I have done something that I have never done before. Some have called me insane, yes these are people who work at the gym. Some members wonder if I could really handle what my intention was. Many told me the trainer was too hard, they told me she was mean, they told me she would make me cry and push me beyond my breaking point. I will admit, I was nervous about all this. I'm not sure why, after all I love going to her spin classes and she is my personal trainer. Why would she be any different in bootcamp? Why would she go from being one of the nicest people in the world into a monster. But still I was nervous.
The alarm went off at 4am. I slowly got ready to go. Wondering and questioning this "new" experience. I have been told by my trainer that "it will change my life." I left the house at 5, nervous. I had sweaty hands my stomach was upset but still I went. Munching on breakfast as I drove. Listening to my power workout playlist pumping myself up. It was still dark outside, the birds weren't chirping. No one was on the road, even truckers were still asleep in their rigs on the side of the road. Still I pressed on, pulling up to the gym a little before 6. This was it, I was here. Spin & Bootcamp. Her words kept echoing in my mind "it will change your life forever."
I walked up the stairs to the spin room, found my favorite spin bike exactly where I left it yesterday morning. No need to adjust, it was already set to my liking. I looked at the clock and made a dash for the bathroom. I was nervous. I needed time for myself. I was not sure about this anymore. Yes, I've taken spin a hundred times before I know I can spin. I'm good at it. I love it. I love taking spin from this instructor. So what was the big deal? It was attached to bootcamp. I could only imagine the insanity that would occur. I knew there was no way it could be like a regular spin class, or could it? I got myself together and went up and warmed up on the bike. The instructor walked in and gave me a big smile.
The music started, and it was exactly like a regular spin class. It just happened that this spin class was at 6am. The intensity was the same, it was challenging yet fun. It's always fun when this instructor leads us. We rocked out some sprints and climbs for 30 mins then went downstairs for the remainder of the bootcamp class. This was it. This was the complete unknown. What were we about to do?
We each got sliders, dumb bells, mats, steps that were raised by 4-6 depending on skill level, and stability balls. Then the music was cranked higher than I have ever heard it before in the gym and we started. It was 30 mins of non stop training. We did jump overs, mountain climbers, planks (also done on the stability ball), walking planks, step ups, side planks with weights, balanced on the stability balls, planks with our feet on the step, and some things that I don't even know if they have a name. But we did them. All of it. It was amazing.
When it was all said and done I felt fantastic! I was able to make it through the entire class. My shoulder was sore, it definitely got worked harder than I have worked it in a long time since we are still playing it safe with the injury. The instructor was right. I felt different. I felt stronger and I think it really just might have changed my life. I am now considering going to bootcamp before work, that's how good it made me feel.
Next up was a 10:30 spin class: same instructor. I had eaten and felt great. I didn't feel tired, I rocked that class out too. I was amazed at my strength. I couldn't believe how much I have grown. It was once again challenging, but not impossible.
7:00pm. Drums Alive. I have never done this before. I looked it up on youtube and it looked boring. It didn't look challenging at all. My trainer was teaching it for the first time and asked that I come. I did. I was expecting a walk in the park. I completely underestimated that class. It was hard core! I think Drums Alive should be called bootcamp! It was exceptionally challenging. I have never sweated so much, and that is saying something. It's all cardio, no breaks (unless you need one). You just keep going; drumming and jumping and being in constant motion. I had a blast! I would totally do that again! I made it through, barely. There was a point where I thought I was just going to collapse on the floor in a puddle of exhaustion. Still, I had a great time. It was tons of fun and have a new found respect for that class. Anyone who says it's not hardcore. I challenge them to give it a try!
So in one day I did spin & bootcamp, spin, & drums alive all with the same instructor. Was I insane? Maybe a little. But what I find to be more crazy is all the people who tried to talk me out of it. Why would they try to talk me out of health and fitness? Why would they tell me that the instructor is mean and has too high of expectations. I'm here to say that the instructor was just as kind as she always is. Her expectations were not ridiculous. She wanted everyone to work for themselves. She showed level 1-2-3 styles of exercises. There was something for everybody. She pushes you, she motivates you. Taking her classes you find that you want to do well, you want to step out of your comfort zone. You want to improve, you want to be stronger. You want to be able to do the level 3 exercises. You have something to work towards. I am glad I did it. I challenge everyone to step out of their comfort zone and to try something new. You just might surprise yourself.
Oh and by the way, don't listen to the naysayers. They will just hold you back.
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