Fitness from simple strengthening exercises

Who likes Strength and Toning classes?

Strength training is for men and women ages 18 and older who are looking to improve their overall muscle tone and muscle growth. Participants familiarize themselves with traditional strengthening and cardiovascular exercises. This class is geared more toward people who have an intermediate to advanced fitness level, but beginners are also welcome. The instructor can provide modifications for every exercise to meet you where you’re at. We all have to start somewhere and the point of this class is to build strength.

What is a Strength and Toning class?

Strength and Toning consists of a variety of resistance training exercises that use a variety of exercise tools. The 50-minute class starts with a warmup and moves into a varied sequence of exercises to keep it fun and so your body doesn’t adapt to a regular routine. Sometimes the instructor leads an exercise circuit from station to station, and other times the instructor guides your whole class in the same exercises together.

This class setting alternates between the aerobics studio and the TRX tower. You’ll be asked to do everything from squats, bicep curls, chest presses, triceps extensions, shoulder press, and row variations using a TRX strap, all of which can also be done with exercise bands or hand weights. Other exercise equipment you’ll get to use: kettlebell, medicine ball, body bar, step and Bosu ball.

A Strength and Toning workout is not complete without core exercises done either standing or sitting. That’s right, sometimes you’ll be asked to get down on the floor to perform various core exercises. Plank variations include things like mountain climbers, plank jacks and side planks. Other floor exercises that challenge the core and use other muscle groups include chest presses, skull crushers and glute bridges.

You’ll tone your whole body with movements that target your upper and lower body, as well as your core. After that day’s challenge, the instructor leads a brief stretching cool down so your muscles can relax.

Background music helps engage and energize class members, but the class is not choreographed to any beat.

When and where does the Strength and Toning class meet?

This class currently meets once a week on Wednesday evenings at WK Pierremont Wellness Center. All exercise equipment is provided by Willis-Knighton. Bring a towel or take advantage of the towel service that is a perk for WK fitness and wellness center members.

Why do Strength and Toning?

Muscle definition is a main benefit of the Strength and Toning class. You’ll improve overall muscle tone, muscle growth and posture as you strengthen your many muscle groups. Class participants learn how to properly perform each of the strengthening exercises and various types of equipment.

Although Strength and Toning mostly consists of resistance exercises, at times it also may include some aerobic exercises like squat jumps, running in place or jumping jacks. Together, these movements cause your body to release endorphins, helping class members have positive thoughts and feelings in addition to the physical benefits. Members often report increased feelings of well-being and confidence to go along with improvements to their personal body image.