Grouping Together To Break A Sweat

A variety of exercise classes can help you get fitter

Story by Shannon Serpette

Pursuing your fitness goals doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Having fitness friends can improve your chances of success, whether you’re looking to slim down, tighten up, or increase your endurance.

Finding a place to meet like minds or benefit from a hardcore exercise fan’s enthusiasm has never been easier. With fitness classes available at a variety of places throughout the Illinois Valley, all you have to do is find one that works for you. You’ll have a built-in support system comprised of your instructor and classmates.

The Bureau County Metro Center offers a slew of fitness classes that are appropriate for people of every fitness level, according to Nick Davis, assistant director/superintendent of recreation for

PHOTOS BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Tony Bonucci exercises during the boot camp class at the Bureau County Metro Center.

the Princeton Park District/ Bureau County Metro Center.

Davis said the instructors of the exercise classes at the Metro Center are great at gauging fitness levels and adjusting the classes as needed.

“It can be tailored toward many different fitness levels,” he said.

Another benefit to how the Metro Center structures its fitness classes is that there isn’t a big upfront investment for a class you might not end up liking.

“You can pay per class, or you can buy a punch card,” Davis said.

The punch card allows you to sample various workouts to see which one you like best or to occasionally change up your routine.

“You can bounce between classes,” he said.

Those who like to make friends in class or are inspired to work harder by watching other people sweat it out may benefit from an exercise class that draws in a lot of people.

“They are all pretty well-attended,” Davis said of the Metro Center’s exercise classes.

According to Davis, the other people in the classes always seem to welcome new attendees, which makes it much less intimidating for people who want to try something new.

“I would say we have an awesome group of patrons,” he said. “They are very welcoming.”

Some of the fitness classes available at the Metro Center include:

BODY WORKS

If you’re low on muscle tone or want to improve upon what you already have, the Body Works class would be a good fit. It focuses on strength training by using a series of floor exercises as well as stretching.

YOGA

For increased flexibility and balance, it’s hard to beat yoga. The nice thing about yoga class is that you get companionship while still working as an individual. That allows you to only bend or stretch as far as is comfortable for you.

SPIN AND TONE

Stationary bikes can get you through the winter weather, so you’ll be ready to hop on your real bike when the temperatures start increasing. Spin class uses different terrains to change up the intensity of your peddling. You’ll also do a short toning session to work those upper body muscles and the abdominals.

PILATES

This pilates class gets results by using free weights and fitness balls and incorporating

See EXERCISE page 20

Tony Bonucci, (from left), Dennis Nink, Brenda Roggy, Angie Forbeck, and Rod Hewitt do lunges while staying six feet apart in the gym during boot camp at the Bureau County Metro Center.

PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON A group of women use the pool at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton for the water walking class.

FROM PAGE 17

pilates, stretches, and yoga. You’ll get a total body workout that focuses on your back, abs, and core.

WATER WALKING

It’s hard to believe it, but you can get a decent workout simply by walking in the water. This is a great option for anybody, but especially for those who have joint pain or issues. Everybody is allowed to move at their own pace.

BRINGHAPPINESSHOME

SILK &FRESHFLOWERS |SEASONALDISPLAYS WEDDINGS|HOMEDECOR 815-875-3819 811E. PeruSt.Princeton,IL61356 |M-F8:30-5:30SAT8:30-5 flowersbyjuliaprinceton.com |fbjulia@ivnet.com

anoutpatientdepartmentofCGHMedicalcenter

MEDICALCENTER

CGHMedicalCenterispleasedtoannounce thereopeningof CGHWalnutMedicalCenter! To betterserveourpatientsin Walnutandthesurrounding communities,thenewlyremodeledclinicoffers: Newflooring,cabinets,paint,restrooms,energyefficient LEDlighting,and anewheatingandcoolingsystem throughoutthe1,500squarefootbuilding. Makeanappointmenttoday! Telehealthvisitsavailable!

HYDRO TONE

The water in the pool gives you some natural resistance to work with in this class. But the hydro-tone equipment that is used takes it to the next level, allowing participants to work on their flexibility and burn calories.

RUNNING CLINIC

Running enthusiasts may find they make more progress shaving seconds or minutes off of their time by joining a club. Having a running buddy can encourage you to run a little longer, faster, and more frequently than you would on your own.

The Metro Center’s running clinics involve runs, stretches, and some cross-training. For those who hate to run indoors, this class might be a good fit.

“They run outside a lot,” Davis said.

BOOT CAMP

Boot camp offers a more intense workout that is great for people who want to take their fitness to the next level. You’ll do plenty of cardiovascular and resistance training exercises such as pushups, lunges, kickboxing, jumping jacks, and sprints. The instructors change it up, so the class never becomes a routine.

MVE PILATES

This is a variation on a regular pilates class. One of the main differences is that it uses an MVe fitness chair. Participants get a good workout, hitting keys areas such as core and balance training. You’ll also work on flexibility and strength training as well. The inspiring music that’s played will set the stage for a good workout.

Proudtobeacommunitybank

firstatebank.biz|800.362.9623

FARRELL CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

EXPERIENCE& KNOWLEDGE

682E. PeruSt.,Princeton 815-875-4408