Variety, as they say, is the spice of life — even (or maybe especially) when it comes to exercise.
Renee Stein, fitness director at the Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield, says, “It’s vital to have a variety in your workout routine in order to continue to progress and create a well-rounded physique.”
From experience, I know that running 20-plus miles a week isn’t as beneficial as a weekly routine of running 10 miles along with doing weights, lunges, boot-camp style workouts, and swimming or spinning classes.
In that spirit of variety, I set out in search of a wide range of fitness options and, after two emergency-room visits, eight stitches on my left leg, and a handful of classes, I offer this overview of three approaches to exercise
Revolutionary WorkoutLocation: Nth Degree Fitness, Royal Oak. Routine: Full-body workout. Duration: 55 minutes. Class notes: Kristin Turner, manager of Nth Degree, says local trainer Robb Frentz designed these classes to offer a level of personal attention for each client. “He created a workout that would provide cardio and personal training in less than one hour,” she says. After trying the full-body workout, I would agree. Two trainers were available for the approximately 15 students. During drills, my form and technique were always corrected. Mirrored walls help you self-monitor. Information: . |
CrossFitLocations: Pointe Fitness, Harper Woods; Brick House Fitness, Mount Clemens. Routine: Sick…Mean…Hateful (Yes, that’s the name.) Duration: About 17 minutes. Class notes: Call me crazy, but the “Sick…Mean…Hateful” workout was my favorite (a surprise, considering that I only partially accomplished the session due to a fall that landed me in the ER). Information: , . |
Indoor CyclingLocation: Real Ryder Revolution, West Bloomfield Township, Birmingham. Routine: T.G.I.F Ryde. Duration: 45 minutes. Class notes: Having regularly taken a spinning class for the last year, I thought I was prepared for the Real Ryder Revolution class in West Bloomfield Township. When feet were secured to the pedals, I knew this ride would be like no other. Indeed, it felt a bit like a carnival ride as my cycle swayed vigorously from side to side. Information: . |
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