5 Things You Need To know Before You Select An Outdoor Group Fitness Class

Outdoor fitness classes, especially in cities like New York are a rising trend.  This is because they are much more affordable than private training, are a whopping good time and are really effective when done well. Unfortunately, there is a downside to taking these classes. Many trainers want to jump on the group class bandwagon without having the skills, credentials or experience to design custom workouts for a wide range of participants-especially when outdoors.

Well. Don’t let this happen to you! Use these 5 tips on how to select an outdoor fitness class that will get you great results and at the same time keep you safe.

Here are the 5 tips:

1. The Trainer Must Be Qualified. This means they hold a degree in an exercise related field or possess a nationally recognized certification in fitness, preferably by recognized institutions such as ACSM, NCSA, NASM or ACE.  Be wary of instructors that gained their certificate  online where people can get a certification with little or no knowledge. Of equal importance is continuing Education: your trainer must be continually learning and staying on top of new research. We cant overstate this one.
2. The Trainer Must Be Professional. I know this sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how often this simple issue becomes a problem. To be clear, when we say professional, all we mean is showing up on time, looking the part and having a plan. Your time is valuable and you should expect to get results safely and efficiently from someone who exercises themselves. If the trainer doesn’t have the courtesy to show up on time, odds are ,they didn’t prepare for the class and aren’t  invested in your progress
3. The Trainer Must Be Able To Progress Exercises.  This means that the trainer has the know-how to appropriately regress and progress intensity based on your current fitness level. Overweight or deconditioned first-timers should NOT perform the exact same exercises as fitter participants.  If you ask your instructor to show an exercise modification that better suits your fitness level and they look at you with a blank stare, or tell you to “suck it up,”  TURN AND RUN! As well, knowing the clinical signs of exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke are crucial-though a good instructor avoids those problems before they arise…
4. The Training System Should Focus on Multi-Planar, Multi Joint Circuit Training. Research shows HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) burns significantly higher percentages of calories than “steady-state’ aerobic training, so it is important that the class incorporate interval training since the goal of most fitness enthusiasts is weight loss. And working multiple muscles simultaneously burns even more calories, which challenges your central nervous system and shocks the metabolism, thus increasing your caloric burn for hours after the workout. Talk about bang for your buck!
5. The Program Must Offer A FREE Trial, A Satisfaction Guarantee Or Both. If the  company providing the class is confident about their services then they will let you come in and try it for free, or will guarantee your satisfaction through a money back offer to completely eliminate the risk on your end. A results orientated program will encourage you to try their class risk free because they know that once you try it, you will see the obvious value and benefits.

To see these points in action, come visit us this Saturday at 10 Am!

-Gabe Valencia