FITNESS
ment principles, can be applied to every aspect of your movement
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in life. And anyone can do it — runner, golfer, young,
old, pregnant, overweight, injured, athlete or person who
hates to sweat. Pilates does not strain your muscles, joints,
bones or other parts of your body.
What we don’t like: You don’t sweat. If you need to see the
sweat and feel your heart beat fast, try a different workout.
How to get started: Sign up for a beginning or developmental
Pilates class, or take a private or semi-private lesson. Let
the instructor know you are new, then listen carefully. If you
don’t complete the movements properly, you can injure your
body instead of improving it.
SPINNING
What it is:
Developed by a world-class cyclist in 1989 as a convenient
way to train for races, spinning is known as the ‘fad that
never fades’ and is highly addictive. The workout can be
so tough, yet so inspiring, that people call ahead or sign up
ahead of time to get into the class, then spend half the time
praying for it to end.
Spinning takes place on a specially designed stationary
bicycle. As you pedal, the instructor, who is half cheerleader
and half drill sergeant, guides you through your workout,
accompanied by heart-pumping, motivational music and
low lights to help you visualize your ‘course.’ During class
you vary pace and effort; sometimes pedaling as fast as you
can, other times cranking up the tension and pedaling slower
from a standing position.
Even hardened athletes can walk out of spin class soaked
with sweat and exhausted, says Pat Tooch, who is the gym’s
spin instructor. As difficult as it can be, spinning places less
stress on the joints than some other forms of exercise. It is
a great cross-training activity that still offers a great cardio
workout. Although participants follow the instructor’s general
directions, they can control their own pace and adjust the
tension to fit their fitness level.
Why we love it: Spinning makes the heart pump fast,
offers a terrific aerobic workout and can burn as many as
600-1000 calories for a one-hour class. It tones the quadriceps
and outer thigh muscles without stressing the knees.
Athletes gravitate toward spinning because it feels like a
real sport.
What we don’t like: The competition for bikes can be fierce.
Check with your local fitness center to find out how to sign
up ahead of time.
How to Get Started: Most gyms offer a beginner’s class. Tell
the teacher you’re new; you’ll get help adjusting the bike seat
and handlebars to provide your best workout.
ZUMBA
What it is:
If you love to watch “Dancing with the Stars” and dream
of being the hit of the dance floor, then Zumba — exercise
classes that dance to a Latin beat — might be your thing.
Don’t worry if you aren’t naturally graceful or good at
dance, says Jungle Club Zumba Instructor Tiffany Kleckner,
because they’ll teach you everything you need to know in
class. “You don’t have to have rhythm at first,” says Kleckner.
“Don’t be intimidated if you don’t know the moves.
Watch the instructor, then just jump around and raise your
hands to the beat.”
Why we love it: It’s a workout that just seems like fun, yet
can burn 500-1000 calories in an hour. There’s camaraderie,
not competition, in the class and dancing makes everyone
feel good.
What we don’t like: Some people have two left feet. If it
bothers you that you can’t pick up the dance steps after
a few classes and don’t want to just jump around, find
another class.
How to get started: Lots of classes are available. All offer a
great aerobic workout, but some will fit, and some won’t.
Choose what you like from hip-hop step, funk aerobics, salsa
hip-hip, jazz, ballet— but watch the class first to see if it’s
right for you.
Whether you are shopping for a new gym or just looking
for some fresh workouts from your old gym, pick up a class
schedule or look it up on the Web. Grab a buddy or just
your gym shoes and a water bottle and try out some classes.
Most fitness centers will give you a free pass for a day, a
week, or more.
Top, Zumba is high energy and heart-pumping exercise. Tiffany Kleckner,
above, leads the Zumba class with a volunteer assistant.