Small Group Training
On this Workout Wednesday, I thought I’d tell you about a new adventure I just started to add a little variety to my own routine.
Every Monday and Wednesday night for the next eight weeks, you can find me at New York Sports Club getting my butt kicked in a small group training class called called UXF, short for “Ultimate Fitness Experience.” Six of us signed up for the one-hour class led by my friend and personal trainer extraordinaire Roberto Murichi. One class down and I can’t wait to go back for more! Along with getting a killer workout, I’m also using this class to expand my knowledge as a personal trainer by learning from someone who’s been in the industry for the past decade.
A “Basic” Butt-Kicking Exercise!
The Push-Up
After a warm up that included eight rounds of bicycle crunches, squats and push ups – performing as many reps as possible in 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest – Roberto set up five stations for us to rotate through as a circuit. The exercises ranged from using ropes to lifting with kettlebells. We worked at each station for 60-seconds straight, then moved on to the next. (There was one rest station. Each of us breathed a serious sigh of relief when it was our turn to move to that spot!)
After several rounds, it was easy to see how this class offers a killer combination of strength training and cardio. As we move forward, the exercises will change, and the number of rounds will increase. Roberto will “score” each of us at an upcoming class and he’ll do the same thing when we wrap at the end of April. I can’t wait to see how my numbers compare!
Photos by Lauren Bachner
Along with the intense exercises and Roberto’s expertise as a motivational fitness instructor, there’s something else I love about this class: the small group dynamic.There’s some sort of instant bond that seems to develop when you get a half-dozen people together who are at different stages of training. One of my small group classmates has been working with Roberto in one-on-one sessions for the past two months. His wife also signed up for the class, but in her case, it marks the first time she’s stepped foot inside the gym during the same time frame.
While each of us may be starting at a different fitness level, we all share similar goals of improving our strength, endurance and agility. The bottom line is we’re all looking to do what we can to be physically fit.
I look forward to spending the next eight weeks sweating it out with my new classmates and encouraging each other to get through those seemingly never-ending circuits. Whether you sign up for a small group training class; take the same Zumba classes every week; join a running club or workout with a personal trainer, it’s nice to have fitness friends to help you on your journey to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Posted on March 7, 2012, in Fitness, Health and tagged Circuit Training, Laura DeAngelis, Lauren Bachner, NYSC, Personal Fitness, Push Ups, Roberto Murichi, Small Group Training, Workout Wednesday, Zumba. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
lauralovesfitness 
hey there! so funny that you are mentioning the small group stuff! it is such a great experience and soooooooooo much cheaper for clients than personal training and still getting more personalized attention! (which usually leads to better results!) i have taught small groups for years including basic small group, outdoor boot camps and trx! i have 3 coworkers that are starting some new small groups including the “insanity” program, a boxing boot camp and a ballet barre! something for everyone! i am so excited for them and the members. i may join in on a few myself! lol! i hope you enjoy the rest of your sessions! kick booty! xoxoxo
Hi Amy! Great to hear from you! Yes, affordability is a huge benefit to the small group training. I am hoping to learn more so it’s something I can lead in the future. (Which means any advice you have will be key!) Thanks again for taking the time to write. I am excited for round two of my class tonight. Hope all is well!