I got a bit INSANE

With the turn of the New Year, my gym rolled out a new class called INSANITY. I knew it would be challenging when I heard my fellow instructors were sore after their certification training.  Every Monday night as I stroll into the Spinning room, the gym is packed for INSANITY class - and those people are clearly working hard. Seriously, it's a bit intimidating to watch.

Over the past month, I've noticed there are quite clearly two sets of people... Those that get a glimpse of INSANITY class and say "No way am I doing that!" or those that scream "Bring it on!"  I don't like to think of myself as part of the first group, but I am. Sometimes. (Can you imagine me being deathly afraid of Spinning class? I was just 5 years ago!)  Trying new things is a hurdle that I still have to push myself over. I find that I've fallen into the daily routine of running and Spinning, which is all fine and good. But my body has definitely adapted and doesn't change much anymore. I still desire the change... the change on the scale, the change in how my clothes fit, the change in exertion levels, the change in performance.

Today I decided to change it up. I gave this INSANITY class a try. Worse case scenerio, I can't keep up and have to take a break. The kids (who were off school today yet again) and I arrived a bit early, so I decided to warm up on the treadmill. Warming up for INSANITY?! Such a foolish girl. But I needed some miles for the #WinterMiles Challenge.  I was a moron and thought the class started at 11:15am. Nope, it was 11:00. So I was late, but jumped in anyway. It was the perfect teaser on what Insanity was all about. I got in 2 "blocks" before the cooldown. Not easy and I was definitely gasping for air after the basketball jump/twirl thingys.

With INSANITY, you work all-out for 3-5 minute blocks, and then take a break only long enough to catch your breath before starting it over again. They call it Max Interval Training because your body is working at maximum capacity throughout the entire workout. It's all about pushing your limits.

After surviving Insanity, I decided to really push my limits and try the TRX Bootcamp. The small training group is limited to 9 people, but a couple didn't show so I was able to sneak my way in. As you know, I'm not a big fan of strength training. I find it boring and tedious, and really have to force myself to do it on a weekly basis. I'd rather run for an hour than do 20 minutes of strength. No joke. Well, let me tell you what... I think I just fell in love with TRX Bootcamp!! This class was so fun and completely challenging. I have always liked the circuit style of strength training... rotating stations. On. Off. Switch. Go!  I used to belong to a gym that actually had a circuit room with blinking lights and alarms. I loved it!  So I'm kind of excited today to find a new class that works for me. It's something I really need to add into my training regime.

So that was me, stepping out of my comfort zone today... and making a little magic.

What have you done lately to challenge yourself? 
What activities are 'outside' your comfort zone?
Have you ever tried INSANITY or TRX?


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