Showing posts with label Heart Rate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heart Rate. Show all posts

Thursday, February 11, 2016

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!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Fitness Adventure #2: Body Combat

Off to go punch people! Although Body Combat is held at your typical gym setting I heard great things and wanted to give it a try. It is a Les Mills class so like Beachbody Live classes so they are choreographed to modern music. I was attending the launch of another session which just means everyone is learning it for the first time too.

Drove to the gym, signed my waiver and get started right away. The class reminded me a lot of typical kickboxing classes. A lot of punching and kicking with some push-ups mixed in. The moves were pretty simple, easy to follow along to,  so we could focus on kicking higher and punching stronger. I consider myself in pretty good shape so I wasn't dying but I know I got a good workout with the number of Fitbit steps I raked up and my Heart Rate (HR) numbers. I also know I will be doing my muscle recovery shake tonight.


As far as adventure goes I wouldn't put it in a top 10 list but just trying new things can be an adventure itself. On a side note the gym that hosted it Best Fitness in Nashua looks amazing and the room was huge which is a giant plus when doing these types of classes. 

My schedule got a little mixed up this week so I am still working on scheduling my next adventure. Stay tuned!