Most Popular Fitness Classes

Fitness classes are becoming more popular these days, and not only do they offer an intense workout, but enjoyment as well. Fitness classes are a great way to exercise with friends without getting bored and are usually offered for free at your local health club. Most fitness classes are designed to target the cardiovascular aspect (getting the heart rate up) while only a few integrate the entire body into the workout. Below is a list of the most popular fitness classes.

Spinning:

Spinning is an aerobic exercise that takes place on a stationary bike. The class is designed to target the heart rate as well as the lower body (quads, hamstrings, and glutes). Each class typically consists of loud motivating music combined with varying speed and resistance levels to maximize the workout. Spinning is an intense workout that burns around 600-1000 calories per hour (depending on the person). This is a great class for those with knee/ankle problems and varying fitness levels due to the fact that you can exercise at your own pace. Give it a shot!

Cardio Kickboxing:

Cardio Kickboxing classes are typically designed to incorporate the elements of boxing (without physical contact with others) with aerobics (movements that use oxygen) to maximize overall physical fitness. This class is a great way to improve your overall fitness level while enjoying yourself. I personally feel that cardio kickboxing is the most fun and rewarding. It combines an excellent core and upper/lower body workout (punches and kicks) with an intensified cardio workout (jump rope and jumping jacks). An hour session burns around 500 calories. This is an advanced class, so beware of your physical limitations.

Yoga:

Yoga has become one of the most popular classes in today’s fitness world. Yoga classes are designed to control breathing, maintain and sustain physical poses, and increase flexibility. Yoga is a great way to improve total body strength and endurance (upper, lower, and core), balance and stability, and reduce stress. Although this class is a great way to mediate, it only burns around 200 calories per hour. Another form of yoga is Bikram Yoga, or hot yoga, which burns around 600 calories per hour.

Body Pump:

Body Pump is a barbell class designed to strengthen the entire body. This style of fitness class combines weight room exercises with aerobics to maximize the results. Body Pump will shape and tone your muscles (upper, lower, and core), improve overall fitness, improve bone density, reduce body fat, and reduce stress levels. An hour of this intense workout burns around 600 calories per class. Again, keep your physical limitations in mind because this class will push you to the limit.

Zumba:

Zumba combines Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow moves to create an enjoyable cardiovascular workout. This style of class engages the core and lower body and burns around 800 calories per hour. Zumba is a great way to lose weight and melt away body fat all while having a blast. Definitely a must try!

Water Aerobics:

Water Aerobics classes are designed to give you the same intense workout as other fitness classes without all the stress on the muscle and joints due to the buoyancy of the body. This style of class is great for all ages and those with physical limitations. Water Aerobics offers a great total body workout along with rehabilitation for those who have physical injuries. An intense hour burns around 500 calories.