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Body Conditioning Class

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I have always noticed that the ability to run a full marathon (or even an ultramarathon) does not always equate to being in shape. Running is a non-discriminatory sport – anyone can participate regardless of your shape and size, so sometimes non-competitive, casual runners like myself, take strength training for granted. Sculpting our bodies seem secondary, we are more focused on chasing the mileage. However, being in shape is always advantageous. It differentiates you from the rest of the crowd by preventing injury, powering up our strides so we can run faster and finish stronger, plus not to mention a balanced, leaner appearance. Even professional athletes from almost all types of sports will incorporate strength and weights into their training.

 

So at 7.30 am, my running group and I were bright and early at Revelation Republic, ready for some strength training class known as Body Conditioning. Since the coach knew that the room was full of experienced runners, he did not go easy on us! My LSD the following day had to be cut short, because I was very sore all over. This level of sore-ness even exceeds my previous experience at the Les Mills GRIT Strength Class! We spent more than 2 hours for a full body work out. But the focus was our legs, most importantly our thighs, hip flexors, and glutes.

DSCF8012What do runners do when they are not running? They go for body conditioning classes! (Photo credit: Mark Chin)

We did not use a lot of fancy equipment, as most of them used such as the rowing machine, kettlebells, and bicycle were commonly found in most gyms. But our instructor taught us the most effective way of using them to obtain maximum results and benefits. Even the simplest moves can be very tiring if done in several repetitions and sets, such as stepping up on boxes.

DSCF8026 DSCF8193WIP – Work out In Progress. (Photo credit: Mark Chin)

We also did explosive, anaerobic intervals as a switch from our usual aerobic running routines. We had to do 10 goblet squats and 100m sprints, as much repetitions as we could in 12 minutes. It left most of us gasping for breath at just half way!

Today’s class showed us that there are always room for improvement, even for seasoned runners. Therefore, in the pursuit of clocking in the mileage and going the distance, we must also learn how to balance our fitness routines with some weight training in the future.

With our instructor. How did he even got up there?!One with the instructor. How did he even got up there?!!

For more info, visit their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/revelationrepublic/

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.

Les Mills GRIT Strength Class

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I have not forgotten that one of my New Year resolutions was to build some upper body strength. After a good, long weekend with my family I found myself back in the gym to eliminate those ‘chicken wing’ arms. I was glad that I was invited by a friend who happens to be a certified GRIT Captain to to attend her Les Mills GRIT Strength group class.

What is Les Mills GRIT?

Designed to improve strength and build lean muscle. This workout uses barbell, weight plate and body weight exercises to blast all major muscle groups. LES MILLS GRIT Strength takes cutting edge HIIT and combines it with powerful music and inspirational coaches who will be down on the floor with you, motivating you to go harder to get fit, fast. (taken from the Les Mills website)

If you have done HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) before, you will know that it’s usually for 30 minutes only, yet it burns like crazy. It’s a great, compact work out if you are pressed for time. Each set lasts for few minutes, therefore you are expected to give 100% energy and elevate your heart rate at every set. The movements are quick with very little rest time in between, so you can get a full body work out in a short time. Within the first 5 minutes of the class I was already dripping with sweat, and we were just getting warmed up! The instructor knew that majority of the class were runners, so she kept encouraging us by saying “This work out will make you a faster and stronger runner! Don’t give up, guys!”

IMG_2816One with the Captain (in black hijab). #RunnersNotRunning.

As the name suggests, a Strength class will be incomplete without some weight. There are no fancy equipment being used besides the barbell and weight plate, but what makes the Les Mills programme unique was that the barbell and weight plates are very ergonomically designed. They are easier to hold and grip, and it’s faster to change weights as required during a class.

IMG_2812Stuff runners say after a HIIT class: “Running a full marathon is easier than this!”

 

12729018_10208389276119314_4203295327486670262_nSecond round of cardio, perhaps? This gym even comes with a pool.

I am sure my arms are going to be sore tomorrow, but that’s ok, because it means that this work out is effective. I had a great time in this class, and I’ll be back for more if there are any opportunities in the future.

For more info on Les Mills classes, sign up at your nearest Fitness First gym

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.