Have you ever wandered the aisles of a department store with the vague goal of “buying some clothes”? Often, we end up meandering around for a while and buy something we really don’t need. Or, we walk out with nothing at all because we find the sheer volume of choices paralyzing when we try to shop without a specific goal in mind.
Similarly, we often find that people who are new to Cornerstone experience the same paralysis when faced with the description pages of our Group Exercise schedules. With hundreds of classes offered free every week with membership, the choices can be overwhelming. So, how do you choose?
First, A Few Questions
The first thing you should do is ask yourself a few questions.
- What am I interested in? You want to choose something that you think you’ll like because then you’ll be more inclined to stick with it.
- What is my fitness level? If you are new to exercise, perhaps a high intensity interval training class isn’t the best choice for you right now. Conversely, if you are a seasoned athlete, it may be the perfect fit!
- What are my goals? Do I want to increase my flexibility? How about my cardiovascular fitness and endurance? What about strength?
Now, keeping your answers to these questions in mind, let’s navigate the Group Exercise schedule.
Strength
If you are interested in building strength, you might want to consider Tighten ‘N Tone, Functional Barbell Strength and Group Power™. All of these classes are weight-based and designed to improve muscular strength and endurance. They are also great choices for all fitness levels because you can choose the amount of weight used and all exercises are modifiable.
Cardio and Interval Training
If you are interested in higher intensity, more athletic, interval training workouts, then check out classes like Interval Burn, Cardio Kickboxing, Body Challenge, Evolve!, Indoor Cycling, and Group Active™. These classes really mix it up and can include intense cardio and strength work punctuated with periods of recovery. Interval-based cross training workouts like these burn a lot of calories and can improve your overall functional fitness level.
Low Impact
Do you prefer a lower impact workout that’s easier on the joints? Indoor cycling is a wonderful option, especially since anyone at any fitness level can do it successfully. In these classes, participants control their own resistance level on the bike, so cyclists can ride easy or hard depending upon their individual goals.
Barre Fitness is so low-impact, it’s conducted in your bare feet. Take this class and train like a dancer, toning and stretching your body all at one time.
We also offer Low Impact Workout, a fun, full body exercise class that boosts metabolism and builds strength. It’s perfect for those over 50, beginners, or those who can’t do the high kicks and jumps anymore.
Strong Core
Have you been heard about the importance of having a strong core? As you twist, turn and bend through life, your core muscles are at work keeping your body safe and helping it move through your everyday and sports activities. Many of our strength and cardio classes include a core training component, but if you want to focus specifically on this aspect of your fitness, try Low Impact Core, Cardio Core or any of our Pilates Mat classes.
Mind/Body
De-stress with classes like Restore and Renew, Yin Yoga and Yoga Gently which focus on slower movements and deep breathing. As for increasing flexibility and mobility, we offer many classes for all levels. Basic Yoga, Chair Yoga (for those who need the support of a chair), Hatha Yoga and Yoga Flow are great choices for newcomers and those who want a less intense experience. Group Centergy is a terrific fusion class combining elements of yoga, pilates and traditional strength training. And, for those interested in deepening their practice, we also offer Vinyasa and Iyengar classes.
Dance Fitness
You can ditch the workout and join the party at any of our Zumba™ or Let’s Dance classes. These classes are generally low impact, easy-to-follow and perfect for all fitness levels.
Mossa Workouts
Mossa is a developer of professional, high quality, group fitness workouts. Currently, we offer three Mossa programs at Cornerstone Clubs:
Group Power™ – is a full-body strength training hour that makes you muscle strong and movement strong! Using an adjustable barbell, plates, and your body weight, you’ll experience traditional exercises from the weight room, plus three-dimensional, integrated movement training, for results in real life and real sport. Power is for everyone, and it’s fun!
Group Active™ – is a comprehensive workout for all movers, and for movers who want it all – cardio on a step, strength, balance, and mobility, all in 60 minutes. Adjustable dumbbells and a customizable step make Group Active ideal for new and life-long exercisers, because everyone deserves to live a longer, healthier, more active life.
Group Centergy™ – Improve balance, mobility, and flexibility with a lengthening, strengthening hour of Group Centergy. An emotive playlist will inspire you to move through Pilates and yoga-inspired movements, aimed at reinvigorating your mind and body, while building transitional strength and stability.
Not only do all Mossa instructors undergo a rigorous training and certification process, but all quarterly released Mossa programs have been refined through a methodical testing process (150 test classes worldwide) ensuring motivational, safe and effective workouts (and awesome music!).
Hopefully, the Cornerstone Clubs’ Group Exercise schedule has been demystified, at least a little bit. If you are still unsure about what to try or where to begin, contact us – we are happy to help you get started!