I’ve recently realized that I’m not very adventurous when it comes to my workouts. I have become very comfortable with circuit training with weights and cardio bouts. I spend lots of time on my treadmill and when it’s sunny, I jog outside. If I can ever get to a class, it is cycling or a weights class. I don’t do yoga, Zumba, Pilates, Cross-Fit, or TRX. Oh sure, back in the day I did step aerobics and even jazzercise. But these days, I don’t step out of my comfort zone. My sister likes to say, “If I’m only going to drink one glass of wine it needs to be fabulous.” And if I’m only able to do one class every other week, I want to make sure I like it…and that I can get through it.
So it was with a bit of apprehension that I headed out to a jewelry and workout party at The Dailey Method in Birmingham. (This is a wonderful change of pace for a Stella and Dot party, by the way. Instead of my usual, drink too much wine and buy too much, this party offered a free workout before the wine. I felt far less guilty the next day.) My understanding of The Dailey Method was that it consisted of a mix of yoga and a barre workout. I have done one yoga class in my life and I am in no way a dancer so a workout of this nature would be a legitimate cause for concern.
But the workout we did was not at all what I expected. It was not yoga and we did not use the barre for dancing. That might have been easier. Instead we worked our way through intense, isolation movements targeting all of the major muscle groups. Each exercise was designed to be done with minimal motion, like triceps extensions held and extended just an inch. We relied on our own muscles for most of the resistance, and honestly, that was enough. Before we began I had scoffed at the weight selection: only 2 or 3 pound dumbbells? Within a few minutes of the triceps series, I had to put the 3 pounders down.
I struggled through the workout, shaking and sweating and amazed at how unlike my usual routine it was. I feel like I’m in reasonably good shape but this was a whole new adventure. I suddenly realized that my unwillingness to try new classes and approaches to fitness has been limiting me. Up until now, I would not have considered doing a Zumba or a yoga class at my gym. I thought I knew the best way to exercise…do what I’ve always done. But the truth is, there are so many approaches to fitness and it is good to shake things up. A different kind of class is not just physically challenging, it will keep things interesting and help me in the area I need most: staying motivated.
So the evening was a success. The Dailey Method left me with sore muscles and a desire to expand my fitness horizons…and, of course, a fabulous pair of earrings.
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