Aerobics Class Ideas

Whether you're planning on working out at the gym or popping in an aerobics DVD, it never hurts to spice up your aerobics routine with a few new ideas. Talk to your favorite instructor to see if she's willing to change up the routine, or simply find ways to keep yourself interested at home. When you keep boredom at bay, you're more likely to stick with your exercise routine.

Fun Themes

Ask your aerobics instructor if she'd help your class celebrate the holidays or a change in season with themed classes. For instance, participants could dress up for Halloween, or your class could host an '80s aerobics flashback day. Participants would be encouraged to come in leggings, leotards and leg warmers. During the Christmas season, your class could spend a day exercising to Christmas tunes, and for the Fourth of July, everyone could show up sporting red, white and blue. Themes and special days help foster a sense of community in the class, according to Amy Loomis, a sports and fitness coordinator in Salem, Oregon.

New Environment

If your group cycling class is normally held in a small, claustrophobic studio, ask your instructor if you can roll the bikes outdoors for a change. Especially early in the morning as the sun rises, the crisp morning air may help rejuvenate your spirits and keep you excited about your aerobics routine. Many other aerobics classes are similarly portable, and with a little prompting from the class members, most instructors would be willing to hold the occasional class in an alternate location. You can even emphasize the publicity factor to your instructor. If she wants to get more people involved in a class, holding a one-time free demonstration in the gym, lobby or parking lot could pump up total enrollment.

Different Equipment

Whether you're working out at home or the gym, spicing up your routine by trying new equipment can keep your muscles guessing and your workout fresh. For instance, try using a BOSU ball during your next step class instead of a traditional step. Or use dumbbells during your barbell class. Most instructors are willing to try new things if you indicate you're looking for a new challenge.

If you're working out at home and don't have access to the latest, greatest fitness equipment, making small changes to your routine can help you to continue seeing results. Perform moves at a faster pace, add a riser to your step or perform strength moves on a stability ball. You can even create your own fusion class by performing 15 to 20 minutes of several different exercise DVDs, mixing dance with yoga or kickboxing with step aerobics.