Noticeable Improvements

On Friday, I tried to sign up online for the Saturday morning 9:30 Core Fusion class. I had brunch at 11 with my friends from middle school and thought it would be perfect to get my workout out of the way! But when I tried to sign up, I was shocked to see the class was already full. I’ve encountered full classes before, but usually not an entire day in advance. I called up, hoping they reserve some spots for phone sign ups, but they told me the class was overbooked and I could try calling in the morning. I decided to just stalk the website in case someone canceled – and it worked. I got in!

Bergen was teaching, and I had heard wonderful things about her. I had assumed she was the reason class was so full, but it turns out she just started teaching at Central Park South on Saturday mornings. Guess it’s just a popular time?

I had a lot of props in my little spot this day. I’m one of the only people, if not the only person, who keeps yoga blocks during class. I need them for standing splits because my arms can’t reach the floor. And people usually take one or two sets of weights. I took three. I wanted to use 4 lbs for biceps and 3 for most else, but in case the 3 was too much I also wanted 2 lbs with me. And of course I had my strap, my towel, my key and my water bottle. Lots of stuff!

These ladies next to me already took mats though, which we generally get towards the end of class. They introduced themselves to Bergen as “regulars” and told her they heard nice things about her.

Class began and once again I was able to hold myself up during the entire plank! Bergen mixed in side planks, and I usually collapse down in the move from side back to regular plank. But today I held myself up! It wasn’t a fluke the other day, I really am getting better at planks.

Arms seemed to go on forever. And in more improvement news, I did not pick up my 2 lb weights at all! After using the 4 lbs, the 3 felt nice and light and I didn’t need to use the 2 lbs. I might continue to keep them with me a little longer just in case, but I think that soon I won’t need them, even for security. I can see more muscle definition in my arms.

We went to the bar for thighs and I had saved my spot with my strap wrapped around the bar. But when I got there, another lady took my spot and brought her own strap. What! Weird, since the spot next to it was open — so why didn’t she just take that? AND I had to lean over to her and remove my strap from her newly claimed area.

Thighs was hard, as per usual, but I have to say the music was really great. I don’t often notice the music because I have too much else to focus on, but I caught a couple songs and really liked them. I did have to stand up a few times during thighs. Even though I can tell I am improving, sometimes it just hurts too much.

I knew glutes would be different when Bergen announced we were doing the “Elisabeth Halfpapp special.” (Elisabeth is one of the founders of Core Fusion.) I had no idea what I was in for! We rested our elbows on a little wooden ledge above the bar, which seemed nice until we started doing the butt exercises. This was SO HARD. Like, really, really hard. I’ve never done this before in class so I love learning all the new exercises, but it was not at all easy. I dread the moment we are instructed to turn our leg out because that is what really makes the side of my butt with my standing leg burn!

For abs, we looped the strap around the bar twice, curled down and did a series of exercises that way. I’ve been in class where we’ve done this a few times before, though it is rare. I like it because it is a very tough abs workout that I feel like I can actually do better than holding myself up in a C Curve. We still did the C Curve too, but spent less time on it. It was a nice change of pace for me, especially since I still struggle with the C Curve.

After class, the self proclaimed “regulars” approached Bergen to thank her for the class and tell her they were testing her, and that she passed their test. I was relieved to hear she passed their test, because if that wasn’t a great class, then what is?