Gym Vs. Gym Classes

What is the hardest part about going to the gym and going to gym classes?

... For me, the hardest part for both is getting yourself there. Whether it's getting yourself out of bed or booking your place online, you need willpower, determination and motivation to get yourself there.

Depending on how motivational you are about getting fit it is easy enough to get yourself there. Gym classes are booked and have a specific time to go to which slightly pushes you to go more than what the regular gym session tends to do. I seem to forger (sometimes), that the gym itself is open for you to go at any time and therefore means it is more flexible so you can fit it into your daily routine.

I used to be a gym fanatic and was totally against gym classes because I thought to get fit, the gym was the best way to do it. But, now I have realised since being at university that going to gym classes are a lot more fun at times, and can push you even more than you would have done in a regular gym session. They push you to your limit and you come out of the class feeling like you have done a proper work out. So, I would never knock both because they are great, hence why I like having them both in my routine. I find that because the gym classes are so intense (which is a good thing) I always have the gym as my 'day off' kind of day, by doing leg day/ an ab session. This means that I won't do as much cardio in the gym, and I will work on toning myself and using the weights a lot more (I purposely choose high intensity cardio gym classes so I don't have to do as much cardio in the gym, so it does depend on what classes you choose - I highly recommend spin/ keiser cycle). I have found that my body is getting into a much better shape by doing this on/off kind of routine with the classes Vs gym.

It is up to you what gym path you choose but I personally enjoy doing a mixture. I find that gym classes push you to the maximum because you kind of compete with everyone around you. You also have the gym instructor motivating you and pushing you to your absolute maximum (but don't be frightened by this because it is honestly worthwhile). Depending on what class you decide to go to, depends on what you want to achieve. For example, body pump, I would say, is more for toning, in comparison to body attack, which is a lot of cardio joined with some conditioning training. You sweat during both types of classes, but obviously the cardio classes tend to generate the most sweat which, for me, is a good sign of a hard work out.

Another thing I have recently added to my exercise plan is to do my leg raises (abs) and squat challenge to the 'bring sally up, bring sally down' song. And, I am trying to do this everyday, I am 2 weeks in and already can see a difference! I will end up having to mix it up a little (making the exercises harder), but for now, it's working a treat! 

After going to both, either a hard work out in the gym, or going to a motivational gym class you will honestly find yourself walking away and feeling great, fit and healthy. It might actually drive you further away from the chocolate and ice cream and closer to the fruit and vegetables. But obviously, having a balanced diet and having both is absolutely fine and great to have.

So there is no versus between the gym and gym classes because I believe a mixture really helps motivate yourself to get fit and healthy.

Another last-minute tip for motivation: Buying yourself some new gym gear, whether it's just one pair of new gym leggings/ a gym top, this can sometimes motivate you to go (I am guilty of treating myself to some last month :D )

Kristina x