What's High Voltage?

A few of you (okay more than a few) have inquired about my High Voltage class that I teach on Wednesday nights. Each and every one of you are invited to join me as I lead you through a variety of exercises! Everyone and every fitness level is welcome to come. For those of you with injuries, etc., we can absolutely modify any exercise so you will still benefit greatly from the class. Please read my FAQ below - and if you still have questions, feel free to ask!

HIGH VOLTAGE FAQ

1. What exactly is “High Voltage?” What do you do in that class?

As you enter the class, you will see that I have already set up our 10 stations, so there is no need to arrive early and set up anything at all. We will start the class with 5-10 minutes of warm-up and light stretching. After that, we will walk to each station and I will demonstrate what to do at each one.

Then the fun begins: you will pick a station to go to first, and at the sound of the horn, you will begin that station’s activity. You will work out at that station for 1.5 minutes, then at the sound of the bell, you will move to the next station. I allow 20 seconds to switch stations to give you time to get a drink, towel off, and rest a bit before we begin our next 1.5 minute workout. We continue this process of 1.5 minutes working out, 20 second rest/switch for about 35-40 minutes.

The whole time you are working at your station, I am moving around the room, watching to ensure everyone has good and safe form and to answer any questions you may have. I am 100% dedicated to you and ensuring you have a good, safe workout! I will not be working out during this class – rather, I want to be available for you in case you have questions about what to do at a station or how to modify a particular exercise.

We continue this “circuit” until class has 15 minutes left. Then we will move to the floor (on mats I will lay out for you) and I lead you in 10 minutes of ab-blasting and back exercises. I will challenge you to work your core to its max during this time. For the last 5 minutes of class, we will cool-down and stretch.

2. What if I haven’t exercised in awhile and I’m not as in shape as I used to be? Can I still participate?

Absolutely. The class may sound a bit intimidating by its title and description, but all fitness levels and capabilities are welcome to join. All I ask from you is that you give it your best. I keep a completely non-judgmental environment in class, so I invite you to come and give it your best. Most of all have fun!

3. I have some injuries/conditions that prevent me from doing certain movements. Can I still participate?

Yes, definitely. I understand what it’s like to have some physical limitations and the feelings that can go along with that. Please know that I am happy to offer you personalized modifications so that you can still participate and reap the benefits of this class. Also, there is plenty of variety between stations, so chances are that you may only be limited in one or two exercises but fine to fully participate in the rest of them.

4. What types of exercises are at each station?

Variety is the name of the game! At each High Voltage session, I like to target your entire body so you get a full body workout every time. There are 10 stations and I like to alternate cardio with resistance/weight stations. For example, you might do jumping jacks at one station and then do bicep curls at the next station with skipping down and back at the next, and squats at the next, and so on. We finish the workout with some core work on the floor to target your abs and back. If you have back concerns that prevent you from doing some of these exercises, please speak to me before class and we will come up with alternate solutions that suit your needs.

5. What kind of music do you play in the class?

I play upbeat, energetic music that inspires you to keep going and giving it your all. J Some musical genres I might feature can range from classic rock to pop to soft rock with very little “techno” and no rap or hard rock. I like some songs without words, too (i.e.,Yanni, Moby, Crystal Method, etc.). Likewise, you might hear some Billy Joel, Goldfrapp, Three Doors Down, Michael Franti, Michael Jackson, Thousand Foot Krutch, Muse, Jimmy Buffet, *NSync, and REM just to name a few. I always ask for your music suggestions and am happy to include your favorite songs in future workout sessions. There are index cards provided for you after class to write down your favorite workout tunes so I can include your preferred songs, too.

6. What should I bring to the class?

You should bring three things: a water bottle filled with plenty of water, a towel, and (most importantly) a great attitude. Have a willingness to try new things and push yourself while we work out!

7. Sounds great. When is the class? Who teaches it?

We meet in the aerobics room on Wednesdays at 1730. My name is Sara and I also teach yoga on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I currently hold my Personal Trainer Certification from ACE, sometimes sub for spinning classes, and am also studying to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. I love exercising: I see the benefits it produces in the body, mind and spirit and I believe that the more we can get our bodies in motion, the better we will feel.

8. Why is the class called “High Voltage?”

I decided to call the class “High Voltage” because… I am a nerd. I like learning about physics, and when I learned that Volts = Amps x Resistance plus all the things that go along with electricity like capacitors and circuits, I originally wanted to describe the class like this: “High Voltage is a class where you will amp up your fitness capacity by doing circuit training with plenty of cardio and resistance training.” Yeah, I know. It’s corny! J