Abs, Back and Stretch - October 7, 2009

Workout #36

I’ve been doing so well at crossing every available class off the list that I will have tried each session in the course catalog by the end of October.  Once I’m done sampling everything I will then be able to create a regular program of classes that I want to take each week either because they were fun, or hard, or both. 

This particular class, “Abs, Back and Stretch,” was a compact little thirty-minute effort that I found to be efficient and effective.  I love it when you get in a good abdominal workout, and then you can’t even sneeze later without having to hold your gut because you are in so much pain.   Who wouldn’t like that?  No one, that’s who.

Description of the class from the catalog: “Abdominals and lower back. Stability ball may be used. Finishing with stretching.”

The instructor started off with some simple warm-ups and yoga-based stretches, and then we got right to work on those pesky abdominals.  We utilized some of the more classic exercises, such as crunches, but then incorporated some standing variations, and of course the plank.  (not me)

I hate the plank, but not because it isn’t effective.  Rather, it is because it hurts like hell and is almost impossible for me to hold for more than fifteen seconds.

After the abdominals we utilized some dumbbells to work on the muscles in the back.  I am writing this 3 days later and I can still feel it, so this was an excellent workout in a short period of time. 

Once we were through with the back we spent about five minutes at the end of the class stretching everything out.  All in all I was very happy with what was offered to us during this course and would definitely come back.  Since this session was only a half hour long I decided to stay and spend another thirty minutes on the stair master, and then a few minutes on the treadmill.  This was a good effort for a Wednesday. 

Class size:  15

Duration of class: thirty minutes

What you should know:   This class is appropriate for all levels of fitness, and is low-impact.  No special clothing or equipment is needed. 

Check back later this week when I try out Body Pump and Cardio Box.