Using Music for Safe, Effective, and Motivating Classes

Music is used in a variety of ways to enhance and elevate the group fitness experience. When used appropriately, physical and emotional responses create powerful, life-long, positive associations between exercise and accomplishment.  As a certified group fitness instructor, I gear my music, type and tempo, to my audience, which includes a variety of music; Oldies, 80s, Classic Rock, Pop Hits, etc.

Music helps people perform better, and playlists have motivating songs because music helps people to work out harder and longer, and even enjoy it more. Music helps drive a group workout harder and there are numerous powerful studies to show positive associations between music and exercise performance. I always say to my class participants "Have fun and enjoy the music, next thing you'll know, an hour will have gone by and you are sweating!"

Finding the Beat & Cueing to Music - In fitness music, a measure or bar typically has 4 beats in it. The first beat of a measure is called the downbeat, and it is the most important key to synchronizing movements to the music.  Movements are typically changed or started on the downbeat (count 1 of an 8-count phrase), so an instructor can use 4-beat or 2-beat cueing to help master timely, effective cueing.  Movement change of exercise on the downbeat and cueing to let the class participants know there is going to be a change, ahead of time, is SO important, and will make the class run smoothly.  Motivating and appropriate music combined with good cueing makes for a FUN & EFFECTIVE workout; that I hope makes you come back again and again!

Reference:  Athletics & Fitness Association of America

How many fitness classes should I take a week?

If your goal is to start out and establish a reasonable level of fitness; beginners should aim for THREE workouts a week, then increase to FOUR to FIVE workouts a week, consistently, to see results in approximately six to eight weeks.  I know that can sometimes be hard to fit in ONE week!...so, why not make it fun and something you look forward to doing?  

GROUP FITNESS IS FUN!

One of the most popular reasons for taking a group fitness class is the simplest:  They're just plain fun.  With music playing and everyone else working with you; sharing the struggle and the success, it can feel more like a fun social gathering than a workout.  Group fitness is also a great way to get a workout in without having to think or plan.  That is my job, as a professional AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor!

TRX!

 

TRX Benefits:

• TRX is for everyone, no matter your fitness level.
• Exercise never gets boring.
• New twists on old exercises.
• Burn more calories.
• Get a stronger core.
• Lower risk of injury compared with free weight training.
• Gain more muscle.
• Workout anywhere!

I am currently teaching two different TRX classes -- TRX/Pilates Fusion and TRX MIX-- 

TRX & Pilates combined to focus on Core, Strength and Stability.  This class combines suspension training with intervals of Pilates with mat work, using stability balls and light weights.  

Strength and cardio together in one fun, challenging, sweaty hour!...using a TRX Suspension Trainer that uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously, MIXED with medium to high intensity cardio intervals.

Resistance Training

Well, it has been a while! Keeping up with a 15 month old keeps me quite busy...+ helping home buyers with their real estate needs, helping others with their fitness goals, and taking care of me 😉 - which brings me to this blog post. Resistance Training!  

I used resistance bands in the Tabata class I instructed last evening, and it reminded me how wonderful resistance bands are:

• Resistance bands allow you to perform strength-training exercises without weights.
• You can get a full-body workout, add variety and intensity to your strength-training exercises using resistance bands.
• Resistance bands are inexpensive, easy to store and perfect for exercising while traveling.

Please join me in one my classes sometime, I'd love to work out with you! 🏋
(click on 'class schedule' above)

SENECA CITY GYM 

Click here: Seneca City Gym Facebook Page

A private fitness facility for City, County & School District employees and their families, offering group fitness classes, health coaching, personal training, seminars and more!

Classes at Core 24 Gym!

    

 Visit Core 24 Gym website HERE!

Merry Christmas and see you in 2015!

STEP @ 5:30 PM - December 18, 2014 - The Last Class until after the New Year!

     ...with that being said, it is almost time for New Year's resolutions.


     Health and fitness continue to top the list when it comes to New Year's resolutions.  We all know the importance of living a healthy lifestyle; but, our actions don't always follow our intentions!

     Make the decision to make fitness a lifestyle!  The journey doesn't need to begin with drastic changes - just a few healthy choices will motivate and create excitement, resulting in more and more healthy living habits.

Here are a few tips to ponder to KEEP your New Year's resolutions - 

#1  Attend Group Fitness Classes - Some people may have the internal drive and motivation to workout at home; but, most of us need to be in a setting that encourages us to work harder.
Group fitness classes are a great way to connect socially with others in the community and push ourselves a bit harder.

#2  Find a Fitness Buddy - The best way to get fit and stick with it is to have accountability.  If a friend is expecting you at class - you will make it there!

#3  Diet AND Exercise are KEY - Try not to make weight loss your sole focus.  Create a life-long   habit of eating well, exercising and living a healthy lifestyle and the rewards will be bountiful.

Check out the Group Fitness Class Schedule at
 Central Clemson Recreation Center - 

MERRY CHRISTMAS and see you in 2015!