It’s that time of year when exercise programs start to become stale, especially if you’ve been on a steady diet of treadmill, elliptical, and stair machines. Boredom and lack of results are often reasons why people quit their exercise programs.
If you’re not one who enjoys working out in the elements, outdoor exercise may not be an option for you in mid-Michigan. Indoor group exercise classes may be just the ticket to sustain motivation to continue your workouts.
With the myriad of options out there, choosing which one to take can be confusing and intimidating, especially for the novice exerciser. Here are just a few of the options that you may consider.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been gaining popularity in recent years. “P90X” and “Insanity” are examples of this type of exercise.
Workouts last for around 30 minutes and consist of intense cardio for 30-40 seconds, followed by a recovery period of 15-20 seconds.
HIIT works out the cardiovascular system, cuts fat, and improves endurance and strength.
Crossfit-style classes promote a community feel for participants and have soared in popularity. Classes consist of aerobic exercise on treadmills and bikes, #gymnastics, and weight training. Benefits include strength, #endurance, and flexibility gains.
Zumba, Pound, and other dance-style classes are centered on rhythmic movement.
These classes use upbeat music and incorporate a variety of movements that are fun yet provide favorable results in the areas of weight loss, improved body tone, balance, and #stamina.
Yoga is a preferred method of exercise for a growing number of people. This type of holistic training uses breath, posture, relaxation, and movement to help calm the mind. Benefits include improved mood states, flexibility, and increased metabolism and energy.
There are many other types of group exercise classes and there are always new ones emerging. The secret to picking which one is best for you is deciding what you want to achieve and most importantly, which one you like best. After all, if you don’t like it, you won’t do it!
Try sampling a few different classes and then make the decision about what is right for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jon Greene is a personal trainer and wellness director at the Downtown YMCA Wellness Center. Visit ymcaoflansing.org