Another great way to stay active and in shape is to join a fitness class. There are several different types of fitness classes you can join depending on what you want to achieve.
Here are some of the most popular fitness classes available -
Aerobics
Aerobics is designed to increase your heart rate and improve your overall cardiovascular system. Aerobics classes are done in time to ‘dance’ music while the instructor goes through a set of routines for you to follow.
Aqua Fitness
As the name suggests these classes are done in a swimming pool in waist height water. The added water resistance puts more pressure on your body to help strengthen your muscles. There are various levels of class you can do from beginner to more advanced classes.
Body combat
Body combat is an exercise class which combines martial arts techniques to give you an intensive aerobic workout.
Body Pump
Body pump is a great way to start resistance training to strengthen muscles, but do not feel confident in the gym. It involves doing repeated reps (such as chest press, shoulder press, bicep curl etc.) to music, using very light equipment as an instructor leads you through the programme.
Bootcamp
Bootcamp is a very hard intensive training class and as the name suggests is based on military style exercises.
Circuit Training
Circuit Training requires you to undertake a range of different exercises (sit ups, star jumps, skipping etc.) in intervals of between 30 seconds to two minutes. Each circuit is complete once you have gone round all the exercise stations once and each circuit usually gets more intense as the class progresses. This class can help strengthen muscles and improve your cardiovascular system at the same time.
Crossfit
Crossfit combines both cardio and resistance training together in order to give you a full body workout. This class is something that you would consider doing once you are at a certain level of fitness.
Extend
Extend is a great option for older people and for people with mobility difficulties. The class is much less strenuous than a normal fitness class and is done sitting in a chair.
Legs, Bums and Tums
This class helps to tone certain areas of your body and improve co-ordination and is usually less intense than average fitness class.
Spin
Is an intensive fitness class using specialist exercise bikes and is ideal for people who are not confident or feel unsafe riding a bike.
Strength and Conditioning
Strength and Conditioning and core stability are classes that are designed to improve muscle strength, along with co-ordination and balance.
Thai Chi and Yoga
Thai Chi and Yoga builds flexibility and co-ordination and is physically less intensive then most fitness classes.
Zumba
Zumba is a great way to stay in shape and have fun. Like aerobics, you follow an instructor but there is less emphasis on staying in time. As long as your moving and generally following the moves and having fun you are doing Zumba right.
Find a Fitness class
You can find a fitness class in our community support directory. or you can visit the Hull Culture and Leisure website and find out what classes they have available.
Find a fitness class in our community directory.
Visit the Hull Culture and Leisure website – Fitness classes (Opens in a new window)
The staff at your local leisure centre will be able to give you advice and guidance about the different exercise and fitness classes. They can also help you to realise your goals for staying active and in shape.
