Fitness Explorer

Welcome to afitnewyou!  Today I would like to talk to you about broadening your fitness horizons by becoming a fitness explorer.  A fitness explorer is someone who goes out and finds something new in fitness to do.  This is useful to someone who is already in the fitness industry who is looking for something fresh, or can be used by someone who is simply looking to start exercising but wants to find what is right for them.  There are so many fitness studios in every town now, that almost everyone is guaranteed to find something new.  And most places always offer some type of free trial that will allow you to explore that fitness place with no strings attached.  Going out and trying something new can give a veteran fitness professional some fresh ideas, and can also allow a newcomer to see what it the best fit for them.

Alice is a group fitness instructor that has worked in the same gym as me for several years.  At this location, she has primarily taught spin classes, as well as some other group classes and does some personal training.  She is pretty versatile and works out pretty hard herself.  Recently, she and a friend of hers, who is also a group fitness instructor, have started visiting a different fitness facility every Sunday.  The two of them go together trying out different things by taking advantage of free trials and day passes.  They take turns picking out new places, but they keep their minds and options open.  Since starting, they have tried many different types of classes, from boot camps to yoga, and everything in between.  She says that although they get a good workout wherever they go, the biggest benefit is seeing different styles, while trying out new things.  They have been able to take back to their own classes some new techniques and twists.  I can tell Alice is  also newly invigorated, as she gets excited when answering me when I ask what they are doing that week.  These weekly trials are similar to going to a major fitness convention, but without the costs and at a more manageable pace.

Someone looking to start exercising can find just as much benefit from being a fitness explorer as well.  Most fitness facilities offer free trials or introductory packages because they want people to “test drive” what they have to offer.  It can be both intimidating and hard to commit financially to a new fitness facility and routine if you aren’t sure of how you will like it.  I have learned and said in the past, that the best exercise someone can do is the one that that person will do.  It needs to be enjoyable and not forced.  A great way to know if you will enjoy something is to try it.  Whether it be test driving a car, trying on a new pair of pants or shoes before buying them, or tasting a wine before ordering, you will always be more satisfied when given the opportunity of trying it first.  Fitness routines and facilities are no different.  Its better to get a “taste” of the class before you commit to signing a monthly or yearly membership.  If you wind up committing to something you don’t like, you can become discouraged very easily and then fall off the routine much easier.  There are so many options to be physically active these days, there definitely is something for everyone.  You just have to go out there and find it.

Becoming a fitness explorer, someone who goes out and tries different fitness facilities is beneficial to veterans and newcomers alike.  A fitness professional taking a random class provides the opportunity to learn new skills and / or techniques that can be brought back to their own classes.  And for someone just getting started, trying a class and / or facility out before committing to a long term contract will give you the chance to find something you’ll enjoy the most.  Becoming a fitness exploer is a great way for way to everyone to be a fit new you!