by Milinda Atallian
Michelangelo once said, “Your greatness is measured by your horizons.” According to Micheal Phelps, “You can’t put a limit on anything; the more you dream, the further you get.” One more for good measure: “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up,” famously stated by Babe Ruth. The point is, no matter your limitations, you can do anything (or, at the very least, you can certainly try).
Let’s take that notion and consider the fantastic group fitness classes at the HAC. Some of the classes’ names may be intimidating. For example, BodyAttack™ (yikes), HIIT (um, no, thank you), and even BodyBalance™ (if you feel like you have none)—just the names alone can be overwhelming for someone new to the class.
On top of that, if you have a physical limitation, whether permanent, an injury, a recent surgery, etc., it can be easy to assume that you can’t take many classes and difficult to judge which ones you can. So, allow me to make those decisions a little easier for you: most people can take most group fitness classes. Our instructors are available to help you get the most out of your workouts.
To prove our point, we have asked several of our HAC members who take classes regularly how they’ve adjusted to make each class work for them.
Natalie and Matt
Natalie and Matt are both part of the EPIC program at HAC. They regularly take BodyStep™, 5Rounds, and Gentle Movement.
To meet their needs, neither Natalie nor Matt puts risers under their bench for BodyStep. In 5Rounds, Natalie runs when there is shuffling and uses light instead of heavy weights. Matt similarly chooses the low-impact options in 5Rounds when he needs to and sticks with light dumbbells when they are being used.
Both express the importance of group fitness classes in not only facilitating a great workout but also getting to know other members. “I get healthy and fit and increase my cardio endurance,” Natalie says, “which is my goal at EPIC. I also practice my social skills and make a lot of friends when I take group exercise classes.”
Matt concurs. In his words, taking group fitness classes “keeps me active, helps me lose weight, and builds strength and balance. People make me feel very welcome when I take group exercise classes.”
CONNIE
Connie takes BodyPump™, BodyStep™, and Core 45 weekly.
Because of neck and shoulder issues, Connie cannot raise her hands over her head. To make the workouts work for her, she performs two high pulls instead of a clean and press in BodyPump and alternates it with a single row. Instead of overhead presses with the weights and/or bar, she does mac-raises. And while performing planks, Connie uses her forearms as the base rather than her hands.
Each class leaves Connie feeling “strong, healthy, and mentally balanced.” She emphasizes that, for her, “working out is not a choice. It is a part of my weekly routine, and everything else takes a back seat.”
It is awesome to see someone like Connie in the classes at HAC. Her modifications are a good example of how there are many ways to make each class work for you, even while suffering shoulder or neck issues.
BETH
Beth had double hip replacement surgery a year ago. After her operation, she eased back into a workout routine with Warm Water Walking and Water in Motion. Working in the water has allowed her to “gain confidence in my new joints and go through the range of motion without added balance or weight.” Once cleared by her surgeon, Beth was land bound!
She started with light weights in BodyPump™ and slowly built herself back up to all the things she was accustomed to before her surgery. Today, Beth continues to modify as needed and regularly takes Barre, BodyPump, Core, and Everyday Strength. Occasionally, Beth will add a LesMills Strength and Grit class. She also swims laps and uses the rower once a week. Oh, and she walks…a lot!
It is amazing that someone who has been through major surgery can make all that exercise work for her. To do this, Beth often does not use a band for leg work. She works at her own pace, shortens her levers by bending her knees, and tries to focus on form over speed.
MARGARET AND SANDY
Lastly, Margaret and Sandy are one of the favorite duos of mid-morning classes at HAC. With a combined age of 173, both ladies are a sight to see in Studio 1.
These two take BodyPump™ on Mondays and Fridays, BodyAttack™ on Tuesdays, and BodyStep™ on Wednesdays each week.
Both ladies proclaim that “we do not do burpees.” Sandy sits on a ball or a step during the classes. She keeps with the beat while moving her arms and legs from a seated position. The ladies work at their own pace and “just have fun!”
When asked about the benefits of taking classes, Margaret and Sandy agreed: “It keeps us moving, and we get to see our friends.”
During our Q&A, Sandy was reminded of a quote by fitness guru Jack LanLanne: “That rocking chair will get you every time.” So, these ladies intend to keep moving. Their presence is an inspiring reminder that anyone can do anything, regardless of age or limitations. There are always ways to make the workouts work for you!
Our excellent instructors will always offer options and modifications to make each class attainable for everyone who attends. The best way to take advantage of these offerings is to introduce yourself to the instructor before class. Let them know you are new to the format; they will not only give you suggestions but also support you during the class with modifications and help you set up whatever equipment you need to get the most out of the class.
The goal is always for the members of HAC to feel successful when they leave a group fitness class – no matter what the class is. Just because you may not be doing the same things in the same way as other people does not mean that you are not getting the same benefits as everyone around you.
Love this! Thanks for sharing 🙂