Also could be called “Every Muscle in My Legs Hurts, Even My Little Toe”.
I was invited to try a class at Balance, a fitness studio in Chestnut Hill. I walked into the class not really being all that fond of group fitness classes but it was free so what could it hurt – besides my pride. I remember being a teen and at that point in time step aerobics were all the rage. Yeah, dated language but it fit THAT time. For some dumb reason “newbies” are always put in the front. I am pretty convinced it is so every one can laugh at how lame we look. As super klutz with not a coordinated move in my body, step aerobics was a DI-SA-STER of epic proportions. That completely colors my perception, I admit it.
I walked into Balance slightly sidetracked by their awesome doors. I mean, what fitness center has door handles that are a fork and spoon? For real. They were awesome except I was running late arriving AND leaving and didn’t get a picture. When I arrived they welcomed me and had me jump right into the class that had started. I was so self conscious. It was a huge benefit for me that this day’s group class ended up being a bit smaller than normal so I wasn’t completely overwhelmed.
Kathy, the instructor, and the other ladies in my group were so kind and encouraging. Kathy did a great job keeping the class going while showing this “un-classed” mama how to work the strange to me equipment and make some of the moves I have watched on TV and said I could never do. She was also great to give me technique pointers on some of the exercises I do at home and wasn’t sure if I was doing properly. I really liked the encouraging atmosphere as they balanced encouragement, caring for your body, and pushing through all at the same time. Unlike some instructors I have come across in other places or DVDs, Kathy was quick to encourage me to modify exercises as my knees gave me trouble. If all group classes and instructors are the way this class was I am sold.
Balance Chestnut Hill has a wide range of classes, from private one on one classes, to open group classes. They even have a trainer who does golf training – like how to warm up, building the muscles for your golf swing…do they also have a miracle worker to make me LOVE golf? You can take 30 minute classes or 60 minute classes, and anything from strength to circuit to jazz. Try something new, try something fun.
Oh, and make sure to try some of Chef Joseph Shilling’s yummy food creations they carry. He is an expert at making sweet foods without the sugar, and his Avocado Chocolate Pudding is rich, creamy, and fixes any chocolate craving. One great tip he offered is to puree fruit and mix it with water. As he said, when you have been working out your body isn’t craving plain water. It’s craving nutrients. By adding pureed fruit to the water, you are adding some rich nutrients to your hydration. Add a spring of mint for pretty and to give you that menthol boost and refresh your body. Some great fruits to add are pineapple or ripe cantaloupe. I think cucumber would be pretty refreshing also.
At the end I was treated to a 5 minute shoulder massage using the Graston Technique. The Graston Technique utilizes a scraping method and pinpoints areas where your muscles are knotted, gently but firmly scraping to ease the knot. It has been proven effective in treatment for many muscular issues that Physical Therapy cannot always completely “heal”.
I’m convinced! Group classes aren’t so bad after all.
Thank you to Kathy and the staff at Balance for introducing me to your wonderful studio. I highly recommend taking classes at Balance Chestnut Hill and cannot wait to use the classes I was given. You just need to open a Balance West Chester!
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