The i in team

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 Permalink

My running friends are growing. And I don’t mean in stature. I mean in size. Well, I don’t mean in size INDIVIDUALLY… I just mean there seem to be more of them. Runners, that is.

More and more are commencing ‘learn to run’ programs, while others embark on 10km runs, and then there’s the odd marathoner or two.

Besides the fact that I’m fat and unfit I’ve never been a runner. Even when fitter and healthier. Indeed, even when anorexic and exercise-obsessed.

But now that I’m about to start at a gym I’ve been thinking of considering what I might do once there.

Long-time readers will recall my love for faux-Zumba (a less-Latin version of Zumba) I used to attend. And then there were ‘pump’ classes, pilates, hip hop and even group circuit type classes.

Do you sense a theme?

Yep… I’m a class-goer. I struggle to exercise alone. I mean, if I really have to I’ll go and sit on an exercise bike or rowing machine. I’ll walk on a treadmill with music blaring in my ears. But only if I have to.

pixabay

I much much much prefer group classes.

I realise that sometimes people cross over, but essentially there seems to be two camps: those who like individual exercise (running, cycling or doing your own thing at the gym); and then there are those who prefer group activities or team sports.

I’m the latter and I suspect this is for two reasons.

Firstly, it’s in my comfort zone. I grew up playing team sport – namely basketball and netball. There was a brief foray into tennis but – despite playing representative bball and netball – I stressed WAY too much about my matches. And losing.

Of course I’d feel guilty if I played a team sport badly (apologising more than I needed to if I missed a shot in netball for example!) but – to this day – the notion of individual sports are just not something I’m comfortable with. I mean, golf and tennis are all about winning and losing. I mean, it’s all on YOU!

While jogging and cycling might not necessarily be competitive it’s still performance-based. It’s all about you.

Which brings me to my second point.

I’m not great at self-motivating. I’m more of a procrastinate-until-things-become-desperate kind of person. I work best under pressure. And I hate letting people down, so if I commit to classes or team sport… I’ll be there. It seems less of an effort to just ‘turn up’ to something organised by someone else. Not only can you easily blend in, but there’s a sense of group goals and achievements. You’re all sweating working together for the same cause.

It’s a couple of weeks since I officially joined the gym but I’ve finally received the all-clear from my doctor and her certificate (re my blood pressure) so now I’ve no excuses. I’m starting with water aerobics but ‘may’ need to do some individual cardio and weights’ exercises until I’m fit enough to join a class. Which will – of course – mean stepping outside of my comfort zone a little. But (thankfully) not a lot.

If you exercise are you more of a group class kinda person, or do you prefer to go it alone?

43 Comments
  • Jo
    May 31, 2016

    I never played team sports growing up, so tend to be more of a DIY sort of girl- although went through a stage when I was doing classes. As for the running- well, I’ve been there & done that & decided it’s one of those bucket list items that probably needs to be in the trash.

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      Yes, when I was trying to find a faux Zumba-related post to link I found a few old ones from when I was trying the Couch-to-5k program and it was interesting to see the rollercoaster ride of my feelings about running. I felt I should and felt slack I didn’t try it. But later realised that surely it was okay if I was doing something else instead. No one said one HAD to run to be fit / healthy!

  • MyBlissPoint
    May 31, 2016

    I like classes. I am not a self starter when it comes to exercise either. I just joined a running group of all women and all abilities. I’m in the coached learn to run group and it’s very hard. I don’t know what possessed me to join but I committed to twice a week for 18 weeks. The group setting helps get me there, then it’s just a lot of convincing myself I probably won’t actually die if I keep going. I hope you enjoy the water aerobics and I can’t wait to hear about other classes you try.

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      I have – in the past – attended some similar boot camp type stuff but – bizarrely – I hate outdoor ones which can involve lots of running and hills and tyres and the like. I much prefer indoor versions with machines and weights! (Not that I’ll be doing any of that any time soon. Walking will be about my limit!)

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      Well done on joining the running group! As i was writing the post I was thinking that a lot of runners and cyclists I know are members of clubs or teams and I guess that offers a sense of camaraderie!

  • hugzillablog
    May 31, 2016

    Oh this is interesting! I am the yin to your yang. I can think of nothing I’d rather do than stick my headphones in and go for a run. I worked out many years ago that I’m just not a class person, or a gym person. When I found my thing it was like HALLELUJAH! This is exercise and I actually like it. There was no need to force myself out the door. Finding your groove is good!

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      Like Jo I used to dream of being a runner but I just don’t think it’s ever gonna happen. I envy those who are though!

  • Kate W
    May 31, 2016

    I prefer groups (because I like a chat as well!) but hate aerobics and dance-style classes… problem.

    Problem solved when I discovered group training – now I have my regular ‘team’ in a circuit and weights class with a trainer who changes the routine each session. It’s perfect and probably why I’ve stuck at it for so long (5 years).

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      I love dance-based classes but find normal Zumba a bit repetitive.

      I have – in the past – attended some similar boot camp type stuff but – bizarrely – I hate outdoor ones which can involve lots of running and hills and tyres and the like. I much prefer indoor versions with machines and weights! (Not that I’ll be doing any of that any time soon. Walking will be about my limit!)

  • Amy Andrews
    May 31, 2016

    I prefer a class too. In fact it’s the only way for me to get my money’s worth out of a gym. Because once I’m in it and I’ve started I can’t stop until times up and I’ve warmed down. I need someone hollering at me from a stage, telling me what to do and insisting I do it harder and harder and while I’m at it do it another ten times. I like to be directed otherwise if its just me and a piece of equipment and I know I’m going to take the easiest way out. I’m going to do the barest minimum and call it a day. With a class I’m held to account and I’m exercising for 45-50 mins. And I hate every single damn moment of it — even that brief (too brief IMHO) post-exercise endorphin rush isn’t enough to stop the hate. But I know its better for me than doing nothing so I turn up the next time and sweat and work and hate all over again.
    Having said that, its probably been like 5 years since I’ve done a class….

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      I suspect I’ll only be up for the aqua classes initially Amy. I might do some cardio / weights on my own cos I’ll need to but keen to start Pump (weights) classes when I feel a bit healthier and fitter.

  • Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
    May 31, 2016

    To be honest, it depends. Hmmm. I don’t tend to get much done alone. I need the accountability. But I’m not a group girl either. I prefer to head off with one or two others and make it a small group. My daughter and I walk, plus i have a friend who I sometimes exercise with. Oh, but there was this time I was exercising alone but we had a Facebook chat going with a group of four of us and we had to check in every day and say how many sit-ups etc we’d done, so there was a reporting system and accountability. That worked really well. In fact, I miss that! We used to also take photos of our meals and send to each other too, just for inspiration and to keep each other honest. I did really well on that plan and ended up losing the 6kg I needed to plus looked fit and well! Perhaps I should start that again ….

    I am so happy to hear you got the all clear! Onwards and upwards (which are my words for the year … but you can borrow them if you like)

    We’ll have you travelling again in no time!

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      I hope I need to borrow those words Leanne!

      I used to walk with a friend and that gave me the encouragement I needed. I HAD to meet her and couldn’t let her down. I’d like to start walking again at some point (when my weight’s down a bit and shin splints improve) just to get some outdoor time. When I first moved here (35kg ago) I used to walk a bit and found it really refreshing and ‘grounding’. Something I miss.

  • Robyna
    May 31, 2016

    I’ve joined a netball team with some of the other mums at school and I find it SO much easier to get the motivation up when others are relying on me to turn up.

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      Ah yes… I had a dream that I agreed to play netball the other night and I was about to go on the court when I remembered I can no longer run… Not sure what that was about, though am sure my subconscious is trying to tell me something!

  • Tegan Churchill
    May 31, 2016

    When I used to go to the gym I was more of a class person. Like you I am a terrible self motivator and so would give up after 10 minutes on the treadmill. I used to love pump class. It always made me feel so strong.

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      I’m actually okay once I’m at the gym or on the bike etc… but getting there is my biggest problem. If I can convince myself to do 10mins or something I’ll usually push myself harder once I’ve started!

  • Ingrid Ingrid
    May 31, 2016

    Growing up I was a netball girl but nowadays I like to cycle my exercise bike. Before I stopped my gym membership due to injuries I loved doing individual weights sessions or one on one personal training sessions.

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      Ugh… not a PT fan I’m afraid… though I used to have one-on-one pilates lessons for years and enjoyed those. I’m thinking I could use the exercise bike at the gym once I start going.

  • Janet Camilleri (@middleagedmama1)
    May 31, 2016

    I loathe exercise. I need to, but I really struggle to be motivated. I’ve never been a sporty person.

    • Debbish
      May 31, 2016

      I grew up in a really sporty household Janet – both of my parents grew up playing sport and played various things as adults and were very supportive of our sporting interests. In fact much of my childhood and even up to my early – mid 20s was very much about all-things-sporty!

  • Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
    May 31, 2016

    I hear you! I hate exercising at the gym on my tod but LOVE classes! I didn’t start running until just before I turned 40 and I was very overweight at the time… And still am. No one was more surprised at my love of running than I but there’s something wonderfully liberating about running outside. If you’re more of a people person, you could think about joining a running club or network, or find a running buddy. I know running is not for everyone and you might learn to love it too 🙂

    • Debbish
      June 2, 2016

      Hmmm…. not so sure about that Sammie. I did try to the C25k program a couple of times and did some running and jogging back in high school but didn’t enjoy it even when fit! If I can do some classes and head outside for some walks I’ll be happy….

  • @Kanga_Rue
    June 1, 2016

    I was definitely a class girl back in the day (pre Pickle). I found the instructors made a huge difference; I loved some spin and yoga classes, and loathed others. Legs, bums & tums class or boxercise were also high on my list, but knew others who hated my favourite instructor for these. I only did the equipment as a fallback, when my work schedule that day didn’t allow me to attend. One of my favourite classes.

    Nowadays, I tend to do not much… But recently got inspired to recommence yoga. I have a new (to me) “routine” (I’m sure there’s a better karma inducing word), and even bought a yoga mat this weekend. Better yet, Pickle wanted his own (bright green, & significantly only $4) yoga mat, so I might end up with an exercise buddy after all!

    • Debbish
      June 2, 2016

      Good to hear you’re getting back into Yoga. I hope to as well, but will probably do it via Body Balance classes at the gym. (When I lose some weight and am more malleable!)

  • @Kanga_Rue
    June 1, 2016

    PS. I tried to love running. I really did. Try that is. Found that I could do it (when I discovered the difference a really good sports bra makes), but… Ugh!

  • Char
    June 1, 2016

    I know most people think running as an individual sport but the way I do it is much more of a group activity. I always run with friends these days. Rarely run alone. And even when I race there are friends usually doing the same events. And because there are people to run with it’s so much easier to get out of bed early.

    • Debbish
      June 2, 2016

      I was thinking about you as I was writing the post Char – and your running group as I know you’re all very close. I wonder if any competitive ever develops… in a negative sense?

  • nicolethebuilderswife
    June 1, 2016

    I absolutely have to exercise in a group. Without the competition of the group, I simply cannot be bothered to push myself. Great news on your all clear, I hope you enjoy being part of the gym xx

  • Renee Wilson
    June 1, 2016

    I know what you mean about the running!! I think if you exercise in a group you’re more inclined to go. People will miss you if your not there, ask you why? If you exercise on your own it’s so easy to put it off. Good luck with the gym! #teamIBOT

    • Debbish
      June 2, 2016

      Thanks Renee. I plan to start tomorrow… #eek

  • Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
    June 2, 2016

    I used to be someone who could exercise on my own and would go hard at it and everything. But then, in the last two years or so, I lost interest in doing my own thing and joined a new gym with classes. I loved the classes — bootcamp, x-training, weights, pilates, yoga — all so awesome. When I started the new job earlier this year, I couldn’t make it to classes and my exercise dropped significantly as did my motivation. Classes keep me going for now and I need to keep it up. Doing it on my own is no longer motivation especially as I need to now lose weight as well. Good luck with your classes! 🙂

  • charliegirlteachergirl
    June 3, 2016

    I agree with everything about not having the self-motivation. I don’t have it, I need other people to help support and motivate me. I have zero interest in going alone. The mid-end of college I went to the gym every morning at 5 and worked out until about 6:30, even after my friend ditched on me within only a couple of weeks, but I don’t think I could do that now.

    • Debbish
      June 4, 2016

      I know, isn’t it funny to think back to things we did or the way we were. I remember being obsessed with the step class I used to go to – the instructor did really complex moves and it was on at 5pm Sunday evening and I did ridiculous things in order NOT to miss it. And now… I can remember little about it and can’t even get myself to go on walks!

  • Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight
    June 5, 2016

    I’m like the opposite of you lol. I grew up doing gymnastics. So even though you work out together, you’re still working out rather individually since you’re taking turns on equipment and whatnot. I could never stand the thought of team sports because what if I screwed up?! That’s way too much pressure. If I screw up, I wanna know what it’s only myself I’m hurting. And I also would be pissed if I lost because of someone else lol. But eventually it reached a point even when I stopped competing that I much preferred going to the gym when it was empty and working out alone. And I don’t do gymnastics anymore, but I just work out at home. I’ve never liked even going to fitness gyms and being around people let alone being in a group class. But I’ve always liked working out, I still do, so I guess the motivation was never a problem for me for that reason. (But not running. I have always absolutely hated running!)

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Oh that’s interesting Kristen. And a gymnast? Wow! I ventured to my first class today and it was fine. Aqua aerobics, so even though I’m 48 I was probably the youngest by 15yrs or so! 😉

  • EssentiallyJess
    June 5, 2016

    I’m an exercise on my own person. Mostly because I like being able to do it when I want to and not working around classes. I also like exercising in front of the TV, because then my mind is occupied.

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Other than in the 1980s when I did ‘Jazzercise’ in front of the TV each morning (before I left for school) I’ve never exercised with a video etc… I really like dance stuff so am sure I could buy / download stuff, but not sure I’d get it out… or I’d come to hate my TV cos I’d constantly be reminded that I wasn’t exercising when I should be!

  • Heather @ Random Redheaded Ramblings
    June 6, 2016

    I prefer to go it alone, I am a little self conscious so if anything is flapping about or if I trip up it is only the dog, my exercise companion is the only one who sees it!

    • Debbish
      June 6, 2016

      Oh yes I do understand that. I went to aqua aerobics this morning and thankfully didn’t feel self conscious or anything. Lots of older ladies and bigger ladies, with one older man and the pool is in a separate building, so quite private which was good.

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