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Dec 19

Julia and Ben try out fitness classes across Central Indiana – WTHR

Fitness Comments Off on Julia and Ben try out fitness classes across Central Indiana – WTHR

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) I used to be a fitness fanatic. I couldn't wait to workout at the end of my workday. My meal planning was based around how much protein and carbs I needed to max out my potential sets and rest and recovery.

I charted my progress and was always proud of gains in strength and endurance. Then, my wife and I had a baby. I was tired. I ate whatever was around. Working out seemed more exhausting than energizing. The hard thing, as some of you former fitness fanatics will know, is getting back in the habit. All of the sudden, one week becomes two, which becomes two months, and the next thing you know, you haven't lifted a weight or completed sets in a year.

So when Sunrise producers pitched the idea of Julia Moffitt and me testing out different types of workouts around Central Indiana, I was all in. I assumed I could pick up where I left off. I knew I'd put on a few pounds not muscle over the last year, but the potential was right there. I had crushed workouts like this just over a year ago before my daughter was born.

On Day 1, we tried Shred415 in Carmel. Admittedly, I was never a big fan of timed workout classes. When I worked out, I used mostly dumbbells, kettlebells, benches, bars, etc., and I liked to listen to my own tunes and go at my own pace. My wife always critiqued me for neglecting cardio, but hey, I pushed weighted sleds and ran a bit, so I always thought that was enough.

Well the "warm up" in Shred415 let's you know what to expect for the rest of the class intensity, timing, sweating. Minimal rest was offered. You kind of have to go with the pace of the class, or you're left behind. Again, I think that's great for people who want to workout hard for an allotted amount of time with an instructor and be in and out with all the added benefits. But man, if you're the least bit out of shape, there's a learning curve.

I wasn't used to listening to an instructor and repeating exercises or the intensity. It's one thing to run on a treadmill for several minutes, it's another to add steep inclines and speed. Overall though, I could completely see the benefit.

They even offer childcare, so I could have them watch my daughter, Harper, while my wife and I worked out. The staff at Shred415 was incredibly friendly and helpful.

Because I'm an avid golfer and flexibility is a big part of the golf swing, I've always thought hot yoga could be beneficial for my game, and maybe help me be more calm. Man, was I wrong!

The class Julia and I took at Fit, Flex, Fly was anything but calm. In a heated room, they say it's "infrared heat." Sure. Look, it was hot! I was sweating before we even started exercising. I looked at the temperature and it was 90 degrees. They call the class "sculpt," and I can see why. Don't get me wrong, if this were my type of workout, and I kept going to the classes, I could ABSOLUTELY see the benefit. It's about flexibility, strengthening your core and toning.

My best advice if you take this class at F3: if you're constantly hot, like me... and sweaty, like me... take TWO towels and plenty of water. You'll sweat.

Lastly, as you know if you watch Sunrise on a frequent basis, you know we work odd hours. So I love the idea of working out when it's convenient for you. That's what Eat the Frog let's you do. Sure, there's an instructor there when you need one. But if you want to work out at 2 a.m., you can! There wont be a physical instructor there theres a virtual one. There are bikes, rowing machines and free weights. It's pretty cool, and I liked the vibe there!

Will any of the places help me break the bad cycle... or try something non-traditional? Stay tuned to Sunrise to find out!

I have exercised for as long as I can remember. I do it because I enjoy it because of how it makes me feel. I also appreciate the health benefits, of course. But one thing I have always done is mixed things up to keep it interesting. I used to do aerobics even teaching it at one point. I used to be a runner just so I could run the Mini Marathon. I worked out with a trainer with weights. I've done P90X, 21-Day Fix, Yoga, Hot Yoga ad Cross Fit. You name it I've likely done it. For the last year and a half, I've been doing Orange Theory. I love it. It's fast-paced, easy to track your progress in the class and a good fit for most fitness levels.

Ben and I recently wanted to check out a few new classes. We went to a new franchise in the state called Eat the Frog, and people seem to really like its concept.

For one, it's open 24-7, and they offer a virtual workout on two giant screens where an instructor walks you through a class every hour on the hour. They also have trainer-instructed classes. It's all fast-paced, high-intensity moves, using weights, stationary bikes and rowers. It's all part of the HIIT high intensity interval training craze where you are building muscle and burning fat with fast movements and repetitive weight training.

I really enjoyed this workout. However, I am not sure if I am disciplined enough to give it my all in a virtual class with no actual trainer to hold me accountable for the effort I am putting in. But that just means I would use one of their instructors instead. I think any fitness level can use this workout and benefit from it. Heck, there was an 80-year-old lady there giving it her all on the day of our visit!

Our next stop is Fit Flex Fly. This place offers it all. Instructor-led classes, personal trainer workouts and all kinds of yoga.

I had actually been here before to interview an IndyCar driver on his tailor-made workout with a trainer, who put together a routine that builds the area's of the body to the specific needs of a race car driver.

On this latest trip, Ben and I are greeted by the most bubbly and cute yoga instructor to walk us through a Hustle-Muscle-Flow Class in a heated room. This uses a series of light weights, bands and stretches. We also do isometric moves to build muscle. And I mention, you do this in a heated room around 90-95 degrees. They use infrared lights, which actually heat your body and not just the room. Within minutes, we were already sweating and working to keep up with the experts in the class. But you get instruction the entire time. You are not expected to know anything in advance. I really liked this class and think it would be a great one to work into my Orange Theory routine for more of a stretch and muscle building.

Our last stop is at a place called Shred415, which is located in Carmel.

The 415 in the name refers to 4, 15-minute blocks or cycles in an hour class. This class also uses a treadmill station and an area where you do moves and work with weights. The instructors actually come up with routines themselves different than Orange Theory, which uses the same routine at every location on the same day.

This class was wild! It was so fast-paced and fast-moving, and I loved it. Don't think you have to be a runner to do one of these classes. You are never on the treadmill for more than 15 minutes at a time, and you run or walk at your own pace. One thing I liked: they have you go sideways on the tread, to work your inner and outer thighs and glutes so different! Even though I say it's fast-paced, again you are being lead by an instructor the entire time, and it is easy to catch on to what you are needing to do. I had someone tell me once they thought this was tougher than an OT class. I might agree with that after I do it a few more times.

Overall, it was a fun experience. We are very fortunate to live in a state where there are so many options for us to stay healthy, and on track in our fitness goals. It doesn't have to be boring, you can change things up, and meet some really great, inspirational people along the way. All of these places have different rate structures to help meet your needs. We are posting all of that for you, so you can figure out if one of them fits your needs.

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Julia and Ben try out fitness classes across Central Indiana - WTHR

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