So, you’ve hopped on the weight loss wave and you really want to stand up and do some turns and tricks, but how do you keep your balance and navigate through all the options out there?! Dun dun dun daaaah, enter moi, Kardio Kate to help assist you in dissecting what all these crazy fitness classes are from A to Zumba, so you can enter that new class with confidence. You’ll be a fat shredding machine in no time!

by flickr user laurenatclemson

• Aqua Aerobics Classes
  Not just for grandma anymore! Have you ever noticed how challenging it is to walk through the shallow end of a swimming pool? Or how tired you can make yourself by simply trying to move your limbs quickly through water? Because of the constant resistance of water all around you, virtually everything you do while you’re underwater can be considered a fitness activity. Check out your local gym or pool to see what classes are offered. Aqua aerobics is very low impact and you do not need to be some swimming star to have fun!
  
• Bar Method or Ballet Booty
  This ballet fusion class integrates the fat burning format of interval training, the muscle shaping technique of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning and the science of physical therapy to create a workout that tones your entire body. You do not need to have any formal ballet training or knowledge of ballet at all to enjoy this class. Be prepared to go barefoot or just keep your socks on.
  
• Bosu
  This class is taught on a Bosu ball, a piece of exercise equipment shaped like a half-dome. Bosu is an acronym that stands for “both sides utilized” because you can face the blue rubber shaped dome up and exercise on top of its surface or flip it over and work with the base of the device. Many of the moves are similar to those in a step aerobics class, but the main difference is that the Bosu offers an unstable surface. You can stand on the Bosu, lie down or place your knee on it, or use your arms to push off of it. Any exercise you would do on the ground, whether it’s lunges, squats, crunches or pushups, becomes trickier when attempted on a Bosu ball. In a Bosu class you develop balance, and tone your upper and lower body as well as the midsection. There are also cardio elements to it. Keep in mind, most people in a Bosu class are too concerned with their own balance to have the time and ability to look at what anyone else is doing.
  
• Budokon
  This physical practice draws upon ancient and modern yogic and martial arts styles. The word Bu-do-kon translates directly in Japanese as (Bu) Warrior (Do) Way (Kon) Spirit, or Way of the Spiritual Warrior. The foundation of the Budokon physical practice is precision, alignment and a calm mind. All Budokon techniques are designed to explore the body’s full range of motion. The physical practice is divided into two themes: The Yogic Series (Iyengar and Ashtanga yogic techniques), and the Budo (a combination of standing and ground techniques drawn from martial arts such as Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and Tae Kwon Do).The objective is to teach agility, power, focus and flow in the body and mind.
  
• Forza
  A class-based in Japanese sword-fighting techniques, Forza means strength and power in Italian. A wooden sword is used as a stand-in for metal as participants slice, chop and thrust it through the air in addition to doing lunge movements or taking steps with their legs. It offers a fun way to discover one’s inner samurai, not only a demanding physical workout that shapes the arms and legs, but it’s also mentally rigorous and requires plenty of concentration. Forza gives a whole new meaning to the “weekend warrior” title.
  
• Kettlebells
  You’ve probably seen these round weights with a ‘u’ or bell shaped handle. Kettlebells are an alternative to traditional weights and fitness clubs. Kettlebell exercises work the entire body and strengthen joints, tendons, and connective tissues, instead of isolating muscles with exercise machines. Kettlebells will help you become strong, fast, mobile and develop endurance. Kettlebell training is not something you are going to master right away, so tackle these first with an instructor. The moves are complex and different from what we are used to, but when done properly, they are very effective.
  
• Pilates Mat Class
  A great cost-effective alternative to one-on-one Pilates sessions. Performed on a yoga mat rather than traditional Pilates reformer. Pilates is based on the principle that before working the peripheral parts of the body, the core needs to be strong and stable. Pilates seeks to develop an equal balance of abdominal and lower back musculature in order to build strength, agility and muscle tone in a balanced way. Each Pilates exercise is a lesson in opposition. Movement in one direction is lengthened and controlled into the next, while oppositional muscles stabilize. This allows Pilates to lengthen and strengthen muscles simultaneously, helping to create an energized, pain-free, flexible and strong body.
  
• Spinning
  Spinning is a fun and challenging cycling workout with high energy tunes. Make sure to wear comfortable, form fitted clothing; bring plenty of water and at least one towel. You can wear cycling click-in shoes or just regular gym shoes and use the pedal cages. Choose a seat that has a good view of the instructor at the front. Adjust the seat height so that your knees are slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Adjust fore/aft seat position so that your arms are a comfortable distance from the handlebars and your elbows are slightly bent. Start with the handlebars in a relatively high position. As your flexibility increases and you become more comfortable on the bike you can begin to move the handlebars downward until they are approximately level with the saddle.
  
• Urban Rebounding
  If you haven’t been on a trampoline since childhood, urban rebounding might make you feel like a kid again. The class is taught primarily on a mini-trampoline. The trampoline provides an unstable surface to jump on that makes the exercise more challenging; it also cushions the landing and places less stress on your joints than a floor-based workout. Urban rebounding requires some coordination, because your arms and legs will often be moving simultaneously, and you’ll get a high-energy, heart-thumping, whole-body workout in the process. The activity not only improves your balance but also builds aerobic conditioning as well as arm, leg and core strength.
  
• Zumba
  A dance-based fitness class influenced by salsa, flamenco, merengue and other international dance styles, with some hip-hop and freestyle mixed in, set to hypnotic Latin beats. Developed in Miami in 2001, Zumba was named for a slang Colombian expression meaning to move fast or buzz like a bee. In class, your whole body moves. Generally, you start by moving your legs; then you add a change, such as moving your arms or changing direction, so you go side to side or forward and backward. But it’s one change at a time, making it simpler and easier to follow for those who feel like they have two left feet.

Try one, try them all, just remember to bring in a towel, a water bottle and a big ‘ol smile!
-Kardio Kate

Posted in Main at October 22nd, 2009 by Kardio Kate
Tags: Exercise, Trends, Weight loss
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