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Sweat Equity

Spice up your fall with an exciting new approach to your workout routine. The change in season is a great time to reevaluate your goals and change up the way you slim down. Don’t let the thought of sweaters and long pants cloud your vision of a fabulous you.

Stay energized about working out with a commitment to a group workout or an online individual program like My JennyFit. Whether you hit a regular routine with other driven people or get that push you need from a personal trainer, you’re sure to make this a season for results!

Professional Help. Intellectually, you know that regular workouts are healthy. And you get to the gym when you can—you really do! But there are days when your workout can feel a bit uninspired, like you’re just going through the motions. Elliptical. Push-Ups. Crunches. Repeat. And you wonder: Is this even doing me any good? The short answer is yes: all exercise is good. But the longer answer is this: A professionally crafted workout is probably better. Why? A structured fitness class, whether it’s Pilates or power yoga, will likely include warm-up, cool-down and flexibility components in addition to the conditioning portion of the class. This ensures a safe, efficient regimen that’s been professionally crafted to help you work toward a specific goal. And eventually, following the set regimen of your class will help you to form better habits when you’re working out on your own.

Shaking things up. Many of our solo workout routines are just that: routine. They get stale, we get bored… and sometimes, we give up. With a group fitness class, though, you’re continually getting fresh stimuli from a variety of sources—the instructor and his or her expertise, the adrenaline boost of a great playlist, the individual social interaction with your classmates and the energy of the group as a whole. If you attend a public class on a regular basis, the community aspect increases… but it’s never higher than when you’re part of a group class series. Think of it as an incredible journey that you’re taking together; every class is a shared experience that helps to boost encouragement, form bonds and generally take the "work" out of workout.

Beginner’s Mind. So, where to start? If you’re the adventurous type, go for something you’ve never done before! Grab a friend and enjoy each other’s company as you try to master those sexy Zumba moves. Get a work buddy to help you find your inner warrior in a martial arts class. If you’re really craving results, a boot camp may be in your near future; just make sure your class is at a time that’s relatively conflict- and excuse-free. And if your days are typically high-stress, a beginner’s yoga series will go a long way toward calming both body and mind. No matter what kind of workout you choose, remember that you’re choosing to do something good for yourself; if you can make fitness and fun your top priorities, you’ll always be at the top of your class.

SOURCE:
http://www.acsm.org/access-public-information/articles/2012/01/20/benefits-of-group-exercise