Resistance Training:
A lot of gyms and studios focus on balance so, in your search for a fitness class, you may have to dig a bit harder to find strict resistance training programs for groups. Some studios offer classes that are solely centered on strength-building, like Novo Body in Encino, California and ChampionTone Fitness in Murfressboro, Tennessee. Working with free weights, kettlebells, resistance bands, calisthenics (body weight), and TRX (suspension) all fall under this category.
Flexibility:
Of course, you could achieve this one on your own by simply stretching post-workout while your muscles are warm and supple, but it’s not uncommon to skip this part because discipline. Yoga is a popular modality because while it improves mobility, it also improves strength. There are plenty of Yoga disciplines to choose from, including Vinyasa, Power and Bikram. There’s even been a recent rise of more innovative yoga classes like Chicago’s R&B Yoga. With their loaded class list and community initiatives, Embrace Yoga DC, in Washington, D.C, is also studio to consider. Mat and Reformer Pilates, pole, and ballet also fall under this category, helping to improve mobility, strength, and posture.
So, if just looking at the explosive heavy lifting in the gym makes your knees ache or that step aerobics class has you ready to run for the hills, there are plenty of other ways to get moving. Continue to explore your options!
Jasmine Danielle is a Los Angeles based dancer and fitness trainer. She received her BFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has studied with FiTour, the National Federation of Personal Trainers, and the Equinox Group Fitness Training Institute. Jasmine is currently a Group Fitness Instructor for Equinox, Everybody Los Angeles, and Sandbox Fitness. Her fitness modalities include ballet, dance cardio, barre fitness, TRX, treadmill interval training, cardio kickboxing, jump rope, indoor cycling, and metabolic conditioning.