The thought of exercising regularly might put you off or make you reluctant to hop in the car and get busy at the gym. However, exercising with friends or taking an exercise class can boost your morale and make working out more fun. Plus, the group atmosphere helps to push you toward your fitness goals.
Zumba
If you have a flair for dance moves, taking a Zumba class might be the right choice. This group exercise is similar to aerobics but set to Latin music with dance moves you can learn. The goal of this form of exercise is to get your heart rate up and tone your body through resistance training with weighted sticks.
Stationary Biking
Stationary biking involves riding an indoor cycle in a class setting with music. Unlike riding your bike outside, however, it's much easier to socialize with others in the group, as the bikes are positioned close together. If you're in relatively good shape, you shouldn't have a problem carrying on a simple conversation with your cycling neighbors.
Boot Camp
Fitness boot camps work your entire body and feature intensive training programs that test your physical fitness and stamina. By participating in a boot camp, you can make the most of the group atmosphere, which provides support and motivation, while reaping the physical benefits, such as improved aerobic capacity, weight loss and increased strength, says the American Council on Exercise.
Aerobics
Many different types of aerobics classes are available, all of which aim to elevate your heart rate and provide tone and definition to your body. Examples include aerobic dancing, step aerobics, kickboxing, Tae Bo and water aerobics. An hour of aerobics can burn 365 to 511 calories, notes the Mayo Clinic. This kind of activity is easier to sustain in a group, where participants encourage one another.
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