Stepping Out ....

... of my comfort zone!

Tonight, I went to my first ever group fitness class. This is really a huge accomplishment for me. I just don't have the confidence to workout in a room full of other people, feeling like I am being watched, and not knowing if I can do it or not!

Of course now that I really think about it, those feelings are about the same that I had when I first joined a gym, when I first ran a race, and when I signed up for my half-marathon!

I've eventually given in before, and I did it again!

The first one I tried was a Pilates Mix.

I don't know why this was the one that stuck out to  me to try first, but it was! I am not a "yogie" or a Pilates regular, though I have tired both in the comfort of my own home. I really had no idea what to expect. The class description read:

"A mind-body connection/awareness practice and total body conditioning workout. Helps improve posture, balance, strength, flexibility, breathing, and core strength. This class incorporates exercise equipment."

It lived up to it's name! Total body? You bet - (just about every muscle group is still burning!). It started with some Pilates stretches, some planks, etc. Then moved into abs (dread hit me considering my abs were finally feeling normal!), from there went into another Pilates sequence, and then the High-Intensity Interval Training. I ran a half-marathon, but a minute of jumping jacks almost kills me! That was followed by some upper body strength, and finally a cool down routine.

It was hard, but I absolutely enjoyed it! There were probably about 10 people in the class, but once I just focused I didn't feel awkward or out of place. I think it probably helped that it is the 7:20 class. I personally liked that the lady next to me seemed new also.

I am thankful that this first experience of putting myself out there was a success! There are other classes I want to try that I know are more popular, will be full, and are earlier in the evening. I hope when I try them, the experience is the same!