Are you a Group Fitness Junkie?

It appears that my Empty Nest Fitness Quest has taken a detour from the road it was originally traveling, and I like it.  Originally, I looked at my hip injury from the Allstar 5K as a set back.  I was frustrated and angry that I  had worked so hard only to be stopped again due to pain resulting from over doing it.  How could I move forward in preparing to run in the Raleigh 10K Mud Run if I couldn't do a 5K without an injury? Would I be able to run in the two 5Ks that I have already scheduled in April??

Check them out here and JOIN me!

Raleigh Rocks - April 10th

Angels Among us 5K - Team Jim

The truth is, the injury propelled me to look into alternative methods of working out. Remember my Valentine's Day date with the Pilates Instructor?  LOVED it!!!!  Yes, I was anxious going into a group fitness class by myself for the first time but once I entered the room, set up my mat, and began stretching my core I forgot all about my insecurities.  I realized all of us in that room were there for the same reason.  We bonded without even speaking and when the class was over and I walked out to my car I felt galvanized and full of energy!! I even met a girl who ran in the same Allstar 5K that I had run in!
I've since taken a second Pilates class and I know I will continue to take the class on a weekly basis.  It's a different beast than cardio workouts and I really enjoy the change.

Speaking of cardio....since I haven't been running I decided to take a Hip Hop Hustle class at the local Y with a friend - ( I know, I'm creating a group Fitness Monster LMAO). If I had to describe the class in one word, it would be HILARIOUS!  We had SO much fun!  Believe me - it's harder than they make it look on MTV.  Just trying to remember the choreography was a workout in itself!!  Some of the girls in the class were kickN it.  My girlfriend and I were....let's just say....fumbling through it.  But, by the end of the class we were still smiling...ok laughing...(at each other).  And I'd be a liar if I didn't admit that when I got home I practiced the routine over again in front of a mirror.  We're gonna try this one again...

I think it's safe to say that I'm becoming addicted to the group fitness programs. And why not?  They're fun, the time flies by and sometimes you don't even feel like you're working out.  It's more like a Cardio Party!!  (Think Turbo Jam!)

What's next on the agenda????

INSANITY!!

Stay tuned......