When you’re going to the gym about four to five times a week, your workout routine can easily become boring. We all need something or someone that’s going to motivate us to work a little bit harder and sweat a little bit more each day. That’s why I take advantage of the classes offered at the Fordham Gym. I’ve rounded up the 5 best classes to take so that hopefully before (or you can wait until after) the holiday season you find new reasons to make going to the gym a priority, and maybe even enjoyable.
1. Krav Maga – Boot Camp
This has easily become my favorite class at the gym. I’ve made sure I go to this class consistently each week because I know the feeling after is so rewarding. Krav Maga is a self-defense system developed for the Israeli military, but the boot camp version is focused on work out exercises from squats to push ups and planks, to actually even giving somebody a piggy back ride. It seems a little unconventional and you might hate yourself when you’re there, but when you’re sore the next day you’ll know it was a success. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the trainer resembles professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy from Dancing with the Stars. He’s a tough love kind of teacher, which is something you’ll just come to accept.
Tuesdays at 6:30
2. Pilates with Sarah
I took this class all the time last year and I’m truly disappointed I can’t make time for it with my schedule this year. For every girl who wants a flat stomach and beautifully sculpted abs, I recommend taking this class. It also requires a lot of inhaling and exhaling exercises, which can always help with managing stress and relieving back pain. Sarah’s teaching has no intimidation factor, but her body is enough to make you want to work hard. We all wish we could look like her at her age, heck at our age now.
Thursdays 4:30
3. Tabata
Tabata is a workout that’s structured to push you with high intensity training for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds, completing 8 rounds for four minutes total. It incorporates squats, planks, crunches, weights and more for a full hour class. I guarantee you’ll be sweating within the first ten minutes. Just remember, change is good!
Wednesdays 1:00
4. Fordham Conditioning with Sarah
Since Sarah’s the teacher, you already know it’ll be a good class. It starts with a cardio warm up then focuses on increasing your muscular endurance, strength and flexibility using free weights, bars, or bands. It’s definitely manageable to get through and not as daunting as the other classes.
Thursdays 5:30
5. Spin with Carmen
Though our spin classes are no Soul Cycle, I think spin is a really cool way to mix up your work out. With the right music and the right teacher motivating you, it’s totally worth the 45 minutes of uncomfortable pain you might feel from your bike. I think that spin classes make it about the mind, body, and soul. (Hence, Soul Cycle.) It should leave you feeling accomplished, like you can do anything as well as at peace with your body, and open your eyes to what you’re really capable of.
Wednesdays 5:30