Thursday, 13 February 2025

This app is helping thousands of people get their steps in

Plus, an inspirational quote from Ngo Okafor

February 13, 2025 | VIEW IN BROWSER

Leaving a workout class early is a hot topic in the fitness community and regularly spurs debate on social media. Some advocate for dipping out early, while others see it as a distraction.

In November, TODAY.com conducted a survey that showed 68% of participants felt it's OK to leave a class early, while 32% disagreed. But what do group fitness instructors have to say on the matter? Read more below.

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February Challenge

Today's workout is stretch.

Join the 28-day transformation challenge!

"Just start and just keep doing it. Don't wait for when it's perfect because you don't know when that time is going to be. You don't know when things are going to be perfect. It's never going to be perfect. But what is guaranteed is that if you do it, you will get the benefit of doing it that day. That's the most important thing to remember. You just gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other. That is how you make big change." -- Ngo Okafor, Start TODAY trainer.

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Recipe of the Day

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers are generously filled with ground chicken, Italian seasonings and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Fresh basil is both stirred into the filling and sprinkled over top to garnish. Marinara sauce is spooned on the bottom of the baking dish before the peppers are cooked, but go ahead and add an extra layer of sauce and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese over the cooked peppers.

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Is it rude to leave a workout class early? Fitness instructors weigh in

As a part-time fitness instructor, I don't get bothered by people leaving my classes early. I teach HIIT, boxing and strength, and during my finishers, the music is loud, the movement is big and the class is focused on emptying out the tank, so someone making their way toward the door won't disrupt the flow.

What I do want to avoid is any safety risks for the person leaving and those giving 100% at the end. So, as long as students are mindful of others' space and do their best to stretch outside of the studio, I'm a happy teacher.

TODAY.com spoke to instructors from all walks of the gym — reformer Pilates, boxing, cycling and more — to learn more.

3 Things To Know TODAY

Canned tuna sold at Costco, Trader Joe's and more recalled over botulism risk

Several canned tuna products made by Tri-Union Seafoods have been voluntarily recalled after it was discovered that a manufacturing defect could lead to botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.