I’ve always been curious about the group classes offered at Planet Fitness. I have been a member for years (the price being the main factor), but I had never tried the classes or even heard much about them. While browsing on my local branch’s website, I found that you can sign up for the classes online. Perfect! If I sign up, I’ll show up and I won’t chicken out of asking them in person (social anxiety is no stranger to me). I decided to sign up for the PF360 Refresh course, which was described online as “Focus on flexibility, core work, and proper breathing in this yoga-like experience.”
The day of the class I arrived early and started stretching in the locker room while I waited. I saw a sign stating the PE @ PF meets here, so I waited under the sign 5 minutes before the class started. Two minutes after the start time, there was still no sign of anyone. I decided to ask the front desk about the class. Apparently, the class schedules changed in the beginning of summer and the ones online are incorrect. Fortunately, no one showed up for the class that was actually scheduled for that time slot, so the trainer was able to hold the class for me anyway.
The trainer got two mats and led me through the course. We started with some basic stretches, and she lead me through the following exercises:
- Bird-dogs with holds – 5 on each side
- Child’s pose
- Locust pose
- Warrior I – each side
- Triangle Pose – each side
- While standing, raise one leg 90 degrees and hold a medicine ball above your head with the opposite hand (she gave me a 6lb medicine ball to use)
- Russian twists using the medicine ball
- Bicycle crunches
- Flutter kicks
My biggest gripe aside from the scheduling issue was that the trainer never introduced herself or asked my name. Aside from this, she was very friendly. She did not offer any form correction, but the classes are meant for up to twelve participants so it might normally be more difficult to watch everyone at the same time.
For a free class, it wasn’t bad. My abs were sore the next day…I do tend to neglect core work. I’d definitely check out the other classes offered and even try this one again to see if it varies every time or repeats the same routine. I wouldn’t join Planet Fitness just for the classes, but it’s an interesting perk and might give you some variety in your workout.
Have you ever tried the classes offered at Planet Fitness?
Just Keep Moving 