Gym Class

Going to the gym can be a little overwhelming for some, but if all the free weights, elliptical, and treadmills are too much for you, try a gym class. Most gyms offer a wide variety of classes for all different levels of fitness. Some are based on the latest fads, but some are the tried and true you've come to expect over the years. Most gyms will offer some or all of the following: basic aerobics, cycling, step, water aerobics, kickboxing, yoga and/or palates, and circuit training.

If you're relatively new to the fitness world, you should start out with either a basic aerobic or water aerobic class. These are designed to allow the participant to exert only as much energy as he/she wants without overdoing it. The instructor will usually demonstrate how the same move may be done in a low impact way, which is better for the newer student, or a high impact way, which will allow a more advanced student to benefit from this gym class as well.

A person with a slightly higher fitness level may wish to try a cycling class. This type of class requires little coordination, but can still cause a major elevation in heart rate for some serious calorie burning. If you’re not a cyclist, or you prefer something with a little more motion involved, then consider a kick boxing or step class.

Step classes and kick boxing classes can be quite a bit more challenging. The instructors will usually put together a routine that incorporates the stepping, twirling, kicking, punching and jumping you'd expect to see in this gym class. This can make it a bit more difficult if you're not familiar with the names of some of the moves, but after a time or two, may become one of you're favorite pass times.

You may also choose a yoga-pilates class. These promote core strength through breathing techniques, stretching, and position holding. This is another type of gym class that can easily be adapted to any fitness level and requires very little impact on the joints. Many people find these classes to be very relaxing and peaceful, and yet they still help to sculpt a beautiful, lean body.

Lastly, if you're just not sure which gym class is right for you, then give circuit training a try. These consist of a little bit of everything. Usually, a low impact warm up session, followed by some floor work, then back to the aerobics, which may consist of some step aerobics or kick boxing style moves, and eventually leads back to a series of stretches to round out your work out.

The best way to keep yourself going back for more is to vary your workout. If running 5 miles a day or doing the same "workout #4" on the elliptical machine is starting to become monotonous, you should definitely consider taking a gym class.