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Do you enjoy working in a group setting and moving to music? Try an aerobics class. Low impact and dance inspired classes are fun and effective ways to burn calories. Beginner yoga classes can help strength muscles and add to your flexibility. Here are a few tips to get you started in choosing a class that’s right for you.
1. Talk to the group fitness program director, instructors and other members to narrow down your choices.
2. Try several different kinds of classes and instructors to find the ones that suit your goals and personality best.
3. Let the instructor know you’re a first-timer so they can modify some of the movements. A good instructor will break down moves and slowly increase their intensity and complexity to make them easy to follow.
4. Take half a class until you feel comfortable with the routine.
5. Stay with it! Repetition is the only way to become familiar with a routine. It usually takes 6 to 8 classes to get accustomed to the movements. Remember, everyone in these classes was a novice once.
6. To start a step program, see if your club offers a beginners’ class that teaches the fundamental movements. If it doesn’t, rent a video and familiarize yourself with the moves at home.
7. Not interested in fancy footwork? Athletics-based programs like studio cycling, athletic conditioning and boot camp give you at the benefits of group motivation with out the complex moves. Again, let the instructors know you’re new. They should modify and, in some instances, personalize the exercises so you don’t do too much too soon.
8. Aqua classes are a haven for people intimidated by the quick, sometimes jarring movements of group exercise. Aqua aerobics aren’t solely cardiovascular; your muscles will also benefit for stress-free strength and endurance conditioning.
