Curious about people who don't take classes

cclala

How do you guys do it? Honestly, if there's not an instructor to push me physically and mix it up, and moves to keep me preoccupied to stave off the boredom, I won't work out nearly as hard. All I do on the treadmill is dream of cupcakes and count down the seconds until I'm done, but in a class 45 minutes will pass before I know it and I'm drenched in sweat feeling great.

I'm just curious how you supermen and superwomen get the same kind of work out on your own, and assuming you use the machines in lieu of taking classes, I'm curious as to why? I'd love to hear more about the other side of the coin! I've always wondered this.

Leannek74

I honestly don't know why I've never taken a class.... I keep meaning to.

AggieCass09

I sign up for running races so a) I have a financial motivator and b) my competitive nature takes over. This way my work outs have a purpose (to increase my time/distance) and I'm not just lookin at the clock.

Good luck

bellanean

I put in my ear buds and go at it! I have never took a class so I cant compare but last night I saw one going on and it was just a room packed with a bunch of ppl. I dont know if its because its the start of the year and thats why it was so busy, but it did not appeal to me. I dont want someone 5 inches away from me all sweaty.. gross. I don't enjoy doing the machines but I have to if I want any results!

Gogo76

I personally would love to take classes, but usually the classes that I want to take do not coincide with my schedule. :ohwell:

So, I grab a magazine and my iPod and I get on a machine and rock out to some upbeat music. Plus, the magazine blocks the timer on the machine, so I don't focus on how much longer I have to go. :bigsmile:

fancyladymeek

I do exercise videos. Do those count as classes?

Also, I LOVE to walk, and I'm absolutely nuts about hiking. My idea of the perfect day is an entire day spent in the backcountry (we live in Seattle, so we live in a giant backyard essentially!)

I'm under doc's orders to not walk anything steeper than railroad grade till my knee heals, so I walk around my neighborhood, on nature trails, and around the 40 acre off-leash dog park. I have 2 dogs so walking helps them as well.

Find what you love....and do it till you drop!

SHBoss1673

I do better without a class. I tend to be someone who pushes myself, I find that in a class (especially since I'm a trainer) I tend to focus on doing everything perfect at the expense of pushing myself a little. When I'm alone and nobody knows me (pretty much) I can kill myself, sometimes look a little silly doing it, and not care a bit.

Plus I like to mix things up. 1/2 way through a session I might decide to add something harder into a routine. For instance, I decided yesterday to run about 5 miles. After about 20 minutes on the treadmill I got really bored and jumped off, changed the settings to 5% incline, lowered the speed to 5.5 mph and ran backwards uphill for 5 minutes (try that, it's brutal). Then I went to the bench and did jump ups for another 4 minutes. Cal burn was about the same as if I ran for about 35 to 40 minutes (about 450 or so) but I felt so much better about my workout.

cclala

I personally would love to take classes, but usually the classes that I want to take do not coincide with my schedule. :ohwell:

So, I grab a magazine and my iPod and I get on a machine and rock out to some upbeat music. Plus, the magazine blocks the timer on the machine, so I don't focus on how much longer I have to go. :bigsmile:

Actually, yeah, the few times I've read on the treadmill it helps the time go faster. But I start to get dizzy. If it's not one thing it's another!

NikkiDerrig386

Actually I loose more calories with my own workouts. I just cant get into some classes; either the music sux or the instructors have the same old routine. Plus I have my own music. I switch it up though. I have several playlists and I have a work out log so I make my own workouts. I get more pumped when I have a goal on paper and a kick *kitten* playlist to go with it. Also, to switch it up I do take classes once in a while.

debbyrae3

What I did when I worked out at the gym (I do P90X at home now) is I would find a treadmill close to a TV (there was a room off to the side at the YMCA I worked out at), pick out a good entertaining show and set the treadmill to 3.5-4 mph pace and just go and focus on the TV the whole time.

cclala

I do better without a class. I tend to be someone who pushes myself, I find that in a class (especially since I'm a trainer) I tend to focus on doing everything perfect at the expense of pushing myself a little. When I'm alone and nobody knows me (pretty much) I can kill myself, sometimes look a little silly doing it, and not care a bit.

Plus I like to mix things up. 1/2 way through a session I might decide to add something harder into a routine. For instance, I decided yesterday to run about 5 miles. After about 20 minutes on the treadmill I got really bored and jumped off, changed the settings to 5% incline, lowered the speed to 5.5 mph and ran backwards uphill for 5 minutes (try that, it's brutal). Then I went to the bench and did jump ups for another 4 minutes. Cal burn was about the same as if I ran for about 35 to 40 minutes (about 450 or so) but I felt so much better about my workout.

That makes sense, esp if you're a trainer and know your stuff! I need someone to show me what to do, or else I look like a fraggle.

jennylynn84

i'm in the same boat with Gogo. I would love to take classes, but most gyms seem to have very few after 5 and I work 9-5. I don't know how anyone takes the classes offered, but that's just me.

Personally, I HATE the machines. I'll do it if I have to and it always seems like a good burn, but I get bored to. I tend to do 20 minutes on a bike and 20 on elliptical. Good for the muscles and for my boredom. I watch TV or listen to music.

I play racquetball though. Its fun and interesting and a good calorie burn if you're playing hard. And I want to WIN!

I also swim occasionally. I like it and its good for my joints but after about 15 laps I start going "what time is it? Am I done yet?"

DanOhh

I love to listen to comedy shows on my ipod, that takes my mind off the 'dreadmill'. Also, switch up you speeds on the 'mill',i.e. start off at a sprint, then slow down to a slow pace, back up to your adv. speed and repeat. Switch it up about every .2 miles. It keeps you more occupied.

cclala

I do exercise videos. Do those count as classes?

Also, I LOVE to walk, and I'm absolutely nuts about hiking. My idea of the perfect day is an entire day spent in the backcountry (we live in Seattle, so we live in a giant backyard essentially!)

I'm under doc's orders to not walk anything steeper than railroad grade till my knee heals, so I walk around my neighborhood, on nature trails, and around the 40 acre off-leash dog park. I have 2 dogs so walking helps them as well.

Find what you love....and do it till you drop!

Videos totally count! I've wanted a Kinect forever....I hear Dance Central is a blast.

NikkiDerrig386

I personally would love to take classes, but usually the classes that I want to take do not coincide with my schedule. :ohwell:

So, I grab a magazine and my iPod and I get on a machine and rock out to some upbeat music. Plus, the magazine blocks the timer on the machine, so I don't focus on how much longer I have to go. :bigsmile:

Rule of thumb if you can read while working out you are not working out to your full potential. Why dont you make a work out on paper to get you more pumped?

Enigmatica

I can't STAND having anyone yell at me, don't like a gym atmosphere, don't like working out with strangers, so classes are NOT for me, lol. No freaking way. I won't even listen to Jillian on DVD. But I'm perfectly content to walk for 3-6 hours per day and use the equipment I have at home, and it's worked very well for me. Everyone is different.

HotMomma86

I've never stepped foot into a gym and have lost about 13lbs since November. I finally got to the point of enough is enough and I need to do this for me. I stopped with the "too tired" , "not enough time", and all those other excuses and found out that when you REALLY want something, nothing is going to get in the way. I work out first thing in the morning and sometimes run the treadmill at night. My kids are my motivation, as well as looking hot

cclala

i'm in the same boat with Gogo. I would love to take classes, but most gyms seem to have very few after 5 and I work 9-5. I don't know how anyone takes the classes offered, but that's just me.

Personally, I HATE the machines. I'll do it if I have to and it always seems like a good burn, but I get bored to. I tend to do 20 minutes on a bike and 20 on elliptical. Good for the muscles and for my boredom. I watch TV or listen to music.

I play racquetball though. Its fun and interesting and a good calorie burn if you're playing hard. And I want to WIN!

I also swim occasionally. I like it and its good for my joints but after about 15 laps I start going "what time is it? Am I done yet?"

Yeah, we're in the same boat. Luckily the gyms here offer classes until about 9pm, or I'll try to squeeze one in at lunch. Have you considered trying a video?

spuzo

I dont take classes simply because I'm cheap and I think I can exercise for free outdoors so why pay for exercise classes. Ive taken up urban hiking and I LOVE it! I cant sing the praises of it enough. What I love most is the freedom. I can do it anywhere in the city. I can change route at the drop of a hat, and either do scenic parks or city streets.

Aeriel

I do everything at home/work because I travel for work and can never get to a gym on a regular basis. So, my exercise repertoire includes (weather and location dependent): exercise bike, treadmill, elliptical trainer, workout DVD's, walking, walk/jog intervals, snowshoeing, swimming, horseback riding. I would love to take an aerobic kick boxing or zumba class, but it is a waste of money until I am home more often.

SHBoss1673

I do better without a class. I tend to be someone who pushes myself, I find that in a class (especially since I'm a trainer) I tend to focus on doing everything perfect at the expense of pushing myself a little. When I'm alone and nobody knows me (pretty much) I can kill myself, sometimes look a little silly doing it, and not care a bit.

Plus I like to mix things up. 1/2 way through a session I might decide to add something harder into a routine. For instance, I decided yesterday to run about 5 miles. After about 20 minutes on the treadmill I got really bored and jumped off, changed the settings to 5% incline, lowered the speed to 5.5 mph and ran backwards uphill for 5 minutes (try that, it's brutal). Then I went to the bench and did jump ups for another 4 minutes. Cal burn was about the same as if I ran for about 35 to 40 minutes (about 450 or so) but I felt so much better about my workout.

That makes sense, esp if you're a trainer and know your stuff! I need someone to show me what to do, or else I look like a fraggle.

don't sell yourself short. Fraggle's burn a lot of cals.

you don't need to be a trainer to get a great workout built. google indoor boot camp routines. there's TONS of great ideas out there for someone, and you need little or no money and just a flat space a few yards wide to do most of it.

cclala

I can't STAND having anyone yell at me, don't like a gym atmosphere, don't like working out with strangers, so classes are NOT for me, lol. No freaking way. I won't even listen to Jillian on DVD. But I'm perfectly content to walk for 3-6 hours per day and use the equipment I have at home, and it's worked very well for me. Everyone is different.

Haha, Jillian scares me too. It sounds like you've found something that works for you, but just to clear something up....no one yells:-) I would hate that! Maybe if it's like a bootcamp class. But in my dance classes the instructors are super funny and chill. Anyway, congrats on your progress!

LJ0125

I tend not to take classes because the time the classes occur don't fit into my schedule. I am a teacher and my day ends at 3:10. Spin classes and such are not until 6:30 at my gym. If I go home at 3:10...I know I will not make it back to class at 6:30. I'll be relaxed and unmotivated. I go to the gym right afterschool. I watch the Ellen Degeneres show for a half hour and then Oprah for a half hour. Time flies by for me.

blakjac6

I have never taken a class. I keep myself determined to fit into my smaller jeans. I try them on, they don't fit, I hit the gym. It's all in your mind. I don't need someone pushing me because i'm strong enough to push myself. Anyone is strong enough, you just need to search. If you dream of cupcakes, ask yourself..."how many calories do cupcakes have? If I eat a cupcake, the workout will be for nothing". Trust me, you can lose weight and stay on track without wasting money on a class!!

etarre

I do classes a lot, but also sometimes I'm in the mood to zone out and watch bad TV without anyone telling me what to do.

I do think I push myself harder in classes, and try to make it to a certain number a week to keep myself honest.

At the same time, I agree with some of you who said that classes can be de-motivational if the music is bad or the instructor is annoying, etc. So I mostly go to classes that I know that I will enjoy and that will challenge me.

hpsnickers1

I stuck a TV in front of the treadmill. That helps on the long, lower intensity sessions. For my HIITs on the treadmill I'm too busy moving the speed/incline up and down to watch TV. Plus I'm huffing and puffing too hard to be able to focus on TV

And I have 4 of Jillian's workout DVDs. It takes some effort to force myself but I'm doing it.

THIS IS ALL AT MY HOUSE. I CAN'T AFFORD TO JOIN A GYM.

SHBoss1673

I can't STAND having anyone yell at me, don't like a gym atmosphere, don't like working out with strangers, so classes are NOT for me, lol. No freaking way. I won't even listen to Jillian on DVD. But I'm perfectly content to walk for 3-6 hours per day and use the equipment I have at home, and it's worked very well for me. Everyone is different.

that's my favorite part. The only workout I can do is one where I'm being told "I suck", "I don't work hard enough" , "that's not enough weight"...etc.

I guess it's all about what you're used to. When I was a teen I played football through high school and college, there's a lot of yelling in football practice, it's constructive, but it's brutal sometimes. You get used to it, the first time you hit someone really hard and realize you won that battle because you trained harder, that's when you smile and realize it was all worth it. To a degree that's how I am with life, I don't really ENJOY most of my "alone time" workouts (not like I enjoy my sports), but I enjoy the fruits of them. I.E. I'm better at my sports, I don't cringe when I look in the mirror any more. I can walk up 4 or 5 flights of stairs without huffing and puffing any more...etc.

cclala

I tend not to take classes because the time the classes occur don't fit into my schedule. I am a teacher and my day ends at 3:10. Spin classes and such are not until 6:30 at my gym. If I go home at 3:10...I know I will not make it back to class at 6:30. I'll be relaxed and unmotivated. I go to the gym right afterschool. I watch the Ellen Degeneres show for a half hour and then Oprah for a half hour. Time flies by for me.

Ah yes, the apartment vortex....I know it well.

You're lucky good tv is on when you're done! For me it's the CW or local news at 6:30. zzzzzzzzzzz

DianaPowerUp

I burn more calories if I take classes, in general. For ex., spin classes push me MUCH harder than I would ever do by myself on a bike. Same with weight/power classes. If it were up to me, I'd lift a few, and be like, "ok, enough reps of that". The instructors at my gym HAVE to change their routines and music often, so it always keeps the classes fresh and challenging. I do lots of different kinds of classes, so that I don't plateau on one type of exercise. Once it gets warmer, I'll add swimming - that's the only thing that I do well on my own without being pushed. I can walk for long distances on my own, but I hate doing that on a treadmill, now it's too cold to go outside, and it just eats up too much time, so I'd rather take a spin class and burn off more calories in less time.

thankyou4thevenom

I can not afford the gym or classes right now. So I have to motivate myself.

When I did go to the gym I set myself mini goals on the treadmill when I got bored. Run for a minute, walk for a minute. Can I push myself and keep going for the next 30 seconds? Small goals one after the other. I usually ended up doing a lot more using that method.

I've ended up choosing a routine that keeps me interested. so Couch to 5k on day one, exercise video on day two and Wii Fit on day three. it's keeping me going at the moment. That and watching a lot of TV like the Biggest Loser. That always makes me get up off my bottom and do something like sit ups or my exercise bike.

gdelany

I do best if I work out first thing in the morning. The only class they offer before 8:30 at my gym is a spin class. Not only is it packed, but I have a hard time with bikes due to my knee (whoever said that bikes are good for knees is wrong. It's the most painful of all activities). I just bring my Kindle or put movies on my iPod. Before I know it, my hour is up. If I'm doing weights, I just listen to a great album. But everyone is different. If classes are what work for you, then keep doing it!