How to get the most out of your group fitness workout

How to get the most out of your group fitness (or solo) workout:

We are all crunched for time and sometimes fitting exercise into our busy schedules is hard to do. When you make exercise a part of your day, make the time you put in count most by following these easy tips.

Allow your instructor/trainer to guide you by:

•   Listening closely to cues, watching instructor cues and form. 
•   Being open to having an instructor/trainer provide gentle correction to a posture, pose, stretch or exercise you are doing
•   Take into consideration the educational piece an instructor may provide you-why the exercise/stretch/pose is important, what muscles are being activated, how the muscle is activated

Make your movements intentional by:

•   Listening to your body, it's normal to feel stronger and more full of energy some days and not as much other days. Challenge yourself when you are feeling strong and ease your body through when you're not.
•   Altering your intensity level based on those intensity options provided by your instructor/trainer. Deepen your stretch, contract your muscles rather than letting your body "go through the motions"
•  Watch your form, mirrors are good tools for this. Does your form match that which your instructor has guided you to do? Does your form feel right? Some exercises may feel awkward the first time you do them, though they should never feel like they are putting you at risk of injury, strains, sprains, overuse, etc. If the exercise is very painful, seek the guidance of your instructor/trainer.
•   Being in full control of your movements- focus on good posture and alignment, take advantage of fuller ranges of motion when your body is able to produce those movements

Practice, practice, practice! It takes time and dedication to becoming a more efficient and effective exerciser. When you have a better understanding of how the  body is working and the importance behind making the body work efficiently, you can focus on your own workout and get the most out of the time you put in making your body strong and healthy!