We lived in a small apartment in the inner city of Minneapolis, so I didn’t have much of an opportunity for vigorous exercise with three small children and my husband gone during the day.

It was not safe to walk at night alone, and in the winter, it was foolish to be out alone in the city. While my husband watched the kids, I drove about 25 minutes outside of the city to the suburbs to go to the fitness center.

I signed up for the core conditions aerobics class that met twice per week. It was quite a commitment to take the time to do this. I did this for about three months. The aerobic class lasted about thirty-five minutes.

It was quite full, with approximately fifty people participating. We warmed up slowly for 5 minutes, which included head rolls and breathing. Then we gradually increased our workout. The instructor was energetic, and we basically danced in time to popular R & B. The moves were easy for me to follow.

The teacher was consistent, counting steadily, and she constantly explained what to do and often why, making comments such as, “Okay, we need to work out our arms now, so reach and two and three and four and stretch and two, three, four.” She encouraged all the way through the workout.

The workout was really pretty demanding. I didn’t have a heart monitor then, but I’m sure my heart rate was at least 145-150 for at least 20 minutes. The instructor was knowledgeable and safety-conscious.

I certainly felt like I was doing some good for my body because it was a good workout, but it was only twice a week. It seems to work better for me to workout every other day or at the least three times per week.

I stopped going to the fitness center because it wasn’t very practical for our family. I had an infant and two toddlers at home and had to drive at night in pretty cold, snowy weather (Minnesota gets super cold) to get there.

The cost wasn’t bad; it was about $45 per month. However, I needed something easier and closer to home. It was really hard, after my husband got home, to give directions to him about heating up supper and rush out in the evening.

I was desperate at the time to get into shape, but it just didn’t work well as far as the schedule. Now I have a stationary bike I use at home in front of the TV and watch videos. It’s much more convenient.