My “workout family”
One of the (many) things I love about the studio where I teach is the close-knit, family atmosphere. We keep our group classes smallish – about 8 people max. You have the opportunity to sign up for weekly classes in month blocks (which most do) or drop in from time to time. You get to know the people with whom you’re working out. Better yet, I get to know the students. I become familiar with their strengths and weaknesses, their favorite “mode” of workout, what kind of music they prefer… even though it’s a group class, I get to make it somewhat personal.
I’ve been thinking lately about how lucky I am to work at Essential Fitness (Efit). To have a job I really look forward to and enjoy, to spend time with what I consider my “workout family,” to build people up and to build relationships. To have flexibility to design/customize workouts to what my students and I prefer/enjoy.
I know. So cheesy.
Along with that cheesy thinking, I have wondered what it would be like if I taught at a gym that was set up different. Or, maybe just more traditional – certain types of classes offered at set times and people drop in as they please. There would be “regular” students, but I wonder how deep you would get to build that relationship, if you didn’t really know who was going to show up each night. Just something I have wondered! Both types of set ups have their perks!
If you take a strength or fitness class, what is the atmosphere like? Do you feel like it’s your “workout family” and you’re building relationships?
Even though I have 2-4 races left this year, I am getting REALLY excited about doing my 2013 Racing Statistics Infographic! If you are done racing for the year or want to get an early start on yours, check out my post from last year for a template to get you started!
Themocracy
I LOVE your racing statistics graphic! Awesome! Love that you are so close with your “workout family” too. That really keeps everyone motivated. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Thanks! I really enjoyed putting it together last year! I bet I will this year too.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I feel the same way about my group classes. Our structure is purely drop-in (since classes are free with membership), but because my gym is a small neighborhood gym, I do generally see the same people in classes, and I totally have my own little group of gym friends. And likewise, I get to know our trainers pretty well too. All of this makes classes so much more fun and engaging than they used to be.
That is so great that your gym is like that!!! Having that camaraderie in class makes SUCH a difference, imho.
I think that I am developing that “workout” family with a local tri group – it has taken a long time, but I feel that I’m finally relaxed rather than nervous about the workouts or rides. And for the spinning classes, there is definitely a certain group that attends classes by this one instructor who is amazing! I’m not close to them, but there is a nice sense of familiarity that I enjoy (with others in the class and also with the instructor).
I would imagine that an 8-person class limit would be an amazing way to get to know people – very cool!
Yay! I am happy you are experiencing it too!
Hi!
I don’t take any classes. I can use the gym at my office and I try to avoid the hot times when groups go down and monopolize areas with their brute force!
Maybe you should expand Essential Fitness to Edgewater!
That graph is so awesome! I don’t remember seeing it when you did it last year. My 2013 would be the easiest graph ever seeing as how I’ve done one race this year lol
I don’t go to any group classes, but I’m looking to change that. I totally suck at strength training. I will not do it by myself. I just won’t. I’ve just been in touch with one of the trainers at a local gym and talked to her about a circuit training class that she does. I think I’m gonna start going to that once a week! She didn’t have classes this week because of the holiday, but I’m really gonna try to make it out Monday.
Ha ha ha! You should definitely post an infographic, then! 🙂
Yay! Yes! Try it out on Monday. Honestly… I prefer it with a group too. TWSS. Ha ha.
I love that you have found a place like EF! They are certainly lucky to have you as an instructor and as a friend!
The only “strength” class I take is any form of barre. I credit those classes with keeping me (knock on wood) healthy and injury-free!
Hope you had a great holiday, Kim!
I love the way Efit is set up. It’s so much more personal than a gym. It’s like having a personal trainer but better because you have friends in the class, too. Plus, I know that you make an effort to get to know people. I used to go to the same class every week at my old gym and even though the instructor knew some of the same people I know (through the running club) I still don’t think he ever remembered my name!
I am happy you like it! And I wish it was closer to you 🙂
And that is a bummer the instructor at your old gym never remembered your name! 🙁 Are you getting to know the instructors at CrossTown?