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There are a variety of different ways to achieve a good cardiovascular exercise. These include walking, jogging, riding a bicycle, using an elliptical machine or even swimming. While these activities appeal to some, others enjoy a more organized form of aerobic exercise to help motivate them.
With this in mind, aerobic exercise classes have become increasingly popular over the last 30 years. All aerobics classes are intended to raise the heart rate and as a result raise the metabolism to help burn calories and aid in the weight loss process. These are organized class, taught by a certified instructor, which use a full range of motion and body movements in order to produce aerobic exercise. |
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Different Styles of Aerobics ClassesAlthough classes began 30 years ago as basic “aerobics” classes, there are now a variety of different classes available that vary in intensity, style and ability. Here are a few of the most popular styles of aerobic exercise classes:
Low-Impact ClassesThese classes are great for older individuals that might be more susceptible to injuries, for those already experiencing an injury or for those who are just getting started. Although they still allow for an increase of heart rate, low-impact classes mean that there is always one foot on the ground and that the pace will be slowed down in comparison to a more rigorous class.
In order to achieve similar cardiovascular exercise while keeping the muscles and joints safe, a low-impact class will usually mean covering more space, as well as taking bigger steps and using powerful arm movements.
Step AerobicsIntroduced in the late 1980s, Step Aerobics quickly became one of the most popular styles of aerobics. This class raises the intensity level, adding more burned calories. This is because exercisers are required to step up onto a block for each movement, meaning that even if you get tired, you are still required to exert that extra energy to step up onto the block.
Some classes even allow for extra steps to be added, meaning that even more calories are burned during the class. This also adds to the muscle toning capability of the class. As well, the class further increases calorie burning but adding in movements like hopping, jumping, or leaping over the bench.
Be warned that if you are new to aerobics, you may want to start with a lower impact class and work your way towards a step aerobics class, as these require a much greater physical exertion.
KickboxingSince the late 1990s when aerobics videos like Tae-Bo hit the scene, aerobic kickboxing has becoming an extremely popular way to get into cardiovascular shape. Not only does it burn a great deal of calories, but it also promotes strength training and muscle building in a way that other aerobics classes do not.
Most aerobic kickboxing classes incorporate constant aerobic movement with kicking and punching combinations. Although this style of aerobics class can burn upwards of 300-400 calories during a one hour class, most fitness experts will advise that beginners start slowly and work their way towards a full hour of class time, as this is a particularly rigorous workout.
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