Let’s face it: For most people, the same ol’ daily workout routine can get very old. Not only is doing the same exercises every day a little repetitive, but your muscles will get used to the movements faster which could lead to a plateau in your fitness progress. Don’t get me wrong — any type of daily exercise is great, even if it is the same few active moves. However, if you struggle with a lack of consistency and motivation in your workouts, remember that the key to a lasting healthy lifestyle is to keep things fresh and fun! Thus, this week’s tip is to spice up your regimen with a variety of fitness classes.
Check out this guide and find your perfect workout class for the day based on however you are feeling.
1. Are you… Feeling fierce?
Three words: hip-hop fitness. Get ready to #werkit. It doesn’t matter if you are a fist-bumping kind of gal or the first person to enter the center of a dance-off circle — hip-hop fitness is a high energy, confidence boosting, one-hour class where you can ‘lose control’ to Missy Elliot and ‘whip your hair’ to Willow Smith. Grab your girlfriends and test out some new moves for your next girls night out at the club. This class is a killer cardio workout that will have you engaging muscles and breaking a sweat without it even feeling like work.
2. Are you… Feeling stressed?
Has your mind been in a million places at once this week? Have you felt a pit of anxiety in your stomach thinking about all of your daily tasks? If so, a Vinyasa Yoga class might be just what you need. For 60 minutes of your day, step onto your mat and — instead of listening to that voice inside your head — listen to the soothing voice of your instructor guiding you to ultimate wellness. Vinyasa Yoga is a lower intensity workout that will lengthen, strengthen, and tone your muscles while increasing flexibility and decreasing stress due to synchronized deep breathing exercises and periods of meditation. Some instructors even bring along essential oils to spray during the session. Ommm-M-G, this class will have you feeling perfectly zen.
3. Are you… Feeling strong?
I burn, you burn, we all burn for iBurn! iBurn is one of my all-time favorite classes that UF gyms have to offer. This full-body workout will have you breaking a sweat and building your strength. With a mix of high-intensity bodyweight exercises and circuits of different movements with weights, kettlebells, and dumbbells, you will be burning so many calories and torching fat. 10/10 would recommend!
4. Are you… Feeling energized?
There’s a reason why cycling is one of the most talked about fitness classes by celebrities with enviable bods. Get ready to test your endurance by pedaling on a stationary bike to some great tunes for a high-intensity cardio session with major toning benefits for your legs, glutes, core and arms. Your instructor will take you through a series of movements and levels of resistance on the bike as you race the clock and push the rest of your classmates to have a great ride. UF’s Cycle classes fill up very quickly, so make sure to sign up early for these fun, high-energy classes that will leave you super sore but wanting more!
5. Are you… Feeling empowered?
As Demi Lovato would say: “What’s wrong with being confident?” One of the biggest keys to building confidence in yourself is to build mental and physical strength. With that being said, Cardio Kickboxing is the perfect class to take if you want a total confidence boost. Have you ever wondered how many Victoria’s Secret Supermodels get those super sleek arms? The answer is cardio kickboxing. Tone up and lean out in this one-hour class that will leave you dripping in sweat. In this class, you’ll learn a variety of combinations and complete a series of punches, lunges, squats and jumps to a plethora of empowering and motivating songs. By the end of the class, you will feel like you can take on anything or anyone!
I hope these recommendations work for you and help you feel the happiness and excitement that a healthy lifestyle is supposed to bring. If these classes don’t seem like the right fit for you, remember that there is no harm in trying! Any and all of UF’s fitness classes are absolutely amazing, and you will never regret taking an hour to better your mind, body and soul. There is so much beauty and potential in stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things.
So, lace up those sneakers and decide what you’re going to try next! You’ve got this. I believe in you.
Photo credit: elle.com