I like to try new group exercise classes OK, that is a total lie. Group exercise classes scare me. What with the mirrors, the fit people and the fact that I don’t know my right from my left, I have always avoided these classes. Sure, you can find me in Pilates and Pure Barre, but in those everyone is so focused on themselves, they really don’t notice anyone else and embarrassment is kept to a minimum.
I was curious about Shred415 when a friend told me I should check it out. Since one of my New Year’s resolutions is to Take a Chance, I couldn’t very well say no. So, I grabbed my daughter, Tess, and off we went to 60 minutes of torture. No, that’s not the right word. A heart-raising, thrill-riding, sweat-fest. No that’s not right; it sounds like I’m describing a day at Six Flags. Let’s just say it was intense.
First, I would like to discuss the pros and cons of working out with a 19-year-old daughter. Regardless of how much you workout and how well you eat, they will be better than you, even if they snarf down a doughnut on the way to class. They may not have stepped on a treadmill in six months, but they will be able to sprint with no apparent problem while you hold on for dear life. Second, they will be more confident. You will always be several seconds behind everyone else, but your daughter anticipates what’s next and is always moving in the right direction before the instructor barks a command. While your brain is still processing, she has moved on to the next exercise. OK, now that I got that off my chest, let me tell you about the class. Oh wait, I need a pro: We did an activity together.
Shred415 is divided into four 15-minute segments. Two on a treadmill and two on a bench or mat doing exercises. The music is blasting, the instructor calls out instructions to both groups. Those on the treadmill might be told to increase their speed or change their incline, while those on the bench are doing bicep curls. The time flies by in part because you are constantly moving. This also prevents you from staring at anyone else besides your daughter and the incredibly fit pregnant woman next to you. And for those of us who avoid group fitness classes, this made me happy because no one was judging my clumsy lunges. The workout incorporated cardio and strength training and resulted in my inability to walk up the stairs without thinking about the class for two days. Tess was the youngest participant and I was the oldest, but I was assured that more middle-aged people show up during the evening. Though to be honest, I don’t care. No one looked at me as I sang my heart out to the ’80s and sweated my way through class.
Shred415 is independently owned and operated and only here and in Chicago. So try it out for a great workout. I’ll be going back, if just to sing along to the music. If you have fitness classes you would like me to try, email me at phannum@townandstyle.com.