Strength training - pilates - gyrokineses

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I’ve been signing up for various exercise places around town. I’ll give a quick summary of 2 more I’ve tried.

First, for background, I have a left knee that started to give me trouble after doing my own exercises a few years ago – and I’ve come to terms with the fact that I now have to say “only low impact and watch the back” when people ask if I have any “issues.” 

So I won’t be sharing any exercises that have high-impact activities.

Doing the exercises has been really great for my general health and well-being, but so far I’ve found it really easy to keep gaining weight (not that I really know because I refuse to get on the scale until my pants aren’t quite so tight). At some point I’ll have to get serious about the eating and the cardio exercises.

All Out Fitness – good for guys and girls http://alloutfitness.org/

I got 5 personal training sessions thanks to Groupon, really cheap! The trainer there is a great guy, as I’m sure personal trainers have to be to stay in business. I do squats, planks, superman planks (like the girl did on American Idol this season), weights, and pretend pushups and pullups (I can’t do real ones, but the alternative method for doing them is great). I’ll probably sign up for some of their Boot Camp sessions and general All Out classes. I’m told I can easily replace the high impact parts with other stuff, and I need to get my heart racing (from exercise).  After the first class I couldn’t believe how sore I was! But no soreness after that first class.  And no knee or back pain at all. This place is off of State St. past Briarwood Mall, on Avis. Somewhat reasonable prices ($8/class for 10 classes), but not cheap like some places.

The Movement Center – good for girls http://www.movement-center.com/

I got one personal intro session on pilates, and 5 classes of either pilates or gyrokinesis. This is a little shop downtown, next to Grizzly Peak. The women teaching the classes are extremely warm and supportive individuals. I just did one gyrokinesis class but it was a bit too low key for me. I did pilates mat and pilates using their special machine. I liked both of these.  No knee or back pain after-yay! This place is really great, but really expensive! If they ever offer another Groupon or LivingSocial deal, check them out!