Tag: midtown-group-exercise-classes

Motivation comes in many forms. Whether it’s used to get somewhere or to stay far, far away from something, motivation drives us to Midtown every day. 

Some may think we are all here to lose weight or to be a certain size but that’s just not the case. 

There are many reasons why we are here, getting healthier, and making changes.

As a trainer, most people think working out, eating right, and making goals comes easier for me than you. 

Let me assure you, it doesn’t! 

Sure, I may have more overall knowledge, but applying it to my life can be just as challenging.  And after having a baby almost a year ago, it’s even harder!  So yes, I’d love to have my pre-baby body back exactly the way it was (mainly so I could fit into all of my old clothes), but that’s not always possible. 

So instead of focusing on the number on the scale, I decided to focus on fitness-based goals.  This is more motivational for me than stepping on the scale because it puts a positive spin on getting where I want to be.

So what are fitness-based goals? 

Well, instead of weighing yourself and feeling disappointed with what you see, focus on “upping” one aspect of your workout. 

Add a bit more weight than you always do on your favorite exercise, or two more reps than last time, or burn an extra 100 calories in the same amount of time doing cardio. 

That way feeling stronger or faster will help you towards your ultimate goal. 

After my son was born, and I was back working out, I would try to get to a certain block faster than I did the last time on my run, or ahem, jog.  And I was super-excited when I could finally do 12 full, (not “girlie”) pushups on the ground, so much that I posted it on Facebook to make sure everyone knew! 

That’s when I knew I was getting closer to the old me and I didn’t need the scale to tell me so. 

Now some people don’t care about weight or size.  That’s just not why they they are regulars at the Club.  They are here to get their insides healthier.  One of my clients’ dad passed away from heart disease and she knew that if she didn’t make a change she’d meet the same end. Now she uses exercise as a stress-reliever and also recognizes she sleeps better since she’s been working out. 

Our sessions have made a huge difference in her daily life. 

My dad also has his health as a goal. After telling him numerous times (he’d probably call it harping, I am a trainer you know), that he needs to work out and stop relying on medicine to cure his ails, he started coming in regularly and in less than a year, he was on lower doses of his cholesterol and blood pressure medications. 

So, find a way to gauge your health by either your energy level, quality of sleep, or whether you are spending less on prescriptions.  These are huge benefits you may not see right now, but when you’re 70 and want to spend the afternoon with your grandkids without having to sit down to rest, you’ll be glad you worked hard now!

Another reason you might come to Midtown is the social aspect of the Club.  We pride ourselves on being your “third place,” after home and work, and on creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere. 

So knowing there is a group of people waiting for you in a group ex class or that your lifting partner needs a spotter, gives you another reason to show up.  Sometimes they help you work hard even though you’d rather be doing anything other than working out.  And sometimes you just like hanging out with them and may even hit the M-Cafe for a bite to eat after class.  Either way, they motivate you to keep going and getting healthier!

So, what motivates you?  We’d love to know what brings you back to Midtown day after day.  And how can we help you stay motivated?

There’s not much about my life that’s extreme.

About the most extreme thing I’ve done is carry twins for eight months. They were born early, thus saving me from the truly extreme ninth month of a twin pregnancy. Their birth was via emergency c-section, so that was a little extreme, but I think natural childbirth would have been a lot harder.

So, when I looked at the new class schedule and saw MXT (Midtown Xtreme Training), I was intrigued. And when members began raving about the very first class on the club’s Facebook page a few weeks ago, my curiosity was piqued again. The current class time (Wednesdays from 12:15-1:15pm) doesn’t work for my schedule, so when Trainer Vinny Mugavero, who together with Trainer Justin Bradt developed MXT) offered a private class at a more convenient time, I took him up on it, and dragged three of my friends along for company.

Not much in my life is extreme.

This class?

It earns its name.

Here’s what you need to know about MXT (Midtown Xtreme Training):

 1. Embrace Kettlebells.

My kettlebell experience is limited. I used them briefly during Boot Camp Against Cancer, and that sums up my exposure to them. Pardon the pun, but MXT is kettlebell-heavy. During class we did Dead Man Lifts and incorporated kettlebells into sqauts and choreographed moves. At first, I was raging against what one friend called “kettlebell hell,” but by the end of the class I had begun to look at them in a new way. I’m a runner, and all my power is in my legs. My upper body strength is very poor.

MXT showed me exactly how poor, and now I know how important it is to improve this area. Strong upper body = strong total-body runner.

2. The Class is Not for Beginners.

Prior to taking this class, I considered myself in shape. I have many areas that need improvement (doesn’t everyone?), but I have a decent level of overall fitness.

 MXT kicked me in the rear.

"I'm trying, Vinny. I'm trying!"

We began the class with several laps around the Group Exercise studio (yay! Running!), moved into jumping jacks (traditional and squat jacks), and then things began to ramp up from there. We used free weights for bicep curls and during push-ups. We used body bars and jump ropes. We did sprinter stances and then backed up our hands to our feet, inchworm-style. And in the second half of the class, we used kettlebells almost exclusively.

I am not a fitness expert by any means, but if you’re new to working out or lack endurance, I would not recommend this class. “Xtreme” appears in the class title for a reason. However, I would certainly encourage everyone who wants a challenge and who has a moderate fitness base to give it a try.

3. Boot Camp-Style Stations Mix It Up.

November’s Boot Camp Against Cancer was my first Midtown boot camp experience. I really liked running through the different stations, because it kept the class interesting, and I never had to do any one activity for very long. During the last part of MXT, Justin set up five stations using a step box, kettlebells, dumbbells, and a stability ball, and we moved through the circuit. Good cardio mixed with weight training.  

4. Vinny and Justin are excellent trainers with inspiring strength.

This was a fast-paced class whose activities were continually changing. I am usually overwhelmed in classes like this, because I have the balance and coordination of a toddler.

But strangely, in this class, I was able to follow the moves (although not always able to perform them for very long), and I’m giving Vinny and Justin credit for this. Granted, the class was small - there were only 5 of us, and therefore we received a lot of individual attention- but both trainers were excellent teachers. They performed the moves multiple times-slowly-so that even the most challenged learners (me) could follow along.

The class ended with Turkish Get-Ups. What’s a Turkish Get-Up? Check it out here. My friends and I did Half-Turkish Get-Ups (meaning, we did not actually ”get up”) with nothing in our hands. It was challenging, but do-able, and it felt a lot like a yoga move.

Justin demonstrated a full Turkish Get-Up (meaning, he did the entire move) with a 25-pound kettlebell in his hand.

And for that, he received a round of applause from the class. It was impressive, to say the least.

I used to think running 5 miles was extreme. And then I did it.

I used to think running 10 miles was extreme. And then I did that too.

Pushing limits is a good thing. Traveling outside our comfort zones is something everyone needs to do once and awhile (or every Wednesday at 12:15).

T.S. Eliot once said, “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

And while I don’t believe Eliot has taken MXT, he’s right.

Push the envelope and give the class a try. I think you’ll be glad you did.

Still standing at the end of class

Have you taken MXT? What did you think?