaneously tried before (Cycling, Zumba, Barre, Pilates) I’ve ended up falling in love with. I figured this time would be no different
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Well folks, I was wrong. Class started out okay enough, a few dance movements that I as a Zumba loving girl could get behind. Then the music got strange, the cues for movements started getting called really kitschy things, and I felt like all I was doing was kicking and punching the air.
I am not trying to bash Turbo Kick in any way. I’m sure there’s people who walk into a Zumba class and wonder what they heck we’re doing. This is just the first class I’ve tried that I thought, “this is not for me.” I stuck it out for a half an hour before quietly slipping out during a music lull. I felt horrible doing so but just didn’t feel like it was a good use of my time.
I wasn’t sure what to do at this point. I missed my spin class, wasn’t getting a good workout in the new class, but still really wanted to move and sweat. I ate a lot of cheese puffs that day. ;p I decided to be committed and wait around til the 6:30 spin class. Josh met me at the gym and we hung out in the lobby for a half an hour until it was time for me to head back upstairs to grab a bike and get spinning.
(I’m so glad I did! The instructor is always great but class was extra awesome that day. We did lots of intervals and really got our heart rate up. We face the opposite way of the picture above so it’s nice to get to look out over the city. By the end of class I felt great and totally validated in my decision. I was right where I should be.
Moral of the story: do what works for you exercise wise! If the thought of going to cycling classes makes you dread going to the gym: don’t! If you’d rather lift weights on your own in the gym: do it! There’s no right way to exercise. The important thing is to do it and enjoy it.
Questions of the Day: Have you ever walked out of a fitness class before? What type of exercise is not really your thing?
That is so true! You did the right thing! Often people say to me that they run (so I am supposed to be impressed as an elite runner), but they absolutely hate every second. I then question them why!!? I believe that there is some form of exericse out there for everyone, you just have to find what is right for you! You have clearly found it, as have I….until I move on to triathlons someday 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Aw thank you! Yeah if I did not enjoy running I would not do it! Thankfully I think it’s a lot of fun! 😀
If I did it was because of low blood sugar. I try to stick things out and give them a chance.
I felt bad for leaving, but it was not an enjoyable half an hour.
Haven’t run into anything that I really HATED yet! But good to get the workout that you really wanted.
Thanks! I felt bad for leaving but it was just not my thing.
I did. I walked out of an aerobics class because the instructor was literally in her own world. She was calling out moves that made NO sense at all, then just started dancing. I walked out and did a few miles on the treadmill instead.
Oh wow that must have been so weird. Way to still get a workout in afterwards though!
Well if you look on the bright side, you tried a new class that you will never be tempted to do again, AND you ended up getting a good workout in what was probably a much less crowded room! Your spin class sounds awesome, I wish mine had a view! We just stare at a wall!
I love spin! It was a great workout. They should hang posters or something on the wall!
I have never walked out of a class but in the other hand I do all the beachbody workouts in my home. You should like what your doing or a person will end up quitting. You did the right thing. I really dislike any kind of yoga. I only do it cause it’s part of p90x3 workouts. I would never take a yoga or plates class. I’m so proud of you Erin. Your an inspiration to so many.
Aw thanks Jill! I’m not a yoga fan either. I much prefer pilates. One time I was doing yoga and fell asleep! ;p
I was doing Turbo Kick at the Y for awhile and hated it! But, I stuck with it until they ended up getting rid of the class just because I was very limited on which classes I could make it at the downtown Y and out West. I don’t blame you one bit for walking out. It’s not my kind of work out either… I’ve never done cycling though.. it’s kind of intimidating actually!