News reports will often remind you that, despite the known benefits of physical activity (namely, boosted self-esteem and a reduced risk of dying prematurely), more and more Americans are leading a sedentary lifestyle. Indeed, only one out of five of us regularly engage in a high level of overall physical activity, and about one in four adults engage in little or no regular physical activity.
Some people are not sure what types of exercise to do. Others stop exercising because they become tired of their routine or feel they’re not slimming down as quickly as they’d like. In any case, getting and staying in shape does not need to be a tedious chore. At gyms across the country, a crop of fun and challenging classes are available for just about any athlete.
You should look forward to your workout. When you consider all the different types of innovative classes you can choose from, you have no excuse not to. Among them are:
This is a popular choice for people who seek a powerful cardio workout but also want to enjoy what they’re doing. There is an abundance of nontraditional options, including classes where you’ll bust-a-move to jazz, show tunes, or funky pop. You could also take classes to learn how to groove as your favorite stars do in their music videos. For those who have a penchant for ethnic-style music and moves, there are all sorts of classes to select from. Examples are:
- Belly dancing—combining Indian culture with a modern style, for the exotic and sensual minded
- Hip-hop funk—high-energy classes to the beat of funk, house, and hip-hop music
- Capoeira/Maculele—exhilarating classes set to Afro-Brazilian rhythm
- Tango/Salsa—Latin-style classes that are demanding, yet a lot of fun
- Caribbean rhythm—incorporating reggae, calypso, and soca
- Flamenco—seductive and invigorating Spanish-style classes
A variety of classes are out there for those bold individuals who want a challenging power workout unlike anything else. For one, there are classes that have you jamming with jump ropes. Believe it or not, you will work extremely hard if you take this type of class. Another craze these days is boot camp (think military-style). This type of class combines drills with intense strength training. What’s more, there are classes that combine martial arts with boxing to give you a fantastic cardio workout. And last, but certainly not least, another hot trend is strip aerobics, which could have you shedding your clothes as you pump.
Regardless of your swimming experience, there are plenty of trendy aerobics classes for you to “get your feet wet” in. For instance, among the latest sensations are both kickboxing and tai chi classes that you can take in the pool. There are also more general water aerobics classes available.
The list may seem overwhelming, but if you just try one or two you’re bound to figure out what’s right for you. Ask your gym manager, check online or with your local Y, or simply browse through the yellow pages for information on what programs are available in your area.
The American College of Sports Medicine, for one, recommends that you vary your activities “so you don’t get bored with any one thing,” because otherwise, “you are less likely to stick to an exercise program.” A recent study actually showed that adding some variation to your exercise routine might be the best way to make you stick with it. Researchers at the University of Florida found that people who changed their workout every two weeks over an eight-week period not only enjoyed what they were doing more, but also were much more likely to stick with it compared to people who did the same thing over and over.
Of course, if you try a new type of exercise, after a while, you run the same risks of losing interest or becoming frustrated. Remember to mix things up a bit or just switch to more traditional activities such as running or bike riding for a while. Additionally, it’s wise to take a day off after you’ve worked out on three or four consecutive days and vary the length of your sessions.
Also, if you push yourself a bit, that too, will keep you engaged, plus it will result in long-term benefits. One recent study by researchers at Harvard, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Keio University in Japan, and Stanford University found that men who describe their workout as “somewhat strong” have a 31% reduced risk of developing coronary heart disease compared with those who described their workouts as "weak" or less intense.
Ideally, individuals should try to achieve at least 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week to help prevent chronic diseases and promote health. To avoid soreness and injury, make changes in your exercise habits slowly. In addition to keeping fit, you should also be eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and abstaining from tobacco use to maintain a healthful lifestyle. Finally, if you have a chronic medical condition or are taking any medications, be sure to first consult with your physician before engaging in any vigorous activity.
