Many people would love to dance the way their favourite stars do these days, so dance-based classes are becoming the rage in fitness training. Whether you prefer urban funk, bodyjam, WiiFit, the Rockstar workout (by Nike), or workout DVDs by former boy-band choreographers, there’s a workout out there with your name on it. Working out with your favourite songs is not only fun, but one of the best ways to keep yourself motivated. Even if you have two left feet, you can still try good old classic aerobics or step training, with their easier, more repetitive movements.
While all aerobics have some impact, those referred to as high impact are exercises or moves with a greater impact due to both feet being off the floor at the same time, such as in jumps. Aerobics that are low impact have one foot always contacting the floor. Marching in place is an example. There are also classes combining the two called hi/lo. Another popular take on aerobics includes regimes such as boxing or Tai Bo, which is based on kickboxing.
All aerobic classes have two things in common: they begin with a warm-up routine to loosen your muscles before you begin, and they wind down slowly, ending with a stretch or a series of stretches.
These days, most gyms and leisure centres offer whole ranges of various classes and allow you to watch a class (or two) that you are considering signing up for before you actually take part in it. Some facilities also offer you the opportunity to take one free class to see if the workout is something to which you are willing to commit.
Nowadays, dressing for your aerobics class is much less formal than it used to be. While some things, like a decent pair of cross-trainers are absolutely essential, others, such as legwarmers and leotards, are optional! Comfort is the rule.
There are some basics to consider to make your workout successful. Sports Development Officer Mari Wyn-Jones, who is also an aerobics instructor, has the following suggestions:
Work out to music that you’ll really enjoy moving to.
Don’t give up if your muscles ache after you finish your first session; this is your muscles getting used to being in action. Just remind yourself why you want to try aerobics to begin with.
Indulge yourself with some healthy, trendy gadgets. A pedometer or a monitor for your heart-rate, which lets you tally those steps and will remind you just how hard you’re working and how much you are accomplishing.
Find something you love. There are so many different styles and types of aerobics, including the ones mentioned above, that there is bound to be one you can live with. Look for the ones that allow you to work at your current fitness level and then move to the next one.
Don’t assume that everyone there will be in better shape than you. People of all shapes, ages, and sizes will be participating.
If you can’t go in the morning, try to find a class that meets right after work; if you begin past 8pm, your body is too tired for a proper workout.
Don’t worry about a class being too hard. A good aerobics class will be able to accommodate different intensity levels within one workout; choose a workout pace that challenges you but allows you to breathe.
