D
ecember 31, the end of one year and the beginning
of another. A time of reflection of goals and
accomplishments achieved over the last 12 months, and a time to evaluate the goals for the year to come. If you listen closely, you may be able to hear the collective promise that is made around the world on this day each year, “This is the year I will get in shape!”
Exercise is the time-honored new year’s resolution made by millions of people every year. According to a Nielsen.com survey conducted in 2015, 69 percent of all new year’s resolutions have to do with staying fit and healthy and losing weight. Despite the high percentage that lists this as the ultimate goal for the new year, according to Forbes only 8 percent actually achieve their goals.
There is no shortage of options in Holly Springs for those that are looking for the perfect atmosphere to start the year off right. Whether you are looking for a more traditional atmosphere with specific equipment and classes or a smaller, more one-on-one approach to keep the motivation going, Holly Springs has something for everyone. Take the time to look at what each location offers and find the one that is the best fit for you. We’ve gathered some information for a few locations in the Holly Springs area.
9 Round
If you are looking to do something that is completely outside the box, then try stepping into the ring. When you walk into 9 Round, you will notice a lack of certain things. There are no bikes or treadmills or fancy machines that make noise. What you will find are trainers ready to get you started the minute you walk through the door. 9 Round offers a 30-minute “kickboxing themed fitness program that incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular and circuit training regiments.” The circuits are broken down into 9 stations, or rounds, and rotate every three minutes. First, you start with the strength training stations. Strength training stations utilize dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls and jump rope. Then you move on to kickboxing stations incorporating heavy bags, double bags, and speed bags. Last, you finish off with working your abdominals and core muscles. With no specific class times, members can come when it is most convenient for their schedule. Routines for each circuit are changed daily and trainers are there at all times.
O2 Fitness
Located in the Holly Springs Towne Center, O2 Fitness is what most people picture when they think of a traditional gym atmosphere. They offer the standard equipment including treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. You also have the option to utilize their weight training equipment and open areas for floor exercises and stretching. Like most large-scale gyms, O2 Fitness also has personal trainers available if you need that one-on-one attention and guidance. If you prefer to work-out with a large group, O2 has many options for group fitness classes as well.
Snap Fitness & Anytime Fitness
Both Snap Fitness and Anytime Fitness offer round-the-clock accessibility for those that have a busy schedule and need the flexibility to work out at any time. Like other traditional gyms, both locations offer the standard equipment, and Snap Fitness also offers group classes ranging from Yoga to Zumba and many others. At this time, Anytime Fitness does not have the space available for group classes, but they do offer personal training and tools, including stretch bands and medicine balls. Although both locations have staffed hours, it is important to know that they are not staffed during all hours.
Kraft Family YMCA
Kraft Family YMCA has many options for all fitness levels. Branch Executive Director Marco Ramirez says “The Y is dedicated to consistently providing its members with the latest exercise equipment, including treadmills and bikes, with connectivity for a wide range of workout options. This past November, they received all new exercise bikes for group exercise classes and for the wellness floor.” In addition to the equipment available, the Y also has “dedicated cycle and yoga studios, in addition to cardio and strength classes to meet the diverse interests of its members. The branch offers 101 classes for beginners each January, and regular launch events as new classes are released. Kraft’s Coaching Connection is an included member benefit that gives members access to a series of meetings with certified coaches who can help them focus their wellness goals and set up a workout plan to achieve them with accountability and guidance.”
9 Round
If you are looking to do something that is completely outside the box, then try stepping into the ring. When you walk into 9 Round, you will notice a lack of certain things. There are no bikes or treadmills or fancy machines that make noise. What you will find are trainers ready to get you started the minute you walk through the door. 9 Round offers a 30-minute “kickboxing themed fitness program that incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular and circuit training regiments.” The circuits are broken down into 9 stations, or rounds, and rotate every three minutes. First, you start with the strength training stations. Strength training stations utilize dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls and jump rope. Then you move on to kickboxing stations incorporating heavy bags, double bags, and speed bags. Last, you finish off with working your abdominals and core muscles. With no specific class times, members can come when it is most convenient for their schedule. Routines for each circuit are changed daily and trainers are there at all times.
Pure Barre
When you enter Pure Barre, you may have memories of tutus and ballet slippers, but this isn’t your daughter’s ballet class. At Pure Barre, the focus is on some of the most troublesome spots to tone and lose weight, hips, thighs, seat, abs, and arms. By using a ballet barre to perform isometric movements (contractions of a particular muscle or group of muscles), followed by a stretching section, the Barre workout creates long, lean muscles without the bulk. Since the workout is considered low-impact by avoiding bouncing or jumping, it is a good choice for those that want to protect their joints. In addition to helping you physically, Barre also utilizes many of the techniques found in yoga and meditation, allowing the participants to clear their minds and block out reality, if just for a little while. A Barre workout is suitable for all fitness levels and is offered in a group setting.
CrossFit Zeal
As a strength and conditioning facility, CrossFit Zeal is a one-of-a-kind environment in Holly Springs. Owner and Head Coach Mike Kelley explains that CrossFit Zeal offers the best of both worlds to its members by “offering group fitness classes that foster community, encouragement, and accountability, led by an experienced trainer who offers individualized and effective coaching. Everyone starts with ‘foundations courses’ to learn proper technique before joining regular classes. Within our classes, the variety of programming is both challenging and engaging and differs from the typical CrossFit gym that promotes intense conditioning above all. CrossFit Zeal varies strength and conditioning on a daily basis to ensure we have healthy, balanced athletes. There is always a mix of barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, bodyweight/gymnastics training, and more.” Using what is referred to as the Workout of the Day or WOD, routines are fresh and scalable for all fitness levels.
Dragonfly Fitness
Offering both group classes and individual training, Dragonfly Fitness utilizes CrossFit with a blend of gymnastics, weight-lifting, and endurance to build strength and endurance. Group classes that are offered include Zumba, Yoga, D*Fit Power, Total Body and High-Intensity training.
Burn Bootcamp
Burn Bootcamp offers a group workout environment. The workouts are structured as a 45-minute, high-intensity camp led by a personal trainer. While you won’t find many machines or equipment, you will find lots of sweat! Each 45-minute workout burns an average of 700 calories. If you are looking for a more individual plan, Burn Bootcamp also offers a “focus meeting” where it is just the individual and a trainer. During these meetings, trainers will guide their clients in areas of nutrition, performance, lifestyle and weight loss.
Orange Theory Fitness
When you walk into Orange Theory Fitness, it may look like a typical gym. You’ll find treadmills, rowing machines, hand weights and areas for floor exercises. The difference is that all of the equipment in this gym is used in group training. Laura DeLarme, Regional Manager for Orange Theory, explains that Orange Theory uses “HIIT training (high intensity interval training) to give you the best results in the shortest amount of time. You could burn calories for up to 36 hours in addition to the calories you burned in your 60-minute total body workout. OTF classes incorporate a coach in every class to make sure you’re not over- or under-training, and supply you with direction and motivation. Our technology removes a lot of excuses, from booking your workouts on a convenient app, to our heart rate monitors and large televisions showing your heart rate in real time. From Endurance, Strength, and Power, every day is different! This delivers your body better results, keeps you from plateauing, and mostly from becoming bored and quitting.”
It is important that you look around at all of your options before deciding which type of training and environment is right for you. Many locations offer a free session or free access for a certain amount of time so you can experience first-hand what each location has to offer. Shop around and make 2018 the year all your goals become reality!
