I tried a new boot camp class this morning and was pleasantly surprised by it.

I usually stay away from boot camp style classes because I find them too intense. I like my workouts challenging but not to the extent that I can’t walk for three days and have no energy to do anything else. Workouts should give you energy, not leave you completely exhausted.

I also don’t like how quickly boot camp classes tend to move because it’s hard to focus on form when you’re moving at such a fast pace. For those two reasons, I don’t do boot camp classes very often.

This morning’s class was good though. It did move at a fast pace but before we began a new circuit, the instructor had us pedal on stationary bikes while he showed us how to do each exercise. The moves themselves weren’t too complicated so I feel like I was able to do each of them properly. The class was also small enough that the instructor could keep an eye on everyone’s form.

My favourite part of the class was being introduced to a few new pieces of fitness equipment I’d never used before:

1. Training Ropes

I’d seen these in use many times before (they’re set up near the women’s change room at my regular gym, so I’m constantly trying not to trip over them) but had never used them myself. These were the most challenging of the new equipment I tried. We didn’t have to do the movement for very long (30 seconds max), but it was still hard to keep the ropes moving the entire time.

2. Bosu Ball

We used this for squats, push ups and planks. Squats were definitely the hardest and I found myself struggling to keep my balance. The other two I actually found easier using the ball.

3.  Pilates Ring

I hated this exercise. You’re supposed to squeeze it together with your arms extended straight in front of you, the goal being to work your shoulders. I think I was doing it wrong because I didn’t feel a thing.

4. Medicine ball

We had to throw the ball in the air and catch it in a squat. I smoked myself in the face with it on my first rep. Other than that, I really liked this exercise.

Other exercises we did: cycling, burpees, jump rope, running and kettlebells.

Overall, a great workout and the variety of the exercises (and different levels of intensity from move to move) made it really enjoyable. I feel mildly sore but full of energy, which is great because it’s finally starting to feel like spring and I want to get outside and enjoy the day.

So that caps off my week of workouts. I haven’ t been doing weekly workout recaps lately but I’d like to start getting back into the habit, if anything because I like to look back and reflect on what activities I was enjoying at any given time. At this time last year, I had just gotten really into hot yoga and looking back, I recall it had a really positive effect on my overall mood and outlook. As such, I’d like to start doing a few karma classes every now and then (since I’ve taken advantage of intro specials and Groupons at pretty much every yoga studio in my city).

This week’s workouts included:

Sunday – RPM + Bouldering
Monday – Off
Tuesday – Yoga
Wednesday – BodyPump
Thursday – BodyCombat
Friday – Bouldering
Saturday – Boot Camp

Tomorrow, will be either a rest day or a hot yoga day, depending on how I feel (and how much I drink tonight – I’m going out with my girlfriends tonight and have already secured a promise from Josh to drive me home if I get too tipsy).

Enjoy your Saturday!