Friday, April 29, 2011

Socacize

As I am currently in the process of solidifying a workout regimen for the summer, for my third Fitness Friday post I wanted to share my experience in an excellent group fitness class called Socacize™.  


If unfamiliar with Socacize™ you may be wondering what it is?

Founded by Ayana Lee Rivears, Socacize™ is a creative blend of high/low impact aerobics combined with African and Caribbean dance moves.
This form of exercise focuses on cardio, weight and strength training, toning and tightening drills to help you tone those trouble spots: arms, abs, legs and butt.

Source: http://www.socacize.com/about.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  
Subsequent to being informed by a friend Socacize™  classes were offered at Extreme Fitness on Tuesday evenings, I decided to check the class out.  The decision to attend was quite easy considering the previous positive experiences I had attending Socacize™ classes held in the community and also because I wanted to make the most out of my gym membership. Though this was only my second week of attending the class, I can definitely say long gone are my Tuesday nights at home lol.

The hour long class was broken down into 4 sections: Baccanal Warm up, Soca Jam,Wine and Tone, Groovy Stretch.


I can definitely say the question in the logo "Are you ready to sweat?" is a good one to ask, because it is sooooo true.  By the time the warm up was done and progressed into the jam session I had already started to perspire. 


From squatting, to lunging, jumping, or wining down to the ground, you name it we did it. lol (I can't even lie, at some points I had to take a break ie. squatting, holding and pulsing on your tippy toes was turning into serious situation lol. Luckily for me I was in the back :)


I think what I enjoy most about Socacize™ is the music. I love that the class includes working out to the latest tunes in addition to old favorites. I also find with the music and atmosphere, often you lose any previously held inhibitions and just go with it. (For example- the workout routine for Machel's Illegal, lol you probably would never catch me drop to the ground in a fete, but in Socacize... it is quite possible lol ; )


Apart from the good music and positive atmosphere, you maybe wondering what are the benefits of Socacize™?
There are several benefits of Socacize™ which include:
1. Improves your mood
2. Combats chronic diseases
3. Helps manage your weight
4. Strengthens your heart and lungs
5. IT'S FUN!!!

Overall, my experience thus far with participating in Socacize™ has been positive. The instructor is energetic and approachable. Subsequent to the class I took the opportunity to ask a few questions:

Q&A with Socacize™ Instructor Camika

Is Socacize intended for a specific fitness level or age group? (Is it suitable various fitness levels such as beginner, intermediate or advanced?)

Socacize targets all age groups. Whether beginner or advanced, everyone will be able to participate. You need to push yourself but also know your limit.
(From my personal observation of the composition of the class, individuals were of various ages and fitness levels. I also noticed on the Socacize website they are now offering a Socacize kids. Click here  for more details)

What do you like most about Socacize™?

What I LOVE about Socacize (as an Instructor) is seeing the changes and the smiles on my participants face. Knowing that they are turning their health around and seeing how much FUN they have doing it is priceless! Best of all you don't feel like you're working out. It's always a party and such a positive environment to be in.

Hopefully this post has provided you with information on my experience with Socacize™.
For more information check out their website at: http://www.socacize.com/index.php

Please note however, prior to starting any exercise program consultation with your doctor may be recommended. If you are between the ages of 15-69 years, the PAR-Q questionnaire will help determine whether you should consult  with your doctor prior to engaging in physical activity. Click Here for more information on the PAR-Q. I will be doing a post on this topic in the future.

Special Thanks goes out to Samantha for your help with the pictures and video, Camika, and the Extreme Socacize class.

No comments:

Post a Comment