I finally started my junior year and aside from a few spur-of-the-moment classes, I had completely neglected my freshman year goal of trying every workout class offered by Campus Rec. So, I did what any “sane” person would do and decided to try one each day. Here are my experiences and tips for anyone who wants to try some of Leach’s group fitness classes, even if you don’t do them all in the same week!
Courtesy: Dane Wetton
Monday: Yoga, 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
I slipped off my shoes, out of breath from running up the stairs, and made my way to my mat. In my morning haze, I had forgotten just how unqualified I was. I sat on my yoga mat, thousands of cases of my clumsiness replaying through my mind. Sure, I had done my morning Yoga with Adrienne for a while now, but that definitely didn’t qualify me to do it in public. What if I fell during Warrior’s Pose, making a loud collision, and disturbing everyone’s “inner zen”? Or worse, what if I farted right as the song ended?
“Okay guys, today’s class we’re going to be focusing on strength.”
We started in a child’s pose, making sure to focus on our breath; my anxiety slowly slipping away.
The next hour passed in an array of Downward Facing Dog and Warrior Poses. By the end of the class, neither of my fears had come true. I wiped my mat off and swung my bag over my shoulder, making a mental note to sign up for another yoga class.
Review/Tips: I loved this class and definitely want to make it a regular thing. If you’re looking for a more slow-paced workout, this is the one for you! If you can carve out the space to take it in the morning, I think that’s the best time to take this class as it helps you set your intentions for the day.
Tuesday: F45, 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
I gave my friend, Katie, a look somewhere between “what did we just sign up for” and “is it too late to run.” The room was littered with supplies, only half of which I knew the name of. At the front stood two guys that looked as though they had just stepped out of a frat house.
“We’ll be doing 43 sets in total, we won’t be stopping for water breaks but feel free to stop if you need,” the brunette with shaggy hair said.
I looked toward the door, I could feel my heart pumping and we hadn’t even started cardio.
We didn’t waste much time on warmups, starting straight into the first stations: lunges. We made our way through the stations, moving from resistance bands to bicep curls and so on. Our instructors danced along to the radio when they weren’t encouraging us; they even made sure to turn it up when “Party in the U.S.A” came on. In between reps, Katie and I would even throw in our own spicy moves. Before we knew it, we were at our last station.
Review/Tips: I loved this class. It’s fast-paced, so you feel like you accomplished a lot. It’s only 45 minutes, but it feels like you get a full workout in. I would definitely recommend bringing your water bottle with you to each station instead of leaving it by the door. You don’t have a ton of time for water breaks so this will ensure you get the most out of your workout, while not getting dehydrated.
Wednesday: Hardcore 30, 7:45 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
I walked to the Leach, my muscles already cramping from yesterday’s workout. It’s only 30 minutes, you can do this.
Turns out I could do it, but not without falling. We were halfway through toe touches when my foot caught. In slow motion, I tried to catch myself, throw my hands out, anything to stop the inevitable. Instead, I landed knocking into some girl on the way down. I got back up; thankful we were done with toe touches. I wish I could say I was able to get back on track, but with only 20-seconds reps, I often found myself struggling to get set up and start the exercise before the rep had finished. I left the class not completely feeling the burn but still satisfied. It was the first time I noticed the effects of the challenge. I had fallen and made a complete fool of myself, but I was able to put it past me. My cheeks didn’t even burn when the instructor came over to ask if I was okay. Already, the challenge was giving me a confidence boost.
Review/Tips: I feel like this class is better the second time because you’ll have a better understanding of what the exercises are. Thus, you won’t have to waste time during your short reps stumbling to figure out what you’re doing. Make sure to pay attention in the beginning when the instructor goes over everything and watch your feet during toe touches!
Thursday: Spin45, 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
“Pick a number 1-15” the instructor pointed at a girl to my right.
“12”
“That’s it you got my number,” he said handing her a small origami swan. He explained that he raffled them off at the beginning of every class. He kept this same upbeat energy throughout the entire class, encouraging us with fun anecdotes, such as a race with our friend. His pumped-up energy had me working full-pace the whole time, which is probably why I left the class dripping in sweat.
Review/Tips: I loved how fast-paced this class was. The mood-lightening and upbeat music make it a really energetic class. I would suggest doing it when you don’t have anything afterward, or bringing a towel and soap so that you can shower in the locker rooms. Also, the Leach offers small towels you can use to wipe off with during class, just ask for them at the front desk.
Courtesy: Bruce Mars
Friday: Total Body Sculpt, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
I set my weights down by my mat, surprised I had made it to the last day of my challenge, even more surprised that my soreness was slowly starting to fade. We started off with a brief marching in place, then quickly got into arms, lots of arms. I looked over to see if Katie was feeling as worn out as I was– she was. As if noticing our struggle, the instructor switched to legs.
By the time we finished we had worked on our whole body, my soreness once again returning, but I didn’t care. I had proved to myself that I could complete this challenge, and that’s all that mattered.
Review/Tips: This class is good for anyone who wants to learn more exercises and can easily be applied at home. Make sure to grab two different size weights though, you’ll want to start off with a heavier one, but you’ll quickly need to give yourself a break with a lighter weight.
I wish I could say I walked out, fist in the air, breakfast-club style, but that’s not true. What is true is I had an amazing time, challenging myself and trying all these classes. I even decided to take weekly classes, although definitely not every day! By the end of the challenge, I had a greater passion to work out, and I could already feel my confidence building.
Want to start going to classes at the Leach? Here’s all you need to know:
What time should I go?
The best time to go really just depends on both your schedule and the class. For instance, I would recommend doing yoga in the morning; whereas if you’re worried about being sweaty throughout the day, I would save F45 and Spin for the night. That being said, if you want to try Spin, but are only available in the morning, the Leach locker rooms have showers!
Should I bring friends?
I think friends are a great way to make the class fun. They also make you more reliable and really help keep you motivated. Even when Katie couldn’t go to the same classes as me, she still did the challenge with me. Having someone else to text about it was really motivating. That being said, this challenge made me realize that it’s completely okay and not at all awkward to go by yourself. In fact, if you think you’ll focus too much on your friends I would suggest going solo!
What class should I take?
While I think every class is worth trying at least once, my favorite class was F45, followed by spin and yoga. I feel the fast-pace exercises these classes offer helped me get the most out of my workout, and also prevented me from getting distracted. Other classes I tried before the challenge that I really enjoyed were barre and kickboxing.
No matter what you decide, it’s important that you make your workouts fun and the classes at Leach are the perfect way to do this!
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