Other than chatting online with my web guy for a few hours (gotta love instant online help!), I spent my day at my new gym where I shadowed one of the indoor cycling instructors and went through a one-on-one training with her. Aside from the training, I also took her class which was a great one that left me feeling nice and sweaty!
Moving right along to today…
Pure Barre
Today began like most days seem to around here…
My alarm went off nice and early giving me just enough time to slip into some leggings and a tank top and head off to Pure Barre for the 6 a.m. class.
I just adore our little 6 a.m. crew. It seems like a bunch of us are regulars and I’ve been fortunate enough to click with a few of the women and make some good workout buddies that have translated to good friends outside of the studio as well.
I truly believe a big part of the reason the people at my studio are so chatty and friendly is due to the fact that phones are not allowed inside. (Don’t worry, all conversation stops when a class begins!) With no one able to retreat into the comfort of their phone, everyone is forced to sit and wait for the class to begin without any distractions which definitely encourages conversation (even at 6 a.m.!). This is very different from any other gym environment I’ve been in (or taught in!), where most people are on their phones right up until the last possible second. I absolutely love the “no phones” rule and think it is a big part of the reason my particular studio feels so friendly and open.
Well, that was quite a tangent, huh!? Anyway, today’s class was a good one but the best part occurred at the very end when a cappella music started blaring! Pure Barre plus a cappella!?!?!? Two of my biggest loves collided and I was in heaven.
The Daft Punk Remix by Pentatonix made me want to get up and dance. Ryan and I have been big-time Pentatonix fans since we followed their journey on The Sing Off and I am dying to see them live. (Please take a second to watch their rendition of “Video Killed the Radio Star” if you adore a cappella music as much as I do. The song starts at 1:35. “La La Latch” is also amazing.)
Breakfast
After class, I drove home to work on my morning blog post and grabbed a few things from the pantry for a quick and easy breakfast.
Raisin bran muffin + Banana + Coffee with canned coconut milk (<— loving this lately!)
I ended up topping the banana with a bit of peanut butter since I had a feeling that breakfast would tide me over for exactly 28 minutes if I didn’t add some fats of protein. I am still not feeling very full, so morning snack time will likely come soother rather than later.
Questions of the Morning
- Does your gym allow cell phones in group exercise classes? Do you feel like people are on their phones a lot at your gym?
- Any other a cappella music fans out there? Please share some of your favorite songs! I’m always on the lookout for new finds!
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I used to teach group exercise (step, cycling, kickboxing)15-20 years ago when cell phones weren’t an issue. When I stopped teaching to get my masters degrees, my only exercise was when I could fit it in, which usually meant working out at home or running. I joined a gym a year and a half ago and I am amazed at the amount of people on their phones. I have also noticed that it has lead to many people having side conversations during group exercise. It almost seems that they feel if they can carryout a social media conversation that they can engage in side conversations. As a fellow participant, I can overlook this, but I think it would drive me insane if I was the instructor. I just feel that is rude. It is also another reason why I will not become an instructor again…
Love your blog…
“Exactly 28 minutes,” haha.. I feel that! I love the no phones idea… it should be applied to more public places! ; )
I don’t currently have a gym membership, but I attend group fitness classes through Hit Fit, and because we workout outside in the park most people leave their phones at home. Class starts at 5, so people are still a little sleepy, but there’s definitely more conversation than there would be! I love the idea of a no-phone policy!
I take barre classes as well and we can’t bring cell phones in either. It’s so great. I feel like everywhere I go people are glued to their phones and there is no social interaction. I’m guilty of this too but am trying to be more aware!
I’m fine with others having it in the general workout area, to listen to music and such…but getting on it during group glasses and taking selfies are annoying
Regarding cell phones at the gym- during a class absolutely not. Even the 5 minutes before/after class it is entirely unnecessary (I didn’t get my first smartphone until recently, so I think I am more cognizant of phone usage than others). Working out on your own? If you’re doing some boring cardio or something sure, fine, browse facebook or listen to music or watch a show. In the Olympic lifting room/ free weight area people use their phones for music, but I rarely see someone taking a call or texting or anything like that. It’s refreshing actually. I’ve talked to hosts of people there about working out. I’m a bit old school in that I don’t like to listen to music when I workout so I’m always available/ willing to chat between sets.
Phones at the gym are a big no-no in my book. So inconsiderate of other people trying to take the class or use a particular machine. Besides, how effective is your workout if you’re on the phone talking, texting or taking a selfie. Not appropriate!
No cell phone usage at the gym, please!!! Hearing the bellowed conversation of the person elliptisizing next to you makes your workout so stressful and annoying! Those are the same types of people who chat away on their celly phone whilst on the loo, too. Ugh.
Oh, and I love Insomniac by Straight No Chaser. Such a gorgeous song!
i am in loooove with SNC! ryan and i have seen them perform live a handful of times and they’re always incredible!
My husband and I saw Pentatonix live when they came to Tulsa a few months ago, and they were AMAZING! I highly recommend getting tickets if you have a chance sometime.
I generally don’t think people should be on their phones during exercise classes. However, I take a few evening classes and during those times I am on call for work. I hate to interrupt class with my call but I would also hate to miss a call for work!
I LOVE Pentatonix! Especially their Christmas CD- have you heard it?!
love a capella! I saw Pentatonix in concert last month when they came to Purdue. they were amazing live!!
That’s interesting that they don’t allow phones at your gym. I can see why this is a good policy though because there are people in my spin class that sometimes take phone calls and it drives me crazy!
I love the no cell phones in the gym rule!
What if you are a physician and need your phone? Or have kids and need them to be able to contact you in an emergency? Are you not allowed to have your phone at all? Or just not allowed to use your phone?
I’ve seen doctors with their phones! It’s just a general rule for most people who don’t NEED to have their phones with them.
I don’t think my gym has a no cellphones rule, but most people just… don’t have their cellphones on them. I don’t know why, but I think it’s great too! 🙂
My gym here at college doesn’t allow you to talk on your phones when you use the equipment, but some sneaky people do anyway 😐
I have been OBSESSED with Pentatonix lately! Their La La Latch cover mashup is amazing. Have you checked out their new Christmas album? Swoon.
My gym allows cell phones and it’s a bit distracting. I for one, take my iPod out and choose to interact with people when lifting weights. 🙂
Need to pick up some bananas! I just wolfed down an apple sauce pack and kind bar for breakfast.
xo
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I love Pentatonix ; saw them this past winter/spring in Boston! I wish more people would socialize without their phones. We were out for dinner last weekend and the 2 girls next to us where either taking selfies or texting/uploading pics for over 2 hrs. I know it shouldn’t bother me but it did.
My yoga studio doesn’t allow cell phones either and it makes you venture out!
The only real organized classes I take are yoga, and as a general rule, phones are not brought into the studio. They mess with the energy, are distracting, and (most of us feel) are just plain rude. When I’ve taken classes at the gym, I’ve been completely annoyed by those who bring them to class.
As far as a cappella music, I too am entranced and in love with Pentatonix!! They’re just amazing, and I love all of their songs.
Pentatonix does a song for Sesame Street in which they count to 5, and my 2 year old son loves it! All of them are so talented.
My current favourite acapella track is I’m a Train by King Singers – SO fun! 🙂
Late here but jealous all talking stop when class starts….that’s one of my biggest challenges, esp since my water fitness class is mostly seniors so it is kinda awkward to have to “remind” them to keep it down, esp in the deep end where a whisper can outdo my instructor voice from mid-pool
I agree with the cell phone thing. But I’ve also seen that Pure Barre girls are kinda clique-ish…in a good way and a bad way. They are chatty if they let you in.
-AJ