#joyoffitness
Text
Edan Gelt is Back | Navigating Aging Fitness and Wellness with Grace
In the distant past of 2017, I embarked on a challenge that saw me sweating through 30 unique workouts in 30 days, all while diligently chronicling my fitness journey on a blog. The motivation behind this endeavor was twofold: to test my physical limits and to generate content for a fledgling fitness app that had me hooked on the thrill of the challenge.
Fast forward six years, and that blog page still exists, patiently waiting for fresh content. Why, you ask? Well, because fitness has become an inseparable part of my daily routine, and as I approach the big 5-0 in a few short years, it's more than just a workout—it's my mental and physical sanctuary.
My weeks are peppered with bike rides, covering up to 60 miles, weather permitting (and my neck cooperating), and bootcamp classes at the local gym a few days each week. Yet, something interesting has happened over the years. I've evolved into what I like to call the "modifier." You see, I used to look at those individuals who modified exercises during workouts and wondered if I could avoid going down that road. Spoiler alert: I couldn't. Now, lunges and squats tend to leave me with a knee the size of a grapefruit for the following week, my shoulder occasionally stages a protest, and every so often, I find myself pulling something I didn't even know I had.
While it might be a sign that high-intensity bootcamp sessions may not be the ideal fit for my body anymore, I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet. In fact, this year, I'm pursuing certification as a personal trainer. My passion for exercise has evolved into a desire to help other women who, like me, are gracefully navigating the seas of aging. While it won't be my full-time profession, I foresee my newfound skill set as a delightful hobby.
Now, let's get down to brass tacks. Exercising as you gracefully age is a bit like a well-choreographed dance—one that requires careful attention to avoid stepping on your own toes. Here are some tips I live by, and I hope they serve you well on your fitness journey:
1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Always, and I mean always, consult with your healthcare provider before diving headfirst into a new exercise routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or lingering concerns. Their insights are invaluable.
2. Baby Steps: If you've been somewhat inactive lately, start with gentle exercises and work your way up gradually. No need to rush; your body will thank you for the patience.
3. Warm-Up and Cool Down: Just like a fine wine, your muscles need a warm-up to get the juices flowing before you dive into the workout. Likewise, cool down to gracefully ease your heart rate back to normal and prevent those post-workout stiffness surprises.
4. Balance and Flexibility: These are your new best friends. Embrace exercises like yoga, tai chi, or balance training to boost stability and reduce the odds of unplanned acrobatics.
5. Strength Matters: Maintaining muscle mass and bone density should be a priority. Use light weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight to sculpt those muscles. Start gently, and let the resistance grow as you do.
6. Cardiovascular Love: Show your heart some love with aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Shoot for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio each week.
7. Listen to Your Body: Your body is a wise sage. Pay close attention to its signals during and after exercise. If you experience pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, don't be a hero—stop and seek advice as needed.
8. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is your secret weapon. Drink water before, during, and after workouts to keep your body in top form.
9. Form Matters: Learning the right form is like learning the steps to an intricate dance routine. It's crucial to prevent strain or injury. Consider working with a certified fitness trainer who can be your dance partner.
10. Mix It Up: Variety is the spice of life. Keep your routine fresh and exciting by incorporating different types of exercises to engage various muscle groups. Your body will thank you for the entertainment.
11. Joint Care: As you age, your joints can become a tad finicky. Be mindful of any joint discomfort, and adjust your exercises accordingly. Low-impact activities like swimming or stationary biking are often joint-friendly alternatives.
12. Stretch it Out: Embrace the art of stretching to maintain or enhance your flexibility. Stretch both before and after your workouts to ensure your body moves like a well-oiled machine.
13. Rest and Recovery: Your body isn't a perpetual motion machine. Give it the rest and recovery it deserves between workouts. Overtraining can lead to injuries and burnout, and nobody wants that.
14. Footwear Wisdom: Proper shoes are like your trusty dance shoes. They provide support and stability, reducing the chances of embarrassing slips and falls. So, choose wisely.
15. Stay Informed: Lastly, stay in the loop. Keep abreast of the latest exercise recommendations for the gracefully aging. New research and guidelines can be the North Star on your fitness journey.
In conclusion, aging gracefully doesn't mean giving up on exercise; it means embracing it in a smart and tailored way. Your fitness journey is unique, just like you. So, take these tips, put on your workout shoes, and let's continue dancing through the beautiful symphony of life.
0 notes
Photo
FITNESS FAVES AND FADS
Last month I launched a social experiment, branding myself as a fitness mom and started a blog at www.edanjoygelt.com. My brand wasn’t far from the truth – I’ve religiously worked out for decades and fitness has always been a part of my life, I just wasn’t an expert athlete. At the start of my experiment, my goal was to understand the impact of social media and obviously reap the benefits from the exercise but what I also gained was a lesson in the communications and psychology of fitness.
A communications strategist to the core, I was excited by what I learned and couldn’t wait to share.
Profit Model
It’s well known that the strategy behind the lucrative fitness model includes a monthly membership fee and attendance. The more people that sign up + the more people that don’t show-up = the more money the club makes.
This strategy has allowed many basic and full-service clubs to enter the market at varying costs and still be wildly profitable. Clubs may offer bare bones equipment with long hours or great classes and equipment with an assortment of amenities.
Each club prices themselves low enough and provides sufficient value that members don’t find it worthwhile to cancel when they stop showing to exercise. Basic gyms to locations with more amenities range from $10 per month to $90.
SEXperience
Enter the premium fitness experience; these clubs offer fitness to the “who’s who” of society (or those who want to be seen as such). Just belonging to these types of clubs makes the members feel fitter and sexier without evening taking their first class. The shear elegance and notoriety associated with membership demands a higher membership fee and delivers more amenities, better quality trainers and ancillary benefits such as fancy child care, pools with slides, etc. These clubs offer exclusivity with a member tag of $90 - $200 per month.
Down, Dirty & Real
These are the mom-and-pop shops dedicated to fitness for whatever reason they hold dear (maybe they were a boxer, dancer, yogi) and want to share their experience and train others. They are typically located in commercial districts where the rents are low and the space is plenty.
Value is in the trainers, owners and sense of community among students. These clubs/studios are about the sense of convergence and if done right, they are profitable, mostly affordable and targeted toward one area of expertise like CrossFit, Yoga, Boot Camps, etc. If they can excel in generating memberships, these models survive and thrive based on reputation and referrals.
Memberships, class packages or drop in rates – or a combination there-of are offered. Prices average about $60 - $100 per month or about $15 a class.
Designer Duds
Newer to the market: designer duds. In the fashion world – designer duds are the hottest and trendiest gear. In fitness, these are the “popular kids” on the block and include chains like SoulCycle, Orange Theory, CorePower, Pure Barre, etc.
These are AMAZING CONCEPTS, don’t get the “dud” part wrong but there is something to that too. The clubs/studios are genetically engineered and optimized to mix the physical and mental component with SEXperience. Hyper-focused clubs such as these make fitness sexy, chic and popular. Each fitness experience is spun from a corporate web, which has spent mega bucks perfecting climate, fitness routine, music (even volume), and ambiance.
I call them designer duds for 2 reasons, one - they are super trendy and pricey, second - like fashion, they will likely over-franchise, lose authenticity in time and eventually fizzle (think True Religion Jeans) and live up to the “dud”. After all, how many years can you spin in a dark room without getting the itch to do something else?
I still haven’t figured out the lifecycle for designer duds but I don’t see them having a long-term foothold in the market. Memberships are priced from $150 - $200 a month, or $20 - $40 per class.
Future of Fashion Fitness
As more Designer Duds enter the market, the full-service SEXperience clubs are stepping up their game. They are changing their class offerings by emulating designer duds, offering smaller group training classes and enhancing private areas to provide a more intimate training experience.
It will be interesting to see what will survive and thrive and what will sizzle out in the next 5-years.
For more information about my fitness journey visit www.edanjoygelt.com
This article was originally published at www.edangelt.com.
By: Edan Gelt, CMD, MBA
Communications Strategist & Fitness Blogger
0 notes
Text
Bikram Yoga Rolling Meadows - Great Owners & Super Hot Class (literally!) by @egelt guest blogger @trainerly #fitnessmom #joyoffitness
Bikram Yoga Rolling Meadows - Great Owners & Super Hot Class (literally!)I am not a Yogi and even if I were, practicing Bikram Yoga is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I’ve visited the studi
1 note
·
View note
Photo
Fit4MOM - Babes & Boot Camp + Cardio & Carriages
It’s not often you need to borrow a baby (or two) to a take a class, but that is exactly what I did to try Fit4Mom. This fun and engaging group is all about exercising with your little ones. The model is remarkable and I wish I knew about it when my kids were little (if it was even around then).
I heard about Fit-4-Mom through my friend Megan Gertz, a child life specialist at Loyola, who helped us through some of our hardest times when Kennedy was diagnosed with leukemia. She is also an instructor for the amazing class I took in Bartlett. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Megan. She has dedicated her career to caring for ill children and their parents and now reserves her weekends for supporting fitness for post-natal moms and their children. Megan is one of the most selfless people I know.
Not only did Megan invite me to the class, she also let me borrow her two kids. There was one catch; I had to share them with Brittany – a nurse that used to take care of Kennedy in-patient who is now pregnant, exploring the class; my pleasure. The pair-up was perfect as a lot of the mommies who have been attending the group for a while had already made in-class friends. In-fact, it’s like all the mommies were bonded together with the common thread of babies and boot camp. Ingenious!
Some of the activities included running and lunging with the strollers and lining up the kids in a circle and side-squat-shuffling around them. Megan also set up a competition for the moms, dividing them in two groups and having them run across the room for different challenges, all while blowing bubbles to keep the little guys and gals entertained.
Fit4Mom was an intense and effective workout that I didn’t expect; I thought I would be spending a lot of the class trying to keep my borrowed kids pacified but Megan’s kids lasted through 90% without a peep. The hour went surprisingly smooth; none of the kids were fidgety until the last 10 minutes.
What I really liked: New moms and moms of little ones find it frustrating to recapture their pre-maternity figure while balancing child-care. Fit4Mom offers a win-win solution. The children are amused watching their mom shuffle, jump and squat while singing songs. Mom is happy she gets a workout in without giving up valuable time with her kid(s).
After class, some moms stayed around and socialized, I returned my borrowed children and took my sweaty self home.
Kudos to this great organization! For more information about Fit4Mom in Bartlett and Barrington, visit https://fit4mom-bartlett-barrington.frontdeskhq.com/offerings
Your first class is free, baby not included
By: Edan Gelt
edanjoygelt.com
1 note
·
View note
Photo
Aerial Yoga – Flying High
During this journey, I’ve tried a lot of yoga but nothing quite like aerial. I was attracted to the practice because of how graceful and elegant the cirque du soleil folks make it look. If I could trapeze, I knew I could hang upside down – but was unprepared by how chiropractic the practice of aerial yoga is. I think every section of my spine chirped at some point of the night and I totally loved it!
I found Jessi Rae at the Barrington Yoga Loft. With bright purple hair, a beautiful smile and a rocking body, Jessi was my personal trainer of the evening – mano y mano. She was graceful, smart and extremely patient with my clumsy maneuvering throughout the practice.
My first goal was to achieve cocooning in the silk and eventually trying different balancing techniques. The silks may look like they are soft and bouncy but they are actually rigid and supportive, helping achieve the most awkward (and fun) positions. At one point we were swinging upside down!
I was unbelievably sore the next day. The stretches you are able to achieve by using the silks are amazingly deep and I felt as if I had gone for an adjustment and massage, versus attending a form of yoga.
I cannot recommend the Barrington Yoga Loft and Jessi Rae enough. The experience was incredible and I look forward to trying again. My only advice is wear something long enough to tuck-in, my shirt was over my head most of the evening!
Jessi teaches aerial in Barrington and Crystal Lake and offers SUP (paddle board) yoga in the summer and other classes. For more information visit wildrootsyoga.com
By: Edan Joy Gelt
1 note
·
View note
Photo
TruCore – 50 Shades of Fitness
Walking into TrueCore in Kildeer, there are machines, straps, bars and contraptions everywhere – but don’t let your mind go there. It’s not what it seems; this is fitness at its core, literally. The entire concept of TruCore is body-centric and it works by building a strong center and strengthening every supporting muscle.
My cousin Natasha invited me to take the Tuesday, 11:30 class. When I initially walked in, a class was in session and I was a bit overwhelmed. I’d never seen anything like the machines lined up; room after room of different reformers and contraptions– the only thing I identified were the TRX straps. Suddenly, a familiar face popped up from one of the machines and there was Aunt Kryssy (really my best friend’s aunt but I adopted her). I just love seeing familiar faces when I workout, it makes me feel at ease.
I took the Pilates reformer class – there were five of us on the reformers. Barb, my trainer and the co-owner, helped me get acclimated. After the tour, I bought a pair of grip socks because as usual, I wasn’t prepared and showed-up sock free.
There were a series of exercises aimed at the abdomen, lower back, hips, calves and buttocks. Each exercise was slow and methodical, focusing on breathing and technique. Resistance could be changed up and down by the various springs at the base of the reformer (of course I kept mine on a single spring).
What surprised me was how challenging slow movements with resistance can be. I used to take a class that spent the last 15-minutes of every hour focusing on abs, this one spent an entire hour! Every exercise, big or small, was all about the core. My smile must have hidden my screaming tummy muscles because at one point, Natasha looked over at me and said, “Edan, you’re going to be sore tomorrow” – wasn’t that was the truth!
TruCore really has a physical therapy component to it. The low impact gliding on the reformer is a safe and effective way to build stabilizing muscles often missed in fast and intense workouts. I could definitely see myself adding this to a training routine.
A big thanks to Barb and Natasha for introducing Pilates reformer to me. More information about TruCore can be found at https://www.trucorepilates.com.
By: Edan Gelt
http://www.edanjoygelt.com
http://www.edangelt.com
1 note
·
View note
Photo
FLO FITNESS IN PALATINE - I ROCKED IT!
My journey begins at a very local studio (a street away from my house).
I met the owner Ach (pronounced “OSH”) of Flo Fitness through a warm introduction – a few in fact: a guy I went school with who was a former wrestler; another – “Master Bruce” a super built (super cool) owner of a local business; and then also through my neighbor Klaudia - a high energy bottle of sunshine who swears by manager Tyler’s midweek classes.
I reached out to Ach and he immediately invited me to try a class. After hemming and hawing (I just had major ankle surgery like 5 weeks ago), I agreed and he told me he would work around my issue – “Karate Kid style.”
So here I am (at a kickboxing class) totally rocking it – I mean totally! He started the class with jump roping and had me on the elliptical. Next it was gloves on and we got to work. After a few minutes with boxing a bag and kicking combos (he came up with a kneeing alternative for me), he had us drop to the floor for crunches and sit ups- 100 of each throughout the hour, alternating between bag work and abs.
My calorie burn: 550 for the hour. I consider this a win because prior to surgery I was pretty athletic (for me) and my max was always around 405 – a 150 calorie improvement. Yes, I’m calorie obsessed.
The facility itself is hardcore with battle ropes, a boxing bag, weights, machines, tires – you name it. They offer kickboxing, open gym, boxing, strength, cross fit, kids classes and so much more. Check out their schedule at http://www.flomma.com/schedule
A big shout out to Ach - who just won ABO TITLE the weekend before my trial class at Windy City Fight Night!
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Flo Fitness in Palatine, their managers Carrie and Tyler were super helpful and supported me on my first venture - a top notch facility!
Look for them soon on Trainer.ly and sign up to try a local class!
http://www.edanjoygelt.com
http://www.edangelt.com
3 notes
·
View notes
Photo
Bikram Yoga Rolling Meadows - Great Owners & Super Hot Class (literally!)
I am not a Yogi and even if I were, practicing Bikram Yoga is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I’ve visited the studio in Rolling Meadows before and the post-class effects were amazing - increased flexibility, decrease in neck/back pain, toning and sense of ease.
I specifically went to Bikram Yoga of Rolling Meadows because I had tried the studio before and liked it, it’s less than a mile from my house (right by Euclid and 53), and also because of the owner’s – Carla and Gordy, one of the nicest couples and experts in the practice.
My return to the Bikram practice was less than stellar.
I blame my last performance on cockiness (I’ve done hot yoga before – like 5 months ago, I’m an expert right?), dehydration (not drinking anything all day didn’t help), and consuming a snack within a half hour of showing up (food + heat, not good). My poor pre-class choices left me lying flat on my back in shavasana for 50% of the class!
Had I not taken this class before, I might have been scared to try again. BIKRAM YOGA IS NOT A ONE TIME DEAL. From my last experience – I made it through classes 1 - 10 and improved every-time and truly enjoyed it.
Rules of engagement for a first time Bikram Yoga student:
1. Hydrate – I mean really hydrate. I barely drank anything all day.
2. Acclimate – It’s over 100 degree so show up at least 5-minutes early and get your body acclimated to the room (I bounced in 1-minute before class time).
3. Focus – Do not look around the room, do not compare yourself to anyone else, stay centered on you and do what you can.
4. Listen to your body! – Some days you will be able to push yourself further and other days you will wind up on your back (like me). Just like any other practice, you need to respect what your body is saying.
5. Practice – This is important, to truly be rewarded, you must return. I promise, the results are amazing so try more than one class.
6. Patience –If it’s too much, stop and lay down, don’t get discouraged. If you stay in the room during your entire first class, even without moving, you are on your way.
Look for Bikram Yoga of Rolling Meadows on Trainer.ly soon for last minute classes! Rumor has it the Trainerly guys will be sponsoring some free classes so stay tuned!
Check out Bikram Yoga Rolling Meadows at http://www.bikramyogarollingmeadows.com/
By: Edan Gelt
http://www.edanjoygelt.com
http://www.edangelt.com
2 notes
·
View notes
Photo
A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM…
Copied this from an email I got in 2002 (author unknown)
If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to work into a regular workout routine.
Dear Diary,
For my 40th birthday this year, my husband (my love) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in pretty good shape since I played softball in high school over 25 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.
I called the club and set a time for my prepaid session with a personal trainer named Chris who identified himself as a 26-year-old fitness instructor and part-time model for athletic clothing and swimwear. My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! He even encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Chris waiting for me. He is one hot babe with thick dark hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling smile.
Chris gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he worked out on a mat and conducted a strength class after my first workout today. Very inspiring!
Chris was encouraging as I did my sit-ups etc., although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but finally made it out the door. At the gym Chris made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air and then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer too much or stop too quick. I parked on top of a little bank in the club parking lot.
Chris was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little bit too perky for that early in the morning. And when he scolds, he gets this nasal whine that is VERY annoying.
My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Chris put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Chris told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other stupid stuff too.
THURSDAY:
The Hitler aerobics prince was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. The pumped-up steroid jerk came right in there looking for me. Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine -- which sank in less than two minutes.
FRIDAY:
I hate that f’r Chris more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, pumpep-up, steroid addicted fitness instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.
He wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any bleeping triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me those damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.
The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone a lot softer like a plump pastry chef or fat ass choir director.
SATURDAY:
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, pompous voice wondering why I did not show up at the gym today. Just hearing that voice made me want to smash the machine with the phone, but I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go in there and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband (the bastard) will choose a gift for me that is more fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy ..
Two ushers had to help me off my knees after the service and escort me out to the bus. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over so much he would have made my body closer to that position.
http://www.edanjoygelt.com
http://www.edangelt.com
1 note
·
View note
Photo
Soul Cycle – Making Sweat Sexy (FREE!)
I’m not a big fan of cycling or spin, I never have been. Despite my 100-mile cycling journey last year and the relentless hours training for the century ride, I’ve never actually liked spin classes. I attended them for training, endurance, cardio or just a good burn but cycling is definitely not my number one choice – until SoulCycle.
My first impression walking into SoulCycle was Vegas Baby! Encore meets Cosmopolitan – the tone is trendy and swanky. You check-in and rent your shoes if you need them (kind of like a bowling alley but chic – they even make shoe rental cool). You throw your stuff in a white shiny locker, complete with built-in combo lock and head off to the cycling room.
Upon entering, the room is dark – like going to an elegant nightclub. You find your assigned bike (mine was 22), adjust the seat and get rolling. The instructor Gunner was also super chic– she was tone, high energy and beautiful. She ran the DJ-looking booth while spinning and lead the class in a dance/spin routine, doing push-ups, light weights and forward/backward motions, while the music was thumping and the crowd was dancing. Gunner engaged the group, complimenting members by name when they met the music’s rhythm and quizzing the class on the name of the person next to them.
The hour-long stationary excursion had me panting but craving more. The upbeat music and atmosphere kept me engaged, and time flew by. SoulCycle has definitely invested in the psychology of fitness. The environment, the décor, the vibe – it’s methodically developed to act like fitness crack, once you go, you’re addicted and once you see the results, there is no turning back!
For more information about Soul Cycle, visit the website at: https://www.soul-cycle.com
SoulCycle North Shore is offering all readers a FIRST TIME FREE class. Just call the studio (224.470.7685) and mention this blog, and they'll book you right in!
http://www.edanjoygelt.com
http://www.edangelt.com
0 notes
Photo
TSNY (Trapeze School of New York) in Chicago – A Mental & Physical Extreme Exercise
When I first suggested taking trapeze as a fitness class, I was told “that’s not exercise– that’s a thrill, like sky-diving”. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. I might have agreed (maybe) until showing up for the death-defying act and being EXTREMELY sore the day after.
I grabbed my girlfriend Jane and off we went. When I originally scheduled the 2-hour session, I didn’t think much of it but as we drove closer, the pit in my stomach grew heavier. Questions starting popping up: How high is this going to be? (23’) Does it hurt to fall in the net? (Nope) Will I be able to even step off the platform to swing? (Yep) What if I chicken out? (I didn’t) My mind was racing.
When you first arrive, you sign a waiver – I’m not sure what I signed but it was definitely a tad longer than the ones I’ve been signing for other fitness endeavors.
Claire was there to help get us acquainted. After a quick walk through of how to transition from the platform to the bar (3ft above the ground), the fun began.
Claire told us to listen to the instructions called out by Steve once on the bar. Steve was in charge of holding the safety lines and calling out movements through the microphone. Each movement works with momentum, so as long as each task is performed when instructed, gravity makes things seamless. The safety lines keep you from falling and if you do, you are let down slowly.
We were given a harness belt with two loops on each side. We clasped the red and blue ropes on to the belt and ascended up a bright orange ladder, 23’ in the air. Thankfully Jane went first, because if she hadn’t, I don’t know if I would have worked up the nerve to start the climb.
Once on the platform, the say “ready” (this is where you bend your knees after both hands are on the bar), and then “hup” – this is where you jump. I don’t think I jumped at the first “hup”, or maybe I did, it was all a blur.
During the first swing out and back, when at the highest point out, Steve instructed “legs up” to hang upside down. Missed this. I tried to swing my legs at the lowest point, which was too much work and I failed pulling a muscle in the process. After I finally got my legs in the swing, I refused to let go of my hands to swing upside down; so much for listening!
Jane nailed it out of the gate and let out a scream during her first swing out – pointed toes, hanged upside down and had great form to boot.
By the time we were done, we had completed 9 sessions in 2-hours, which ended with an upside-down swing, a catch (Claire caught us from another bar) and a backward summersault dismount.
I was sore the next day, my lats, hamstrings and quads ached but the best exercise actually had little to do with physical exertion. Crawling the ladder, stepping off the platform, letting go of the bar while hanging upside down – these were extreme mental exercises. It was an override of instinct – “feel the fear and do it anyway”. Each crawl up to the platform became mentally easier as the night wore on.
I will definitely be back with friends, my family or anyone who will dare to go with me. It is a mental and physical feat without comparison. I just wish they were a bit closer to home.
TSNY (Trapeze School of New York) in Chicago is held outdoors in the summer at Belmont Harbor and year-round, at Broadway Armory. To schedule a class or more information, visit their website at https://chicago.trapezeschool.com
By: Edan Gelt
http://www.edanjoygelt.com
http://www.edangelt.com
youtube
0 notes
Link
We don’t always have time to get in a full hour, let alone 30-minutes of exercise. That doesn’t mean you should skip! Try these great 10-minute workouts when life gets too demanding.
#joyoffitness#edangelt#edanjoygelt#edengelt#eden gelt#edan joy gelt#edan gelt#fitness mom#fitnessmom
0 notes
Photo
Zumba – 30 of 30 complete!
I’ve never tried Zumba before, to be honest, I was just too intimidated. A friend and former colleague Lidia saw my posts on Facebook and invited me to her class at LA Fitness downtown. I figured if I was going to embarrass myself, I might as well do it in front of her.
Lidia’s passion is dance and she used to do it competitively, dedicating nearly all of her free time to it. She’s recently given up the art and now takes to the dance floor three times a week at various LA Fitness locations close to her Chicago home.
I arrived at LA Fitness on Sunday morning, post a St. Patty’s day hangover and joined Lidia and her regulars in the studio. The music started and off she went as I tried to keep up as she Merengue’d, Salsa’d, and Bachata’d her way cross the dance floor. She was amazing and as I side glanced in the mirror, I knew I looked like a flailing fish but I was kind of keeping up and totally having fun. The music was rhythmic and the infused hip-hop dance moves were fun – some more challenging than others.
I think I took the most enjoyment out of watching Lidia smile and exude enthusiasm – something I’ve never seen her do before. Her big smile, energy and flair engaged us all. I can see why her followers keep coming back.
All in all, I had a great cardio workout, was sweating like crazy and burned about 400 calories. I get why Zumba has it’s following but I also realize how important a good teacher is to class experience.
A big thanks to Lidia for the recommendation, I am and overly excited to make this the last work out in my 30 for 30 challenge!!!
Visit Lidia at LA Fitness Streeterville on Sunday mornings, or at the South Loop location on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.
http://lafitness.com
By: Edan Joy Gelt
0 notes
Photo
Fit4MOM - Babes & Boot Camp + Cardio & Carriages
It’s not often you need to borrow a baby (or two) to a take a class, but that is exactly what I did to try Fit4Mom. This fun and engaging group is all about exercising with your little ones. The model is remarkable and I wish I knew about it when my kids were little (if it was even around then).
I heard about Fit-4-Mom through my friend Megan Gertz, a child life specialist at Loyola, who helped us through some of our hardest times when Kennedy was diagnosed with leukemia. She is also an instructor for the amazing class I took in Bartlett. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Megan. She has dedicated her career to caring for ill children and their parents and now reserves her weekends for supporting fitness for post-natal moms and their children. Megan is one of the most selfless people I know.
Not only did Megan invite me to the class, she also let me borrow her two kids. There was one catch; I had to share them with Brittany – a nurse that used to take care of Kennedy in-patient who is now pregnant, exploring the class; my pleasure. The pair-up was perfect as a lot of the mommies who have been attending the group for a while had already made in-class friends. In-fact, it’s like all the mommies were bonded together with the common thread of babies and boot camp. Ingenious!
Some of the activities included running and lunging with the strollers and lining up the kids in a circle and side-squat-shuffling around them. Megan also set up a competition for the moms, dividing them in two groups and having them run across the room for different challenges, all while blowing bubbles to keep the little guys and gals entertained.
Fit4Mom was an intense and effective workout that I didn’t expect; I thought I would be spending a lot of the class trying to keep my borrowed kids pacified but Megan’s kids lasted through 90% without a peep. The hour went surprisingly smooth; none of the kids were fidgety until the last 10 minutes.
What I really liked: New moms and moms of little ones find it frustrating to recapture their pre-maternity figure while balancing child-care. Fit4Mom offers a win-win solution. The children are amused watching their mom shuffle, jump and squat while singing songs. Mom is happy she gets a workout in without giving up valuable time with her kid(s).
After class, some moms stayed around and socialized, I returned my borrowed children and took my sweaty self home.
Kudos to this great organization! For more information about Fit4Mom in Bartlett and Barrington, visit https://fit4mom-bartlett-barrington.frontdeskhq.com/offerings
Your first class is free, baby not included.
By: Edan Gelt
edanjoygelt.com
0 notes
Last Seen Blogs
ashmandj
ASHMAN
mimythedog
Mimythedog !!
smrlxl-blog
smrlxl
ohmercifuldeath
Sweet Merciful Death
gradelicxxx
gradelic