Tag: health

Getting Fit With ClassPass!

Claire @ Coffee with ClaireLeave a comment

One of my top priorities going into 2018 is checking back in with my health and fitness.

As you may or may not know, 2017 has been a “bad” year in terms of my fitness; I left my job at the gym earlier last year and got an office job which has drastically changed my lifestyle from active to semi-active and putting on a few pounds. I couldn’t change my lifestyle from having the convenience of the gym right after I get work to having to make the effort and find the motivation to actually go down to the gym.

A few years ago, I heard of ClassPass for a bit and I recalled checking them out but quickly exited the site because there weren’t many studios available on the service. I haven’t thought about ClassPass since a few months ago when I saw an Instagram ad for ClassPass and I was drawn in by their wonderful Instagram account.

So, what is ClassPass? In short, ClassPass is essentially an “all-in-one” gym membership to your cities hottest studios and gyms. ClassPass acts as a gym membership to any gyms and studios that are partnered with ClassPass – yes, this includes worldwide locations where ClassPass operates – say goodbye to vacation weight!

ClassPass
ClassPass.com

I originally signed up for the $19 for two weeks promo and took my first Barre class shortly after. After raving about how awesome this service can potentially be, I got Dan to sign up for the promo as well, and together we took another Barre class and a kickboxing class. I ended up enjoying the service so much, I chose subscribed to their $55/month plan which is slightly more expensive than traditional gym memberships around town, but significantly cheaper than niche studios.

I absolutely love ClassPass because it benefitted me in so many ways. I’m more motivated to work out because I see all these fun classes available to me at the tip of my fingertips and no longer dread my boring weights routine. ClassPass has definitely helped shaped my fitness routine, thus getting me out the door and much more active than I previously was when I only had a gym membership. It also helped that I’m also cheap enough to not pay the $15 cancellation fee which “forces” me to commit to the class.

It’s also rad that ClassPass offers “gym time” which is exactly what it sounds like – gym time. When I miss my weights and want a break from classes, I’m free to walk into Steve Nash without paying for their ridiculous drop in fees or get a membership there.

However, it’s not to say that ClassPass is perfect. Yes, it helped me tremendously in getting active again and getting back into a fitness routine, but the policies tire you out.

After my initial hype and love for ClassPass died down, I started to see some flaws. The cancellation policy was a hit or miss – it’d help me stay committed to the class and keeping me fit, but it also felt like I was being “forced” to attend class or otherwise, I’d be penalized. There were nights when I didn’t want to do class anymore so I was stuck in the dilemma of forgoing $15 because it was a late cancellation (need to cancel 12 hours before class started) or stick it out and go attend class? I wish that ClassPass would offer a more realistic time frame to cancel with penalties – like serious, life happens within 12 hours! I wish they offered anywhere between 6 to 8 hours cancellation time frame instead of 12.

ClassPass Cities
List of where ClassPass operates.

To prevent users from cheating those expensive niche studios, ClassPass obviously puts a limit on how many times you can visit a studio per month. After visiting my favourite barre studio twice already, I either had to use more credits to take a class or my ClassPass plan or buy a membership at that barre studio (which I ended up doing). So, I ventured off to different barre studios throughout town because out of all the classes I’ve done, I enjoyed Barre the most.

I feel I should also warn you about their cancellation process. Dan had a horrible experience cancelling his trial pass and ended up paying for another month subscription he didn’t want. To cancel the trial, you need at least three days notice and you must email or call in – there’s no self-cancel button on their app or website (seriously, what’s up with that? It’s 2018!). That being said, for anyone who is renewing after the trial, watch out for which plan you choose because ClassPass will automatically select their highest plan as the default renewal plan.

However, despite the strict policies, I love ClassPass for what it is. It’s a great fun way to stay active and push yourself out of your comfort zone and try a new activity! I remember I used to be afraid of classes because I thought everyone would laugh at me because I didn’t know what I was doing but all the classes I’ve attended were fantastic! The instructors were helpful and welcoming, I was pushed beyond my limits, and I met amazing people on ClassPass doing the class for the first time. The idea of being the newest one in class went away.

ClassPass is for someone who wants it all… a little bit of gym and a few classes. It’s for someone that’s has a somewhat regular routine unless you want to pay $15 for everytime life throws something at you. It’s for those who want to try something new on a regular basis. It’s for those who need help getting into an active routine and those who enjoy meeting new people.

TIP: If you’re taking a class with a friend, book the class at least 48 hours in advance in case there’s only one spot left that you or your friend booked. This allows you to cancel the reservation without any penalties and find another class that has the available spots for you and your friend(s). This happened to Dan and I once when he took the last spot in a Barre class but was too late to cancel so we went anyways and I paid the drop in fee at that studio.

I wouldn’t recommend ClassPass if your life doesn’t consist of some sort of regular routine, and someone that enjoys one or two fitness activities. Trust me, you’ll hit your monthly limitation if you’re thinking of using ClassPass as a “cheaper” alternative to a studio.Have you given ClassPass a shot yet? Let me know!

*This post was not sponsored by ClassPass; Coffee with Claire or myself is not affiliated with ClassPass in any way. My ClassPass subscription is paid by myself and all opinions here are unbiased. ClassPass has no influence over this post. 

Stop Making Excuses for the Gym

Claire @ Coffee with Claire6 Comments

I do not have time for excuses in my life.

I know that sounds incredibly rude but I can’t stand people making excuses after excuses because they’re too lazy/unmotivated to make the change. As you can probably tell, I dislike people that asks for advice and not do anything about it. Or, people who complain and not make change. (But, I do understand some things are out of our control OR it’s harder said than done and takes a while).

Just a few days ago, I finally got my friend into the gym with me. I was beyond thrilled the morning of because he didn’t bail out last minute. My friend has probably given me every excuse in the book to avoid the gym until I finally got him to come with.

And, if you share the same excuses as him…

1. You don’t have enough time.

This is the number one excuse I hear all the time. You have 24 hours in one day. Granted, we don’t use all 24 hours but we use most of it. You don’t need more time in the day to stay fit.

Make time for the gym. Wake up on hour earlier – it won’t kill you. Go to sleep earlier – what are you even doing up at 2am in the morning? Waiting for a call from the CIA? If you’re a night owl, consider a 24 hours gym. I always believe that a quick workout is better than none. 30 minutes of training can benefit you in the long run!

Plus, don’t forget – there are hundreds of way to stay fit at home without workout equipment!

2. You don’t know what to do

This is why I purchased personal training sessions when I first went to the gym.  If you’re lucky, get a friend to show you the ropes. Alternatively, the gym staff would know how to operate all the equipments in the gym, and many machines have basic diagrams to get your started. Also, gym people are extremely friendly – ask that cute looking guy how to work the machine 😉

3. It’s too expensive

Are you joining the gym that first pops into your head? Do some research before committing to a big name change! I was paying $40/month for my membership and while I do have only a few months left of my contract, I regret jumping into the contract. I found out that the gym I worked at (which NEVER crossed my mind when I was looking to join a gym BUT I know of this gym) has memberships starting from $15 to $20 a month… that’s half the price with all the equipment! Do some research and don’t settle for a gym because of the name. Community centers are a great alternative as well. Also, check out if your workplace has discounted membership or free gym perks; works for students as well!

4. My diet is shit

Honestly, diet and gym goes together. It’s daunting at first but once you get into the habit of a gym, you’ll feel motivated to start changing your diet as well. You’ll lose your craving for junk food and McDonald’s. It’s not all about a strict diet to follow – treat yourself! I always treat myself but at the same time, I hit the gym more than I put junk into my body. Just balance it together and diet would come naturally.

5. I’m too tired

Working out gives you energy! You feel much more energized AND your mood is instantly lifted! Also, if you’re lacking energy and motivation, consider purchasing new active wear!

6. It’s boring

Your routine is boring. Period. Mix it up a bit – try cardio and weights, or hot yoga and biking. The gym offers big opportunities to find your perfect match of exercises BUT it doesn’t mean you’re stuck at the gym. You can take your exercising outdoors for a hike, biking or even outdoor yoga. I do not like cardio so I’m not going to force myself to run the treadmill for 40 minutes. I like weights and I do biking as a substitute for my cardio exercises.

5 Reasons You Should Invest in a Personal Trainer

Claire @ Coffee with Claire1 Comment

I don’t like spending a lot of money on my services, I mean, c’mon, a girl gotta save for better things!
However, I do believe in investing on good services such as my education and yes, my personal trainer.

I feel extremely high maintenance to admit that I have a personal trainer but I know I need one.

I’m not particularly aiming to lose weight or change the way I look. I joined the gym because I realized how unfit I am and I wanted to gain weight (which in this case, is muscle) to be 110lbs so I can donate blood.

I have friends that are body builders and gym rats but they live mostly in Surrey and Richmond and they got a membership to their local gyms and don’t want to pay the drop in fee for Steve Nash ($20-$25). I mean, why pay an extra $25 when you’re already paying for a gym, right? Plus, not to mention the driving cost and parking for my friends.

I ain’t holding a grudge on them or whatever, but it would’ve been cool if they were willing to train me instead. And, training a newbie requires A LOT of sessions which I wouldn’t want them to pay and travel to my local gym for all those sessions.

Which is why I chose to invest in a personal trainer at Steve Nash and while it is pricy, I don’t regret it and here’s why:

1. I’m New
I’ve been the gyms but I don’t know what to do or how to use most of the equipments. On top of that, I don’t even know where to start. My PT showed so many workout moves that made my sessions fun! She also taught me how to use the machines and which machines to stay away from for my health and body. PT are there to be supportive and they’re patient, especially with newbies like me. I gained a lot of information on working out, nutrition and my body since training with my PT!

2. Motivation
I’m a lazy person. The fact that I already paid for my PT sessions makes me attend them to get my money’s worth. On top of that because I’m visiting the gym a lot, I feel motivated to attend even after my sessions with my PT. The motivation eventually turned into my love for attending the gym and it wouldn’t happen without a PT. She taught me how fun the gym can me, and how the gym isn’t intimidating.

3. Corrections
We can all go on FitSugar to get all the workout steps and there are videos and GIFs to demonstrate it but keep in mind these are professionals. No amount of details can make sure you’re doing your work out properly. I thought I knew how to do squats but it turned out I didn’t! I was doing one thing wrong which was throwing my entire squats off! My PT ended up fixing a lot of my corrections from lifting weights to push ups and even to my squats. A proper stance when doing workout makes sure you get the entire benefits of working out without straining any muscle or body parts. Really important that you don’t injury yourself!

4. Nutrition on the Go
When you start committing to the gym or any physical activity, you need the correct diet to provide energy. My PT helped me out with nutrition and what’s good for me and what’s not. I’m a junkie – I look candy, junk food and fast food. Since hitting the gym, I haven’t eaten fast food in forever! I opt for healthier choices and since exchanging numbers with my PT, she’s always there to guide me through my options and what’s the most beneficial for me!

5. On-going Support
Once your session with your PT is over, it’s not the end. You’ll form a friendship by the end of it all, trust me. You will get on going support from your PT whenever you stop by the gym. They’ll check up on you and even give you advice as friends and not as a coach!

I know personal trainers can get expensive so make sure you put a lot of effort into your sessions! If you’re dying to get a PT, consider asking for a payment plan. I’ve done it and split my session into two payments to make it more affordable for me.

For those who are workout queens, consider a free PT evaluation to ensure you’re having the correct posture for your workout! They’re only 30 minutes and free!

Personal trainers are an investment but if you’re serious about your body and health, it’ll pay off when you know how to workout correctly and safely. I honestly don’t know what to do for firmer arms and bigger butt but after some sessions, I feel confident enough to start working out on my own and even give advice to others!

Good luck for those who are starting a new lifestyle (for the new year, perhaps??)!