Ask The Fitness Professional - This Is Not Your Mother's "Aerobics" Class Anymore!

The word aerobics brings to mind an image of Jane Fonda in a skimpy leotard telling us to “feel the burn”.  But aerobics, now commonly referred to as cardio, has evolved into a diverse, not-your-mother’s-exercise routine, multi-faceted group of free-style and pre-choreographed classes that bring cult-like followings everywhere they are offered.  Trying to choose which class to partake in can be a bit overwhelming, not to mention feeling a bit intimidated if you are a beginner or new to a class.  The good news is that many classes are for all fitness levels.  Just remember to let the instructor know that you are new to the class so she can guide you appropriately.  Some classes are so much fun, you will be counting the hours until your next visit.  Addiction will set in quickly so get ready.  Your personal schedule will be turned upside down so that you can attend your favorite classes each week. 

            Some of the most popular cardio classes can have you burning between 500-1,000 calories in one hour.  The amount of calories burned will be based on the routine and how much energy you put into it.  If you are ready to sweat and lose weight, these are some of the top cardio classes to help you burn calories, improve efficiency of your heart, lungs and circulatory system, and increase endurance.

• Zumba® Fitness  – When you join a Zumba® class, it’s not just exercise, it’s a party!  The Zumba® program, created by Beto Perez, fuses Latin dance rhythms with easy to follow dance moves.  Zumba® is for all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced.  The beauty of this class is that you don’t feel like you are in a fitness class.  As you salsa and merengue through exhilarating music, in the blink of an eye you have burned up to 900 calories, the hour is over and Zumba® leaves you begging for more! Since its humble beginnings in 2001, the Zumba® program now touts more than 12 million people taking weekly Zumba® classes at over 110,000 locations in more than 125 countries.  The demand for Zumba® classes has been so great, they are now offered in community centers, firehouse halls, churches, school gyms and more.  It’s not just for gyms anymore!

• Cardio Kickboxing - This high-intensity workout is a great full-body workout that will tone your arms (think jab, cross, hook, uppercut) and legs, not to mention improving balance and coordination.  This format typically includes athletic drills interspersed throughout the class.  The good news is that no equipment is needed, such as boxing gloves and wraps.  Another format of cardio kickboxing that has become extremely popular over the past several years is Turbo Kick.  This energizing pre-choreographed format mixes kickboxing and simple dance moves.  Yes!  Kickboxing fused with dancing!  Each Turbo Kick workout consists of a sport specific warm-up, higher paced intervals for punching and kicking, easy to follow combinations, kickboxing specific strength/endurance training and a mind/body like cool-down.  This is truly the most fun you will ever have doing kickboxing!

• Spinning – Participating in a spin class can provide a great calorie burning workout and a great leg workout.  Spinning is for all levels of fitness, from beginner to advanced.  You control the resistance on your individual bike to make pedaling easier or harder as you progress through the class.  A certified instructor will take you from warm-up, through intervals of climbs and sprints, and a cool-down.   A certified spinning instructor motivates the class through energizing music and a visualization of an outdoor ride.  A typical class runs 45-55 minutes, which can result in a serious calorie burn (about 450 calories).  Be sure to arrive at least 5 minutes early if you are new to spin so that the instructor can adjust your seat and handlebars appropriately.  Always bring a bottle of water and a towel to class.

• Bootcamp – If you are ready to “BRING IT” and push your body to the limit, a Boot Camp class may be just what you are looking for.  Boot Camp classes take many forms, but you can be sure that every boot camp class is a total body workout and includes both cardio and strength training.  It is fast moving, rarely stopping to take breaks and moving from one exercise to the next quickly.  Many exercises involve using your own body weight, such as push-ups, and cardio including jumping jacks and various plyometric exercises.  Plan to burn 500 calories or more in a 1 hour class. 

Lynn Mele is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Group Fitness Instructor through American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), Balanced Body, and Zumba.  She currently teaches independent Zumba classes at the Freehold Fire Company on Siloam Road, is the Group Fitness Manager at Gold’s Gym East Windsor, and is an Independent Team Beachbody Coach. Contact Info: lm6139@aol.com or www.beachbodycoach.com/lynfit.