Group Fitness Classes for Those Who Can't Keep Up (Like Me)

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know of any group fitness (cardio or strength) classes in Northern Virginia that are geared towards those recovering from injuries, or those who need an especially gentle approach? I’ve seen plenty of classes that say “all levels welcome” but that’s not really what I’m after. I don’t want a class that is just tolerant of those who need to go slower. I want a class that is dedicated to those of us who need to go slower. For example, there used to be a place in DC that offered classes that were specifically for those who had never exercised before, with the goal of getting participants just to move. It was mostly stretching and light strength. I want to find something similar in Northern Virginia (Reston or Fairfax perferred). I’d like to get motivated to exercise more. I have a knee and hip injury that make it difficult for me to keep up in a regular group, even a beginner level group. I would like to meet others like myself, who need a little more help. I’ve been trying on my own, but I think it would keep me motivated to be in a group. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I hope you're not offended, but elderly yoga or water aerobics? My mom has a bad hip and has always done water aerobics. I think it's geared towards the elderly, but she was in her 30s/40s when she really started going.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for water aerobics. I'm in my early 30s and LOVE it. If you go to a class that's at 9 AM on weekdays (a popular pool class time for some reason), then yes - it will be a lot of older folks. However, the evening and weekend classes have an awesome variation.

I don't have any injuries, just sort of a fear/phobia/embarrassment about exercising in a group, and water aerobics has totally helped me overcome that. It is FOR REAL adjustable to your level and great for knee/hip issues. It is also a great workout, but doesn't feel hard. I swear I kept googling after starting "Is this REALLY a good workout?"

It is a little bit of a hassle to get in a swimsuit and in the pool. I wear a swim cap to minimize wet hair from splashing, which makes it a lot faster.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into the classes for the elderly and also water aerobics.

[Anonymous]

A lot of yoga classes are structured so that you can modify wherever you need to modify to get through the class. If you look for a hatha yoga class, or a gentle yoga class, or anything labeled "level 1", that's probably a good place to start. There are often a wide range of ability levels in the classes I attend. (and I do power yoga, which can be fast-paced.)

[Anonymous]

It's more expensive, but when I first started exercising, I worked with a trainer. It was geared to exactly my level, there wasn't anyone else around to make me feel bad about myself, and paying all that money and having a set appointment time kept me going back even when I hated it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of yoga classes are structured so that you can modify wherever you need to modify to get through the class. If you look for a hatha yoga class, or a gentle yoga class, or anything labeled "level 1", that's probably a good place to start. There are often a wide range of ability levels in the classes I attend. (and I do power yoga, which can be fast-paced.)

There are lots of yoga classes for beginners or for people with mobility issues. Look for intro classes or classes specifically for mobility issues.

[Anonymous]

The Zumba class I used to had a huge range of abilities. Some people were adding jump squats to the routine. Another woman was 90. Several people had significant problems with their knees. All of those people - the athletes to the mobility impaired - belonged there.

[Anonymous]

I go to a gym that has A LOT of elderly (and impressive) users. The classes are tailored for all types.

[Anonymous]

+2. Find a good trainer to get past beginner status. That's optimal if you can afford it.

[Anonymous]

the community centers have classes like this.

[Anonymous]

I second the idea of a trainer, or I know Arlington County offers some modified classes. You can prob contact the County to find out what they can accomodate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of yoga classes are structured so that you can modify wherever you need to modify to get through the class. If you look for a hatha yoga class, or a gentle yoga class, or anything labeled "level 1", that's probably a good place to start. There are often a wide range of ability levels in the classes I attend. (and I do power yoga, which can be fast-paced.)

I've had bad luck/experiences with yoga classes. It is so instructor-dependent. Maybe one geared to the elderly or lowered mobility like another PP suggested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+2. Find a good trainer to get past beginner status. That's optimal if you can afford it.

I was going to say the same. a good trainer will work on your trouble spots and be able to modify just about everything to work with your injuries.