*Post Updated June 2024
I recently attended a group fitness class at a very well-established fitness studio. Though the workout was great, I wondered why no one in the class (not even the instructor) was smiling. Ever.
Is this where we are? Is moving our bodies so serious and unenjoyable that an occasional laugh or smile is not a regular occurrence?
The whole class experience disturbed me greatly. I went back a few more times during my free week of classes, making it my goal to get people to smile and even laugh during the class. It worked! You can’t dim the light of Jesus.
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” -Matthew 18:3
I try to live my life by Jesus’ words. These words remind me to believe His Word, to not take myself too seriously, and to welcome and love others like a child.
So, if I am to become like a child, I am surely not going to continue the practice of moving my body in a way that makes me miserable and that steals my joy!
Hear me, there are days I don’t want to be in the gym or even moving my body. Still, every time I move in obedience, He is faithful and shows up every single time. One foot in front of the other, and He always shows up, in all ways!
What about your Revelation Fitness class?
We know that moving our bodies will sometimes be challenging or even hard. However, a workout shouldn’t be done from a place of punishment or misery.
Through the challenge, we must find joy. When this joy doesn’t come naturally, we are invited to create it.
Today I want to share some fun ideas I’ve incorporated into my workouts since becoming a Revelation Wellness Instructor.
1. Finish with Fun!
I finish all of my workouts with a fun activity.
Just choose one or two activities and try it out! This could include a stretching routine, some balance work (which for me is always funny, because I need a lot of work in this area!), working a drill for a new sport, or even dancing!
Anything you are willing to try that brings a smile to your face. Remember, don’t take yourself too seriously.
Example: I love completing my workout with a ‘finisher.’ This means I take an exercise from my workout and challenge myself by adding reps each round for a set number of rounds. The rounds are done every minute on the minute: EMOM. If it takes you 20 seconds to complete the squats you rest the remaining 40 seconds to begin the next set at the start of the next minute.
Lower body day: Start with a base of 10 squats then add 2 each round.
Minute 1- 10 squats
Minute 2- 12 squats
Minute 3- 14 squats
And on and on to minute 10 ending with 28 squats.
It is always fun to find my limits and challenge my body. I know, I’m weird!
2. Gamify Your Workout!
One game I’ve done in class that encourages students to find their voice and lead is really simple and empowering is called, Class Leader (with cards).
You’ll need a deck of cards and a list with exercises on it. Prior to the game, select an exercise to represent each of the suits in the deck. For example, heart = jumping jacks, diamonds = mountain climbers, spades = lateral lunges, clubs = pushups.
You, as the instructor, go first by flipping a card and then leading the class in the exercise.
For example, If you flip the 10 of hearts, your class will complete 10 reps of jumping jacks. The class follows along as you lead them through the exercise. Then the leader picks another person to come to the front of the class, pull a card and lead the exercise. That person picks the next leader, and so on.
This game gives them a safe place to use their voice and lead. You can do it one time through or as many times as you want. It never fails that the quietest student ends up shocking everyone with their passion when chosen to lead. Students also have permission to ‘pass’ if they want. It ends up being a lot of fun, and there is usually laughter as we sometimes forget the names of the suits or what the exercise is.
I hope you find these tips useful and fun! Remember to not take yourself too seriously. Find joy in all things and stay like a child.
In the comments below, tell us how you make your workout fun!
Tammy LaFleur is a Revelation Wellness Instructor and currently serves on staff as a Lead Instructor. She began her fitness journey over 20 years ago and has worked in various areas of the industry. Her passions involve encouraging others to see themselves with their Father’s eyes and achieve their hearts’ goals. She is married to Chris and has 3 girls, Caden, Adison, and Amelya.
10 Responses
Loved this post and the video clip!!
Josh. 1:9 is one i go into moSt every day with! I work all over the world in some very ‘hot’ areas and i know without a doubt (bila shakA) that He is with me! Amen!!!
Amen! Thank you for sharing, Mama Bossi!
Yes! We must become like children to enter the Kingdom of heaven. So why not start now? I wholeheartedly believe that moving must be fueled by fun and led by joy! Amen to all of this 😀
Yes, Kasey! We love to move in joy here!
This is true “When this joy doesn’t come naturally, we have to create it.” I found my work out fun while playing with my kids. They has full energy and I enjoy being around with them. Going to the gym needs extra time and effort. Look around you and find inspiration to it and start workout. No excuses.
From: Internist in Houston
https://www.houstonconciergemedicine.com
Oh I love that you find energy playing with your kids! Thanks for reading the blog this week! Check out our “Warrior Challenge” under the “Workout” and “Challenges” tabs. We also have fun family workouts you can do at home!
I miss you Tammy! Love this post and these ideas. I’ll be using them in class.
Yay! We can’t wait to hear about how your class enjoys these games!
If your workout isn’t fun you’re doing it wrong!
So true, Trevor! Thanks for reading!