Dooley Noted: 2/4/2015
I’ve been to my share of group fitness classes.
They’re fun. I get the appeal.
Fitness is about moving well and then building stability and strength on a solid foundation.
But I rarely see this happen in group fitness classes.
I see people setting themselves up for discomfort.
I see people who are too flexible going to yoga classes to stretch even more.
I see people who usually carry around a 20-pound handbag or toddler, now lifting 2-pound pink dumbbells as they sweat to some hip hop music.
I see people who sit on the transit, just to sit at work all day, to sit on a train to the gym – to take a spin class, where they are again sitting.
I see faulty push-ups, lazy crunches, and overhead pressing with immobile shoulders.
But I’m not watching their classes.
I see them in my office, getting treatment for their pain.
The problem with the class is that it’s not individualized for the needs of the client.
When people are left to their own devices, they choose to do things they’re already proficient at doing.
Flexible people stretch more and avoid strength.
Strong people lift more and ignore flexibility.
And people who need both strength and flexibility choose excessive cardio, thinking that must be fitness.
You need a program that highlights your needs.
You need to do more things to improve where you fall short.
But you like the group setting. I get that! Moral support and friendship are two huge attributes to fitness classes.
You can gain fitness in a group setting.
It’s called semi-private training.
You get an individualized workout program, based on your fitness needs and goals.
But you perform your program with a group of 3 or 6.
An expert trainer is assigned to every three people, so you always have a watchful eye on you.
What’s the point of a fitness class if it’s going to get you hurt?
Semi-private training is the perfect type of fitness class for these reasons:
1. You strengthen your weak points.
2. You have a group to motivate you.
3. You have an expert coach’s eye on you.
4. Your odds of getting hurt plummet.
5. You’re not just working out to make sweat. You’re getting results.
Check out the Catalyst SPORT website to try our semi-private training in Midtown Manhattan.
http://www.catalystsportnyc.com/semiprivate_training/
If you’re not a New Yorker, look for semi-private training in your area.
It’s time to stop taking random classes and get focused on getting results.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley