Well, we've gone and done it. Three line dancers have decided that dancing three times a week apparently isn't enough, so we've added the gym three times a week as well!
What could possibly go wrong?
We've decided to give ourselves a little challenge between now and Christmas. Three friends, three months of strength training and our regular line dancing, just to see whether we can get a bit stronger. Nobody's training for the Olympics. We just want to keep active, enjoy ourselves and hopefully still be able to walk after leg day!
Week One — Oh, Those Aching Muscles!
We started last week, and goodness me, did I know about it! I do plenty of line dancing, so I thought my legs would be reasonably prepared for the gym. Apparently not. My legs and hips certainly let me know they'd been doing something different. And then we went line dancing all day Thursday. Let's just say that was an experience! But the good news is those aches have already settled down. We're only at the beginning of week two and I'm already noticing an improvement in my legs. I wasn't expecting to feel a difference quite so soon.
Three Friends, Three Different Programs
There are three of us doing this together, and we're all line dancers. We've each had a personal trainer put together our own exercises to suit our age, fitness and individual health considerations. We're not all starting from the same place, and that's perfectly fine. I've had back surgery, so keeping my strength and mobility as I get older is a real priority. I want to keep doing the things I love, especially dancing. I'm not trying to turn back the clock. I just want to look after myself and see what I can achieve.
The Hardest Part? Getting Out the Door!
I won't pretend I'm jumping out of bed every morning desperate to get to the gym. Some days it takes a bit of convincing to get up and go. But having two friends doing it with me certainly helps. We can encourage one another, have a laugh and probably compare our aching muscles. Once I'm there, I actually enjoy it. Well, most of it!
And Then There's That Hydromassage Bed...
Now, I've discovered something rather wonderful: the hydromassage bed. Oh, my goodness. After a workout, lying down and enjoying those warm water jets is just divine. I think I could happily go just for that! We've also tried red light therapy and the vibration equipment. I don't know yet whether those extras will make any difference to our progress, but I certainly enjoy the massage bed. It's become my little reward for getting through the workout.
But Isn't Line Dancing Enough Exercise?
Line dancing keeps us moving. We're remembering steps, turning, travelling around the floor and sometimes dancing for hours. But I started wondering whether I could build more strength as well. Will my legs feel stronger? Will those long dance days become easier? Will I feel more confident moving around? That's what I'm curious to find out. The gym and the dancing are different activities, and I'm interested to see how they work together for me.
Week Two — Already Feeling Encouraged
The first week's soreness has come good, including my hips, and I can already feel an improvement in my legs. Nothing dramatic, and I'm certainly not lifting enormous weights! But it's enough to make me excited about what's ahead. I can't wait to see where building a bit more strength might take me.
Three Months, Three Friends and Plenty of Dancing
That's our challenge: three months, three gym sessions a week and three line dancing sessions a week. We're giving it a proper go between now and Christmas. We're not competing to see who lifts the most or loses the most weight. We simply want to see whether we can get stronger, feel better and keep enjoying the dancing we love. There'll probably be a few sore muscles, plenty of laughs and definitely more time on that hydromassage bed!
Shop the Dance — From Gym to Dance Floor
A few handy things for gym days and long dance sessions. These are all from our More Than Just Steps range.
Explore our Dance Floor Essentials bundle →
I'll Check Back In
I'll check back in about three weeks, when we've completed our first month, and let you know how the three of us are getting on. Hopefully we'll have stronger legs, happier hips and a few more laughs along the way! For now, I'm already feeling the difference, and I can't wait to see where this little adventure takes us. What about you? Do you walk, swim, go to the gym or do something else alongside your line dancing? I'd love to hear about it. Wish us luck!
Three friends, three gym sessions, three line dancing sessions a week — and three months to see what we can achieve!
Happy dancing!
Lee-Anne
Step Culture Collective — More Than Just Steps