An old proverb reads, “It is unpleasant to go alone, even to be drowned.”

So true! Especially when you are diving head first into a workout regimen at the gym. But does having a gal pal at your side boost your productivity or slow you down with bad energy? Read on to find out!

Pro: I was well aware of my college’s hip fitness center, but I avoided it like the adjacent Dunkin’ Donuts during my first week there. While I was a freak about exercising every day at home, I had never worked out in a public place. What if I used the equipment the wrong way? What if my gym clothes were too tacky? I couldn’t have everyone laughing at me from the get-go.  It took a girl I met during orientation — we’ll call her “Kayla.” One night she asked quite out-of-the-blue, “There’s an ab toning class at 7:00 AM tomorrow in the gym, want to go?” Her lack of vanity made me ashamed of myself. I went to class the next morning and went nearly every day from there on out. A girlfriend may be just what it takes to help you let go of gym anxiety.

Con: The same girl who got me into the gym eventually ditched me.  Kayla was out of shape and unhappy with her body. After she came to realize I was a health freak, she was convinced I was her answer to get the results she wanted. I certainly didn’t mind — I love sharing the knowledge I’ve learned to whoever wants it. But eventually the novelty wore off for Kayla. I found myself in our 7am abs class alone. I kept up my habits anyway. While a friend may help you get your butt in the gym, it’s not unlikely that you’ll end up finding yourself there alone. It may prove difficult for you or your buddy to sustain the same exercise regimen and one of you may quickly lose interest. If that happens to be you, find a new gym buddy with goals and a schedule similar to your own. If it’s your gym friend, like mine, who stops showing up, just keep on keepin’ on. You don’t need her to reach your goals. Read More »

Ladies, I’m skeptical. If I hear Glee is a hilarious television show, I will not believe until I’ve seen the football team dancing to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” on the field. If you tell me Special K bars will make me lose weight, I won’t believe until I read the nutrition facts for myself. So when my co-worker raved about the benefits of fitness boot camps, I obviously did not believe her until I tried it myself.

Working out is hard enough already – do you really need someone yelling in your face the entire time? If I want to work out, I can do it entirely on my own. I’m just fine pounding the treadmill alone. With my iPod. And without any camouflage, baggy pants, and whistles! After 7^th grade, I resigned myself to the fact that I cannot do a pull-up, and I am more than fine with that. Plus, boot camp sounded so manly – I don’t want to look like one of those guidos from Jersey Shore.

But my very persistent co-worker convinced me to try out a mini boot camp. Her friend, a certified instructor, was running it for free, which sealed the deal. And because I never suffer alone, I dragged two of my friends along. Read More »

In order to lose weight and keep it off, finding a fit activity that you love is essential. If you loath the redundancy of a 30 minute workout on an elliptical, treadmill or bike, here are some of the best new fitness classes that may be offered right now at your school!

Zumba

If you love to dance, this exercise is a must try! The latin inspired fitness dance class took sports gyms by storm in 2008. According to the official Zumba® website, “Zumba® Fitness was created in the mid-90’s by Colombian native Alberto “Beto” Perez, a celebrity fitness trainer and choreographer for International pop superstars. Inspired by the traditional cumbia, salsa, samba and merengue music he grew up with, Beto paired his favorite pulsating Latin rhythms with the red-hot international dance steps his clients loved and Zumba® Fitness (Spanish slang for “to move fast and have fun”) was born!” Click here to find the nearest Zumba class to where you live.

Pilates

Pilates really works your core and creates a leaner looking midsection. It will teach you how to suck in your beer gut without having that “sucking it in” look on your face in pictures. If you are naturally thin and are looking for a way tone up, this is an awesome exercise that will even make you look taller! For beginners you will most likely just use a mat and your own body weight. You will break a sweat, but this is not a heart pumping exercise. You may not even realize the muscles you are using during class, but you will definitely feel it the next day. I personally have noticed the slimming and toning effects after just as little as 2 classes. If your school doesn’t offer Pilates classes, you can check out a few of my favorite routines for free here. On average, Pilates burns about 330 calories per hour. Read More »