We get comfortable, I understand we do regularly things each week. But when did you last try something new?

My exercise routine was good but was the same old a couple of dance classes, a 30-minute walk 3-5 days a week, the gym for 10 minutes of cardio warm up and then weights 3 times a week. Same old thing.

I’ve moved and changed gyms.

Now I can do a brisk 15-minute walk and I’m at my gym, and it has a lot of classes. It’s fun trying out new things.

I’ve done body balance a mix of Pilates, yoga, and tai chi. I thought a calmer approach to exercise would be helpful and I want to improve my posture. I hadn’t realised how hard this would be. Chatting to the teacher later I found I’d been trying too hard – instead of trying to stand on one leg with the other leaning close to my knee or higher I should have kept it closer to the floor, and eventually I’d improve. The relaxation exercise at the end was helpful too, something I don’t do enough of.

I’ve returned to Zumba I used to love Zumba and went a couple of times a week but with starting dance classes nearly 4 years ago I stopped Zumba. I’ve missed it I like the choreography, and the music. I’ve done 2 classes this week and loved it. I can quickly pick up most of the set routines all that dance tuition has come in handy, and it’s a fun exercise. This will definitely be part of my weekly routine at least 2 classes.

Today I’ve tried Barre Fitness. I assumed this would-be ballet orientated. The morning of my first class I decided to look online to find more. This is an interesting article on the 10 benefits of the barre. It’s a ballet inspired class including Pilates, dance, yoga, and functional training, all choreographed to motivating music. It helps with core strength and posture and is kind on joints. The focus is on small motions (isometric moves) designed to fatigue muscles to failure. I like the way it will help with my flexibility.

I loved the class, and sweated more than usual, but it was a small room and just one fan. We did ballet moves like plie, moving our arms from one position to another and lots of dance steps, with both floor work and exercises at the bar. I loved it and can’t wait till next week.

I’ve also been to the open-air lido for outdoor swimming so it’s a mile walk and then time to swim. It’s a 50m pool, I did 8 lengths the first time, 10 on Sunday and aiming for 12 on Friday.

And tonight I’ve got a new dance class – Bachata.
Bachata is a fun and sensual Latin dance originally from the Dominican Republic that has evolved in Europe and across the world to include body movements like waves as well as some fancy footwork!

What do you think, I’d love to know more of your exercise routine and if you are trying out new things. Let’s have a conversation you can comment below.