Keepin' up the mojo

I've never really been a fan of group fitness classes. Something about sweating it out while staring at the jiggling butt in front of me just reminds me of traumatic gym classes from junior high. Plus, I really dislike it when fitness instructors subtly nag you about not quite doing a move with enough gusto. Just about the only upside to fitness classes is getting feedback about posture.

Typically, I work out by myself. I check my figure in the mirror as I lift free weights, and I run on the treadmill, track, or outdoors depending on my mood (and the weather). But I've noticed that I sometimes get bored with my workouts, and I'm hoping that maintaining variety will help me continue my workouts past my own dreaded three month mark. I work out three months, I lose something like 5 pounds or so, and then I get bored and discouraged.

To that end, I decided to look for new options. One day a week, I'm doing the exercises from physical therapy. On two other days, I run and lift weights. But on two days a week, I'm participating in a group fitness class. Yes, I've sucked it up, dealt with my gym issue, and found a group class I actually like. Thankfully, I get to do this without having to stare at any jiggling; I'm a deep-water aerobics class.

I go Monday and Wednesday. It's the most tolerable class I've joined; that's about what I can say about it. I like the fact that people can't really watch me work out, and I can push myself as hard as I want during the pool time. I've also figured out a way to do the pool workout without getting my hair wet, so this improves my view of the class.

I don't think I'm a class convert. I like going, but I still prefer working out alone. But I think this will keep enough variety in my schedule that I'll be able to keep working out at the gym until nicer spring weather allows me to head back outdoors.