Circuit training

Worked out for the first time at Curves
yesterday. I signed up on Saturday and scoped the place out. Curves is
a lot cheaper than where I was working out; we're not paying for all
the amenities that we weren't using, and I didn't get a family
membership since hubby never worked out with me at the other gym. At
Curves, it's circuit training, with different cardio and weights
workout machines in a big circle around the gym floor.

I had never done circuit training, so I knew it would be different. But I was not prepared when I got there last night.

The place was packed. There was this loud, fast music playing
(mostly island music and cheesy 80s songs), and every so often a voice
would say "Change stations." When the prompt came, everyone stopped
what they were doing and rotated clockwise to the next machine. There
was an instructor in the middle cheering everyone on and making sure we
were using the machines properly. Everyone was talking, laughing and
dancing. It was like a big party in there. I've never been in a workout
setting like that. It felt like a cross between an aerobics class and a
weights/cardio course.

And because it's a women only gym, it didn't feel at all like a meat
market. Everyone knew each other and everyone encouraged each other. It
was a total body workout, and it was fun. I wound up going around the
circuit three times, then doing my stretches. It wasn't the highest
intensity workout (since it was geared to fit everyone), but it was a workout. I wasn't totally exhausted at the end, but I feel great today.

And while I was working out, the instructor suggested that I eat
more protein to build muscle mass. She said to mix carb master yogurt
and soy milk (I consume both of those anyway and had some at home), for
the protein in both. So when I got home, I pulled out the blender and
mixed the milk and yogurt, and threw in a banana and a double handful
of ice. It was great ... tasted like a rich milkshake. I gave some to
daughter and she liked it too.

I'm planning on going back to Curves tonight. Because it's low
intensity, I'm going to have to go often to get t he best from it. But
it's something I think I'm going to enjoy.