You’ve seen group fitness class schedules at local health clubs and community centers, but what do they mean? Here’s a basic breakdown of some typical classes to help you decide if one of them is right for you:

Boot-Camp/Sports Conditioning - for those who do not like lots of choreography and want variety, boot-camp and sports conditioning type classes are perfect. They are typically geared towards more intermediate and advanced exercisers and are full of various drills, skills and intervals that will challenge you and give you a full body workout.

Core Conditioning/Abs - it is becoming more popular to provide separate classes to condition the core muscles. Some of these classes may be short, 15-minute classes while others may be 30-45 minutes long. Such classes might utilize various equipment such as a BOSU, Reebok Core Board, or other balance equipment. To learn more about the importance of core conditioning and functional training, click here.

Group Cycling – there are a variety of group cycling classes offered at health clubs; some are designed as a cycling training program (i.e. the Spinning® program) and are more true to real cycling, while others are designed more as an aerobics class on the bike. You should plan to arrive early so the instructor can properly set you up on the bike. Make sure to have a towel and water bottle.

Spinning - Spinning® The global leader in indoor cycling, offering certification, fitness training and education, SPIN®, stationary Spinner® bikes, equipment, apparel, video/DVD workouts and music.

Kickboxing – kickboxing classes typically incorporate varying forms of martial arts with sports conditioning for an intense aerobic workout. Some classes may use equipment while others do not (identified as “cardio kickboxing” or “cardio box”). It is important to learn proper form for executing punches and kicks to avoid injury; if you are new, make sure to talk with the instructor before class starts to get some basic instruction.

Mind-Body Classes - many clubs and studios are realizing the benefit of mind-body classes such as yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Nia, and others. In our high-stressed society, it is important to balance high-intensity exercise programs with mind-body work. To learn more about mind-body exercises, click here.

Muscle Toning – there are a variety of muscle toning classes; some use elastic tubing for resistance, while others will use small dumbbells or barbell equipment. The focus of these classes is on doing repetitive contractions, so you will increase your muscular endurance but typically not build strength or size. Your key to effectiveness and safety is maintaining slow, controlled movements with proper form. Don’t be shy to ask the instructor for assistance to make sure you’re properly performing the exercises.

Step – step aerobics is a low-impact aerobic workout that uses a bench (step). Some coordination is required, but you can catch on quickly if you give it a chance.

Safety Tips: make sure when you step your foot is completely on the step so your heel is not hanging off the back of the step. Also, make sure your step is the correct height for your leg length; people with shorter legs should never use more than one riser. A good test is to put one foot on your step; when you bend your knee to get ready to step up on the step, your knee should not go beyond the laces of your shoe. If it does, your step is too high, and you can end up injuring your knees.

Interested in Becoming a Group Exercise Instructor or Personal Trainer or Looking for Further Fitness Education?

NETA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the fitness industry with the highest quality education at the most reasonable cost, offering hands-on certification workshops for group fitness instructors, personal trainers, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, stability ball, and more. They also offer a wide variety of quality continuing education and home study courses. In addition to education and training, NETA offers support products such as, music, videos, apparel and other fitness related accessories designed to assist fitness professionals stay current with industry trends.