After this fine New Year’s Eve, and a ~fun~ first semester, I decided it was my goal to get in shape. However, I hate cardio, working out, and honestly do not know how to. After getting some friends on board and I started my journey and tried multiple alternative exercise classes Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan has to offer. In total, I went to four different classes, but left with hundreds of thoughts and if I am lucky – a way to finally get in shape.
1)
The first class I went to was Beginner Pole at the new studio Polarity. And yes, I did try pole dancing. Five friends and I got up early on a saturday morning to snag a free first class and see the brand new studio and some demonstrations. When I first saw the advertisement for this new class over break, I was instantly intrigued. I started constructing dreams of becoming a pro pole dancer until I came back to school and was finally able to try a class.
On a fine Wednesday night, I stripped down to just shorts and a tshirt, showed the back of my knees to the rest of the world, as I was advised, and walked into the class. It was an hour long and consisted of a warm up, learning basic moves and a small choreographed dance.
Honestly, it was really hard. I did not have any of the strength needed to lift myself up and climb or swing around the pole. It took at least ten times before I was successfully able to do half of a technique I was taught. My hands would slide and I would get frustrated, but watching the instructor, I could really see how empowering it is. Once mastered, it looks like you are weightless bird flying in the air. I had dreams of reaching this level of expertise, but it will not be fulfilled. Onto the next class.
Rate: 5/102)
The second class I tried was discovered by one of my best friends. We both have years of experience with dance, but both stopped in high school and wanted to pick it up again. After hearing about a beginner’s hip hop class, we got so excited to get to do something we both really enjoyed and loved. The class was for adults, but since we live in Ann Arbor, that translated to college students, which was perfect for us. The studio was called Dance Theatre Studio and the class was only twelve dollars.
We went in hopeful, but even though the teacher was very vibrant and welcoming, it wasn’t the class for us. If you are looking for a beginner’s dance or Jazz class, this class is perfect, but we needed a little more to raise our heart beat and get us moving. It consisted of a warm up, floor exercises and a basic routine and a diverse group of students looking to have fun. It’s a great class to try with friends and is really for beginners. If you have little to no experience, this is an awesome way to try dance, but if you have had prior training I would look for a higher level. Again, onto the next class.
Rate: 4/103)
My third try was Hot Yoga at Center For Yoga. I have done Hot Yoga a mere one time before in my life but I went in ready to sweat. After two not-so-fulfilling classes, I wanted to work hard and feel good. I walked in, signed up for my first FREE (!!!) class, settled in and started to feel the heat. And man, did I feel the heat. Over and over and over again. But I loved it. The class is a detox and workout in one.
The class is very inclusive, but very focused on the individual yogi. The instructor would teach a flow, consisting of a few different poses and moves, and after a few rounds, it was handed over to you. Although it was difficult to follow the moves, no one judges if you need to stare at the person in front of you to keep up with the ~flow~. It took some time, but by the end I somewhat got the hang of it. To be honest, I felt like a new person after and I totally got hooked. I totally recommend if you are looking out for a good workout that is not cardio.
Rate: 8/10
4) The last class I went to was Zumba, a Group X class, at the CCRB. I had been meaning to try one of these classes after passing by them the very few times I went to the gym first semester (sometime life is just too hard to work out). The day pass I bought was only five dollars, and if you like the classes, I highly recommend buying a unlimited semester pass for 55 dollars! You really get your money’s worth. It is also really easy to find time on the Michigan app if you are ever confused how or when to get started.
I have done Zumba a few times before, and I have always loved how it was Cardio that was not as boring as running in place or in circles. I get bored way too easily and lose motivation literally within the first two minutes. But this class, and the awesome high energy instructor Andrea, was so fast paced and exciting I didn’t even realize I was finally fitting cardio into my workout.
The session consisted of cardio, squat, arm and cool down songs that all were accompanied by blasting latino music and pop hits. My heart rate increased immediately and I found myself jumping all around and shaking my hips. I finally found a workout that made me smile and feel in control of my body. One of the best parts is that I finally am bringing dance back in my life, even though it is a modified version. If this sounds like anything that would interest you, hit me up on wednesdays and sundays, where I will be found Zumba-ing it up.
~LET’S GET PHYSICAL~
Images courtesy of Giphy.