Lately I’ve been on a fitness craze, going to different classes three or four times during the week, plus walking the dogs every day and doing spring yardwork. To say the least, it has been very busy this spring.
I recently managed to make my way down to Île-des-Chênes, as I heard they have some boot camps and group fitness classes going on at Ferrum Fitness. I aimed to arrive early… well, I always try, but my track record isn’t the best.
Amiee Lee was patiently waiting for my arrival, and funnily enough, it turned out that we went to the same high school together! I changed into my workout capris, got my runners on, and then waited for the other participants to arrive.
This was my first time experiencing this style of class. Amiee Lee had written a list of warm-up activities on a whiteboard, as well as two lists of workouts. I and another participant started the warm-up at our own pace while Amiee Lee watched and corrected my formations and gave me pointers.
As I was halfway through the warm-up, another two participants arrived and soon the warm-up routine was in full swing.
Then I was off to the first list of workout exercises. Amiee Lee had to show me almost every exercise she had written down.
It’s nice to know that there are so many different exercises out there, and that I can always find something I’ve never done before. (Like the dead bug, for example. Go ahead and google it!)
I quickly found myself completely out of breath. Those step-up high knees killed my cardio, and I had to take a long break before I started doing the second leg. Amiee Lee noticed this right away and reminded me to breathe out when doing the hardest part of the exercise, then breathe in while it was the least hardest.
Then on to the second list! These exercises were more focused on the shoulders and abs, and I was really feeling the heat. I took breaks more frequently and drank the remainder of my water bottle.
My arms burned, my abs stung… and then I got to the last exercise: the ropes.
I gritted my teeth, grabbed the ropes, and sat in a slight squat. I had to power my arms and shoulders as hard as I could to move those ropes. For those who have used these kinds of ropes, you know what I’m talking about! I had to keep going for 30 seconds straight, twice. I fought through the pain (the good kind) as I finally finished the evening.
At last, Amiee Lee showed me how to use a foam roller, which felt amazing against my legs and back. To my surprise, I realize that I had never used a foam roller before to stretch. Boy did I enjoy it!
