The gym is not for everyone, we get that. As much as we love our facility, we understand that it may not be for everyone. Maybe you do not feel comfortable, or you just are not sure what to do. Even though the gym is not your scene, there are still other great ways to be active. One of those ways is group classes!
Group classes can be a variety of styles of exercise from low intensity to high, rhythm-based, and are great for beginners and experienced exercisers. Group classes provide variety and keep things interesting each session. A large reason why folks turn away from exercising in a gym is that boredom starts to set in, especially for those that may not know how to create effective workout plans. Doing the same thing for months on end turn into an uninteresting routine that you do not want to do.
Group classes also add a component that the gym is not able to provide you as effectively. That is the community and social interaction. Classes in a group setting naturally have the aspect of interacting with those around you, whether it is doing exercises together or working together towards a common goal. Interacting with like-minded people will slowly start to create a community to allow people to feel a connection with those around them and establish social circles that they may not have made otherwise. People are craving social interactions after two-plus years of on-and-off isolation.
Not only do group classes help with fulfilling social needs, but they can also assist with accountability and planning. Something that often happens in the gym setting is people start to lose accountability because they tell themselves that they can skip week after week, because they are not enjoying the sessions, and eventually drop the gym. With classes, because you are creating new social circles, it is common to see instructors and other class attendees encouraging others and checking in on people that do not show up for a couple of weeks. Then, with planning, the class is already planned for you. It is just showing up and having fun that you oversee.
We have talked about group classes. So, let us chat about the classes we are offering this term! All classes will be held at the Tait McKenzie Centre unless specified otherwise.
Dance: Dance-style classes are a great way to move your body in a rhythmic way but also challenge you in a cognitive way that other forms of exercise do not work. Having to remember the sequence of steps adds an extra challenge on the body that you will see start to benefit you when studying for your courses!
Dance classes, we are offering this term –
Monday: Zumba at 6:30 pm
Tuesday: KPop at 5:30 pm, Bollywood at 6:30 pm
Wednesday: AfroDance at 6:00 pm
Thursday: Cardio Hip Hop at 5:00 pm, Contemporary at 6:30 pm, Jazz Funk at 7:30 pm
Mind, Body, Wellness: Often used for relaxation and de-stressing, these classes also allow for strength building through bodyweight movements and mobility and flexibility work. Perfect for relaxing and switching gears after a busy day or a great break partway through the day!
Mind, body, and wellness classes we are offering this year –
Monday: Yoga Retreat at 5:30 pm, Meditation at 7:30 pm
Tuesday: Power Yoga at 7:30 pm
Wednesday: Yoga at 10:00 am (online), Body Movement at 12:00 pm (online), Yoga at 7:30 pm
Aquafit: Returning for the first time in years, aquafit is a great way for all to exercise, whether you are a beginner or a high-level athlete. Aquafit offers a unique low-impact form of exercise that provides resistance training and cardio in a high-intensity environment. All levels are swimmers are welcome to our class!
Aquafit will be happening Monday at 5:30 pm
Martial Arts: Like dance, martial arts classes provide the unique aspect of remembering a sequence of actions but in a powerful movement, rather than a rhythm. There is also the added aspect of using your breathing to create powerful movements, instead of just going hard and fast.
Muay Thai will be happening Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:00 pm
On October 24th an additional class will be added on Mondays at 2:30 pm
Spin: Returning after a one-year hiatus, spin is one of our most popular classes and is now in its own designated space! A great form of activity for those with knee issues as it is low impact, follow along with the instructor as they encourage you to move with the music!
Spin will be happening:
Monday: 12:00 pm
Tuesday: 5:00 pm
Thursday: 4:15 pm (Female Identifying Only), 5:00 pm
Traditional classes: Another popular class at our facility, our traditional group classes are a combination of HIIT training and resistance training depending on the space you attend. Get the most out of your workout and walk away feeling accomplished!
Monday: Bootcamp at 12:15 pm
Tuesday: Bootcamp at 7:30 am
Thursday: Bootcamp at 7:30 am (York Lions Stadium), Bootcamp at 12:15 pm
Friday: Women’s Only Lifting at 12:00 pm
Don’t forget to register ahead of time! All classes are included with our Fitness Membership!