As we gathered to run last night, one of our group announced her hips were really sore after watching a DVD the night before. A few raised eyebrows turned towards her fiancee who was stood next to her. The more discrete amongst us roared with laughter before a full account of events was made clear; the DVD had contained an exercise routine designed to promote core strength that she had followed in the company of 3 (female) running friends!

Before I moved to the States, I enjoyed 2 weekly gym workouts or circuits, as we called them. The exercises were designed to benefit arm, abdominal and leg strength as well as provide some cardio conditioning. The term circuit referred to the arrangement of exercise stations positioned around the gym, using a format that changed from session to session. Each person was encouraged to work at their own pace and the group regularly consisted of a broad range of ages and fitness levels. The atmosphere was relaxed and a lot of fun, even though you worked hard, there was also lots of laughter.

When I came to Connecticut, I hoped to find a similar program but after 6 years, I’ve still not discovered one. Core strength is an important but frequently overlooked  part of running training. Many runners seek out running groups because group activities are more fun and motivating than running alone, but their core training is a solo visit to the local gym. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of these establishments, the prospect of becoming an extension to a machine to pump, pull or push doesn’t have great appeal and although I can run in all weathers, I’ve never found the motivation to use a gym easy. Sure some establishments offer fitness classes, but these tend to be aerobic sessions where participants follow an instructor. So for the time being, I’ll keep searching…….

Yoga, seems to be increasing in popularity and some of my friends have started doing Bikram Yoga, named after its founder Bikram Choudhury which is described as:

a demanding series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, suitable for all ages and levels of ability

The sessions are performed in a heated environment which must make for a nice alternative to running outside in sub freezing temperatures! Maybe I’ll give that a go………..