Things went a little downhill after my last “Workout Roundup”. As per usual, I got very bored very quickly with my workout routine and I was severely lacking the motivation it took to do my Pop Pilates at home by myself every day. I was missing the equipment and motivation of a gym atmosphere, but I had moved far away from my old gym and couldn’t find anything I liked in my new neighbourhood. Coincidentally, a new gym sign was erected with a large “coming soon” sign just down the street and I jumped on the opportunity to join one of the most popular gyms worldwide – Anytime Fitness.

As someone who has been a member of a gym before, I was absolutely thrilled at the small size and “family” atmosphere of the new gym that I was joining. But I was slightly weary of the fact that it was co-ed when I had only been to “women’s only” locations before. Not that I have a problem working out near and around men, but I was just conscious of the macho environment; something I didn’t want to be a part of. But, of course, I shouldn’t have assumed and stereotyped, because I love everyone I’ve met at the gym and I thoroughly enjoy my workouts with the guys (truthfully it’s a little funny to watch the men who try too hard….).

But what I love the most about my gym are the classes that I attend. As you know I’m OBSESSED with Zumba! I love it so much! I do Zumba twice a week at this gym and would really love if it was offered a few more times a week for me to do. I love the fact that our classes are usually only 5 ladies strong when my last gym involved lining up an hour in advance to get a ticket only to attempt to find a tiny square of floor in an army of 50 other women. The girls in my class turned into my best gym buddies fast and they convinced me to try new classes, so I’ve also been going to Spin classes and Body Sculpt classes weekly. It’s so nice to have such small intimate classes, it’s like personal training! So I’m sticking to a 4 day a week schedule: Zumba on Mondays and Thursdays, Spin on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Body Sculpt on Wednesday after spin!!

My body is usually more sore than not, but I’m loving every ache and pain! I’m so happy to finally be back in a workout routine and truly enjoy the workouts that I’m doing. And taking classes always ensure that I’m working out more fully than if I were to do it on my own! I’m learning new moves and techniques, but more importantly I’m learning that I’m capable of a lot more than I think. I’ve been excited to notice my body getting more toned and my pants getting slightly looser, but thats nothing compared to my excitement at cranking out 10 pushups in a row and a minute long plank, neither of which I could do easily two months ago! I’m in love with my gym and my routines!!

I’ve also brought my FitBit back for daily wearing, although I find it more fun when you compete against friends. Add me as a friend and let’s have a ‘step-off’! What are your favourite things to do at the gym?!

*Photo credit: Anytime Fitness Yonge and Elgin Mills Facebook Page