One day about five years ago, I was making my way through a boring workout when I noticed Mike Parent, Senior VP at Fitcorp, working out with two members. It looked like a tough ab workout. It actually looked like Mike was trying to drive them into submission. I joked with him and asked if he was doing some type of fitness survival test. Shortly after, I was invited to join them.
When we started this, there were four members. We’d meet once or twice a week for an hour and do a core workout created by Mike. Looking back, we would do a plank routine where we held a single plank position for 60 seconds, which seemed like an eternity back then. We would set up spin bikes and alternate between doing three different exercises and riding spin bikes. These exercises weren’t done with heavy weights, but they pushed us to our limits. At the end of each session, we felt exhausted and thoroughly worked over, but we kept coming back for more. Each time, a new wrinkle was thrown in… a new piece of equipment, a different exercise or a completely new routine. The challenge was always taking us to the next level.
Over the past five years, this workout has morphed into a circuit of exercises with a ten-minute plank series that will test anyone’s mental stamina. The class is constantly changing and always creates a new challenge.
We meet at 5:30am in the Fitcorp at Prudential Center’s group exercise room. There is a $10 fine and heckling if you are late, so I am always on time. Our initial five-person “Core Group” has grown to 12-15 members, both men and women, from twentysomethings to older guys like me. Occasionally, “newbies” comes in, full of vim and vigor, and they are rewarded with constant taunts that are peppered with words of encouragement.
A major reason I come back is because of the camaraderie and support that has been built up. We commiserate over particular exercises, and lament over coming back to class next week, but no matter how grueling the workout may seem at the time, we wouldn’t miss it for the world!
As a parent of a 14-year-old, the best part has been the ability to actively coach him and his soccer team. I recently attended a coaches’ clinic where they showed us different exercises and routines to do with the kids. I smiled to myself as I saw other coaches struggle to get through it, while I was able to keep up without a problem. At games, I watch these other coaches stand on the side and order their kids to do better push-ups, but I do the push-ups with my team.
Am I ready to turn pro? Not a chance, but I love not worrying about it anymore. I have worked up to the point where I can do more than ever before. Bike rides, power walks, yard work, snow shoveling… anything physical is no longer a struggle. Instead of feeling sore, I just feel a little drained, but in a good way. My doctor says my blood pressure, heart rate and general health is great. Overall, I feel fantastic, and I’ve made friends while getting physically fit.
Do I hate getting up at 4am? Yes. But I love how great I feel, both physically and mentally, after such a challenging workout. .So if you are not challenged by your usual workouts, I encourage you to try one of Fitcorp’s core training classes.
Prudential Center: Journey To The Core
Tuesday: 7:30-8:30am
Wednesday: 11am -12noon
Thursday: 7:00 – 8:00 am
Longwood Core Strength & Conditioning
Wednesday 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
One Beacon Street FitCORE
Wednesday 1:00 – 1:30 pm
Copley Core Fitness Challenge
Tuesday and Thursday 5:15 -6:00 pm
125 Summer Street Fitcorp Roll Call
Tuesday 6:00 am
Tech Square Core Team Training
Wednesday 6:30-7:30 pm
