2008 Woodie Awards
Monmouth Fitness Club offers classes to help students "battle the bulge"
Marta Bunse
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The year 2005 is upon us; another fantastic year of memories is left behind. To ring in the New Year, the century-old tradition of a “resolution” is always a perfect excuse to change our old ways and start fresh with a brand-new state of mind. Many resolve to change parts of their relationships, goals, academics or even their attitude, but there is one standing issue that millions of Americans tend to deal with on a daily basis: the battle of the bulge. Everywhere you look, there it is: Loose weight without exercising! New breakthrough weight loss pill! Try this, and try that and you will loose that extra baggage in no time!
While these “wonder diets” may seem appealing, and perhaps you are guilty of trying at least one, they don’t seem to do the trick in the long run. The secret to loosing weight and keeping it off is a reasonable diet filled with plenty of fruits, veggies, protein and that dreaded word that many would rather face their worst fear than do: exercise. That’s right—cardiovascular, high pace, body-sculpting exercise. Not only is exercise good in order to shed those obnoxious pounds, it is also great for the heart and is proven to lengthen your lifespan. While “exercise” may seem to be a dark and scary word, it can actually be a lot of fun if you find something you enjoy doing!
One idea that some college students looking to get in shape shouldtry is at is the excellent exercise programs and equipment that can be found at Monmouth Fitness Club (MFC) on Main Street in Monmouth. With an exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff, MFC provides many cardiovascular exercise machines (including bikes, treadmills, ellipticals and stair steppers), weightlifting machines and a variety of exercise classes available at convenient times running from morning until evening. Although gym usage entails a membership fee ($40 startup fee plus monthly commitments; prices vary depending on the package that you sign up for), the fee is small and what you get out of it is worth every penny.
I have had a membership with MFC since last October, but I hadn’t yet taken advantage of the exciting group exercise classes that were available until recently. I spent an entire week going to every single class that was available at the club in order to get a firm grasp on how the classes work you and which were the most exciting:
Boot Camp:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6-7 a.m.
Although early, this class is a terrific way to start your morning. The workout lasts for a total of 45 minutes with a 10 minute cool down. Designed to give exercisers the feel of actually being at boot camp, a former marine instructs the class and sternly gives orders and required drills to perform. While it may not be as rough as an actual boot camp, it definitely works up a sweat. Some of the exercises are strength trainers such as push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and jogging in place. I was sore and breathing hard at the end of my workout!
Step Class:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9-10 a.m., Tuesday & Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Fun and fast paced, the step aerobics class consists of a 45 minute cardio workout and 15 minute cool down and stretch (during which the instructor focuses on flexibility) with some resistance and weight training thrown in. There is one “dance routine” per song, where stepping up is incorporated with fast-paced counts. A terrific workout and an energetic instructor make for the perfect class to lose weight fast.
Yoga:
Monday & Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Yoga is an ancient Asian art that is used to stimulate the body and mind. This class helps you relax with a slow pace and helps you improve your coordination and flexibility. If you are a very stressed-out person, then high-energy workouts probably aren’t going to calm you down. Yoga does just that and more as it conditions the muscles and bones in the body.
Spinning:
Monday from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday from 8-9 a.m. & 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Riding a bike has never been so much fun! Spinning class is challenging, fast paced, fun and worthwhile! The workout is 45 minutes with a 5 minute cool down and stretch. With the help of a disco ball, colorful lights, popular music and the darkness of the workout room, the spinning class barely slows down, but the peppy instructor encourages those who want to push their workout to the furthest to work hard and the beginners to take it at their own pace. The only catch to this invigorating class is that there is a $2 fee charged each time in order to make up the amount that the club had to spend on the expensive spinning bikes. This will probably only last about a year and then the class will be free for all. This class is the best workout that you can get, and the $2 dollars spent is definitely worth it!
Cardio Step:
Saturday from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
A similar format to the step class, this weekend alternative incorporates more weight training and more repetitions, but with the same step aerobic movements that get class attendees good and sweaty. A less difficult class than its weekday counterpart, this class is perfect for a relaxing weekend workout.
Lift and Abs:
Monday & Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday from 9-10 a.m.
While this shorter-than-average class does not last as long as its fellow associates (30 minutes with a 10 minute stretch/cool down), it certainly had me groaning with pains for days after. The instructor leads you through so many exercises with weights and abdominal crunches that your muscles almost scream out, “No more!!” The workouts are intended to tone the shoulders, back, chest, legs, arms and abdominals. This is one of those classes where you feel toned right after the workout and you leave the gym satisfied.
So now that you have a list of all of the stimulating classes that are available to you at your local fitness club, the next step is to get that membership and get moving. You will find that after just a week of working out there are major changes in your body and mental state. You will feel more relaxed and energized…and hey, your ass doesn’t look bad either!