Should your workout leave you sore for days?? How sore is too sore? Let’s discuss a recent experience I had in a group fitness class.
Hello Friends!
The past few months my main focus has been on two things: making it through the semester and making it through my half marathon. (Okay I might have also been a little preoccupied with the state of Dave’s job, and then a big move but I digress.)
My workouts were mostly walking, running with a plank after each run (my “strength training”) and very seldomly would I partake in cross-training and even less seldomly I would do some random workouts in my apartment like lunges, squats and push-ups between studying.
Basically, I was not prepared for the beating my body would take when I participated in GPP fitness training during the weekend of the Blend Retreat….and I was fully aware of this. My arms are STILL sore. Prepare for me to tell you ALL about it!** (Please read the footnote if you read any of this post!)
(More Blend Retreat recaps: here for a sappy recap and link-up and here for a foodie recap post.)
Friday when we stepped into Janetha‘s stomping grounds and were informed we would be working on arms and abs, my mouth fell open and I explained to everyone who would listen that I hadn’t worked out my arms in MONTHS.
I am happy with my body the way it is. I feel good about it despite the fact that my body fat is redistributing itself so that I can’t fit into some of my jeans. That’s all part of being a woman and growing up, right?
I am also okay with the amount of exercise I partake in. I wouldn’t mind getting more aggressive with certain workouts or changing it up a little bit, but overall I am fine with my activity because I know that I don’t have to go crazy at the gym to be healthy.
There’s this thing though, in a group atmosphere. Especially a group atmosphere with mirrors, because although I was at the back of the group, everyone could see when I would take a break from swinging this 50 pound bar back and forth. (A break meaning I would just hold the bar that was nearly half my weight instead of swinging it.) I felt a pressure I don’t usually feel when I’m doing workouts on my own, or even in other group settings.
These people were RIPPED! Not only were the ladies who were regulars at GPP Fitness toned and buff and strong, so were the other bloggers that were partaking in the action. I felt so weak! I modified everything like crazy, but still felt like I was dying a painful death at the end. At one point, Neil, the group leader, came over to me and said, “Are you okay?” When I mustered up a smile and enough breath to say, “Yes,” he high-fived me then walked over to Amber and Maren and said, “You guys are SO FIT! I’m impressed!”
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I tried to joke about it the rest of the weekend, exaggerating Neil’s voice and concern asking me “Are you OKAY??!” But really, it was kind of embarrassing.**
For a day or so, I thought that I must be doing something wrong if I was a “food and fitness” blogger and couldn’t hang with the other ladies doing an aggressive workout.
Saturday came and I could not fully extend my arms. Things like putting on my shirt or brushing my teeth were PAINFUL. I was annoyed at myself for having pushed so hard and ended up sitting out that morning’s bootcamp because I knew it was the right thing for my body. I was a little envious of the gals who went because I knew that I was missing out on precious time with friends, but I kept telling myself that I had a hike to go on and that I would have probably hurt myself if I attempted another single arm workout.
The hike was amazing. Despite the fact that I was constantly out of breath due to the elevation and the mud caked on our shoes, I had a lot of fun!
This was something I could do!
I love taking walks and although half of the walk was trudging through a muddy road…it was fun because I was with my friends. Plus, the view was breath taking!!
I woke up Sunday and my whole body ached, but my arms hurt the most. I decided I would grin and bear the GPP bootcamp and just not do any of the arm workouts. At that point, I was feeling so good about myself (see my first sappy recap) and so comfortable with these ladies that I didn’t really care if they saw me sit out a few exercises.
While I do like the majority of the GPP philosophy, I was bothered by something.** Neil preached “go at your own pace, modify if you have to, sit out a round if you need to,” however I still felt the pressure to push myself, even though I had told myself not to. Let me be clear, sometimes it is good to push, but on a weekend like this where we are doing multiple workouts that we might not be used to, it’s also good to listen to your body.
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We did about a zillion squats to warm up. That left my legs even more sore. Then we did plyometrics, or jumping workouts. One way we did this was jumping kind of like a frog across the room. I enlisted my blend Sarah to go slower (and jump a shorter distance) with me and we had a blast while still getting our heart rate up!
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Then we did these lunges. Oh did we do lunges! A set was front lunge, side lunge, back lunge- ten times on each side. So thirty lunges on each leg was a set. We did this FOUR TIMES. By the time we did these lunges, I had figured out that we pretty much repeated things four times. I figured 120 lunges on each legs at full extension would kill me, so I modified. (Modifying a lunge is just going down part way.)
Well somehow I got stuck in the front of the group (one of those things where you think you are far enough back so that others will filter in front of you, but really no one wants to be in front), and I saw one of the helpers, eying me and my form. I kept on doing what I was doing, confident that I was doing what was right for my body.
After the second set I even turned to the ladies behind me and declared, “I am doing the modified version, everyone follow me if you want to modify the lunges.” We were only half-way through and already people sounded like they were dying!
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I kept on with my half-lunges, even after Lindsay and Candice were brought to the front to show us all what a fully extended side lunge looked like. Let me clarify, the fully extended lunge looked painful even to those ladies that were demonstrating–and they are professional fitness instructors!
I kind of knew it was coming, because I kept getting eye-balled….the trainer came over to me and singled me out, basically I thought she was telling me I wasn’t lunging deep enough. I told her I was modifying my lunges (duh?!) and she said okay, but got right next to me, doing them “correctly.”
It’s a shame, but that put a bad taste in my mouth. I know she was just trying to help. I know that. She is a sweet lady and I wouldn’t utter a bad word about her.
BUT we aren’t all professional fitness instructors and we don’t all have the same fitness strengths. I could have gone out and run 5 miles even at high elevation easier than doing some of those other strength training activities.
If a group fitness instructor is telling us to go at our own pace and we do, and are called out for it…what does that mean? That if we can’t hang with the elite athletes that were in the group, we shouldn’t participate at all?
I think that some fitness instructors FORGET how incredibly fit they are. I think they forget that their level of fitness is above and beyond the average person.
The worst part was that I could tell other girls were feeling badly about themselves and their fitness levels. I heard over and over, “I need to work out more,” or “I’m so out of shape,” or “Now I know what I need to do to improve my workouts.” Just looking at the group of girls, that is probably the last thing you’d expect any of them to say.
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I had to respond to the last comment I heard by saying, “No, you really only need to do these types of workouts if you want to be good at these types of workouts. You don’t need to kill yourself to be healthy.”
That seemed to have an impact on the few girls who heard it, but what about everyone else?
Over and over I saw Facebook statuses from friends who were at Blend saying things like, “I’m walking around like a grandma today, thanks GPP Fitness!”
Honestly, I think if you are sore from a workout five days later…something is wrong. I do like the sore feeling every once in awhile, but personally I had a hard time accomplishing menial tasks like unpacking my suitcases and doing laundry. Or even writing my first Blend recap post. My arms hurt that badly.
This is definitely NOT a knock on GPP fitness…I think this is an issue with certain group training or even fitness mentality overall. Like I said, I do like the overall GPP mentality, but the execution in certain instances left me feeling uncomfortable, and that’s not good!
Here are some of my solutions to this issue:
- If you say it’s okay to modify a workout, have someone be the modifier…for the whole workout. I was very into DVD workouts in high school, Tae Bo being a favorite, and they always had someone who was modifying the workout. This way people who really should be modifying a workout…do modify it and aren’t left sore for 5 days, not ever wanting to return.
- Only correct someone if the form of their movement will hurt them.
- Stress to the group, especially women, that they are beautiful the way they are! It’s great to be ripped and all, but I think the driving force behind working out should be for overall health and wellness…not to look like a flippin’ model. (I think there will be a whole other post coming out of this one bullet point.)
- Recognize that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. You can emphasize that to get the best results, you need to push yourself, but don’t make it a requirement.
I know everyone at Blend was going gaga over the bootcamps, and thinking it was great that they were sore for days…but I just want to stress to all of the beautiful ladies out there that they don’t have to be defined by whether or not they can do a cartwheel.
You are fine and dandy if you can’t do a hundred burpees, or 120 lunges without extreme pain.
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You. are. beautiful. just the way you are.
If you want to improve or meet certain goals-go for it! But don’t for one minute let a workout make you feel bad about yourself!!
You don’t have to KILL yourself for a workout…especially if you can’t function for five days afterwards. (Update: Read this post from Laura about why it’s not essential for you to feel sore to gain muscle or fitness and this post she linked to from a group fitness instructor’s position on soreness..which is that it’s not essential!)
Much love from a gal attempting her own healthy balance,
What’s the hardest workout you’ve ever done?
Have you ever felt pressure to push further than you were comfortable with? What did you do or how did you handle the situation?
(UPDATE: **I am not trying to discredit GPP fitness! I am sure that Neil thought that the ladies that came into the gym Friday were all super fit since we were going to a “healthy living” or food and fitness retreat so we never heard the newbie disclaimer on doing half of the reps and half of the weight (as a commenter posted below). I do, however still think that many classes could use a modifier! I also know that a lot this had to do with my own pride and own feelings. I just hoped to help others with this post who shared those same feelings or insecurities…you are not alone! Don’t let a workout make you feel bad!)
I’m so sorry you felt a little weird during these… NO shame in sitting out or modifying! Since I’ve been lifting, I’ realized that fit comes in a million different forms. At this point I am no where near as fast of a runner that I was 2 years ago, and that’s ok. I took a spin class with a friend last week and it kick my butt in ways I can’t describe… and I was “modifying” the resistance. But I can lift the hell out of some weight!
My point is the one you are making – do what’s right for YOU. There’s no need to compare – “fit” comes in a million flavors of beautiful.
P.S. I totally skipped the Sunday workout. 😉
“fit” comes in a million flavors of beautiful. <- i LOVE that!!! And honestly, it's SO freaking true!
Oh my goodness can I use that quote?? “Fit comes in a million flavors of beautiful!”
I’ll admit…it makes me feel good that a hammer like you took Sunday off! 🙂
Awwww… of course!!!
Dude. Burpees are hard. That’s why I don’t do them. LOL!
I’m so sorry you felt a little weird during these… NO shame in sitting out or modifying! Since I’ve been lifting, I’ realized that fit comes in a million different forms. At this point I am no where near as fast of a runner that I was 2 years ago, and that’s ok. I took a spin class with a friend last week and it kick my butt in ways I can’t describe… and I was “modifying” the resistance. But I can lift the hell out of some weight!
My point is the one you are making – do what’s right for YOU. There’s no need to compare – “fit” comes in a million flavors of beautiful.
P.S. I totally skipped the Sunday workout. 😉
I freaking LOVE you, roomie! I’m sad that you felt bad about yourself at times. I really enjoyed the workouts and for me (personally) I was only sore for a few days though I did modify as I needed or take breaks when I needed. I think sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, especially when surrounded by so many fit people to try and do it all. I knew when I needed to skip a few Burpees or Push-ups, but at the same time, I knew when to challenge myself and for me that was attempting the cartwheels. I knew I looked ridiculous and the fact that everyone else did too, made me feel better. At the end of the day though, it’s about what makes YOU feel good!
I love you too friend! Isn’t it weird to be sore for a few days though?? It just seems like a little much for me! 🙂
“fit” comes in a million flavors of beautiful. <- i LOVE that!!! And honestly, it's SO freaking true!
I love this post. And I love you! I’m really glad that you wrote this. I think the group mentality is to blame, not the people involved. Broccoli and I were doing squats instead of burpees on Saturday because our knees were shot. I opted completely out of Sunday because I was sore from Saturday (and still am, which is weird, because I don’t feel like I pushed myself).
I love GPP’s philosophy and I think I would do best working with him (or another trainer) with their workouts one-on-one. At home by myself I’m not going to push myself. But in a group, I always have to do everything the hardest, the fastest, etc. I can remember many TRX bootcamps that left me so horribly sore because I always did the hardest version of everything possible even if I could barely do it. Which, is totally wrong because form is more important than the number of reps you do or the speed you do them.
I’ve been wrestling with this whole idea internally for months. I’ve been trying to do everything better, harder, faster than I have before, so I’ve been racing myself, but really, I’m not at the level I used to be. I am out of shape (for me), and that’s okay. I just need to remember how to build it back to where I want to be and know that it isn’t going to happen overnight.
Also, you ARE in shape. You should have done the run group on Saturday (if you weren’t sore). 9 miles in altitude wouldn’t have been a problem. Hell, I barely run 3-4 miles at a time right now, but I bet you that if they told us to run for an hour, I would have been one of the ones to finish that whole hour.
Oh, also, totally agree on the “have somebody modify the move the whole workout” part. That’s why I love Bob and Jillian’s DVDs because they always show you the modified version (and the hard option too). My classes on campus do that a lot too.
YES! Modifiers ftw!!
I like that you called Heather Broccoli!!
I do agree that I would be better in a one-on-one setting. I like GPP in that there are lots of different moves and it’s GREAT to change things up on the body!
Yes, running is definitely different than the workouts we were doing!! I hope we can run together lots when you move North!! <3 <3
I think there is a lot of good stuff in this post and I think you were pretty brave to post it. I think it can be a little intimidating to feel like you’re going against what everyone else is thinking so good on you to actually take the time to write it!
I am one of those non-fitnessy people so I can somewhat relate to your experiences with boot camp. Also, I definitely think that it can be hard to find the right balance of challenge vs. overdoing it. I took a TRX class a couple of months ago and was sore for almost a week, which was pretty stupid of me considering I have a baby to care for (and he occasionally likes to be picked up…). I don’t really envy fitness instructors, because it seems like they have to have a lot of balls in the air: encourage people to do more than they think they can, but don’t be overbearing. Correct form, but again.. don’t be overbearing. There are some people who are “form nazis” (my friend is one) and would probably be really irritated if he was doing a movement wrong and no one said anything. Should they treat everyone like that or assume people are modifying specifically? I don’t know, honestly.
I was at Blend and am a local, so I figured I’d give GPP a shot since there’s a Groupon on right now for the gym. I talked to Candice about modifications and she said that they encourage new people to do half the weight and half the reps. Did they ever talk to you about that in the class at GPP specifically (I only went to the Saturday workout so I know they didn’t there)? If not, I’m super glad I asked! I want to be able to complete the spirit of the workout without killing myself, so I wasn’t sure how I should go about that (100% for as much of the workout as I can or 75% of all of the workout or whatever), so her guidance helped.
Anyway, this is rambly. Ultimately, I agree with a lot you’ve said, and I think it was awesome that you said it. There are all kinds of people in the world looking for all sorts of different kinds of workouts, and I think it’s fun trying to find the one that works best for me.. even if the price is a few days of being miserable.
NO I DEFINITELY did not hear anything about doing half weight or half reps!! That would have helped haha but Neil probably assumed we weren’t beginnners because of going to a fitness bloggers retreat, you know?
I actually will have to disagree with you on the “few days of being miserable” part. I think it makes sense if you do a workout like that every once in awhile…like I ran my half marathon and was sore TWO days, but not being able to function OR workout for DAYS seems counter-productive to me.
I wasn’t trying to make a blanket statement with that; I was talking about for me. I don’t get out of my comfort zone very often so I if I try something and decide I don’t love it but the “price” is I’m sore for a few days, I don’t really mind. In the grand scheme of things, I find a few days of being sore not that big of a deal compared to never actually trying anything new. Soreness never killed anyone, so if that’s the only negative side effect I have I can deal with it. I don’t mean that to be the case ALL THE TIME, for sure… but I also don’t think that the people who go to GPP regularly (or do crossfit or whatever regularly) are that sore all the time either. I think those of us who were sore are the people who aren’t used to it.
As an aside, I went to a real GPP class this weekend and the guy who was there found out I was new and very clearly said, “do half the weights and the reps” even before I brought up that I had talked to Candice about it, so… yeah, maybe Neil was just being a bit gung-ho in that regard. I did as instructed (and then walked around an amusement park for 6 hours) and I can certainly feel it, but it’s completely manageable and I am still going about my day. So that’s good.
I’m definitely with you on trying new things!! Especially new workouts!
I suppose what I meant was that people who regularly go do an intense workout, are sore for a week, don’t work out for awhile then repeat the process all over again because they think being sore is the key to making improvements on the body aren’t really in the right mindset. I don’t think the mindset should be to TRY to be sore. (Also not being able to fully extend my arms or brush a hair out of my eye without wincing was NOT worth it to me.) Like the article I just added to the post from another comment, it’s not even necessary for physical improvement. Plus it’s definitely better for the body to workout multiple times a week at an acceptable pace rather than once a week killing yourself. (That is a fact pulled from a fitness and nutrition class I took.)
I’m very glad that they normally suggest doing half the weights and reps! That definitely would have helped!!
Now I don’t feel so bad about ducking out when they started doing cartwheels and MORE burpees. Thanks for the new perspective.
Absolutely! This was actually the point of the post and not really ripping on GPP or feeling bad about myself haha!
Hey Amanda!
I came across your blog and felt compelled to comment! Im sorry to hear about your experience because mine has been completely opposite. I recently started working out at GPP because I have wanted wanted to lose some weight. I too was very worried about feeling pressured and feeling out of place because I am not very physically fit. However, my experience with GPP has been nothing but positive. I have appreciated the trainers explanations and warnings about the workouts so I clearly understood I should only do half as a beginner. I have never felt pressured to do more then I could or should. In fact, the trainers and fellow group members have cheered me on and encouaged me throughout each workout. I think its crucial, going into any workout, that you know your own body and its limits. At GPP I have been pushed enough to become stronger, but not enough to make me stupid sore.
I definitely didn’t hear anything about only doing half weight or reps like another gal said is suggested! Neil may have thought that we were all super fit since we were a part of a “healthy living” bloggers retreat…so maybe that’s why? I seriously went into the workout having not done arms in MONTHS and it was a “burner” workout so it makes sense I got so sore I suppose.
I was definitely sore for a few days after GPP, but not terribly – and I do love the feeling of soreness. However, a fitness instructor set me straight on soreness a few months ago, and I was really surprised by the answer! Post here: http://www.50by25.com/2013/01/weekend-roundup-why-soreness-doesnt-matter.html
Sorry you felt weird modifying some of the workouts, and I’m with Laura H that it was probably less noticeable than you thought. I skipped out on all the jumping across the room (went to the corner with Amanda to do crunches/pushups instead), and then for all the lunges, I had to skip front lunges on my right leg and back lunges on my left leg (was having right knee issues), so I just tapped my toe instead. I was front and center for lunges and I did feel a tiny bit weird, but Candice didn’t say anything to me about it and I knew it was the right thing. I think we always just have to do what’s best for us, and I agree that if something/someone isn’t making you comfortable, it might not be the right place. Glad you didn’t let it get you down too much and are able to write about it positively in retrospect
haha I didn’t think it was too big of a deal until it was pointed out to me I needed to “get deeper!”
And I definitely sat out some of those cardio rounds because holy cow I felt like I was wayyy behind the other ladies. I might have been feeling the elevation too because I felt VERY out of breath!
And thanks for that reassuring post! I knew you didn’t have to be SORE SORE SORE to be making improvements and it’s good to hear it from a trainer!! 🙂
Agreed — probably less noticeable than you thought. We all assume everybody is looking at us all the time. Not the case. 🙂
Amanda! I love that you had the courage to write this post.
One thing to keep in mind is that showing up counts for a lot. It sounds like you had a lot going on/to think about during the retreat.
Lapping people on the couch is the first thing I think about.
After really wanting to see how far I could go fitness-wise I adopted a mindset of ‘just try it, what’s the worst that could happen’, especially after two kids and being in tons of high pressure/embarrassing situations in my professional life.
I really enjoyed GPP Fitness’ workout because they didn’t underestimate us as fitness instructors tend to. The difference you and others point out was that we had one weekend with them which does not make up a recipe for instant success.
What matters is how you feel. My motto is, if you are not down with it, move on. Just find something else. Variation is key.
I was glad they offered Zumba as I chose not to go on the hike because I didn’t want to ruin my shoes. It was fun, and I was sore…but what was the worst that could happen? : )
Life is an adventure, isn’t it?
I definitely agree that more time doing these workouts would have helped! And I could have sat out more at the GPP gym…but I already felt like I was using the lowest weights and modifying. Definitely had to do with pride!!
And yes “just try it” is an awesome motto! That’s why I went to Blend in the first place! And it was a great experience! 🙂
I’m really glad that you wrote this post. It’s funny but I’ve been going back and forth on my experience with the bootcamps at Blend. Overall, I loved them, the philosophy behind GPP, working out with an incredible group of women and pushing myself harder than I have in a while. Like you, my workouts have mainly focused on running and yoga lately and I haven’t been doing as much strength training as in the past. I definitely had to sit out of somethings and modify. But I did felt compelled to do somethings that I probably shouldn’t have (plyometrics – had knee surgery last year and am not really supposed to be doing that) but it was a combination of really wanting to do it (because I love those types of exercises) and not wanting to modify and sit out (whether because of feeling embarrassed or other reasons).
At first, I thought the soreness was a good sign and totally normal but after more than a few days, not so cool. And it may be coincidence but I do feel like my quad is thrashed. Was it worth it just to be in the moment during the bootcamps? Not sure.
It’s a give and take between pushing ourselves and pushing ourselves too far and it can be hard to draw the line. I’m sorry that you felt weird during the bootcamps. I did too and I tried to remind myself to do what was best for me. And sorry for the long response. Clearly your post resonated with me!
I’m so glad this resonated with you Christine! I totally agree that it’s a give and take or a balance with these types of events.
I really hope your quad isn’t hurting for too long! Definitely have it checked out after another week or so!!
I’m so glad this resonated with you Christine! I totally agree that it’s a give and take or a balance with these types of events.
I really hope your quad isn’t hurting for too long! Definitely have it checked out after another week or so!!
I love your honesty and your perspecitve. I think sometimes in a group we can tend to push ourselves past our limit… I know I do. I enjoyed GPP’s workouts, and I wasn’t majorly sore.. just a good sore after. However, I am better at that kind of workout. Now, have me run a long distance and I’m out! lol. I love Laura’s quote down there “Fit comes in a million flavors of beautiful!” That is so true! Love you girl… and thank you for this!
haha exactly! At this point I can do the running, but not the burpees (or arm workouts!)! 😉
Hi! I am SO happy you wrote this post, because I definitely value your opinion so much, and I think your thoughts are spot on. [I’m also commenting before reading other people’s comments, because even though I was told to read this last week, I’m late in the game, and I can tell by your added disclaimer that you might have had some negative feedback.]
Yes, I was (I think) the first person to comment on the facebook wall on Monday about how sore I was. I was STILL sore on Wednesday, but able to get through yoga–and AMEN! for that–and yes, I was beating myself up about not being able to get through the Saturday workout like everyone else. I did feel less fit, and I thought over and over, “How can I run so far in ‘real’ life, but here I can’t even do five burpees without wanting to take a break?” And YES, the hike was rejuvenating in that sense, because I, too, thought, “Yes, this is something I can do!” [And I liked that it felt easier than last year’s hike. ;)]
However, I am happy, in the long run, that the whole thing happened. I definitely agree with EVERYTHING you said, about there being different ways to be fit. I am getting pretty darn good at getting through some difficult Vinyasa classes, and NEVER feel down on myself when I can’t do a particular pose, or have to modify for my ability. I love yoga for that…there is group support, but it is also very individualistic in pushing yourself to where you can, and no more. No judgement if you take child’s pose or something.
But, what was good for me about GPP was not only the mentality behind it, which is something I need, personally, to be focusing on in my fitness life. Not letting exercise control me. It was also good for me to realize that I wanted to be more well-rounded when it came to fitness. I wanted to have a stronger core, and to be able to do a few more push-ups. I also wanted to stop running for awhile (Forever? I don’t know.) I’ve been getting more adventurous in trying classes, and varying my workouts, and I think it has been really good for me mentally—and I hope physically. (We’ll see if my jeans stop fitting…)
Anyways, I’m going to be writing a whole post on my perspective, and the changes in it, but I have loved reading yours. And, as always, I appreciate your honesty. 🙂 [AND for being my jumping buddy!!!!]
For sure I like trying new things!! I will still go to bootcamp next year!!
BUT I also found out that as a newbie to GPP I was supposed to have been told to do half of the weight and half of the reps (when I went to the actual gym we had barbells and weights)…um didn’t do that!! Probably why my arms felt terrible the next 4 days! I think the group boot camp wasn’t too bad except for when I was modifying and Candice singled me out that I wasn’t doing it right lol.
I definitely had fun, but just wanted to point out some improvements group classes could have as a whole! 🙂
Thanks jumping buddy! <3
Sorry, I’m going to jump in here. Just to say my peace, I won’t lie, I took this post a little bit offensive towards me. As a fitness instructor I want you to be comfortable, I want you to do your best to YOUR level, do I expect you to be at my level? NO. Did Neil throw out the warning. YES. In fact, multiple times. Did you keep going, even when you KNEW it was hard for you and you were struggling? Yep… When you were asked if you were good, did you smile and say yes? If there was someone doing the modification the whole time would you of even followed them? Even with the “Group pressure”? I don’t know? Every workout is YOUR workout. You can say it was the pressure but that is a little juvenile.
I didn’t “single” you out. You took it that way. I was correcting your form, You were lunging in a way that actually could of hurt you.(Leaning forward, short stance) – You told me you were modifying which is fine! I said that was cool, I let you do your thing. Then stood next to you for the rest of that set just because you were just there. Not in any way to show you up. I was just fitting in the group, having a great time! There were several other people around you doing it (in your words “correctly”). Do you see how this post really hurt me? I hope you understand fully that in no way was I pointing you out or meant to make you feel inferior.
I respect you and all you do, I had a great time with you at blend and thankful I had the chance to hang out and sweat with you!
Ditto!!
Hey Candice I definitely agree with you on a lot of this! Did you read my disclaimer at the bottom? I know part of it was pride! I’m so sorry you took offense to this, but I wanted to put this out for all of the other girls who felt bad about themselves during this workout (the ones who I literally heard talking badly and getting down on themselves). I have a heart for women and their self-esteem!
I KNOW you were trying to help me out! I just thought you were trying to get me to work harder (lunge deeper) and didn’t realize that my form was off.
I also know that I didn’t hear anything about doing half of the weights and half of the reps like a couple of other people commented that is usually told to new people.
This was not meant to be a dig on you or GPP, but something I have noticed in group fitness classes in general (as I stated in the post).
I have nothing at all against you as a person or even as a trainer, but at that moment, I did feel singled out and some other girls there agreed with me. Sending you an e-mail to discuss further! 🙂
RE: trainer mentality
I think what Amanda might have been trying to say, but maybe didn’t really get at it in the most graceful way is that we had a ton of trainers in the group, and it’s hard to turn that off. I’m guilty of doing that to my non-fitnessy friends when we work out together. And I think maybe some of the people in the group were acting that way, whether they realized it or not.
All in all, I loved the philosophy. I’m definitely guilty of working out harder in a group than one-on-one, which is why even if I lived in Utah I’d probably do GPP at home most days because otherwise I would probably injure myself (see: my entire last year).
Love both of you, and sorry that something that was meant to be helpful came out as hurtful (on both accounts).
Hello Amanda!
You don’t know me but I was also at Blend. I am not a regular blogger but I am a
Utah native and thought that I would attend Blend to get a feel for the
community and to (hopefully) make some new friends.
I read this post this morning as an extension of Tina’s blog. The title of this
post intrigued me and I read the whole thing plus all of the comments. I don’t
usually comment on blogs but after reflecting on this topic throughout the day
I felt like I needed to weigh in. Please forgive the length of my indulgence.
I spent a few months as a faithful group fitness attendee at my local gym
attending classes taught by a personal trainer/Cross Fit competitor that were
tough. I have never asked my body to give so much. Did I achieve results? Yeah
I did. But I wasn’t really happy. That life of push push push was not for me.
Currently I am training for a half marathon (my first!) and my little family
and I bike a lot. I do some strength training here and there as well, and
although I am also going to school to certify as a personal trainer I am
starting to realize more and more that my flavor of “healthy” is very
individual.
I loved what Laura said (like so many others) about there being “many
different flavors of beautiful.” I think that what we fail to realize so
much of the time is that just because we enjoy a different flavor than someone
else doesn’t mean that our flavor is any less satisfying or fulfilling. My idea
of being healthy, for me personally, does not include going to Cross Fit and
working to be able to squat double my body weight. I can’t even do 1 pull-up.
But that is okay because that is not who I am and that is not what I want. The
pursuit of those goals are not even on my radar. And it makes me no less strong
or beautiful in my own flavor than someone else who would choose something
else.
I chose not to attend any of the GPP boot camps. I follow Janetha’s blog and I
have seen her post workout summaries before – I had some idea of what to expect
from those workouts. And I knew without having to attend a single one that they
were not my flavor. I admire those that have vigorously pursued that and can do
burpees as if they were basic jumping jacks. I admire their hard work and
stamina. Could I get there if I wanted to? Maybe. But it isn’t a flavor I enjoy
so why would I keep forcing it on myself? I can challenge myself in ways that will leave me feeling satisfied and not torn apart.
I think that this principle can be applied to anything in life
and all throughout fitness. Through my studying to become a personal trainer I
have tried very hard to maintain the focus that everyone’s definition of what “healthy”
is will be vastly different and everyone will want a different flavor. The
challenge is to find whatever our personal flavors may be and to be comfortable
and confident in the flavor that we choose. I will always hate burpees,
struggle with pushups, and I may never be able to do a pull up in my life, but
that is alright. My flavor is to find out what is my best and give what I can
give in the pursuit of what is in my and my family’s best interest. And in the
end – that is the flavor that I know will yield the best results and the most
happiness for me.
Thank you for putting yourself out on the line and swimming
upstream. It is important for us all to consider varying viewpoints, whether we
agree with them or not. If no one ever speaks up and ideas stand unquestioned
many people remain in the place of believing they are the only voice of disagreement.
Your post gave me a wonderful opportunity to ponder and reflect on my own life
and to reaffirm some of my own beliefs and I am very grateful for that and for
your effort.
Oh my goodness I am SO HAPPY you took the time to comment! This is exactly what I was getting at (although some may see it as a dig at GPP). Just because I or other girls couldn’t hold up through the whole group workout does not mean we aren’t fit!! Running a half marathon requires something completely different than those types of moves! Even some who can do those moves still beat themselves up to push further and further…where does it end? Is anyone ever satisfied with their body and personal fitness?
I am definitely glad I tried it and maybe some time I will get into those types of workouts, but for now I am happy with walking, jogging, occasional weights and have also started a pilates DVD series.
So true about the “flavors” and my taste tends to change and that’s okay too! 🙂
Thank you again for the comment!!
Really great post. I know I push myself in group fitness classes and sometimes go too far. Just because I *can* do the moves doesn’t mean I should do all of them in the first class without building up to them.
Exactly, Coco!
AMANDAAAAAAA! Omg, I could not agree more with each and EVERY word of this! I know I’m like SERIOUSLY late to the party but I just knew I had to read it and I wanted time to sit down and devote my full attention to it….and I’m SO glad I did!
I had fun doing the GPP workouts. I’m no stranger to group fitness since I worked out fo over a year at a cross fit type gym. The GPP workouts reminded me some of those days and it was definitely good to do something different (and therefore exciting) for a change. I actually surprised myself by pushing a little and seeing what all I could manage to do even in my half gimp state, BUT I would be lying if I said that I didn’t entertain a couple of thoughts of “oh man, if only I were like HER” or “I’m really out of shape” Of COURSE I’m out of shape! I’ve been out of working out for months now! But I shouldn’t beat myself up over it…or push myself to so far extremes that I’m sore 5 days later! And for the record, I feel a lot better now that I know I’m not the only one who had trouble typing up a post once I got back…I swear my arms were jello for two whole days!
I agree 100% about having a modifier. I also TOTALLY get what you said about how trainers tend to forget how fit they are or the journey to their current level of fitness (and HOW LONG it took them to get there!). Like I mentioned at lunch, you weren’t the only one singled out by that trainer and while I knew I was doing the BEST thing for my body at the time, I couldn’t help but feel awkward being singled out like that.
haha I love having you even if you are late friend!! <3 <3
That environment was definitely challenging not to compare myself, my body and my fitness level!! But when I got back I was like wait a minute…I'm just fine. I'm at a healthy weight, I stay decently active and I feel good. If I wanna get buff I can do that but I'm not in any hurry and I shouldn't feel bad about myself just because I'm not as "fit" as these personal trainers! 🙂
I don't get the term "jello arms" haha my arms were stiff as boards and I had to will myself to lift them high enough to put my hair in a ponytail! 😉
The two workouts this year that left me sore for four days afterwards were hiking to the top of a mountain, and taking my first spinning class. I loved both, though, and now I go to spinning regularly!
I agree that it’s good to show modifications. I have Jillian Michael’s DVDs and I like how she shows the whole range (beginner to advanced) of options.
Hiking is no joke! Especially if you’re not used to it!!
Yes, I have heard that Jillian does modifications and I love that!