We had such a fantastic night being part of Fitness Friday at the Stratford Fall Fair!  Sherry led a lively, crowd-pleasing Zumba mini-set which got everyone pumped up for a fun-filled night of fitness.  A huge thanks to our members for coming out and shaking it along with us.

Fitness Friday was an opportunity for us to promote healthy, active living along with other amazing local businesses.  Besides our Zumba set, we were treated to demonstrations on Urban Poling (One Care), Aerial Acrobatics (Cirquesmith), PoundFit (Natural Motion), Yoga (lululemon) and Body Circuit (World Gym).  It was so inspiring to see everyone come together to share and promote their love of fitness with the community!

We would also like to extend a special thanks to Alicia Horne of the Stratford & District Agricultural Society for putting on such a fabulous event.  Your hard work, dedication and passion is so motivating, and we're very lucky to have you as part of Team Inspired!

You decided you’re ready to challenge yourself and try something new, so you signed up for Beginner Boot Camp.  That’s great!  But if putting your name on that list has you wondering what you got yourself into, we get it, and we’re here for you!
 
Boot Camp combines strength and cardio exercises for a total body workout.  It will get your heart pumping, make you sweat and challenge your muscles.  The whole concept can be a little intimidating, but don’t worry – there’s a first time for everyone, so know that you’re in good company if you are struggling to keep up.  Learning the moves, perfecting your form and getting stronger are the whole point.  You have to start somewhere!  And what better place to do so than in the welcoming and comfortable setting at Inspired by Fitness?!
 
Below is a “know before you go” guide to prepare you for your fitness journey:

• Do some research before you head to class, so you have some idea what to expect.  Each class will be a bit different to add variation to your workout routine and help to avoid plateaus.  You could be doing anything from burpees to bicep curls to jump squats to tricep dips, so it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with the lingo so that you are prepared for whatever comes your way.  The instructor will walk you through every exercise, but please do not hesitate to speak up if you have any questions.  Proper form prevents injuries and ensures an optimal workout.

 

• You don’t need any special workout attire – you can dress in the workout clothes you feel most comfortable in.  But keep in mind you’re going to get heated, so we suggest you wear breathable clothing that helps sweat evaporate.  If you’re going to invest in a few new pieces of clothing, look for labels that say “dri-fit” and “moisture-wicking”.

 

• Lace up your kicks.  Working out in a pair of worn-out shoes can be detrimental to your fitness success since things like lack of support, shock absorption and protection in your shoes can lead to injury.  And injuries can slow, or even halt, your fitness progress.  Check out our blog from May 2017 entitled “Is it time to retire your kicks?” for more information.

 

• Hydrate before class.  A good rule of thumb is to drink one to two cups of water two hours prior to class.  Then one to two cups more 15-20 minutes before class.  Also remember to bring a full water bottle with you to class – that way you’re prepared to replenish what you sweat out.

 

• Don’t forget that food is fuel.  You will be expending quite a bit of energy at your class, so you want to be properly fueled.  Eating something at least an hour before your class will help you avoid getting nauseous and give you energy to power through.

 

• Seek out the instructor and say hi.  Introducing yourself to your instructor before the session starts and letting them know if you have any injuries and/or limitations is a great idea since they can look out for you if you’re confused or nervous about an exercise.

 

• Arrive early to your first class.  You need time to mentally prepare yourself for the workout ahead and get used to the environment.  And who knows – maybe you’ll meet a new friend!

 

• Don’t worry about feeling silly during your first class.  Follow along as best as you can, and don’t worry if there is something you can’t do.  Enjoy the experience and listen to your body.  It’s your first time doing this, so it will tell you what it does and doesn’t like.

 

• Listen to your body.  You’re trying something brand new, so be extra attentive to your body.  If you get tired, take a break.  If you need water, drink some.  Don’t be afraid to do what your body needs.  You don’t want to overdo it during your first class.

 

• Don’t become preoccupied with everyone else in class.  Focus on yourself.  Don’t let the speeds other participants are going at or weights they are lifting affect you.  Do what’s best for you!

 

• Once you’re done, you’ll feel awesome and inspired!  It’s a pretty great feeling to know you took the first step on your new fitness journey.  But again, remember to take care of yourself afterwards.  Drink water after class and try to eat in order to replenish your depleted energy stores so you can recover properly.  And don’t panic if you wake up the next morning feeling very sore – fight that feeling!  This discomfort is normal and expected, and the key is to not stop moving.  Continue to hydrate and stretch as it will help your body recover and maximize the results of your efforts.

 
Congratulations on making the decision to do something for yourself!  We are so excited to welcome you to Beginner Boot Camp on Thursday, September 21st where we will help to you inspire to do more, to be more, to achieve more!