DENVER METRO AREA, Colo. — The fitness world can seem like a revolving door of trends. Certain workouts might help some people get in shape, but for others they’re passing fads. So, what works best for you?
Denver7 looked into different popular and classic workouts to help you find one you’ll stick with.
Traditional Gym
The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver just added a high-tech twist to the classic circuit training workout. The Arvada location now has eGym, a series of “smart” weight machines. Members use a bracelet to scan in, and the machine remembers their settings and automatically adjusts the weight.
“Using strength training equipment can be intimidating,” said Mcyveton Pierre Louis, director of lifestyle medicine at the YMCA. "eGym makes you feel so much more comfortable and committed to working out, and makes it a lot easier,” he added.
Lennon Thompson had been working out at the YMCA for years, but said eGym has made it easier to track her progress. The eGym app even allows her to look for muscle imbalances and see where she needs more work.
“It’s definitely more fun, and I look forward to coming to the gym because I know it’s going to be super easy to scan in, and I end up wanting to go more,” she said.
Right now, Arvada is the only YMCA location with eGym, but it’s open to any YMCA of Metropolitan Denver member. Memberships are $50 for an adult, and $90 for a family.
Home workout
Not everyone is able to get to the gym. Highlands Ranch mom Alison Gutshall has to fit in exercise around her 2-year-old daughter’s schedule.
“I’m really fortunate — she naps three hours a day, but I’m stuck at home for the three hours she naps,” she said.
So, Gutshall and her husband recently purchased a Peloton bike so they can work out in their basement. The bike gained some notoriety during the holiday season over an ad some considered sexist, but its popularity has continued to grow.
“I think the biggest appeal is you’re watching someone ride and you can do it with them,” Gutshall said.
The Peloton’s key feature is a smart screen mounted on the bike that allows riders to watch spin cycle classes, or even join live sessions that are held in New York and London.
"So I can be engaged with other people, and it’s a little less lonely, but I still have the flexibility," Gutshall said.
She said that the feeling of community, while still being able to work out at home, appealed to her. The Peloton membership also includes other “virtual” classes like yoga and meditation.
At over $2,000 for the bike and a monthly membership fee, there’s some sticker shock, but with no-interest financing, Gutshall said the price is comparable to a gym membership.
Group fitness class
Finally, for some people, working out with strangers online may not be enough motivation.
Melissa Levy, owner of The Rebel Workouton South Broadway in Denver, said she thrives on the energy of real people.
“I need to be able to turn, maybe high-five somebody, and see you’re struggling as much as I am and see we’re in it together,” she said.
The most popular group class at The Rebel Workout involves high-intensity interval training (HIIT), a method of exercises that’s grown in popularity in recent years. Levy said the workouts are challenging, but her gym is for everyone.
“We’ve got it all here and I think that’s one of the reasons why people keep coming back,” she said.
Member Kolby Dickens said the community and the friendly competition of a group are motivating.
“If there’s someone next to me who’s working out harder than I am, it definitely makes me want to go harder than I was,” she said.
The Rebel Workout offers packages for any budget, depending on how many classes you want to take. “A la carte” group classes are also available at other gyms or through subscription services like Class Pass, which allows members to drop into sessions at dozens of studios. Subscriptions range from as low as $9 to $159 per month.