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Should I Or Shouldn’t I?

By Courtney 37 Comments

Oh my god. This morning, I experienced one of the most crazy awesome workouts, ever. Okay, we need to talk about this.

But first, let’s backtrack…I headed to the gym this morning for my usual Thursday BodyPump class. I noticed there were about five cars in the parking lot, so I started getting nervous thinking that maybe they weren’t open. Well, they were open, but then I was quickly reminded that there are no group exercise classes this week (they’re remodeling the rooms).

So I figured, ahhh crap, now I’m going to come up with a strength workout on my own. But then, the lady at the desk recommended that I try a new(er) class that my gym has been offering called Focusmaster.

I had seen the signs for Focusmaster throughout the gym before but never really paid much attention to them. There’s usually an extra fee to take the class, but she told me that if you want to try it out, your first class is free. Hey, I’ll try anything once! So…

What Is It?

Focusmaster Strike Training (FST) is a 30 minute, total body workout that incorporates a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Striking Machine, functional body weight exercises and intense circuit training. The class was broken down like this:

  • Warm up
  • 5 circuit stations: alternate 30 seconds strike training with 30 seconds body weight exercises, repeat 1x.
  • Body weight exercises included: push-ups, bicycles, jump squats, burpees (UGH!), mountain climbers, jumping jacks, planks, high knees.
  • Finish with a 2 Minute Burnout – punch as hard and as fast as you can for the full 2 minutes.
  • Cool down/stretch

You guys, when I tell you that this class was intense, I am totally not kidding. I was pushed harder today in this class than I have been in months…easily. The instructor was awesome and the class was just incredible; plus, I LOVED the fact that it was only 30 minutes. Any more than that, and I probably would have died. Oh, and that 2 minute burnout? Good god…

If you want to get an idea of what it looks like, here’s a little video clip that I found:

So now I’m trying to decide…do I want to join the classes? Typically, the cost is $150.00 for 10 classes, but right now they’re having a special which, for $74.00, will get me 4 months of unlimited classes. So here’s my pros & cons:

PROS CONS
An AMAZING workout. Costs extra money on top of what I pay for my gym membership.
Offered numerous times a week. I don’t have boxing gloves – would either have to buy my own or keep using the smelly ones at the gym.
Pushes me to my max – in a big way. It’s stinky – like really stinky. My hands smelled awful afterward from the gloves.
Good to incorporate new workouts into my routine. Offered at similar times as other classes I would usually take.

 

So there’s the breakdown. I absolutely loved the class, but I’m still really not sure if it’s worth the extra money. What do you guys think??

****

Breakfast

Before anything, I HAD to come home and shower because the disgusting factor I had goin’ on was off the charts. No joke – major stinkage. Once I had that taken care of, I grabbed my mug of coffee…

IMG_0226

and got to work on breakfast.

IMG_0225

Today was another egg, provolone, and jam sandwich on a toasted honey wheat English muffin. The provolone was awesome…so glad it’s back.

IMG_0229

I’m pretty sure someone else was trying to figure out a way to get in on this deliciousness…

IMG_0231

Does he not look like he’s scheming something big there or what? Winking smile

Gotta jet – Happy Thursday!

Questions for the Morning:

What do you think are some of the worst smells ever?

What’s the most intense workout you’ve ever had?

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Related

December 29, 2011 Filed Under: Breakfast, Workouts Tagged With: egg cheese and jam sandwich, focusmaster, FST, new workout, smelly

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Comments

  1. Tina @ Best Body Fitness says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:24 am

    I would do it. But that's coming from a chick who signs up for races on a whim and just bought a treadmill. So $74 over 4 months sounds like a GREAT deal to me right now. Haha!
    Reply
  2. Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:25 am

    that workout sounds awesome!!! buuut, i understand the $$ issue. maybe ask if you can pay for ONE more class and if you LOVE it again apply that $$ to the four-month unlimited special? i would just want to try it one more time before fully committing to make sure it is always as great as it was today. sounds like a great kick-in-the-butt workout!
    Reply
  3. Jen @ Jen is Green says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:28 am

    It sounds intriguing. I can hear them from the treadmills in the morning, I was wondering what the heck they were doing in there! I would not pay the extra money for it though, only because I'm cheap and broke. But if money wasn't an option, I probably would! ;-)
    Reply
  4. Theodora says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:31 am

    Living in NYC, I am totally biased, since $74 would basically be two classes at some place like Physique...but I think $74 for unlimited for four months sounds like a great deal!
    Reply
    • Julie says

      December 29, 2011 at 4:04 pm

      I visited NYC a couple months ago and did a Physique class with my friend who lived there. I LOVED it...but $35/class??? I guess that's what is to be expected there!
      Reply
  5. Heather says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:34 am

    I would try it out for a month and then re-evaluate. good luck, it looks so hard!
    Reply
  6. Sarah says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:34 am

    The worst smell to me? Those damp dirty a million times used dishcloths- i can't stand it! "major stinkage" LOL. I don't really work out ( 15 year old working out weirds me out a bit). Every morning instead i do 2 hours of dancing! I love dancing & since i'm homeschooled it counts as P.E.- whoop! As for kick-butt workouts, the only one i get is when my sis actually kicks my butt. Ow.
    Reply
  7. Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud! says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:42 am

    That does sound pretty awesome! I hateeee the smell of cheese bagels taosting, I think they smell like feet! And one of the most intense workouts I have done is definitely some of the specific circuits we have done in my current training program
    Reply
  8. Melissa says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:47 am

    Totally do it! If you like it that much, you'll go all the time. And unlimited for 4 months? You're talking about less than $20 a month! Have your coffee at home and get your workout on! :) Oh, and I used to have boxing gloves and I think I paid something like $20 for them. I'm jealous of your breakfast! I was dying for an English muffin this morning, but I'm out. So sad!
    Reply
  9. Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:47 am

    Oh wow that workout sounds amazing!! I totally understand the money issue, but if you think it's a class that you would love, go to often, and get a lot out of then I think it's worth it! Especially at the lower price! I'm totally jealous...I want to try that class so bad!! :)
    Reply
  10. Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:56 am

    I would love that!!! I think I would do it if I had a little extra money to spend because I love being challenged and pushed.
    Reply
  11. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says

    December 29, 2011 at 9:57 am

    this sounds like an awesome workout!! i say go for it! especially at the discounted price. and it's only for four months... if you get burned out on it or realize it's not worth your money, at least you're not locked into it for a super long time. i'd love to try a class like this!
    Reply
  12. Michelle (Better with Berries) says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:04 am

    That reminds me of a kickboxing class I took when I was in high school. It was always an intense workout and left me more sore than anything else ever had! I'm horrible at making decisions when it comes to money, so I can't weigh in on whether you should do it or not :-) P.S. Thanks for the new interval treadmill workout! I have another of yours printed out and sitting on our family's treadmill downstairs, and my brother has been using it while he's home from school.
    Reply
  13. Mallory @ Have your cake says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:09 am

    i think if you're in an exercise slump and this will get you excited about working out again then totally do it. 4 months is a long time and 74 dollars isnt bad at all!
    Reply
  14. Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:09 am

    It's easy to say "Sure, Courtney! DO IT!" But it's not my money haha :) I'm the most frugal person on the planet, so I probably wouldn't pay the money myself - but it seems like an awesome workout!! Any chance you can pay to drop in a class every now and then?
    Reply
  15. Susan @Happy Hippie says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:17 am

    I would definitely try it! I have done classes similar to that before and I know what you mean about the intensity. It's great! As far as the gloves go, I'm sure that you could find a cheaper pair on Amazon, than purchasing them through the gym. I would definitely do it though!
    Reply
  16. Nicole says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:18 am

    I know that exact smell you are talking about, and just thinking about it makes me gag! As far as the workout, I'd suggest signing up for it and committing to it 2x/week. That way, you'd really only be paying $2/class! If you decide you really like it after the trial period, you can always save money by purchasing a pair of gloves and a small bag and doing the workout at home!
    Reply
  17. Allison says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:23 am

    okay so I really thought about this like it was my own issue haha. My immediate thought was go for it, but now I am thinking hold off. Here is my reasoning. It seems like an awesome kick butt class now, but after a week or two you are going to get burnt out. Your muscles will become use to the workout and it wont be as good as a workout. I would save the money if it was me, and maybe ask if you could pay for a class or two every now and then.
    Reply
  18. Heather says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:23 am

    another thing you left all the pro list? It's SUPER FUN!!!
    Reply
  19. Arimey says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:23 am

    I'm so glad you posted about this because I've been curious as to what its all about since I started seeing the posters! Although I haven't tried it myself, I do think $74 for 4 months of unlimited classes sounds like a great deal, especially considering how much other "bootcamp" type classes in this area cost. I'd say try it at least once more before making the commitment to make sure you really do love it and if so, go for it!
    Reply
  20. Jordan K. says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:27 am

    I think with the special your gym is offering it is totally worth it! The class looks awesome and I bet they change up the routine every time too! As far as the stinky gloves go, I'm not sure how much a new pair would cost but I'd just do that with the money you are saving with the special!
    Reply
  21. amanda bucci says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:33 am

    whoa, that looks awesome. I understand the $ issue, but 74 for 4 Months is AWESOME (61 cents a day!)! My gym is offering a kettlebell workout class 2x a week for 8 weeks for 210.. so expensive! On the gloves/stinking con - I bought gloves + boxing wraps for my boxing gym, and it solved the stink problem. I promise. I have used them on and off for almost 8 months now, and they still don't stink. I think they get really, really stinky when big sweaty gross men use them. Invest in some off amazon for cheap, and you will feel so badass having your own gloves, and it feels SO GOOD to punch a bag and see improvements on your punches over time. DO IT! :)
    Reply
  22. Casi DeSarro says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:43 am

    I'm not sure you should do the class or not. If you have the money, go for it!!! If money is a serious issue... you are obviously capable of staying in shape without it. Either way, I SUPPORT YOU! Hehe
    Reply
  23. Lena @Fit on the Rocks says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:53 am

    $74 for 4 months is an amazing deal! If you love it that much, it's worth the cost of the class and some cheaper boxing gloves. I pay an extra $120/10 TRX boot camp classes in addition to my everyday gym membership because I love how different it is from BodyPump and the extra challenge. You won't regret it.
    Reply
  24. Khushboo says

    December 29, 2011 at 10:55 am

    I would sign up for the class! U just qualified as an NASM trainer- that's a huge achievement! Consider this a gift to yourself :)
    Reply
  25. Karina says

    December 29, 2011 at 11:33 am

    What a great deal! And you get to finish your workout in 30 minutes.. So awesome! You'd have more time in your day after that:) And I bought everlast boxing gloves (they're PINK!) for just $30. I'd do it!! Sounds like a great class!
    Reply
  26. EGrizz says

    December 29, 2011 at 12:03 pm

    I would do it! But only if your going to commit yourself to going a couple of times a week. Sometimes I purchase extra gym classes or such and then don't end up using it. Reasons why you should: 1-you get a great workout! 2-looks like the techniques will also be great to learn if you ever need to defend yourself! Then is worth it alone because us women always need to know how to throw a few jabs. 3- Since you are going into physical training it would be good to learn different workouts.
    Reply
  27. Shannon says

    December 29, 2011 at 12:03 pm

    I think you should sign up for that class. If you really liked the intense workout, why not continue it? The worst smell in my opinion is cream of broccoli soup. I've never tried it before but it smells exactly like stinky trash that hasn't been picked up in weeks. Another bad smell is sauerkrat too. Blech. :(
    Reply
  28. Kerry @ Half Healthy, Half Nuts says

    December 29, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Ooh, this sounds FUN!!! Even if you only do it once or twice a week, the workout seems totally worth it. And $74 for 4 months, when it's usually $150/10 classes, I'd totally do it, just for the value!! How fun! Oh, and I feel ya on the stinky gloves. I took a kickboxing class at my old gym a while back and those things were disgusting! That smell doesn't go away for a while. Ick! I would definitely buy your own gloves.
    Reply
  29. Holly says

    December 29, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    I think I would do it...just to change up my routine. It's always nice finding something new for a workout...I need a change in mine too- getting sick of the same ol' same ol'. But I agree with Julie- maybe try out the class one more time (if they let you)..with a different instructor (if there is another one)- just to make sure you will really like it every time you go, even if the instructor is different.
    Reply
  30. Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says

    December 29, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    That looks like so much fun! I love INTENSE workouts!
    Reply
  31. Patty says

    December 29, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    Seems like a good deal if you really enjoyed it. I would defiently buy your own gloves though. Ive taken some kickboxing and boxing classes and the gym gloves are gross. You may want to also buy hand wraps along with the gloves, they are inexpensive, do a good job of protecting your hands and you can wash them easily.
    Reply
  32. Lexie @ This Aussie Eats says

    December 29, 2011 at 4:47 pm

    The workout looks great and really intense. $74 for 4 months is an awesome deal but if it were me, I would evaluate how much I am already spending on gym memberships, yoga classes etc. It often annoys me when gyms offer classes that require an additional fee as you are infact, paying just to get in the door with your regular memebership!! Sometimes I buy a special on groupon for classes I wouldnt normally take regularly but just want to do every now and then to mix things up. That way I don't feel guilty if I find I don't want to commit weekly to the class or it becomes boring and repetitive. Oh and p.s...while writing this comment I happened to read your disclaimer again - you may not be an RD but now you ARE a certified fitness trainer wooohoo!!!!!
    Reply
  33. Amy says

    December 29, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    I say go for it. Thats an awesome price anmd its a great way to change up your routine and start the new year with a new fresh workout. Its a great way to change things up, meet new people, and challange yourself. No time like the start of a new year to start something new. I wish we had awesome classes like that around here. We have TRX and crossfit thats all.
    Reply
  34. JN says

    December 29, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    I would totally do it. :)
    Reply
  35. Cynthia (It All Changes) says

    December 29, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    I don't typically pay for classes on top of my gym membership on less its the crap level like a $10 membership to Planet Fitness. That's a lot of money and having to miss your other classes.
    Reply

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Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
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