Going Back to Class

...but not the academic kind.

Me? Back to school? Ha.

I do toy with that idea, but in all seriousness, I just don't think I have the motivation for it.

I'm talking about going back to the cool classes - group exercise class!

I love it so much. I love my solo runs, and doing my own various forms of exercise independently, but honestly, it gets a little boring.

I guess I really enjoy classes so much because I feel energized when surrounded by a group of people who are like me. We may all be in there for different reasons, but we're there, and we're pushing our limits to be healthy, active individuals.

Today I did Body Pump followed by 30 minute intervals on the elliptical! Boy I am beat! My body pump instructor was so outgoing and brought so much energy to the workout! It was the first time I broke a real sweat in that class. I was feeling a little lazy about the elliptical afterward, but I sucked it up and did the 30 minutes I originally planned for in the beginning.

I think this is the beneficial part of writing out my workout goals at the beginning of the week because I feel so much more accountable to them. I really just wanted to do a chill 20 minutes, but in the end, I'm happy I pushed my limits.

Last week was pretty much a rest week after the half-marathon, but I still managed to fit in a couple quality workouts:

Last Week's Workout Recap
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Body Pump + 20 minute elliptical
Thursday: 30 minute intervals on elliptical
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 4 miles (8:54 pace)

Ok...so maybe I took quite a few rest days, but this week I'm back with vengeance! I must note that Sunday's run felt amazing. It was the first one since the half marathon and my legs felt completely rejuvenated - almost bouncy. I ran my favorite route, which is on campus. This is hands down the best place to run because I'm constantly motivated by all the other runners and active people on campus. From bikers to older people walking, everyone is moving! I love it.

Question

How do you plan your workouts? Do you just wing it or do you write out your goals at the beginning of the week? What are your favorite group classes?!