Get Movin' Monday: With Fitness, Strength In Numbers

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Every Monday, we want to help you kick off your week right with a fitness tip.

One of the best ways to make sure you get your daily workout in is to do it with a group. Natalie Nyhus spoke with the owners of Tiger Athletics, Stacie and Chris Clark, about finding the fitness class that fits your needs the best.

Group workouts can be very important for those who want to exercise but aren't a runner or a cyclist and simply don't want to be on their own. When you're looking for a group class, Chris said, the most important thing is are they honoring you as an individual, yet able to challenge the group?

It can be a little tricky with some classes and loud music, it looks like a party. There's no doubt that some classes are more effective than others. It comes down to what you are looking for and what your goals are, Stacie Clark said.

So what should your goals be? Chris Clark said it should be about making sure your workout is dynamic, getting a good range of motion in your exercises. Other important aspects include liking your instructor and whether your workout is strength or cardio.

"I think that's key, understanding the why. What am I doing and why am I doing it? Stacie said. "If the instructor isn't sharing that, it's a little bit of a warning sign. I have to tell women over and over again it's about getting long, lean and stronger. The more fit you become, you can do more work with less effort."

The Clarks passed along a list of things to look for in your class...

Subjectively:

1. What is your range of motion? Are you seeing yourself moving deeper in a lunge than the week before?

2. How are your clothes fitting after taking the class for a month?

Objectively:

3. You're heart rate. If you see your recovery time shortening, that's a good class.

4. And if you are able to increase the load of your weights, you are making progress.

The Clarks also said to be critical of your class. It may look like a party, but is it working? Be efficient with your time. If you're going to work out for an hour, make sure you're working out for a majority of the time.