NatNews

Although group fitness classes can be traced back to the late 1960s, they have become more commonly part of both men’s and women’s regular routines in recent years. In fact, nearly 40 percent of individuals who exercise on a regular basis participate in group fitness classes.

Dallas-area resident Erin Vara, who owns and coaches cycling and functional training programs with her husband at Fit Social Club in Mockingbird Station, believes that group fitness classes are highly enjoyable for participants and create a team environment that one might not find elsewhere in his or her day-to-day life.

“Depending on the class size, a group setting can help keep you motivated and allow you to work with the people around you,” she said. “Group fitness is also a way to have a coach or instructor correct your form and help injury prevention. At FSC, our Intensity program is a way to bridge the gap from the expense of personal training and the overwhelming feeling of large group classes.”

Dallas resident Doug Mitchell, who is a member of FSC and consistently takes cycling and Intensity classes there, said he thinks one reason group classes have become more popular lately is because of some of the isolation and polarization individuals have experienced in recent years and that people want to find others with whom they can connect over shared interests.

“They can provide accountability, especially as you build relationships with classmates—and a byproduct of those relationships is the friendships that develop and the social aspect that is added in and out of the gym,” he said.

Dallas resident and avid runner Becca Finke finds that group exercise classes inspire her to test her limits and continue to put in extra work outside of her weekly mileage.

“I go to Barry’s once a week with friends, and knowing they’ll be there bright and early really helps to motivate me and hold me accountable,” she said. “Additionally, group fitness classes bring out the extra competitive nature in me, which makes me push myself harder.”

Finke also said working out in a group setting now appeals to more individuals because of the diversity of the types of fitness classes offered.

“I think new HIIT workouts, CrossFit, and bootcamp-style workouts have allowed both men and women to become interested and get a great workout,” she said, “as opposed to back in the day, when all you had were Jane Fonda, jazzercise, and zumba, which were geared toward women.”

Vara said those who have yet to take group fitness classes and are somewhat hesitant about being new and not knowing what to do simply need to set their fears aside and show up for class just as they are.

“Jump into the deep end,” she said. “Find a modality you are interested in trying. Read a few reviews on the studio to make sure it matches your wants and needs, and tell the staff that you are new. It’s better to be open and honest that you are new/timid and need a little help than feeling like you’re barely staying above water.”

Mitchell also believes that people who want to try working out in a group setting should be brave and go for it and not be so hard on themselves if they are not catching on as quickly as others.

“If you’re going alone, introduce yourself, and let someone know it’s your first time—you may find it’s their first time, too,” he said. “It’s a great idea to let the instructor know your experience and fitness level. And, most importantly, give yourself grace, and don’t compare yourself to the other people in the room.”

Approximately 700,000 to 1 million species dwell in the world’s oceans.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American consumers spend roughly 13 percent of their incomes on food—which, based on 2021 data (the most recent available), includes roughly $438 per month for each household for food at home. For those who opt not to make their own meals, some individuals (30 percent of consumers) spend approximately $180 each week on restaurant food.

Whether one is dining out, cooking at home, or taking advantage of food-delivery services, meals can obviously be rather pricey. But food is a basic necessity, and people must eat. It then becomes a matter of personal preference and what works best for an individual or family financially that determines how that food is obtained. Dallas-area resident Laura Bousquet is a fan of the restaurant-dining experience.

“As I get older, I enjoy eating out more and more,” she said. “I love not having any cleanup, and I feel like it is more relaxing.”

For Dallas-area resident Brice Pearce, it makes more sense in his life to prepare his food himself.

“I generally eat about 85 percent of meals at home (or prepare and take with me, like lunches for work), mostly for the cost-effectiveness,” he said. “I’m also totally the type of person who gets so into what I’m doing at work that I forget to eat if I don’t bring lunch.”

However, Pearce still enjoys the opportunity to support restaurants while maintaining a healthy diet on a consistent basis.

“I do like to eat out two to three times a week,” he said. “I feel that eating most meals at home allows me to choose higher-quality places—such as fine dining or farm-to-table—to eat out. But that doesn’t mean I won’t occasionally go for some comfort food, like tacos, burgers, or pizza.”

For Dallas resident Hollie Rients, making meals at home is more about enjoyment than anything.

“I prefer eating at home because I find cooking to be so much fun,” she said. “It’s also nice to relax and watch TV or chat with my roommate at home.”

But Rients also appreciates the ability to go out for dinner every once in a while.

“I think it can be easy to do so when you’ve had a busy day, and it can be hard to prioritize cooking,” she said.

For Bousquet, being able to try new meals and spend time with others as part of the restaurant experience allows her to disconnect from work and life’s daily tasks.

“I think many people enjoy going out to eat for the social aspect,” she said. “I feel like my boyfriend and I get one-on-one time if we go out, as opposed to being home and being distracted by all of the things that need to get done. It is fun to meet friends out, too. I find it more relaxing than having people over and having to prepare everything.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

White Rock Running Co-op members enjoyed volunteering + participating in Celebration White Rock last week (photo taken by Scott Magdziak)

Wednesday, April 26: Dallasites101 April BFF Bingo + Lip Gloss Making Class at MYX Blend Bar
Thursday, April 27: Rangers vs. Yankees series begins at Globe Life Field
Thursday, April 27: Dallas Cowboys Draft Weekend events begin at The Star in Frisco
Saturday, April 29: WRRC Saturday run at Taco Joint