Monday- 15 minute abs class and Tabata. I'm amazed at how much my endurance has improved since the first class. Still love this workout! A lot of people have asked about Tabata- its a class that is divided up into intervals. For each exercise, you do 8 20 second intervals that are separated with 10 seconds of rest. It's tough. Some interval examples- Burpees (hate that word!), jumping jacks with a medicine ball, ski jumps, and all sorts of high intensity cardio things. It will up your endurance fast, and according to the instructor, it raises your metabolism for 48 hours. I have definitely lost weight since starting (I don't weigh myself, but I can tell) and my shape has changed. I love this workout.
Tuesday- Pure Barre. I was planning on doing this on Wednesday, but the class was full. Note to self- schedule early.
A few people have inquired as to how I like Pure Barre. I LOVE it. Kate has a really good review of Pure Barre here, and I basically echo everything she says. Especially the advice about what to wear- I would NOT wear shorts. I wear these pants to every class with this top or something similar. Relatedly, I am in love with everything I own from the Gap Body Fit line- fits well, very flattering. And every piece I own was procured on sale, but you have to be patient and dig through the racks at your local Gap.
Anyway, back to PB- I've gone to I think 8 classes so far, and I can definitely see a difference in my appearance. I have ab muscles now and the cellulite situation is much improved (though this probably wouldn't have happened without the inclusion of cardio as well). I am much stronger and can make it through most of the class without stopping to rest too many times. It burns. I also like that while there is equipment used in the class, its not confusing (more on that coming up). Also, the class really has nothing to do with dance. No dance experience required.
Wednesday- Ice day. Did nothing. Couldn't get out of house and was tired.
Thursday- 55 minutes of cardio at Equinox.
Friday- Off day, should have used this to make up for Wednesday. But uh, didn't.
Saturday- Well. Saturday. So this was going to be the first time I went to a second Tabata class for the week, but it did not turn out as planned. First, I took the 15 minute abs class, which was taught by Monday's Tabata teacher, whom I really like. He is encouraging and motivating without being annoying or mean. The Saturday Tabata was taught by someone else, and well, she's just not my style. Nothing wrong with her really, but she yells a lot during the class (motivational stuff, but its distracting and annoying). Her class is VERY DIFFERENT than Monday's class. It involves usage of a step and a LOT of resistance bands. Me and resistance bands are NOT friends and it just didn't work out. I don't like classes that revolve around too much usage of equipment, especially that kind of equipment.
The class was way over full, I had no room, the only resistance band left was one fit for a body builder, and I just didn't like the exercises she chose. So after about 20 minutes, I walked out and did 45 minutes of cardio and then some strength training. I was very frustrated.
Sunday- Pure Barre.
So, next week's plan calls for a change to make up for the fact that I will not be doing Saturday Tabata. My gym has a pretty large selection of classes, and I know that I like the Monday Tabata guy and another female instructor, so I want to take one of their classes. I think this week I'm going to do Wednesday's 8 Pack Abs and then Shock, which is described as follows:
A high-intensity cross-training workout that that keeps your body guessing!
Each class offers a wide array of different exercises that challenge the body’s
ability to adapt. Since no two classes are ever the same, your workouts are
always fresh – innovative – and challenging.
I guess we'll see!
What about you- how did you do on your fitness goals this week!
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