2: What is Group X REALLY? And Why Do We Love It?

What makes exercising with a group so addictive? From the electrifying energy to the unbeatable connection and supportive community spirit, we’re breaking down what group exercise really is, why we love it — and - if you’re not already in it - why you might just fall in love with it too. Let’s dive in!

Give this episode a listen then let us know why YOU love group exercise. If you're new to group exercise, what do you think you'd like to try?

Don’t forget to follow. subscribe and download for more reasons to get healthy with us!

Chapters

00:00 The Addictive Power of Exercising with a Group

00:15 Building Connection and Community through Group Exercise

00:16 Defining Group X

02:29 The Evolution of Group X

07:26 Group Exercise as Adult Recess

11:59 Favorite Formats to Teach and Take

17:42 The Rise of Virtual Group Exercise

21:53 The Benefits of Group X

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Questions or topic ideas? Email us @ groupxappeal@gmail.com

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Stay Connected with Kimberly:
- @kimberlyspreenglick on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- email: kimberly@theinspiredlifeuniversity.com
- website: www.theinspiredlifeuniversity.com

Stay Connected with Terry:
- @terryshorter on Instagram & Facebook
- email: terry@rippedplanet.com
- website: www.rippedplanet.com

Transcript

Terry, let's talk about what group X really is because I know a lot of us have our definitions and our perspectives about what it means to exercise with a group of people. So I'll kick off by my traditional definition. Kick it off, kickball girl. I tell you what. No, he had to bring up the kickball. Okay, so you're gonna understand what that means in a few minutes. So of course I started.

teaching when it was called aerobics. We're talking about group exercise classes. So back in the early 90s, and I have my thong. I two favorite It's like the 1900s, right? Something.

Yes, 1990.

Like, 1918? Definitely 1992. And we wearing like the spandex with the thongs. Remember on the outside what a good look that was? I remember seeing it, not wearing it. I bet you Nope, just saw it. I am seriously Google searching this later, so I think I might be able to find something. But I had two favorite thongs. I one that had these like paint splashes. wow, that's fancy. And one that was just like neon, like swashes on it, like just.

stripes and whatnot, block colors and everything. So anyway. Vivid. Too much information, I get it. But back then, like that's all it was. And then, you know, over the years and thankfully so, it went from being aerobics to now group exercise, also known as group fitness, where people come together and we expanded into.

Kimberly & Terry (01:34.08)
A lot of different types of formats. went more into different styles of dance, bootcamp and kickboxing. One of my favorites and indoor cycling and then even into Pilates and yoga. but people generally still think of group exercise coming together, exercise as a group happening in a studio space. And I love your perspective on this. Would you share with our listener when you think of group X and like working out with a group and getting healthier with a group of people? What does that mean to you?

Well, I think group exercise, even if you've never stepped foot in a club studio space type of environment, just know that you have been involved. You have participated in group exercise at some level, starting from a very young age when we were all in grade school or elementary school. too, even you before 1992, but it still in the 1900s. you know,

when we were in grade school, even back in kindergarten, right? We were sitting at our desks and we could not wait. We were just frothing at the mouth, waiting for the bell to ring so we can go out for what? For recess, right? So all throughout our childhood, we really were looking forward to recess because that was our opportunity to move and play with our peers, with our friends, sometimes our frenemies, right? We'd go out there and have the best time, whether it was dodgeball, we played basketball. Or?

Kickball. Right? So we were out there as a group having fun and enjoying ourselves. And it wasn't just a physical activity. It was an opportunity for us to, you know, to experience camaraderie and teamwork and so many different social elements that are important just in everyday life. And so, yes, we have all participated in group exercise. And then as we got older, then it kind of, you know, turned into an

morphed into organized sports, Soccer, baseball, football, basketball, whatever. volleyball. Okay. And Pom squad. And I don't even know what that is. Seriously, Pom squad is this is a group exercise modality. I'm not familiar with. I'm devastated. Pom squad. So never mistake it for cheerleading. Okay. You know, kudos to the cheerleader. Cause it's totally different. It's not acrobatic. Okay. I, at one point in my life could dance. All right. I think you still get it. You still got it. But

Kimberly & Terry (04:00.278)
We were the ones that would come out during the football games and do the halftime show. So we had dance routines and we'd come out and perform on the field. So that was my sport after volleyball in high school. I love it. So you guys call that a sport? No, he didn't. no, you didn't. no, you didn't. Don't make me pull this car over Terry Shorter. I will do it. We even competed.

wow. The first time I was ever on an airplane I was 16 years old because we won a dance competition. The Pom Squad competition. The Pom Squad competition. It was a dance competition and we won and we earned a trip to the Cotton Bowl down in Dallas, Texas. Wow. 16 years old, first airplane trip. That is amazing. Okay. That's life changing. Pom Squad. Right? Yeah. Now you know. You didn't know. Well. But now you know. It's probably going to be the next Olympic sport in 2028, isn't it? think. That's awesome.

I love it. Bring it on. Yeah, so group exercise, we've been doing it for ages, forever. And now, you , it's kind of evolved into, you know, as adults, we get to do recess in the group exercise environment at clubs and, you know, fitness facilities and studios. we still get to play. Yeah. As soon as we get out of work, waiting for that bell to ring. I know, right? I ring my own bell now. OK, wait a minute, that sounded little...

Okay. I was, I was not on that wavelength. I was thinking of a song, but that's okay. can, but you just ring your own bell, Kimberly. You enjoy yourself ringing your own bell. Where's the Kleenex? What I love is that of course, you know, you and I got into the health and fitness industry teaching classes in studios. I love it. But something else people might not know we also love is getting outside. Yes.

and exercising with a group. I don't know about you, for me, well, I know for you, hiking is a huge passion. Hiking is probably my number one favorite activity on the planet. So hiking for me, but of course there's running, cycling, people come together in groups and do all kinds of activities. And so what are your favorites there? Absolutely. Well, I walk by myself, but when I'm out walking, I love going to the park and in my community.

Kimberly & Terry (06:22.434)
It's really cool because there's some more mature adults out there that are doing Tai Chi early in the morning as the sun's coming up, which is awesome to see. looks so peaceful and just graceful But yeah, hiking is one of my favorite. We've got a hiking group that we've had for almost actually a decade now. my goodness. 10 years now where we'll get together on a Sunday and we'll go hike somewhere, try something new or we'll stay at the same spots. And you actually introduced me to my favorite.

My favorite hike is here in Orange County, California over in Silverado and it's called Black Star Canyon and Terry had told me about it and we talked about it for quite some time. We finally made it happen. And to ensure that I did not forget the journey, at one point on the trail, Terry walked a bit ahead and I thought I was just a slower hiker and that's fine. I'll catch up eventually. And sure enough, he went ahead with a stick, a branch.

so that he could jump out at me and scare me as if the stick were a snake. And caught it on video. And did I tell you how many people after you posted that video on Instagram? Do you know how many people told me like, yeah, you've been initiated. Terry does that. Yeah, welcome to the club. I'm like. Yeah, it's official now. You're part of the group X appeal. Yeah. Hiking crew. So funny. Yes. Very fun.

So of course we both love teaching, Group X and we teach in the studio and on the workout floor. So when it comes to teaching, what would you say your favorite is to teach? And then what would be your favorite formats to take? And I'm curious, there a difference there? And if there is a difference, why? That's a great question. I know, thank you. You're welcome.

I was still thinking of other group exercise activities outdoors as you were going into the, transitioning into some of my favorites. And I wanted to kind of rewind just for a moment to share one of my latest group exercise activities. It's surfing. So, you we're in Southern California and we're you teach me how to surf? I can sure try, but it took me like nearly, I don't know, 50 years to get out there.

Kimberly & Terry (08:43.106)
you know, finally, because I was, I'm of shark. I thought you were going say 50 years to learn. It took me my entire life. Just last year I figured it out. Yeah. I'm going to teach you now. Don't learn from that guy. So you were worried about the sharks. Yes. Yeah. They're, they're a real thing. So what made you finally, you know, it's, funny when I, as soon as I turned 50, I thought, you need to get over, get over that, get over yourself.

They're not trying to eat you, even though they like dark meat, heard. Thank goodness. You're safe. Clear.

So I just said, yeah, you need to get over that. And one of the, I love acronyms and false evidence appearing real, right? Fear, that's all it stands for. Or it can mean forget everything and run. I thought, yeah, just don't forget it. But yeah, we'll use forget. I thought, tell me, want to hear it. Base everything and rise.

I love that one too. Yeah. Face everything and rise. Yep. So that's what I did. So some friends said, let's go. want to, they want to teach me how to surf. I, I, and their yoga instructor. So in exchange, they said, we want to teach you how to surf. And so we went out as a group and, had the time of my life is like one of the most fun activities. I still, you know, still know that there's stuff lurking underneath the boards, but, they don't want me, they don't need me. no.

Kimberly & Terry (10:22.594)
It's not edible. Good for you. I'm telling you, that's been on my bucket list since I moved to California 12 years ago. All right. So our friends, our group will take you out and we'll have some fun. It's a lot of fun. Like I said, life changing. Our listener friend out there, you will pray for me, Yes. Yeah. Because I've heard it's hard. It's, you know what?

you have the flexibility, the mobility and the fact that you love nature. When you're out there on the water, you don't even need to catch a wave, but when you're out there, it feels like you are so connected. So connected with. actually stay alive on the board. It does. It does. Because people have said to me, they're like, you you're strong, you've got a strong core, you can do it, you've got good balance. And I'm like, careful, make no assumptions. Treat me like I'm five years old, give me the step by step. Yeah, one step at a time.

That's pretty much what I said same thing Let's start from the very beginning All right. I'm inspired awesome. So back to your question earlier the the class that I enjoy teaching most Honestly would have to be ripped. It's our own program. So resistance intervals power plyometrics endurance and diet. Yeah, it better be False advertising so no, but it really is my favorite to teach Nice. Yeah, what about you my favorite to teach?

If I had to pick one which is hard because they're like our children. Yeah. you know because I for many years I've loved kickboxing and strength training and cycle which are all modalities I currently teach but sure my absolute favorite right now is yoga. Okay, definitely All right. Love it. What do you love most about yoga? What's what's the appeal for you? I think because By by design by definition it is meant

Now this doesn't mean that other group experiences can't be made to be this as well, and I make every effort when I'm teaching to do so, but yoga, it's much more accepting and it's much more designed to go beyond the physical. So people are coming in, hitting that, and ready for us to talk about more than just the body, and more than this just being a workout. And I feel really drawn to that. I love the fact that in the style that we teach, it really is about finding freedom.

Kimberly & Terry (12:42.05)
of movement in your own body, honoring your body every breath of the way. So our style in particular and the impact it has on people's lives. And it's something everyone can do. Absolutely. Because I know for sure, like other classes we teach. Won't be doing that at 85. It's not for everybody. Right. Yeah. So yeah, I think that's why. And why ripped for you?

Ripped for me because it it contains all the best to me all the best elements of fitness and as a former athlete It's the the closest thing that I can do that makes me feel like I'm still at that competitive level So, all right, so because we know you love acronyms. We should probably share with the listener What is R.I.P.P.E.D. stand for as an acronym? So R.I.P.P.E.D. as an acronym stands for resistance training interval training power

plyometrics, endurance, and then the D is for diet and nutrition. So we bring the nutrition element as well because it really is 80%, 85 % of the results that you're looking for. If you're looking to gain weight, lose weight, know, lose inches, increase your energy, just be healthy. So it's not just about the fitness element. It's about adding that piece as well. So I'm just gonna assume since ripped is your favorite to teach, it's gotta be your favorite to take too,

Kimberly & Terry (14:10.166)
That's a great question, Kimberly. got me. Game over. So as much as I love teaching R.I.P.P.E.D. it's not easy. It's a challenge. Yes, it is fun. Yes, it's dynamic. Yes, people hoop and holler and give each other high fives. They're sweating like crazy, just liquid awesomeness all over the place. But at the end of the day, it is tough.

It is hard. It's tough. So I think you even told me one day like, like I'm okay till I get to that first peak. Yeah. The first pee power powers my nemesis. If I can get over a win, not if when I get over that hump, it's all smooth sailing from there. But you know, when I'm in it, I'm like, who made this up? When we get to the pee, then I would pee. No, that's actually intervals. You would definitely do that. There's like, there's a lot of dynamic movement in that.

Yeah, that's the feedback. out there have to use the restroom right before you take? Yeah, let us know. during. Yeah. And you know what's funny? Trust me when I say I digress. But it used to be that I only had to run to the restroom before class if it was a high intensity class with impact. No, it's every class now. It's an obligatory pre -class restroom run no matter what. Yeah. So you're normal. That's OK. Thank God. Yeah, you were very.

Yeah, that's, we'll just go with that right now. Sure. Just trying to make you feel really good.

And so for you, what's the class, you love yoga, what's the class that you don't necessarily enjoy taking? you flipped it on me. Boom, shazam. You flipped it, what the what? What the how the who the. So where is my favorite class to probably teach and take would be yoga, so that is the same, but he flipped the script and he's asking what is basically my least favorite to take. Ooh, put her on the spot.

Kimberly & Terry (16:16.652)
So I wouldn't call it my least favorite. However, I'm not as big of a fan as much as I teach straight cardio, like kickboxing, cycle, classes that have no element really of strength training. It's really about strengthening your heart and your lungs. training. I love teaching those classes, but I'm not the biggest fan of taking straight cardio classes. I really, for some reason, I...

prefer and appreciate the interval style workout where you get the cardiovascular strength training and maybe partially it's my own conditioning that it's more bang for your buck time well spent, but it just feels good to get into my body in that way to have more of the bursts of cardio. Absolutely. And then implementing the strength training as part of the workout as well. Okay. That's fair. You put that really nicely. I will, I will suck it up if I need to. you have to.

If it's required, if it's required, like you're such a good sport. If I can't pass go unless I take like a full cardio class, I'll do it. yeah, but it's not the go to necessarily. No. All right. I get it. get it. I it. on a treadmill, preparing for a marathon. ever want to drive 27 .2 miles. Never ever. So the 27 or 26, 20, 20. Well, I'm not a runner either. So I

Got that all out of my system. that of my system. Yeah, please let us know. 26 .2. 26 .2. Yeah, right. So I just threw in an extra mile for good luck. There you go. Because you're an overachiever. That's right. I don't want to drive 26 miles either, much less run it. Why would we do that in Southern California? Right. You'd be sitting in traffic for three hours. You have so much respect for those that do. I mean, that's another way to exercise as a group. Yeah.

for sure. mean, there's the runners high. How awesome is that? I've never in my life experienced such a thing. I got a hiker's high. Yeah, hiker's high for sure. Yeah, I got that out of my system. In college, I used to be a soccer player. And so we'd run every single morning at 6am during season before class, six miles every day. Did I ever tell you about the time? I ever tell you about the time that I did try running? Who teach you how to spoke? What are you trying to say? I don't know, but they messed up.

Kimberly & Terry (18:27.362)
They're not getting paid. In my 20s, my mid 20s, I tried to bring running into my routine just to be another modality to train. Just to be more awesome. Exactly. And I broke my elbow. Running? Yes. How did you do that? Exactly. We need to know. Exactly. Who breaks their elbow? I fractured my elbow. here's, what happened was. See what it happened was. I was running in my neighborhood and in...

back in the Maryland, in the DC area. And so we don't really have a lot of trails there, least not near where I live. And so I was running on the sidewalk and where two of the sidewalk blocks come together, one was like raised. And so my toe caught it. I landed, caught myself with my left arm and fractured my Snap, snap, snap, snap, crackle, pop. I was not meant to You were meant to run at all. Nope. That was the sign. I saw the sign.

So one other thing we have to bring our listeners attention to, that is there's another way to come together as a group and move our bodies. How's that? Virtually. Yeah. Right. You don't have Especially nowadays. Exactly. Yeah. mean, you know, even before the great pause, even before we had this global pandemic, virtual was on the rise. starting to emerge. to come together digitally and work out, do things either.

with a platform like Zoom or something where you can actually be live with people, just virtual. And then of course, on demand had started growing before then. when COVID hit, just, someone hit the fast forward button along with it because everything went to virtual and on demand and that just kind of blew up. And now we're kind of settling into where it's both. lot of times people have asked me, do you think now that things have opened back up?

is virtual gonna go away? And I'm like, no way. Like it's always gonna be both now so that people have more flexibility because not everybody has the ability to, excuse me, they said eat the frog first, So not everybody has the flexibility to be in a certain place at a certain time to be with other people as much as we love that because we're both huggers, but it's the next best thing to be able to feel like you're with a group.

Kimberly & Terry (20:44.428)
virtually and it's really cool. And in fact, R.I.P.P.E.D. I know is on demand as well. So I know he's probably not gonna promote it, but I sure as heck will. But Terry and Tina with their R.I.P.P.E.D. program have the R.I.P.P.E.D. Fit Factory. So they offer a platform where people can come together and work out on demand their recorded video so people can do it whenever they want, wherever they want, and then do challenges too. We do challenges as well. what's great is,

It's a great hybrid for those who may still want that social aspect and they have, you know, they're within proximity of their local Gym or club. But there's also people that we work with that are in very rural areas. Did I say that right? Rural. Rural. So they're in rural areas where they don't have access or easy access to fitness facilities like other people do.

And so we work with people that are in the mountains. And you work people. That too. We do it all. yeah, so it is their only outlet for some people, believe it or not. And the convenience factor to have on demand access to their workouts and to their nutrition coaching and to other people who are doing the same thing, like -minded, -spirited people, it's really become

a blessing for those folks. so, yeah. So to summarize, move body good. Move body good. Yes. Be with other people. Good. so whether it is in, you know, the health club environment, a community center, the outside church outside at a park, running on a trail, hiking on a trail or in a sport of some kind, because adults.

do that kind of stuff too, things like soccer and football. Pickle balls on the rise too. What the what? What? Pickle ball, seriously? I've never tried, have you tried it yet? You know, I have tried, Tyler and I have played, my son Tyler, he's taught me a bit, but we just volley. Okay, that's what you're playing, you're an official pickle player. I though? You are. Am I? Yeah. Because we don't like keep score or follow rules or anything. I have no idea. how many times do we think we can hit it across the net? Without hitting the net. Okay.

Kimberly & Terry (23:09.824)
That works. You're still playing. That's how we rank how well we're doing. But I'm a little nervous to play competitively. Ask me why. Why? I am so glad you asked. Because I love what we do so much, the teaching element, that as much as I'd love to try pickleball and other things, the risk for injury is higher for those of a certain age. Born in the 1900s.

You really threw me with that one good job. Well played. But all the lateral movement, I've just heard people having like Achilles issues and ankle issues and everything. So I'll do it in a playful way. But yeah, so there's sports like that. That's still playing as long as you enjoyed it. And then of course, virtual, whether it be live or on demand, like there's so many ways, so many opportunities for us to come together to have the social connection, the connection with other people and yet.

you know, also be moving our bodies and it just, doesn't have to be specifically in a studio like some people think. Absolutely. Yeah. There's nothing that's ever going to replace the opportunity to press the flesh, so to speak. Right. Are we going there again? Your mind cracks me up. love it. I know, but why would I, know, you said it? you knew you would get this reaction.

Cause we still have Kleenex in the box. We're good. Press the flesh. Okay. Yeah. High fives, fist bumps. Yeah. That's what I was talking about. Press the flesh, some fist bumps. Yeah. Of course. kind of stuff. Hugs. Don't leave me hanging. There we go. Sorry about that. my God. Yeah. So nothing will ever replace that. No level of technology. Yeah. Same. So, so group X group exercise, covers all of that.

You said it really does so it's magical. It's a magical place So whether you are listening wherever you might be listening or if you're on YouTube and and laughing even more hysterically at what's happening here Or not is something when you're pressing the flesh

Kimberly & Terry (25:27.318)
There's probably someone on Apple podcast right now that goes home and finds this video right to just hashtag press the flesh Okay, but here's what I'd love to hear from you in the comments Do you participate in Group exercise of any kind if so, we'd love to know what is that? What do you do? And why do you love it? Yeah, that's easy. I would love to hear that too So yeah, we put that question out on social media

before we even launched the podcast and it was really fun seeing some of the responses from people on Instagram. So speaking of again, you can follow us on Instagram, you can follow Group X Appeal on Facebook, on YouTube as well. So be sure to just go ahead and type in Group X Appeal and we'll be right there. Yeah, you'll find us. Us. But you won't be able to press the flesh, so.

I come to California. Come to California. You're always welcome. come to California. No, I can't say it. Come to California and we will hug. Darn it. If you need a hug, come to California. There you go. A warm hug. And if you walk up to me and you look like you're about to hug me, I will invade your personal space. And I don't mean that like, you know, in a creepy way, not creepy at all. It's just, yeah, I'm a hugger. That's how we roll. So, so that is that is it for today. Yeah.

All right. Well, thank you again for joining us on Group X Appeal. I'm Terry. I'm Kimberly. And we wish you that we want you to make it a great day today. Why? Because it's a great day to have. Yes. Much love. Take care. Peace out.