Gym classes - the latest fitness classes

Joining an exercise class is a great way to burn calories and have fun at the same time. An hour long class passes really quickly when you are enjoying yourself, and they are highly motivational. Fitness classes are ideal if you don't work that well on your own and tend to easily give up on your workout.

Most gyms offer a full range of fitness classes with their membership packages, and many Health and Fitness clubs and Leisure centres run fitness classes that are open to the public.

There are a huge variety of fitness and exercise classes - check out the following popular choices, and don't be afraid to give it a go! You can always position yourself at the back until you feel more confident.

The most popular fitness classes

High energy/Aerobic classes

Aerobics

This energetic class is designed to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Rhythmic aerobic exercise is combined with stretching and strength training which will improve your flexibility, muscular strength, and cardio fitness.

Dance steps are often incorporated, and you may use a step to intensify the workout on your lower body muscles. Usually the high-energy workout is performed to a driving soundtrack, which can really help motivate you to push your exercise level a bit further.

Take a face towel and a bottle of water to refresh yourself, as depending on the intensity, it may get hot! This is an excellent fat-burning class.

Boxercise

Boxilates

This new class mixes high-intensity cardio boxing with the toning and strengthening effects of Pilates. This is a high-revved, physically demanding workout that will shape your body and help you to maintain fitness.

Circuit Training

This is a varied workout where you perform a mix of high and low impact exercises, which help improve your cardio fitness and tone your whole body. Each exercise is performed for a specified number of repetitions or for a set time, you then move on to the next exercise.

Circuit training exercises may include: Press ups, Sit ups, Squats, Jumps, Lunges, Bench Dips, Crunches, Shuttle runs,etc.

Spin

If you enjoy using an exercise bike then this class will appeal. Usually in Spin or other exercise bike classes there are lights and pumping music to motivate you. You will generally be led by an instructor through a warm-up, then follow various workout phases, such as sprints, uphill climbs and then a cool down.

Take a face towel and a bottle of water, as this class is high-energy and thirsty work! As with cycling this works your lower body, improves your cardiovascular fitness and burns lots of calories.

Step

This popular aerobic class works on your lower body muscles : thighs, glutes and abs, and also helps improve your cardiovascular fitness. You use a step to perform most of the moves in this high energy and fat-burning workout.

The basic move to a step class is stepping first one foot then the other onto the step, then stepping the first foot and then the other back onto the floor. Once you repeat this a few times you will find it easy - it helps with your co-ordination too. The class is usually performed to a motivational music track. Expect plenty of calorie burning and toning.

Swissball/ Exercise ball

Choosing gym membership