Stepping out of my comfort zone

At my gym we have a variety of classes.  It was hard this past year to do new classes because for 8 months I did not have a car during the week. So on the weekends the classes alternated and I primarily stuck with Zumba when I did go on the weekends. Last night I knew I was going to the gym today even with the kids off for the holiday because my husband was using his last vacation day from last year.  The class that was interesting to me was:

Strength: Barbell strength workout that targets all major muscle groups. Get toned, improve muscular strength and endurance.

Alright. This sounds pretty good. After a 2 mile run on the treadmill I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take the class.  I know I need to build muscle and work on my whole body.

That's a set of 8, 5 and 3lb weights. Never used the 3's.

I also had a bosu ball added in the mix but I really didn't use it today because I was concentrating on the movements with the weights and I didn't feel like snapping off my fat ankle because I couldn't balance myself. Plus at the end she wanted us to do burpee's with it with a push up and I was all I'm not going to smack my face with the bosu. snort. So it's a nice addition and when I feel strong enough I will add. Plus I do want to get one for the house but I want this one: HOT PINK!

At first I thought omg what did I get myself into with this class. Many of the ladies were regulars but it wasn't packed. AND nobody came in late. Bonus since Zumba seems to be the class that people think coming in 30 mins late is ok and it's even more ok to push people out of their way with their dance moves. 

The moves were not hard. It's a sad day when I think I can do 8lbs repetitively but am humbled with the 5lbs. Upper body strength has never been my forte and I need to work on it all. Hopefully this will work out taking this class.  Plus we all know that you can burn more fat by weight training. It just seemed to be something I forgot about in the past 2 years. DUH. Hence the tragic injury prone last 2 years. And the sluggish not going to lose any weight the last part year.

No more. The Strength class was great. I will be taking that hopefully 2x a week at least. That seems to be what I can do based on their schedule. This weekend though the normal Yoga class is going to be geared to runners. I am tempted to take it. The last time I took a Yoga class at the gym in 2011 (damn that was long ago!!)  is when I felt the metatarsal muscle tear in my left foot that derailed me for the rest of the season. So I am somewhat nervous.

I need to take more strength classes because I need to get over my fear of this room:

That's the free weight room at the gym. I know I'll see good results in there.  The weight machines flank the cardio machines are on either side of the gym. I'm still iffy on using those things to.  EH. It's just so intimidating!!

Oh and look what wanted to finally join us this winter:

Snow! So glad it came today and not yesterday for the 5k!!