Fitness: Working out with the Toronto Blue Jays

Clockwise from left: Our incredibly fit instructor, me & Henry Blanco, view of the field.

I’m usually (read: never) one for intense workouts. My normal fitness regimen involves leisurely biking, relaxing yoga classes – and not much else.

But I’m not one to turn down an opportunity to work out at the Roger’s Centre with one of the Toronto Blue Jays, either.

So when I got an invite to participate in a workout called ‘Insanity’ with Blue Jay Henry Blanco, I was equal parts terrified (INSANITY?!) and excited (baseball season!).

It was a sunny Wednesday afternoon, so I decided to bike to the Roger’s Centre. I didn’t realize until after the workout what a bad decision that was. Turns out, Insanity is a pretty apt description of the intense cardio workout – my wobbly legs weren’t in any condition to bike home after.

The workout, which I did with 25 fans who donated $50 each to the Jays Care Foundation in order to participate in the class, was 30-minutes of high-energy, high-intesity cardio, including burpees, suicides, lunges, squats and push-ups.

The class was difficult, but the Blue Jay’s mascot, Ace, cheered us on the whole time.

I also took a (much-needed) break to sneak a glance at Blanco and see if he was finding it as difficult as I was. Of course, he wasn’t. He didn’t miss a beat – which probably explains how he stays in such good shape! 

Here’s hoping he brings that energy to the baseball field this season. Let’s go, Blue Jays!

To try the Insanity workout at home, check out their website.

-Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor