I remember when I first started taking group classes. I looked for the least busy time slot, kept to myself and avoided others. Don’t even get me started if someone was too close to me in yoga. Namaste- now get off my mat.
Now that couldn’t be farther from the case. People bring energy and I need that energy to go deeper in my backbend, go deeper in my front squat and pick up speed at the end of a run. I cross my fingers for a packed class and it makes my day when someone touches me in yoga.
I have the energy of others to thank for the success of tonight’s workout.
I made the 6pm WOD after a hot power yoga class. The WOD looks deceiving but it was mentally challenging because of its length and cardiovascularly challenging because of the movements completed witch such little rest.
The deal was you complete five burpees and one bear complex (see below) every minute on the minute. All movements must be completed within each 60 seconds. If you don’t complete it in time or take a minute to rest, that’s the number you count (although you still go on to finish all 30 minutes).
The Bear Complex:
1. Power Clean
2. Front Squat
3. Push-Press
4. Back Squat
5. Push-Press
Most people weren’t hitting 30 consecutive minutes. I began the workout planning on going far but certainly not hitting 30.
At 25 I was out of breath and the bear complex was slow and hard. I decided I hit my limit and would sit out a round, making 25 my score. I sat there after the timer signaled another round, sad I didn’t make it to the end even though I’d be completing the rest of the workout. All of the sudden one of the coaches and athletes next to me told me to get down there and go, that I could do it. I said I didn’t have time to complete the round and was sitting out. They disagreed.
Boom I slammed to the ground, banged out five burpees and whipped through that bear complex faster than I knew was possible.
I finished all 30 rounds exhausted, shaky and oh-so-satisfied. All thanks to the energy of those around me.
Awesome.
Do you like others close to you in classes?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the energy of group fitness classes, the closer the better!
Sana recently posted..My First Outdoor Run In Vibram Five Fingers
Isn’t it amazing what others can see in us when we can’t see it ourselves? Nice work, Ashley!
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy recently posted..The Rehearsal
If it wasn’t for others spurning me on, I wouldn’t get through most of my tempo runs/speed sessions/strength training! Yay for working out with others.
JenJ recently posted..Good Morning World!
Nice job! You are just killing the workouts lately!
As a former vegetarian, former vegan, now moderate-everything eater, I just wanted to say that I’m happy for you. Sounds like the dietary changes are working for you!
Ashley recently posted..Sunset Hike
Thank you for NOT using instagram in this post!!!!
I love the energy of others, even if it’s just one other person. I recently tried Crossfit for the first time and while the workout kicked my butt and left me feeling good, it was the group dynamic that really as me wanting more. Love it!
Gabby @ Gabby’s Gluten-Free recently posted..July 4th Recipe Roundup
I haven’t taken a group exercise class in a long time but I did enjoy it when I did. I just got the turbofire dvds and I don’t remember being so uncoordinated in high school so now unless its a hot yoga class I’d be too paranoid I was making a fool out of myself in coordination required classes! I realize that no one is really all that interested in what everyone else looks like, its just one of those things you have to get over.
Amanda recently posted..Experimenting
That’s crazy workouts! wowsers. I don’t do enough group stuff. I’ve even kept my yoga practice at home for the last several months. pitiful, I miss that energy.
Carolina John recently posted..Holiday Race Report
I wish I was tough enough for a good Crossfit workout! I’m such a baby and as a yoga teacher, I’m totally biased
Erin Motz recently posted..Tales of Adult Babyhood