Learn the Fitness Class Lingo

When you think about "fitness classes," what images come to mind? Do you picture skinny people (leg warmers included) jumping around and kicking their legs to loud music? Although that might have been the case 10 or 20 years ago, the latest trends in classes focus on the mind-body experience, and helping people of all ability levels.

If you considered taking fitness classes at your gym, you probably picked up the schedule, only to find a list of unfamiliar and confusing classes. Spinning? BOSU? What does it all mean and how do you decide which class is right for you? Here’s a guide to some of the most popular classes and how you might benefit from them.

Spinning/Group Cycling

Spinning is a group cardio workout that takes place on specially designed stationary bikes. A certified instructor leads the class, indicating when to adjust your speed and resistance level (making it easier or harder to pedal). Spinning classes are typically set to music and use visualization techniques to enhance the experience.

This class allows you go at your own pace, and set your own resistance level. There are no complicated moves to learn, so regardless of how fit, flexible, or coordinated you are, you can get a great workout. Cycling is also a low-impact exercise, which is much easier on your joints than other activities such as step aerobics or running.

BOSU Balance Training

The BOSU looks like a Swiss ball cut in half. It is an inflated rubber dome on a flat, round platform. BOSU actually stands for "BOth Sides Up," meaning that the dome itself can be placed on the ground with either the flat or rounded side up.A BOSU class can include aerobic and strength training routines, flexibility exercises, and balance training. Familiar exercises like leg raises, crunches and pushups are performed on the BOSU—a surface that is constantly changing, forcing you to maintain your center of gravity. This makes the exercises more difficult.

BOSU training helps establish and reinforce balance, stability, and core strength, and can be used for a wide variety of exercises. It is safer than a Swiss ball in that you are less likely to roll off, but it also makes workouts more challenging. It can add variety to your workout, mixing things up your traditional routine.

Circuit Training

This class takes the participant through a series of exercise stations (which could also include strength training), with relatively brief rest intervals between each station. The purpose is to keep the heart rate elevated near the aerobic level without dropping off.

Circuit training is a complete workout—both cardio and strength training—which saves time. Since the program is fast-paced and offers variety, it can be more interesting than a typical class that focuses on only one aspect (cardio or strength). Exercisers of all fitness levels can enjoy this class, because you can work at your own pace and resistance level.

Functional Fitness

Although it’s important to have a strong heart and muscles, many people are more concerned with being able to complete activities of daily living (transporting groceries to and from the car or lifting a heavy bag off of the top shelf, for example). Functional fitness focuses on core training (abs, hips, lower back), balance exercises, and strength work. It involves a lot of stretching, twisting, and bending motions to mimic everyday activities.

This class has very practical applications in daily life. For example, suppose you’ve been doing squats at the gym and feel like you’re getting stronger. Then one day you squat down to pick up a heavy garbage can and throw your back out for the next week. What happened? Although your squatting muscles might be strong, the other muscles used to pick up the can might not be. Functional fitness teaches isolated muscles to work together. It can also help someone remain independent and injury-free.

Mind-Body Classes

Classes like yoga, Pilates and tai chi are now the norm instead of the exception. The great thing about these classes is that participants vary widely in age, fitness level, and body type. These classes improve flexibility and strength, while also helping to relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Don’t be afraid to try something different! There are a wide variety of classes out there to cater to your needs. You could end up finding an enjoyable activity that helps you reach your goals at the same time!