Weekend Workouts for January 31, February 1, 2

Looks like a chance of rain everyday this weekend, but warmer than the single digit temperatures we have been having this week! Do not let the rain be your excuse to not do something fun and active this weekend before you enjoy the Superbowl!

Our calendar has classes to get in your fit all weekend - yoga, spin, Zumba! Or do you have a gym membership and have not been in awhile? Why not check it out again?

Maybe schedule a free class for the weekend or get a group of friends together to have your own private class.  Try rock climbing, rope course at Mega Caverns, ice skating, roller skating - lots of options!

Or even try a YouTube fitness video, if you are not feeling adventurous in going outdoors this weekend. Just get moving!

Hope you have a great weekend!

FYI-
 The Derby Half Marathon price increase is Feb. 1.
 Girls on the Run is looking for coaches
Ever tried a polar bear plunge? March 1 is Louisville date for Special Olympics.

"Motivation is what gets you started.

Habit is what keeps you going." Jim Ryan

Adam's Fitness Journey with Pure Fitness Training

Adam's progress over the past year.

 In November of 2012, a friend talked me into getting a Groupon for Pure Fitness Training which is a bootcamp style gym.  It is a high intensity circuit training that really works for any level of fitness experience because you can go at your own pace.  What I mean by that is if you are an advanced level person you can always make exercises harder and push yourself harder, or if you are a beginner you can do modified exercises and take more rests as needed.  After I did the Groupon, I was very impressed with the type of training.  So when they had a "Body Transformation" contest in February of 2013 I was in and have not looked back since (except to be amazed by my progress).

 There are many things Pure does that are great.  One of the things that I really like, is that the trainers don't just say go/stop.  They walk around, look at your form, and do on the spot corrections to make sure you are learning proper form. They do this so you do not hurt yourself. They also provide modified exercises for your fitness level or if you have an injury. The majority of trainers at Pure have a degree as well as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification.  This, I believe, makes them stand out among other local fitness places that I have looked into online.  At most local bootcamp style gyms, the trainers are only certified in "Group Training". I feel a person that has been through school studying how the body works and body mechanics probably has a better understanding on form and preventing injury.

 One of the things that really has allowed me to continue to strive to keep working hard is they have an ultrasound machine to measure body fat percentage.  I can keep track of my progress and set incremental goals.  For example, I started out at 23% body fat  (about 250 lbs) and now, I am around 12-15% body fat at about 200 lbs.  Without being able to track that, I would be relying on a scale which does not show you how much muscle you put on versus fat you have lost.  Mike Jett (the owner) also keeps a daily food blog for anyone to follow and track their food in which he will make recommendations to modify your diet (because I didn't lose all that weight just by working out, I also changed my diet). 

Adam is working on his friends to start working out and make healthier food choices just like his friend convinced him to buy the Groupon in 2012 for Pure Fitness Training. Sometimes you need just a little extra push from a friend to get you going or maybe you are the friend giving that extra encouragement.

Thanks, Adam, for sharing your success story with Pure Fitness Training! Check out Pure Fitness Training's website to see what it is all about and schedule an orientation to see if it is the right fit for you. Maybe you will even see Adam there working out.

FiTMe Studio and ZUMBA!

Continuing my quest in showcasing the variety of fitness classes in Louisville, I recently tried my very first Zumba class with Jennifer O'Brien at FiTMe Studio.  From the Zumba website,  "Zumba^® exercise classes are "fitness-parties" that blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for a total-body workout that feels like a celebration."  That is definitely what I experienced at FITME Studio.

FiTMe Studio was easy to find - right off of Westport on Bayberry place. It is next to Jennifer's other business, Jennifer's Academy of Dance. I was greeted by the very friendly and energetic Jennifer when I arrived, still feeling a bit nervous.  The other students said I did not have anything to worry about to just have fun.  Her studio had everything it needed for her class to be successful - drinking fountain, bathrooms, towels, and the room temperature starting out brisk. Before we were done with the warm-up songs, however,  the fans in the room were turned on because it warms up that quick! Jennifer also mentioned at the beginning to take drinks as needed,  modify the moves as needed (which she showed throughout the class), and to have fun with hootin' and hollerin'.

Jennifer's Zumba is more fitness based, but with plenty of dancing. Being a non-dancer with my 2 left feet, I felt like I had a chance in the class. We did BURPEES! I love burpees, but she did show a modification for burpees so everyone still got a good workout either way. I enjoyed how there was a dance routine for each song. I can see how if you become a regular, you can be comfortable with the choreograph and push yourself a little harder. Jennifer did a great job leading the dance workout to know the next step coming.  I was able to watch a few of the regulars too, to stay with the group with the moves. Jennifer was also very enthusiast throughout the whole workout encouraging us to keep pushing ourselves. Before, I knew it, the lights were turned off for the cool-down songs.

 Jennifer adds a new song with the dance routine every few weeks to keep things interesting and to challenge her students. Her other instructors are more dance based versus fitness based. For instance, there would be more salsa moves which gives Zumba just a little bit different feel. So when you are trying out Zumba try a few different instructors to see what fits you best.

Zumba is for every fitness level, all ages and sizes. I definitely feel like I got a great workout and was sore from it. On the FitMe website, it describes itself as fun and laidback atmosphere. I definitely got this feel when I was there for the first time. It was almost like a Cheers feeling where everyone knew your name.

FitMe Studio also offers R.I.P.P.E.D., W.I.C.K.E.D, and Insanity classes.
The classes are very affordable with drop-in class for only $8 , buy a 5 class pass for $30, or a monthly pass for $45 - even discounts for students and military. There is also a Black Light Zumba class that is offered once a month for only $3! I would definitely be up for trying this class out with some friends. Follow FitMe Studio on Facebook to stay up to date on classes and reminded about the Black Light Zumba.

I highly recommend checking out FitMe Studio to try out the Zumba classes. I am checking out the Insanity class and will report back to you soon. As my journey to exploring all things fitness in the Louisville area continues.

Check out my reviews on B. You's B.silque class and Clayton Sallee's static trapeze class too.

Girls on the Run and Fleet Feet Sports

 

There are lots of words to describe runners: fast, slow, crazy, dedicated. They can also join together for a cause. Last fall local runners tracked their mileage for Louisville Fleet Feet Sports store to win a grant from Saucony (a running and fitness company) for Girls on the Run Louisville chapter. The donation, $2,500 was recently given to Girls on the Run. The runners and store was in the top 4 out of over 100 other Fleet Feet Sports stores.

 

The challenge was in September of last year. With 1 in 3 children overweight in America, Saucony and Fleet Feet Stores across the nation teamed up for Saucony Run4Good to create awareness and grants for community youth running programs. The challenge has been going for 7 years, but this was the first year an app was available to count the mileage. The challenge occurs every year during National Childhood Obesity Month - September.

 

With the app, runners can track their mileage year around.  From Running USA's article, "When a monthly predetermined mileage goal is reached by the app community, Saucony will double its donation to selected youth running programs featured monthly, inspiring individual runners to both unite over their passion for running and combat the childhood obesity epidemic. Please visit http://scny.co/RUN4GOODvideo for a video on the Saucony Run4Good app." You do not have to enter a race or even donate any money - just log some miles!

 

 Fleet Feet Sports Louisville is located at 2239 Taylorsville Road. Besides being a store, Fleet Feet hosts a weekly running group and free injury screenings periodically as posted on their Facebook page. They also send out a newsletter to stay up-to-date on their events and sales. January 31 to February 2, they are having a Winter Apparel Blowout with up to 60% off.

 

Girls on the Run is a nationwide program for girls in grades third through fifth at participating schools that teaches them about healthy living while training for a 5K race. This is a 12 week program offered during both the fall and spring semesters. They are currently looking for 10 coaches for their spring program to be started on February 17th. Louisville has over 20 sites for their Spring 2014 season! If you are unable to coach, consider becoming a Derby Solemate. Fundraise a minimum of $150 (cost of one girl for the program) for your Derby mini/marathon race.

 

Great job local runners! Let's repeat this in September! Grab your running shoes and start logging some miles!

 

 

Fit for the Weekend - January 24, 25, 26

What a crazy week of weather? Fortunately, fitness is found both indoors and outdoors - so no EXCUSES, right?

Here are some ways to get your fit in this weekend:

Saturday
Burrito Riders - https://www.facebook.com/BurritoRiders
Grab your bikes and pass at breakfast burritos to the homeless. Check the website and facebook page for meeting location and times.Or if you just wanna make burritos check them out!

Siltstone Trail Guided Hike - 6.0m starts at 9am - FREE  - Jefferson Memorial Forest

Free Yoga  with Lululemon Athletics- Double check FB for any scheduling changes - Saw it is starting at 8:45am this week and next instead of the usually 9am.

Sunday
Fat Bike Urban Assault - 11:30am - Meeting at U of L Boathouse - Perfect for beginners

Yoga with Art - $5 - 21C Museum - It recommended arriving early to get a spot. Bring mat, water, towel.


FYI-
The Derby Half Marathon price increase is Feb. 1.
Still time to sign up for Fight for Air Climb 
Girls on the Run is looking for coaches
Check out the post on free classes to find something new to try
Check out private group fitness post to get your friends out for a fun class.

"Remember that quitting has never led to successful completion of anything so stay COMMITED! Keep PUSHING! KEEP GOING!"

First Fitness Class is Free!

Ever wonder if you will like a fitness class or not? Why not check out some of these local fitness places for free? They are offering you a class for FREE!
**always double check offer is still going on**

Trilliquin Center - First yoga class is free

Titan  Momz - 1 week free 

Body Evolution Fitness University -7 day free trial - Hendricks Dr. next to Meijer and boot camps at local parks 

Indoor Rowing Class - free intro to rowing class - "We have the only certified UCanRow2/Concept 2 Instructor in the State of Kentucky and Indiana"

PRO Martial Arts Stoneybrook - two free lessons from preschoolers up to adults - signup online.

Derby City Mixed Martial Arts- Dixie Highway location

Xplosive Rhythms Dance and Fitness -Shelbyville Road in St. Matthews

Motion Studio Online - New Albany, IN  

Four Barrel CrossFit - New Albany, IN - First 2 weeks for free - every month for the On-Ramp program to see what CrossFit is all about. 

Home Fit Fitness  - 2 free sessions - St. Matthews Station

Everyday Athletes -  2 weeks free - no commitment

GoodFit Fitness - Try for Free and meet them at their Shelbyville Rd location

Bravo Dance Studio - Free first lesson - Limited time offer

BAREfit Personal Training - First free class - mentioned on FB post on July 14, 2014

CrossFit Covalence - First 2 drop-in classes free

Orangetheory Louisville -  3 free fitness classes

Expired

B. You -Springhurst and St. Matthews locations (January only)

Fitness Crawl - Week of Jan. 20-25 has a wide selection of classes for FREE. Just need to sign up.

Crossfit the Ville - "Join us along with CrossFit The Ville at their new location - 721 E Main Street - for a complimentary workout each Monday in January! Our very own Educator and CrossFit badass Lindy Barber will be leading a 45 minute session each week which can be scaled to your individual fitness level."

For other affordable classes check out $5 or Less Fitness Classes.

Know of others? comment below or e-mail them to me - fitinlou@gmail.com

B.Silque Lifted at B.You Review

January is a great month to try new things, especially if you are trying to find a new fitness regime.  To help you with this task, and to continue my quest to explore all that the Louisville area has to offer for fitness classes for you, I ventured into my first B.Silque Lifted class at B.You, Springhurst location. 

First, I signed up through their website for the class. This process was easy, straightforward, and guarantees you a spot. They recommend showing up at least 15 minutes prior to class. I second that - especially for the silques class. Since it was my first time, I had to fill out a little paperwork and then I headed to the silques room.  The silques height needed to be adjusted to be between your belly button and hip which took a little bit of time, but plenty of instructors were in the room helping. It was also recommended to be hydrated on their website prior to class. A great tip to stay hydrated before, during, and after. I found out socks are required for the class when I showed up. Fortunately I had socks, unfortunately they were not non-slip socks. It was not a big issue, but would recommend the non-slip socks if you have them. Also, there is a no jewelry rule during the class - including rings. No big deal, the instructor just had us lay our rings on the front of our mat.

My class was full! All 21 silques had someone excited about taking the class. The music started and so our warm-up began. After the warm-up, we moved into legs, arms, and core exercises. It was a full body work-out using the silques. The instructor, Rashna, was very encouraging about just giving your all during the workout. Each time you come back, you will see improvement from last class, she suggested. During the class, there were a few extra helpers floating around to help make sure everyone was doing the exercises right. Emmi did a great job helping me, especially since I did not have a great view of the instructor. These instructors were also very encouraging throughout such an unique workout. Finally the cool-down came -  the lights went off with some stretches ending in a very cozy cocoon position. They even handed out cool, lavender scented washcloths while we cleaned our mats.

Overall, this class gave me a great full body work-out. The instructor gave modifications to either make the exercise harder or easier. The hour was over before I knew it which always is a sign of a good fitness class.

For the month of January, B.You is offering your first class for FREE! A perfect time to try their classes: b.silque and b. barre. They have a few other specials going on too, which you can find on their facebook page.

Another great thing about B. You is they offer B.Silque B. Mommy and daughter class which would be some great mom-daughter fun. Or if you prefer a girls night out, they offer a B.girlfriend class to have your own private class with friends, co-workers, family etc.