Have you tried fitness classes before?
Are you bored of trying to push yourself through a workout or think of something yourself? If this sounds like you, maybe it’s time to give a class or 2 a go!
At your local gym or fitness centre, there will be a class timetable with a vast array of fitness classes on it. There is usually everything from circuits to Zumba and everything in between.
No matter what your level of fitness there is a fitness class to suit you. If you find the area of fitness classes a murky one, or one that leaves you feeling a little unsure then you should enjoy this post!
In this post we are going to tackle fitness classes from every angle. Why you should partake in fitness classes, what types there are and everything in between.
Are you ready to tackle the class time table? Here we go…
6 Reasons why you need to join in a fitness class
There are many reasons why you should join a fitness class not to mention becoming fitter and more active. Below are 3 top reasons why you should grab your water bottle and head out to your fitness establishment…
Accountability – Signing up for a class means that you are accountable, as in you have to turn up. The great thing about fitness classes is that you can turn up and you don’t have to think about a thing! The workout is already designed for you so all that’s left to do is turn up and follow instructions. You can enjoy a structured workout anything between 30 minutes and an hour.
More likely to succeed – Classes have regular slots on a timetable. This means that you are more likely to succeed as you can ensure you are getting your exercise in every week. There so much variety too when it comes to classes so you can hit all the different types to keep you interested. It’s much better to stay motivated when you have plenty of choice.
Fun – There’s really no other way to put it, group fitness classes are fun. Between the upbeat music, a great workout and a group of people motivating each other along the way, it’s an enjoyable way to exercise. If you’re looking to add a little more pizazz and fun in your fitness life, group classes may be just what you need to reignite your love of fitness.
The possibilities are endless – Fitness classes also go beyond losing weight and gaining muscle; by offering physical and mental benefits, group exercise classes gives members the potential to achieve great results and improve overall health, while having fun. New and innovative formats of group exercise including CrossFit, boot camps and Insanity coming to light all the time, keeping participants engaged and interested.
Sociability – Classes are a great way to meet new people and make lifelong new friends. Fitness establishments are notorious for having wonderful and loyal social groups so if you are worried about turning up to a class on your own, you will probably only be doing so once. Fitness is more fun when you are with a likeminded group of people.
Structure – Classes are properly structured so they are safe and effective. The warm-up is designed to help you properly raise your heart rate while loosening your joints and muscles before jumping into strenuous activity. The instructor will coach you through each part of the workout. The cool-down will help you safely lower your heart rate and stretch all the major muscles worked during class.
3 main types of fitness classes
You might take once glance at your class timetable and think ‘where do I even start?. Don’t worry it can be overwhelming but we have broken it down for you to help you make the best choice, so…here we go!
Cardio – Cardio based classes are those which involve mainly CV fitness such as step classes, dance classes, spin, Zumba and everything in between. These are great for burning calories and giving you that release of endorphins. Take these classes at your own pace so don’t worry if you aren’t the fastest one in the room. Cardio classes are amongst the most popular classes on the timetables.
Resistance – Resistance based classes involve weight-bearing exercises. These include circuit classes, abs classes, and the high-intensity weight themed classes such as Les mills body bump. Resistance classes are great for toning up and losing body fat. You will certainly get a good sweat on in these styles of classes.
Relaxation – Now these classes are certainly to be enjoyed. If you have had a stressful week or you need a little bit of you time to unwind then a relaxation class is an excellent choice. Not all classes have to involve leaping and jumping around. Relaxation classes involve yoga, Pilates, stretch and all those classes which aim to support your mind and body alike.
7 popular fitness classes in Canada
Hot right know! Bikram Yoga, also known as hot yoga
Hot yoga is performed under hot and humid conditions, to recreate the temperature and humidity of India, and help the body get ready to remove its impurities.
Barre Fitness, the classy workout
Barre fitness is a hybrid type of fitness class, it combines ballet-inspired moves with pilates and uses repetitions of small, precise movements to strengthen the body: arms, glutes, abs, and thighs, for exemple.
Zumba!
Zumba is a very famous fitness class type, as many people enjoy this mix of music, martial art and resistance training. There are tons of fitness classes near you that offer this type, and you can also do it from home with Youtube videos!
Pilates
Pilates has been around for a hundred years! It is a soft type of fitness class, based on 6 principles, including relaxation. Mixing yoga, dance, and gym, it offers more than 500 exercises based on mind and body control. Learning to breathe, relax, focus, flexibility, and reinforce your abs are the main aspects of these fitness classes.
Spinning classes
Spinning classes is huge in Canada! This type of fitness class is so effective that many people go spinning to lose weight. A single spinning class burns up to 500 calories. 2 or more classes a week will help your cardiovascular health and your body composition. Spinning is also good for people with knee pain and back pain as it is gentle on the joints.
Crossfit, the new popular fitness
Crossfit combines weigh lifting, cardio, gymnastic, and body training in a fast paced total body workout. The goal of crossfit fitness is to build muscle and therefore boost the metabolism.
Boxing classes
Boxing fitness classes combine boxing fundamentals, plyometrics and high intensity interval training, known as HIIT. It helps burn calories and build muscle, which is most likely your main goal when you join a fitness goal.
Other types of fitness classes:
- Bootcamps
- Muay Thai
- Bokwa
- Aerial Fitness
- Pole fitness
- Treadmills
- Kickboxing
- Black light yoga
- Battle ropes
- etc.
Online – Online fitness classes are taking the world by storm and they are no longer limited to home use. You can partake in pre-filmed or virtual fitness classes from the comfort of your own home or at your local fitness center. The beauty of online classes is that you can exercise at a time which suits you. You are not limited to a set time or place. You can do pretty much any type of class online now from cycle to abs, yoga, and everything in-between.
How to find a fitness class near you ?
All fitness classes will feature the support of friendly, qualified instructors and upbeat, energizing music. Fitness classes are to be enjoyed and you will feel like you have achieved something every time you go.
Why don’t you ask us ? We know many gyms and personal trainers everywhere in Canada (and some in the States). We’ll gladly recommend some for you!
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