Poll: How Are You Challenging Yourself?
By: Denise Tausig,
SparkPeople Blogger
5/3/2012 6:00 AM
: 45 comments
: 8,388 Views
A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about how I normally work out alone, whether I'm at the gym or at home. I also shared my concerns that I had about taking fitness classes and asked for recommendations for getting over those concerns. I was impressed by the amazing amount of positive and supportive comments, along with the fitness class recommendations that were made on that blog and I truly thank each and every one of you that left a comment! In response to those wonderful comments that you all left on that blog, I wanted to write another blog to let you know what I have done since then.
In the last couple weeks, I have taken 4 different types of fitness classes at my gym AND I have been to some of them twice! Yes, I stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged myself to try something new. I have to tell you, it is something that I have enjoyed so much and can't wait for my next fitness class. Now, I haven't tried anything with choreography (Zumba or any other dance-style class), but I have been doing some HIIT, TRX, Core Conditioning & Functional Fitness (think circuit training) classes. These have fit my style perfectly and I have made many new friends through this process. Also, just as many of you commented on my previous blog, the instructors and other people taking the classes have been very friendly and accepting of me and other new people taking the classes. Of course, that requires patience, aswe I ask a lot of questions to make sure I have proper form and doing things properly in general.
So what has this taught me? Challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone can be a great thing! I certainly have been missing out on a lot of fun fitness classes, but I'm having a blast now! A quote by Fred Devito that Coach Nicole shared on Facebook yesterday is one that I think applies here: "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." When I saw that post come up in my Facebook news feed, I thought, "what perfect timing!" Even though I am getting used to the fitness classes that I have been taking (and will continue to take), I am constantly challenging myself by going and doing new things in each class (each one is never the same as before) AND I will soon be giving Zumba a try. Talk about a challenge for me -- but I love the challenge and now I know that I should not be concerned if I get everything right. I should just go and have fun and enjoy the challenge and change that comes with it.
So tell me, what are you doing to challenge yourself today? How about this week or month? Are you stepping out of your comfort zone to challenge yourself?
In the last couple weeks, I have taken 4 different types of fitness classes at my gym AND I have been to some of them twice! Yes, I stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged myself to try something new. I have to tell you, it is something that I have enjoyed so much and can't wait for my next fitness class. Now, I haven't tried anything with choreography (Zumba or any other dance-style class), but I have been doing some HIIT, TRX, Core Conditioning & Functional Fitness (think circuit training) classes. These have fit my style perfectly and I have made many new friends through this process. Also, just as many of you commented on my previous blog, the instructors and other people taking the classes have been very friendly and accepting of me and other new people taking the classes. Of course, that requires patience, as
So what has this taught me? Challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone can be a great thing! I certainly have been missing out on a lot of fun fitness classes, but I'm having a blast now! A quote by Fred Devito that Coach Nicole shared on Facebook yesterday is one that I think applies here: "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." When I saw that post come up in my Facebook news feed, I thought, "what perfect timing!" Even though I am getting used to the fitness classes that I have been taking (and will continue to take), I am constantly challenging myself by going and doing new things in each class (each one is never the same as before) AND I will soon be giving Zumba a try. Talk about a challenge for me -- but I love the challenge and now I know that I should not be concerned if I get everything right. I should just go and have fun and enjoy the challenge and change that comes with it.
So tell me, what are you doing to challenge yourself today? How about this week or month? Are you stepping out of your comfort zone to challenge yourself?
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Comments
this morning i challenged myself by taking the higher options.
instead of taking the lower options. you'll see if you
take that class. it was ok i just need to keep doing that, each day
a take a class. The exception in Bodypump ( a weight lifting class)
i am not going to add any extra weight plates. i like exercise classes
that way i am not alone exerciseing.
- 5/4/2012 10:19:10 PM
The other is to complete in a Powerlifting competition in July. Three lifts, Squat/bench press/ dead lift. Trainer wants me all classes, but I am only hoping to do the masters class for people over 50.
My current best are Squat 310lbs free bar /bench press125lbs / dead lift165lbs.
I also am never going to do a marathon. No interest in running at all. However a challenge I have done for both my 50th birthday and 51st was to do a class at the gym for each 10 years of life. 5 for 50 (see blog) Had to repeat for 51st. % hour long class in about 7 hours. My 51st was RPM Spinning, RPM Spinning, Bodyflow (yoga), Skip circuit and Bodypump (weight class)
- 5/4/2012 2:41:35 PM
- 5/3/2012 4:00:49 PM
With my cardio workouts I tend to try the different programs on the machines (treadmill, recumbent bike, normal elliptical, elliptical with incline), use the incline, increase the resistance, add a little time, increase my pace or speed - basically I'm regularly pushing to see if I can do a little more. Never so much I hate it, but just enough that I finish with a "WOOT! I did it! I'm stronger!"
With strength training (weights) there are two things.
One is gradually increasing the reps / weights. I usually try for 3 sets of 12 reps. When I'm doing that with ease, I try the next weight up in my next ST. I may only get 6-8 reps in some of my sets at the new weight and I do that until I'm back up to 12 with relative ease.
The other is researching and trying other machines or even considering other equipment / exercises for that muscle group. I originally did leg extensions for my quads. I moved to leg presses which are more like a squat in the motion and have made more improvement that way. I should be up to doing real squats in a month or two, I think.
I did take one yoga class (not a fan at this time - though I may take a different instructor's or a different variety someday). I wouldn't mind trying out some of the other group classes, but too many start before I get to the gym. Spinning class isn't something I want to try until I can easily handle the resistance level on the normal stationary bikes. Right now I'm still strengthening my knees. - 5/3/2012 1:06:49 PM
I don't know any other way to find out what you would enjoy without giving it a try. As an adult, there's really no pressure to it. You sign up, give it a try and if you don't like it, move on.
We should never lose our sense of curiosity or our sense of challenging ourselves. - 5/3/2012 8:54:31 AM
I've taken some challenges over the years: started karate one month before my 50th birthday and got my black belt at age 55; joining a gym was a huge challenge for me; booking sessions with a Personal Trainer; taking a boot camp; trying indoor rock climbing (I'm afraid of heights) - it was all a bit scary at first but so worth it.
Right now my challenges are more in the brainy and personal department: taking a Master's program and preparing to be a grandma. I'm still sticking with karate but because of the way our club is composed I'm doing more teaching these days instead of learning a ton of new stuff myself. And I'm still taking Group Power and working on increasing my weights and keeping up with superfit instructors half my age. - 5/3/2012 8:27:15 AM
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