Utilizing BODYATTACK as a cross-training program can help you benefit on and off the field.

If you are like me, you find the month of March to be a long-awaited turning point in the year – after holidays, the start of a New Year, and the test of maintaining your resolutions into the conclusion of February. March, for some reason, makes me think of May – despite April being sandwiched in-between the two. May subconsciously correlates to summer. Finally, summer – as much as it signifies bikini season – also brings with it one of my favourite times of the year – SOCCER SEASON!

If you find comfort and fun – not to mention a fantastic workout – via organized sports, you may be gearing up for the summer season as a prerequisite to your first game. Along with power, precision, speed, agility and flexibility, participating in recreational soccer once per week keeps me motivated and physically challenged in new ways.

Being a participant in organized summer sports, whether your game is soccer, football, baseball, golf, ultimate frisbee, or another activity, I can’t help but make another association – it is very similar to being a Group EXercise participant.

Games are scheduled at a specific time every week and  the workout is both fun and physically demanding.  I see the same group of individuals each week, we are all working to gain one goal or another (whether in the net, or another type of fun or fitness goal) and we keep each other constantly motivated to succeed. What better way to be prepared for your summer sport – physically and mentally – than by participating in Group EXercise to improve and elevate your fitness level for the purpose of sport.

GoodLife offers many Group EXercise programs that can help propel your game to the next level, no matter what sport you choose. Today, I would like to highlight the original sports-inspired cardio program that will have you running with an extra stride in your step before you know it.

What class is the most sports oriented?
The simple answer is BODYATTACK. There are multiple benefits of cross-training for your summer sport with BODYATTACK. Aside from the obvious cardio benefits, there are also specific tracks designated for power, agility, strength conditioning, flexibility, and stamina – all components often required for various sport skills.

How can BODYATTACK specifically affect my ability to perform in a situation outside of class?
When I began my BODYATTACK journey, I could barely complete an entire class doing all high-intensity options. What I found was, after participating in 2 BODYATTACK classes per week, my speed on the treadmill (and outside) increased. I went from scarcely maintaining a 5.0 mph speed for a period of 5 minutes, to running an entire 30 minutes at 6.0 mph. It took me about 2 months to notice this drastic change, but I started realizing the cross training benefits of doing other cardio activities would be hugely beneficial for my out-of-gym endeavours. I could get to the ball faster. I could get a step ahead of my opponent. I could outrun the defensive player and have more time to set up a play. The benefits were seven-fold.

What should I expect in a BODYATTACK class?
BODYATTACK is a great program for everyone – athletes and weekend warriors alike! The basic structure and dimension of BODYATTACK is set up for maximum cardio and heart fitness, with a shot of muscle training to challenge and surprise your body.

Here is a typical timeline of the class structure:
00:00-20:00 – Warm up, Intervals, and Plyometric Training – First Cardio Peak
20:00-25:00 – Muscle Conditioning – Upper Body
25:00-45:00 – Agility, Speed, Interval and Power Training – Second Cardio Peak
45:00-55:00 – Muscle Conditioning – Lower Body and Core
55:00-60:00 – Stretch – Cool Down
*Times listed are approximate

How many BODYATTACK classes should I do to prepare for my sport?
Ideally, 2 BODYATTACK classes per week should help you improve your cardio and fitness levels for sport. You will want to start in advance – March is a great time to take on a new challenge, and prepare yourself for sports that can begin in mid- to late May. Set a goal – how many BODYATTACK classes do you want to complete before game day? Break that down into weeks before your game, and set yourself up for success in sports and fitness!