Health & Well-Being • January 2010 31
Getting Fit Goes Beyond
Lifting Weights
For those who aren't fitness fanatics, • Aqua aerobics. For those who enjoy unnecessary muscle strain, so beware
getting back in shape is a goal to time in the pool, see if your gym offers of ab classes that might be longer than
strive for. Though rates of overweight an aqua aerobics class. This might not 30 minutes, especially if you've only
and obesity are high, society has also be as readily available at most gyms as recently gotten back into exercise.
grown increasingly health-conscious spinning classes are, as lots of gyms
• Fusion. For those who subscribe to
in the last 10-20 years, as the growing don't even have pools. For those who
the idiom that "variety is the spice
number of gyms and other fitness love swimming, look for a gym that
of life," fusion classes (also known
centers can attest. does have a pool, and chances are, that
as total body conditioning) classes
Still, for those hoping to shed a few extra
gym will offer some derivation of aqua
could be the perfect fit. That's because
pounds, the first step toward doing so
aerobics which consists of intense
such classes are a combination of
can be the hardest. Many instantly
cardio movements mixed with some
other classes. Because they combine
think of the oft-intimidating nature of
strength training. The chief benefit of
so many different elements, these
the local gym, where muscular fitness
a good aqua aerobics workout is that it
classes tend to run a little longer in
enthusiasts dominate the landscape.
will work all your muscle groups with
length, oftentimes exceeding an hour
However, getting fit does not have to
low impact on joints -- making it ideal
in length. The benefit of these is that
include weight training. While weight
for seniors.
they build up your cardiovascular as
training can be a valuable means to get • Pilates. The popularity of pilates well as muscular strength.
healthier and shedding pounds, there classes is now so great that many gyms
• Yoga. Arguably no alternative exercise
are a host of other exercise options offer classes several times per day. Not
class is more widely known than yoga.
that can lead to very positive results. unlike yoga, pilates is both a physical
A centuries-old Hindu discipline aimed
• Spinning. Spinning is a popular
and mental exercise. The exercises
at promoting control over the body
and valuable alternative exercise
themselves can be quite demanding,
and mind, yoga classes are offered
option. However, because it can be so
focusing on stretching and breathing
at nearly every gym or fitness center
demanding, spinning can be a tough
that strengthens the abdominal core.
across the country. Much of yoga is
routine for those making a lifestyle • Abdominals. Few people look at their concerned with helping you become
change. Once you've gotten into an abs and don't think they could use stronger, more balanced, focused, and
exercise groove, spinning might be some work. That said, nearly every flexible. If you're looking for a non-
something to explore. Often set to gym offers a class focusing strictly on competitive environment where you
aggressive, pulsating music, spinning abdominal exercises. These usually can move at your own pace, this might
involves riding a stationary bike range anywhere between 15 and 30 be the best workout program for you.
through demanding courses featuring minutes in length. Anything longer (MS)
hills and other difficult terrain. than that might cause painful and
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