If you frequent Ala Moana Beach Park, you'll notice an abundance of people relaxing on the beach, running around the area, doing yoga, and having outdoor fitness classes. Outdoor fitness classes are much more popular now and I had NO idea why.
Let's see. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this class. Per the description, it seemed like this was the real deal. Might as well try it right? Damon, the owner of Team Move, was very friendly and inviting. He also is the instructor for the Move Camp classes. I have never taken an outdoor class so this was really different. The ground is uneven and you have to remember to put sunscreen on! Plus people are passing you and yes, you get some funny eyes every once in a while. You have to touch the ground, wall, and get grass/dirt on you every once in a while. At first, I was like "this is a NO go!" But, you get over it pretty quickly since you're sweaty already.
Parking isn't so bad at this time. The lot is typically empty when I stroll in around 5:15 or so. :)
MOVE CAMP: Classes are held on Tuesdays/Thursdays at 5:45pm at Ala Moana Beach park across from the outdoor gym area along the short white wall. If you park in the Magic Island parking lot towards the bathroom, you're very close to the meeting area! (Find the sign that says Picnic Area 29) The class size is relatively small, typically around 10 participants. I was pleasantly surprised how welcoming and friendly everyone was. I felt a sense of "family bonding" at the class. Damon's classes reminded me of a mix of a boot camp with a sense of "you push yourself to the max" mentality. What I mean is that the exercises are simple: squats, planks, pushups, etc. But to get a really good workout, you have to push yourself. Everyone is at a different level. You go at your own pace. I like to think of doing as many reps as possible before failure in the given time span. If you need added weight, then you grab the heavier medicine ball or extra dumbbells. Damon shows you ways to modify exercises also. What I liked about Damon was that he ensures you have correct form and alignment. So many classes these days focus so heavily on getting a sweat that they compromise form and have a higher chance of injury.
YOGA: Classes are held on Wednesdays at 5:45pm and Saturdays at 7am at Ala Moana Beach park towards Magic Island near the palm trees. The participants at yoga are the same as at Move Camp. Danny, the instructor, is very friendly and his voice is calming. I'm not an experienced yogi at all but this class isn't extremely advanced and feels more like a stretch/relaxation yoga class. Since the ground is uneven and weather conditions change, the poses can still be rather difficult for balance which makes it more challenging. His choice of music is great too! Danny will correct your alignment if necessary. Since the class is small, you sort of get a personalized yoga class! Plus, you get to see the sunset which is breathtaking!
No one shows up acting like they are stronger, better, or fitter than anyone else. Everyone is really friendly and so nice. One member even shared her dumbbells with me when I didn't have any! Thank you! :) They have events such as movie nights to just get together (and it's a discounted price!). So awesome!
My typical workouts are high intensity such as Insanity or running so this was a very different kind of workout. Honestly, at first, I wasn't sure if I was going to return. But I realized that these classes work different muscles than what I was used to. Having a combination of different workouts is really good and that's why I'm giving Team Move the thumbs up! read more