Stuck on exercise? Gym boring? I have your solution!

For over a year now, I’ve been trying to lead a healthy lifestyle and exercise consistently, but I kept hitting two major walls. The first: monumental boredom from going to the gym just to lift iron or jog while staring at the same window for an hour. I'd start by paying for a year of membership and end up going three times, wasting both money and motivation. The second: even if I did enjoy it, I had no clue how to lift weights properly. I felt like a lost little duck in a cage of (very muscular) wolves.

The solution I found was simple: signing up for more dynamic group exercise classes. That way I have fun, and most importantly, someone is always there to make sure I don't dislocate anything.

I started looking for places near Robeson House for group classes. Honestly, this was tougher than I thought: the places were much further away than I'd hoped and weren't exactly cheap. But hey, health is important, and if you have to invest in anything, it's this. 

Here are the four most suitable places I found:

1. Kelechnekoff Fitness

• What is it? A diverse and inclusive studio, founded by Kelechi Okafor, that promotes self-acceptance.. 
• What they offer? Twerking, pole dancing, and heels classes. I tried Twerk Girl, It's Friday! (TGIF) and liked it. I'd never twerked before, but I felt like I learned the basics, and the teacher encouraged us to just let our bodies go.
•  Location and Cost: A quick 10-minute walk from Robeson House, right next to The Feminist Library. Each class costs between £20 and £25. It's even possible to book for birthdays or celebrations if you want a different kind of party!
  

2. Plum Pilates: 

• What is it? A boutique Pilates studio in Peckham that transforms body and mind with strength and flexibility.
• What they offer? Different machine Pilates classes. I went to the Bounce class, and oh my goodness! Every muscle in my body was sore the next day. You might think, "Well, Stefany, you're not the fittest person in the world," but I could see other people suffering too, which proves the class is tough! Since I had knee surgery, doctors always tell me that machine Pilates is one of the best exercises. So, if you have an injury, this might be your best bet.
• Location and Offer: A 30-minute walk or bus ride from Robeson House. They offer a newcomer package of three classes for £45.

3. Shake that Zumba

• What is it? Cardio Zumba classes, suitable for everyone, featuring Latin, as well as African and Caribbean, music and lots of fun.
• My Experience: I was really lazy to go that day, but I'd be charged otherwise so I forced myself to go (gotta watch the wallet!), and thank goodness I went. The instructor and the atmosphere were full of energy; it was truly fun. I laughed a lot, danced with strangers, and all while exercising!
•  Location and Cost: The class is held at the Ferndale Community Sports Center, 40 minutes from Robeson House (which, by the way, has many more group classes and tennis and soccer fields). I booked for free through ClassPass, but generally, you pay what you want (but more than £5) for each class.

4. Fitness First

• What is it? A gym focused on making its members "stronger in life" through classes, equipment, and personalized training.
• What they offer? It’s the full package: a regular gym area, pool, sauna, and a wide variety of classes like Zumba, ROX (running and boxing), BodyCombat, Pilates, BodyPump, and more. I tried a class called FF Core and discovered how sore your abs can be the next day.
• Location and Price: I went to the Cotton’s branch, a 30-minute bus ride from Robeson House. I paid £80 a month for nine months with the student discount. I chose it because it offers a little bit of everything I’d like to do, and plus, the place is really nice! 
•  Bonus points: The trainer who taught the class was Colombian, and was super kind. 

Still Not Convinced?

If none of these options win you over, I have another ace up my sleeve! The idea here is for everyone to find their happy place in exercise.

What I did was sign up for ClassPass (the first month is free). It's an app that gives you "credits" to try different classes at different gyms. There's a map so you can choose what to try based on the location, and there are many options! You’re sure to find your fitness soulmate there.

I hope this article helps you find your un-boring workout!