If you’re anything like me, exercise is essential to remaining sane. Without it, I’d be an anxious ball of tension. About three to four times a week I regularly attend a “Cardio Dance Blast”, “Total Sculpt” and “Cardio Kickboxing” class at my local gym, Youfit in North Providence, R.I.

Cardio Dance Blast is a Zumba based class, more fitness-focused with a higher intensity level while the total sculpt incorporates weights and works on target areas. Both classes I’d attend were lead by my all-time favorite fitness instructor Courtney, until recently when Courtney moved away. The news was devastating to me as she had led my fitness routine every week for two years. In more basic terms, I lost my sh*t and stopped working out for over a month.

After feeling like a pile of garbage post-holiday cookies and declaring I’d try new things for my New Year’s resolution, I figured it was about time to give some of the new instructors and their classes a chance.

With that, I began taking Zumba and Total Sculpt again and found the instructors to give me a great sweat and good release from my work week. With that, I decided to take the Wednesday night Cardio Kickbox replacement which turned out to be a class called “Fit Body Circuit” with Charm, the fitness instructor.

Walking into the familiar room I felt slightly apprehensive and shy (unusual for my personality) because I didn’t recognize any of the other people attending the class. I was excited about something new but unsure, like anyone attending a new workout class.

As we began the class we started with some cardio to get our blood going and Charm’s music playlist really set the tone for what became an enjoyable class. The class was a circuit class meaning we focused on one group of exercises and then moved to the next and this theme continued throughout the fifty-five minutes.

Charm would demonstrate the exercises, answer any questions and then motivate us as he timed each circuit. His personality carried me through the class as he made constant jokes and fun remarks. And before I knew it, only ten minutes remained. I ended the class covered with a layer of sweat and definitely satisfied.

Though my favorite aspect of the class was that Charm continually united the small class by having everyone partner up and even having everyone work together to move at the same pace, keeping in mind if we strayed from the rest we would restart. This allowed for me to meet new people and feel like I wasn’t alone in this workout, that we were all there together. We ended the class by putting all hands in and cheering.

I one-hundred percent recommend this class and have returned every week for the last three weeks. With every class Charm changes up the routines and music to keep things interesting. One disclaimer is to be prepared, you will most definitely be sore for at least three days. And when I say sore, I mean, I hobbled around like a penguin for quite some time.

Upon taking this class, my five tips for survival are pertinent and they include:

1. Stretch!!!!

When you enter the class Charm jumps right into your warm up and you will work for the entire hour. Expect to stretch on your own before and after class. This is absolutely vital to keeping your body feeling good throughout his class and afterward!

2. Water

This is extremely necessary for any workout but especially this class… you will feel off without it.

3. Breathing

Focusing on your breathing is what will help you to stick it out through each circuit and not give up before time is up. Be aware of breathing in through your nose and out of your mouth. Not only will you be properly working out but the time will go by faster when your mind is somewhere else.

4. Modifications

Charm makes it a point to ask if there are any old or current injuries. Do not hesitate to tell him. If you do he can help you stretch it, and also provide you modifications to avoid further injury.

5. Open Mind

Walking in with a positive attitude and open mind can really help you to fully enjoy this class. As with anything, if your mind isn't there you won’t feel fully satisfied. When I walked into class that first day I had to breathe, and remind myself why I was there in the first place.

I needed to rid myself of the uneasy feelings and by doing so it allowed me to find a new fitness community. If I hadn’t done this I probably wouldn't of stuck the class out or had the fun that I did. So, be open to new exercises and new people because that is exactly what this class will provide.

Carry these tips with you to any new fitness class and you will conquer your workout and hopefully leave feeling as good as I did!!