Bodywork Fitness

Nov 2 2012 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

Hello fitness fans, and welcome to another fantastic and fact-filled fitness column.

Last week we covered the fantastic Cardio40 master class at Glasgow Caledonian University.

This event was open to fitness fans everywhere and the great turnout at the class showed how popular this new fitness format has become.

People from all over Ayrshire and Glasgow attended the event.

Usually I don’t do any fitness classes on a Saturday. When you are teaching classes, it is important to have at least one day off to rest, so Saturday is my day to do something that’s not fitness related.

But once the C40 music kicked in and the group began to move to the rhythm, it was impossible to take things easy as everyone gave it 100 per cent. I found myself wrapped up in the addictive routine and my day of rest became another great keep fit session.

If you have yet to experience a C40 class there are plenty on offer in North Ayrshire and with C40 planning another training course for instructors soon, there will be even more to choose from in the New Year. In the meantime you can attend C40 on a Monday at Lanfine Community Centre in Irvine at 8.15pm; Tuesday in Fullarton Community Centre at 7pm; St Peter’s in Ardrossan on Tuesday at 7.30pm and St John’s Church hall in Stevenston on Thursdays at 7.30pm.

Last week I spoke of the great asset to the instructor that is the front row, I explained the role of the front row and how they can help to enhance a session.

This week, I’m going to turn my attention to the people who work out at the back of the class.

Initially a safe haven for the new participant, often when people attend a class for the first time, they look for the back row as the best option – usually to allow them a little time to learn the steps.

For some people who may not be as confident as others, the back row is also a place to hang out and work out in the class until such time they gain a little more confidence.

The back row is a fun place to be as everyone there is in the same boat and there is no pressure to perform.

However, as well as the new people at the class there is another faction of participants who will seek out the back reaches of the hall to reach their fitness goals.

These people are the regulars who have been coming to the class for a long time and are familiar with the session they are doing.

So why the back row for these fitness people?

Usually, the regulars in the back row feel familiar with the instructor and no longer feel the need to be at the front to see what is going on.

The great thing about the back row regulars is their confidence enables the others at the back to have someone to follow when they cannot see the instructor at the front.

Yes, these regulars who stay in the shadows of the class are the lifeline of the not so confident client. A kinship begins with the new people and the regulars allowing everyone to workout in a comfortable environment.