Three easy ways to fit in a fitness class over the lunch hour
June 18, 2019
This paid piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.
A quick workout over your lunch break is an easy option that might be closer to work or home than you would expect.
Three Sioux Falls GreatLIFE locations offer popular fitness classes such as Barre Express, QuickFit and Aqua Aerobics as part of a diverse assortment of instructor-led lunch-break sessions.
Afternoon classes are typically much less crowded than those in the morning and evening, which Performance Center lead trainer Mike Smith said allows for more contact time with the trainer and an overall more personal fitness experience.
“I think it’s a great time for people who are more intimidated by the gym to come when it’s less crowded,” he said.
The most common demographic Smith sees using the lunch-hour classes are middle-aged professionals who are allotted that small break halfway through their day.
“Instead of going and grabbing an energy drink, it’s a much healthier option to get over that midday lull,” Smith said.
Work south or east? There’s QuickFit
The Performance & Fitness Center at 69th Street and Southeastern Avenue offers a QuickFit class at noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The class lasts 45 minutes, and trainers routinely change the type and intensity of workouts to ensure clients don’t hit a plateau in their fitness endeavor.
All GreatLIFE fitness centers are fully equipped with locker rooms, so those who have to get back to work can do so after taking a shower.
Work south or west? Take your pick
GreatLIFE’s Woodlake Athletic Club at 4600 S. Tennis Lane offers the widest variety of noon-hour fitness classes, including a Barre and Tai-Yo-Pi class.
Woodlake also offers an extensive list of hot studio workouts, including Hot Pilates, Hot Vinyasa and Hot Yoga Sculpt.
Work downtown? Jump in the pool
GreatLIFE’s EmBe downtown at 300 W. 11th St. offers an Aqua Aerobics class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, something lead trainer Cole Nelson said is ideal for anyone looking for a low-impact workout.
“If somebody isn’t able to get outside for a jog, then they’re usually able to jump in the water, and it doesn’t bother them if they’ve got a knee or hip issue; it’s not going to aggravate that,” Nelson said.
The location will add more fitness classes as the weather cools down, but Nelson said inside workouts tend to taper off while people enjoy the brief periods of nice South Dakota weather.
It’s difficult to fit in a workout and a meal, Nelson said, which is why the EmBe location is adding a cooler full of healthy snack options — ranging from $5 to $7 — for those who are on a time crunch.
“Protein balls are a huge hit at our other gyms, and we’re getting those along with some other meal options,” Nelson said. “People can come in, get their workout, grab their lunch and then get out.”
Any GreatLIFE member has unlimited access to all facilities.
