This post is part of my 2017 New Year’s Resolution to try every group fitness class offered at my gym, The Equinox in Chestnut Hill. See the full list of reviews here.
My issue with strength training
I’ve heard group fitness instructors reassure people in class that strength work isn’t going to make them bulky. “Don’t worry, don’t worry, this tones it does not build bulk.” Ok. That’s fine. I have no expectation of walking out of here looking like the Hulk.
That’s never been my fear.
My fear is that I won’t be able to walk tomorrow. Or the next day. Because every time I take a class with more than 3 pound weights I feel too sore to exercise again for a few days.
Stacked was no exception. If I’m going to keep taking these strength classes (which I clearly need to since I can’t handle them) then I need to do some actual strength training in between so I’m not just stressing my body every couple weeks with a random class. I also need to choose lighter weights and take suggested modifications until I know how I feel the next day.
If you haven’t tried a strength training class or done any lifting, I recommend contacting your gym for class recommendations because some classes are designed to be more challenging than others. You could also ask the instructor what a good starting weight might be.
Don’t be scared. I’ve exposed some weaknesses by discovering I’m really sore after any weight workouts. I can tackle this intelligently. Incorporating strength training will decrease my risk of injury long-term and is really important as we age.
Today’s Class: Stacked with Dimitra Moretto
Class length: 55 Minutes
Description from the Equinox: Hit the body with a healthy dose of high-density training incorporating short intervals with strategic recovery periods done pyramid-style. Transform your body with targeted movement complexes that are stacked together for an intense, challenging workout.
What Class Was Like
A fun and challenging pyramid workout. Exercises were done for 30 seconds each and each set built on itself. First, we did 30 seconds of diagonal lunges. Then we had the next step demoed and we did 30 seconds of diagonal lunges AND 30 seconds of jump rope. Then step 3 was demoed, and we did the three known exercises back to back. This built until we were doing 3 minutes of work without a break. Then we had a longer rest period (90 seconds) before moving to the next set.
Class moved quickly despite being almost an hour. I liked doing only 30 seconds at a time of each exercise. By the time I was really struggling we were on to the next thing.
I felt amazing after leaving class. I could tell that I’d worked a whole variety of muscles. The next day I was too sore to work out, but I expect that if I did the class more regularly that would be quick to change.
Would I go back?
Absolutely. I felt like this class did the best out of any strength classes so far at working the most different muscles. The next day I could feel everything. My abs were sore when I tensed merging onto Route 9. Every part of my legs softly said “hello” when I walked up the stairs. My arms weren’t entirely sure how to most comfortably carry a bag of library books. It was impressive.
Who would love it?
Anyone who wants to isolate and work different muscles and get a solid full-body workout in just under an hour.
Know before you go
Some people wore weightlifting gloves to help protect the palms of their hands from barbells. Wear sneakers. Exercises change often so you may need different equipment based on the day.
Yesterday my co-worker told me that she and her wife were spending $60/mo on a gym membership they never use. She admitted she should probably cancel it, but I suggested giving it another month and I said, “I have an online friend whose New Year’s resolution is to try out all the classes at her gym, and maybe you could try that too.” She absolutely loved that idea and said she’d do it. Yay!
That’s awesome! I was a member of a different gym when I started to swim last year and never once took a class. I wish I’d started sooner now that I’ve seen how great they can be at expanding your fitness repertoire and adding balance to your weekly routine! And if she can get her wife to do some with her that’s even more fun. I loved it when Greg joined me for Pursuit. I’m so glad you mentioned the idea and she is interested in trying it!