Dear diary…
I just wrapped up something crazy. For me at least.
On New Year’s Eve, I decided that at some point in 2024, I wanted to challenge myself to go to 7 workout classes in 7 days. Up until last year, I found group fitness classes so intimidating and I was always terrified to go unless I had a friend to go with me. In 2023 I realized how much fun they could be and really found a love for them.
I wanted to combine this newfound love of group fitness classes with some sort of challenge which is how I decided on 7 classes in 7 days. This wasn’t something that I went into the year thinking I was going to do right away however between a burst of inspiration and finding a couple really great trial promos for different locations, the end of January felt like a great time to give it a try.
If you haven’t seen it already I posted a reel sharing my experience which I’ll link here. And, if you want more details, then just keep reading.
MONDAY –
If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that I have PVOLVE membership. So I thought this would be the perfect place to start my week. I did a Strength and Sculpt class which is a lower-intensity class. I liked starting off the challenge with something I was familiar with so I could gauge how sore I was going to be.
I was a bit tired starting off the challenge because I was starting it the day after returning home from a weekend away but I was also very excited for the week ahead. I planned the classes so that some of them I was doing with friends which made it double up as a social activity and I was excited to see what the week would hold.
TUESDAY –
Tuesday I tried something new. I did a Hatha class at Tula Massage and Yoga. I had been intrigued about this opening for a long time so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try it out. Multiple times a week they offer $10 happy hour classes which was a perfect introduction to the studio. I ended up having a solo class because in addition to it being a small location to start,no one else was able to make it to class this day.
This was a really unique experience that was unlike anything I had had before and I was really grateful to have persoanlized attention and tips given. Because I was able to get to know the instructor throughout the class I found that she was pushing me a bit more than I think I would have experienced in a full class. I will definitely be back at Tula and this was a great day two of my challenge.
WEDNESDAY –
Today I was back at PVOLVE but this time for a Sculpt and Burn class. This one is more high intensity and you really get your heart rate going. I was truly purple after this class and new that I was going to be sore tomorrow but it was also such a great and fun class.
This was the first day that it occured to me that I was tired and the week was really just beginning.
THURSDAY –
I tried out another new (to me) place today and went to Oxygen Yoga downtown Victoria for a Hot Candlelit Deep Stretch. This class felt cozy and relaxing and exactly what I needed after Wednesday’s class. I felt like it was a much slower class than what I typically take and in normal circumstances I think I might have gotten bored but it was a lovely reset when feeling sore.
FRIDAY –
I’ll be honest I was scared for Friday. Not only was I on day 5 of the challenge so feeling sore after a few days in a row accumulating, but I also was going to my first ever F45 class. These classes have always scared me and to be doing something so high intensity when I was already sore felt like a big challenge. I also knew that it was more of a team environment than any of the classes I had been to before and there was a part of me that was nervous to step into that.
I ended up really loving this class. I should tell you I have never been more physically tired, ever. But it was also such a great feeling showing myself that I could do it. I was truly purple in the face after this class but everyone was so nice and welcoming and the class made me feel really strong. After class this day I took myself to the Nordic Spa for some sauna and cold dipping time to prepare myself for the last 2 days of the challenge. This was a much needed treat and a perfect way to end off the workweek.
SATURDAY –
Saturday morning I went to Oxygen Yoga again for a Hot Yoga Freedom Flow. This class felt a lot more hot than Thursday’s class and I could tell how exhausted I was getting from the week. There were a few times during this class where I felt like I couldn’t hold the positions that we were supposed to and needed to remind myself that I need to do what I can and to be proud of myself for showing up.
SUNDAY –
Sunday I went right back to a new challenge and went to my first spin class in over 5 years at the Downtown location of SPINCO. I was actually really excited going into this class, not only because I had been missing spin classes, but I also was really excited that I was so close to the finish line.
Believe it or not I actually felt even better at the end of this class. I was proud of how hard I had worked in the class and how much fun I had had but even more proud that I had finished my challenge.
This challenge had a physical and mental component to it. As the week went on it did cross my mind that I could give up, but it felt really incredible to keep my promises to myself. My mind felt so clear after this week and I was so excited and motivated finishing out the first month of 2024. While I don’t believe this challenge is something that is at all sustainable for my daily lifestyle I really loved it and it is absolutely something I will do again in the future. I’m thinking it would make a fun quarterly challenge and a great way to try out new places.
I think it is so important when doing things like this that you pay attention to the areas that you’re working everyday and try and switch it up so you don’t hurt yourself. All in all I’m excited for the next go around and I am hoping that some of you might virtually join me!
If you have any recommendations of other studios in Victoria I should try be sure to let me know & I look forward to sharing the next go around with you.
XO Cassidy Hannah
Cassidy Hannah 