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It's Winter - Time for Zumba, Pilates, Kickboxing, Yoga....
If you live in fear of stepping on the scale Jan. 2, you are not alone. If you hate waking up in darkness and arriving home from work in darkness, don’t despair. There is a solution to your troubles. The solution probably isn’t more than a few miles away. This winter season try a group exercise class. Now don’t immediately send your mind racing back to workout VHSs, leotards and bad pop music. The new group exercise classes are trendy, fun and effective. Multiple studies have shown exercise contributes to weight loss, reduced stress, increased alertness and an overall better feeling self. You can take most of classes at a gym, the YMCA, a private dance studio or a company gym. Chances are one of these classes is happening at a convenient time and at a convenient location. Stop making excuses and make a phone call. It might be the best purchase you make during the holiday season. WE recently sat down with Shelley Lamas, health and wellness director for the downtown Syracuse YMCA. Lamas shared what is hot in the exercise world. Here are some of the classes out there now. Pilates—This group exercise is aimed at core strengthening and flexibility training. An exercise mat or exercise bands can be incorporated. Pilates is a series of controlled exercises and breathing patterns aimed at the core or center of your body. It’s a great muscle toner and a stress reliever. People doing pilates have to focus their attention on their bodies. “You have to divert your attention to your core muscles so it’s a good stress reliever,” said Lamas. Zumba—This exercise is a form of dance that focuses on burning calories. Zumba is based on international rhythms such as Latin, African, hip hop, Brazilian, Bollywood, reggaeton and pop. It’s basically dance exercise and it’s one of the hottest things out there right now. There is also a new form of zumba called zumba toning. It’s done with light weights and it almost doubles the calorie burn achieved with regular zumba. “You don’t feel like you’re exercising because you are moving and having fun,” said Lamas. Kickboxing—Is a cardio exercise that is a combination of martial arts and boxing moves. Some classes incorporate boxing gloves and punching bags. The goal of this exercise is to tone and strengthen the muscles. Group Strength Training—This type of exercise is exactly what it sounds like. People get together in a group and follow an instructor through a series of weight-based exercises. Participants use barbells, plates and dumbbells in the routines. The goal of this exercise is to strengthen the entire body. Indoor Group Cycling—This exercise mimics a road ride. Cycling focuses on cardio activity, so it is a great way to burn calories. A class would consist of varying speeds and resistances. If someone is starting a workout plan and isn’t confident in his or her ability, a cycling class is a great place to start. “If someone isn’t coordinated, this would be good for them,” said Lamas. Yoga —Yoga is similar to pilates in that it works on the strengthening of muscles and aims to increase flexibility. Yoga is a series of poses with structured breathing. It is a mostly mat-based exercise. People perform a series of poses that strengthen the muscles and that will eventually give the appearance of longer muscles. “Yoga is a great stress releaser,” said Lamas. Group classes are a great way to get out and make a positive change in your life. Since they are led by instructors, you can be sure your workout routine is safe for your body and that you are doing things correctly. It’s also a great way to get out and meet people. “You make friends and there’s always a fitness professional available,” said Lamas. So stop making excuses, get off your duff and get to a group class. |
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Seasonal guide
If a little part of you dreads the holidays, this article is for you. If all the stress makes you want to hibernate, resist the temptation.