Fitness Adventure #4: Jumping into the Unexpected

Don't let this pose fool you. Jumping on your butt is hard!

Doing fitness adventures I expect sore muscles. Maybe even some bruises. But I guess I wasn't prepared for peeing my pants. Stop reading now if this is TMI.

I have been to the Launch Trampoline park with my boys a few times and always have fun so when my friend Liz mentioned she was checking out the fitness class they had I said sure. The class is 45 minutes long and of course I excepted lots of jumping. I wasn't disappointed. We did a lot of variety of jumps and would take brakes along the way to do sets of squats, planks, push-ups, etc which is a little more challenging to your core and balance (kind of like working on a giant bosu ball). There are people of all fitness abilities so all the exercises can be modified to your level. I found the hardest to be a move where you sit on your butt and try to jump around in a circle.  The class was a lot of fun and the time went fast.

Although I was moving the whole time I didn't end up working up a sweat. Mostly because I was only half jumping. Even going to the bathroom right before and in the first 10 minutes of class I still fought the dribble. I guess I found out the muscle I need to strengthen the most is my bladder. In hind sight drinking a large ENERGIZE before class was not the brightest idea.

I am not planning to make this a regular part of my fitness routine but may go back for more jumping fun in the future.

Fitness classes at Launch in Nashua are $5 for the first class and happen on Monday Nights.

Fitness Adventure #3: Sweeting Orange Theory

It has been a while since my last fitness adventure and I have been itching to get out there again. Unfortunately when a lot of these places don't offer childcare but my free time schedule because limited. But I was able to make things work this week and check out Orange Theory with my friend Ally.

As in any adventure I was nervous to try something new but when I first stepped in I was warmly welcomed. I received my loaner heart rate monitor and was introduced to the super nice instructor. They went over a few basic things and then I was off with my group. Everything is well explained by the instructor and she goes around to make sure you are doing the right form.

It was strength day so my group started out in the weight area. We did 3 different set of exercises in a certain amount of time. I really liked how everything worked total body and you mixed in cardio during the routine with the water rower. I was also very happy that one of our moves used the TMX straps. The 30 mins went fast.

Then our group switched and we headed to the treadmills. Things got tougher here and I defiantly had to push myself to stay where I needed to be for my heart rate. We did a mix of different inclines and speeds to keep it interesting and challenging. I only glanced over to see where the waste basket was once just in case my breakfast came up.

The heart monitor device was really neat. My loaner one was not working great but once you join you get a more reliable wrist version. Basically it helps you figure out where you are for your heart rate and if you need to push harder or to slow it down. It was really fun to watch on the big screen how I was doing and then afterwards you get an emailed report.

Overall I really like the concept of what they are doing. Because you are mixing it up the hour classes go by so fast. And it really helps to push you to get the best workout you can. My muscles are sore tonight in places I didn't know I had muscle.

The one big thing I was not a huge fan of was I felt like I was working out at Da Club with the blaring hip hop music. I think the past 2 months  of super quiet early morning by myself workouts has tainted me from fitness interaction with others. But the instructor mentioned that the music changes day by day.

First class is free at Orange Theory so give it a try and see if it is something that will help you reach your goals!