| Get With the Program! Basics |
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| Can you believe that fruit-flavored yogurt and ice cream have almost the same amount of sugar? Per four-ounce serving, the yogurt has about 21 grams of sugar and the ice cream has about 23 grams. |
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| 5-in-1 Fitness Calculator |
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Joining a group fitness class can be a great way to get in shape. There are so many options these days that I thought it would be helpful to describe some of the most popular types of classes as well as some of the newer trends that have come on the scene.
Abdominal Class. A specialized body sculpting class that focuses on the abs. The classes usually last about 30 minutes and target the middle with variations on crunches and sit-ups.
Aerobics. The traditional aerobics-class format is designed to use basic dance steps to improve both cardiovascular fitness and musculoskeletal fitness. Both high- and low-impact aerobics are popular, although most classes these days are low impact, which helps reduce the stress on muscles and joints.
 Body Sculpting. Body sculpting classes typically utilize hand-held weights and/or rubber "bands" to stretch, tone and build various body parts.
Boot Camp. These classes are usually athletic in nature and include a lot of moves that are sports specific to soccer, skiing, karate, and boxing.
BOSU. A challenging aerobic and strengthening workout that also develops balance and agility. Class members use an apparatus that’s a cross between a balance board and a ball.
Circuit Training. A station-to-station workout using free weights and/or weight machines. You move at a relatively rapid pace so that you increase both your cardiovascular endurance and your muscular fitness.
Dance Fitness. This includes classes like CardioFunk, Hip Hop, Salsa, Jazz—there are even classes based on Gospel music. Generally, they’re choreographed classes designed to get your heart pumping while making it so much fun you barely notice you’re working.
Jazzercise. This is one of the oldest cardio workouts around and it still has lots of fans. The workout combines dance-y aerobic exercise with resistance training and stretching.
Kickboxing. The use of traditional kick boxing skills improves cardiovascular and muscular fitness.
Martial Arts Exercise. Like kickboxing and Tai Bo, which also uses kicks, these classes take traditional “fight” moves and use them to provide an aerobic and strengthening workout. Some of them are based on karate, others on tae kwon do, still others on capoeira, a Brazilian martial art.
Pilates. Slow graceful movements that strengthen and stretch your muscles are performed either on mats or on a machine called a reformer. Originally developed for dancers, Pilates lengthens and strengthens all the muscles with particular emphasis on the abdominals.
Spinning Class. Spinning is a group “ride” on stationary bicycles. Usually the tempo and intensity of the class vary throughout, with the instructors using music to keep you motivated.
Step Class. Step and dance movements are performed using a "step" apparatus that can vary in height. Step classes can be high or low intensity and high or low impact (now more common).
Tai Chi. A gentle martial art that combines balance, strength, coordination, and mental focus. Tai Chi will help you attain mental as well as physical fitness.
Water Aerobics. These classes generally combine elements of aerobic dance and resistance training; the catch is that you do them in a pool. This activity is usually very low impact and refreshing, and great for anyone with joint problems.
Yoga. Yoga involves a series of exercises called “poses” that both stretch and strengthen the body. One goal of yoga is to synchronize breathing and movement, helping to develop concentration. Most yoga movements are slow and thoughtful, but some classes use a flow style that can be downright aerobic. Yoga can be both invigorating and relaxing.
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