SCOUT PROFILE SERIES - Meet February challenger Jack!

Introducing you to Jack, one of our dedicated Scout members who loves to come to classes with his partner Miriam. Jack is participating in the February challenge, after successfully completing his first challenge last year in June. Keep on reading to find out what he loves about the challenges, and his personal tips to stay committed and consistent.

How long have you been coming to SCOUT and how many challenges have you participated in so far?

I started coming to Scout back in 2021, under the suggestion from my partner Miriam, who had already been going for years at that point. I started out just doing class packs, going maybe once or twice a week. After thoroughly testing the waters, I found that I absolutely loved Pilates and got an unlimited membership so I could go as often as possible. In all that time I've only actually attempted one challenge before, as my work schedule was constantly sending me out of state and I wasn't in a position to make up the numbers.

What made you want to join the February challenge / or participate in the challenge again?

I did the June challenge last year, and absolutely loved it, although it was definitely a challenge! I really appreciated that through the challenge I was able to see just how much my flexibility, stability and strength have improved as well as my overall fitness since I started going to Scout. I love these challenges as a way of testing my limits and benchmarking my progress.

What is one class you never miss in the week?

That's definitely a tough one! Charlotte's Monday morning Essentials is always a great start to the week, and Monica's Tuesday morning Essentials is always exciting and challenging (no matter how many Elevate classes I do, I still learn something new in her classes). But my absolute go-to would have to be Strength with Vee. It's a relatively new course but I love that it pushes the limits on just how heavy I can go in terms of springs, whilst still maintaining the core stability and balance principles. For me, it's the missing piece that completes my exercise goals.

Morning classes or evening classes? Why?

Definitely morning classes are my preference. I'm not opposed to doing an evening class, but I generally prefer working out in the morning as afterwards, I feel refreshed and awake ready for the day (as opposed to when I first wake up for class!). That said I have really enjoyed also taking some midday classes each week as they break up the day really nicely, helping me to disconnect and come back to my work renewed.

How do you blend classes during the week?

I've been constantly fine-tuning my ideal routine over the last year and a bit, particularly as I've been improving on what I can do (beginner Jack was truly a beginner in every sense of the word!). I try to do at least two Elevate classes a week, one to two strength classes (time-table permitting) and a few essentials (which double up as a great exercise for when I'm feeling it after one of the other two classes). Recently I've integrated Circuit into my routine as it is a fantastic Cardio workout, and I think I'll keep it.

How are you planning on not missing a class during the challenge?

Being the co-parent of a beautiful pup (Beau), I am up almost every morning with the sparrows to take her out for bathroom time, so maintaining the morning schedule shouldn't be too hard. During the challenges, I will double up on some days and add a few Reformer Stretch classes to my calendar each week. They're great for helping my body recover from the morning exercises, with the added bonus of having a buffer incase I need to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances!

Is there any class you don’t often practice that you’re planning on trying during the challenge?

Like I mentioned earlier, Circuit is one class I'm coming back to for the challenge that I'd neglected for a while. Another one would be Restorative Yoga, it's such a blissful class for recovery, which will probably be essential for the challenge.

What’s the most unexpected benefit of the challenge according to you?

Probably the improvement on my headspace for the rest of the day. Doing the morning classes helps me shake off the sleep and start the day with a positive outlook, as no matter what I feel like I've already accomplished something.

What tip would you give to someone who is doing it for the first time?

Definitely plan ahead. It's hard to predict what can happen tomorrow, let alone a month in advance, but planning classes ahead of time gives you the flexibility to adjust if/when something comes up that you can't make it (just don't forget to cancel in advance!). Also try the challenge with a friend, it'll help you both maintain motivation and encouragement. Finally, don't neglect the stretch classes, your body will need rest to recover from continuous exercise and those classes are fantastic for that!