Day #8 – Do You Prefer Exercising Alone or in a Class?
Generally speaking, I’m a bit of a loner and considering exercising “me time.” I have my own little routine from eating my almonds to selecting my workout playlist to coordinate with the muscle group I’m working. Sometimes I like to try new exercises I find online from bodybuilding.com or from other bloggers, and that takes time to figure out the correct form.
When you workout in a group all that control freak stuff I cling to is gone. The instructor chooses the music and the exercises and if it is a popular class there isn’t really any time for him or her to correct your form. There is also some of that mama drama sometimes that I like to avoid.
One thing I preferred doing in a class was posing lessons. Everyone felt kind of silly and embarrassed and supported each other, by clapping or saying, “Bring it, girl!” At the Athlete’s Meeting it was very calming to have a group of friends to sit with, kind of like finding the good cafeteria table at school lunch.
I guess the difference between the big class and the small group was that the small group was more personal and oddly less competitive. I’m looking forward to starting up my figure team workouts as part of Mel’s Machines team.
But I’ll still workout on my own too. 😉
How about you? Do you prefer working out alone or in a class?
Lisa
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You look awesome! Keep at it, alone or with a group!
http://wp.me/p2uXwW-1Rd
Aw, thanks! Sending you good vibes that a great job with an onsite gym comes your way!
I prefer classes as it’s usually within my ‘fun’ time Friday nights…I think it’s a letting go of the control freak tendencies (am like that at college) that helps me work better in groups at work and college.
I do like working out on my own when I have an extra freebie hour on my Wii Fit board.
I’m such a control freak! (I need to work on that…) Have to try the Wii Fit board. I use Wii Dance and it’s so much fun.
It’s encouraged in the advertising field…well at college anyway. I do a lot of Zumba for the Wii, mom bought it for me for Christmas and it’s highly addictive and fun.
Maybe I will add it to my Dear Fitness Santa list LOL
I prefer working out with just one other friend over anything but definitely by myself instead of in a group.
Groups are tricky if the dynamic isn’t right.
http://inmyowncorner.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/do-you-prefer-exercising-alone-or-in-a-class/
I like your post – The only class I really like is kickboxing because deep down, I too have a secret thirst for violence (as long as no one hits me back.)
I think you are right about a smaller group being more supportive. Though I know I’d be competing even if not one else was (easier to win that way too!)
Mine and yesterday’s challenge post are here:
http://www.wisdomcouragepower.blogspot.ca/2012/11/pet-peeves-and-workout-preferences.html
I was busy talking about the six rep max day for legs yesterday instead of doing my challenge post.
Ah, the type-A competitive nature; I know it so well.
I go through phases. I used to be a loner, but now I love my fellow mentally ill running buddies.
http://rundirty.wordpress.com/2012/11/08/swf-searching-for-long-term-running-partner-cant-be-afraid-to-get-a-little-dirty-november-blogging-challenge-8/
LOL – let’s hear it for the fitness crazies!
It truly depends on my mood. Not sure that’s a very technical answer. But sometimes a partner is good encouragement other times the quiet is nice too.
That seems to be the consensus – depends on the type of exercise and your mood.
I keep a balance of both – I get my “me time” alone workouts three days a week, and I teach class three times a week … so I guess I still maintain control over all of them, it’s just a matter of if I torture myself (in a good way) in silence or make the class suffer with me 😉
I see your playlists – they aren’t suffering 😉
You look great! I love exercise as me time!
http://www.neophytegirl.net/2012/11/08/day-8-do-you-prefer-to-exercise-alone-or-in-a-class/
Thanks! I agree with your post – you do kinda need a class for spinning.
Workout in a group? Never! I’m not really anti-social, I just don’t like group activities.
I’m a bit of a loner too
ALONE! 🙂 But it’s nice there are options for everyone. I watch the Zumba class and laugh at all the women shakin’ what their momma gave ’em. But honestly, they are better than me because I don’t have the courage to go to a Zumba class. 🙂
LOL – Did you hear about the Zumba prostitution scandal? Sounded like they were shakin’ a lot of things…
I prefer working out alone to working out with a class, but working out with a partner who can challenge me is the best. I have very strict workouts that I can’t imagine doing with a class or large group. When I lift I really focus, and I listen to heavy metal music, which isn’t everyone’s favorite type of music.
When I really lift heavy weights I listen to 2Pac. Thug life, baby