Homobody Tip #55: Work out with class

You don’t need a personal trainer to get in shape. You don’t need one-on-one training to be motivated to work hard.

If you are like me and hate working out alone, I suggest joining a class!

I have been an exercise class junkie since kickboxing class at the Y when I was in high school. Since then I’ve taken exercise classes in Yoga, Pilates, spinning, cardio hip-hop, step and even striptease, belly dancing, and treadmill. Some I only tried once (treadmill) while others I continued for weeks (belly dancing), months (spinning), and years (hip-hop). Currently I take kettlebell group classes regularly and dabble in Bosu, Bikram Yoga, and dance.

There are so many benefits to group exercise that I have to make a list:

1. Extra motivation from classmates.
2. Accountability both to show up and to work hard.
3. Ability to make friends, meet people, and create community.
4. Sense of being part of a team.
5. Chance to share the experience with a spouse, friends, or family.
6. Guidance and program design from an experienced trainer.
7. Opportunity to try out a new kind of exercise.
8. Fun music.
9. Affordability, especially in comparison to personal training.

While I love group exercise, I’m very picky about my classes. I have to mesh with each class and instructor. Most classes will let you do the first session free or you can drop in for a small fee and see if it is for you.

If you want to try kettlebells, here’s a quick reminder that my next Kettlebody Small Group Training Camps begin on September 29 at Trolley Barn Park in University Heights. You can try the first session risk-free before you commit to the four-week camp.

Written by Charlie Fields, RKC.
Charlie is a Russian Kettlebell Certified Personal and Small Group Trainer in San Diego. His training focuses on fat loss for San Diego men and women who are tired of not getting results from their workouts! Charlie trains clients individually in their homes or in small groups at San Diego parks. He can be reached by e-mail or by phone at (619) 723-5674. New clients get their first in-home session for only one dollar! Click here to sign up!
For more information about his small group training, click here.