How to Choose the Right Exercise Class for You

By Chloe Hibbert

Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Boxercise, Legs Bums and Tums... there are a huge number of exercises classes out there to choose from, each with their own benefits. If you lack the motivation to work out by yourself, these classes are an ideal way for you to get off the sofa and get your cardiovascular system working. But with so many possibilities, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are our top tips on finding your perfect exercise class.

Think practically

First thing's first, think of the practicalities of attending your exercise class. If motivation is a problem for you, choosing a class held a half hour drive away might put you off regularly attending. Equally, if you want to exercise after work then give yourself time to get there, change and have a snack before the session begins- the last thing you want to do is get sweaty and stressed out before the class even begins!

Determine your personal fitness goal

If you decide on your personal fitness goals first, you can find a class that will help you achieve them. People looking to lose weight should find a fast paced session that includes plenty of cardiovascular activity. High energy classes will get your heart and lungs going and burn calories fast. If you want to tone your body, look for strength and conditioning classes like Bodypump® or Boxercise to mould you into the perfect shape. For people looking for something more relaxing, holistic exercise sessions like yoga and Pilates will grow your flexibility and suppleness.

Consider your current physical condition

If you have not exercised in some time or lead an inactive lifestyle, it might be best to visit your doctor before embarking on a new programme. It is equally as important to consider your health when choosing the type of class you want to attend. For example, if you suffer from joint problems then a high impact class like aerobics or kickboxing may actually do more harm than good. Instead, consider activities with low impact to the joints like ballroom dancing. If in doubt, you could always ring the instructor before attending the class to get their advice.

Go for what you enjoy

Exercise classes aim to make working out fun and enjoyable, keeping you motivated to attend week after week. But if you choose something completely out of your comfort zone you might find yourself losing your mojo. If you have two left feet and avoid the dance floor like the plague, dancing classes like Zumba will probably not be your cup of tea. Equally, if you have a short attention span and find it hard to sit still then holistic classes like yoga may drive you round the bend. If you do find yourself hating your session then it might be time to try something new- after all, you will not be working to your full potential if you are loathing every minute of it!

Join a gym

Many gym memberships offer free exercise classes so you can try out as many as you like. Large gyms have a full and diverse class timetable that offers something for everyone. Whilst you may not plan to use the gym itself, the monthly cost of gym membership may still end up cheaper than paying a one-off fee for each class individually. See if your private medical insurance policy offers discounted gym membership for a particular chain- this is a great way of saving a bit of money. And once you start exercising regularly, you might find that the gym looks more appealing!

Bring a friend along

Many people go to exercises classes by themselves because they are a great way to meet new friends. But if you are intimidated at the thought of going it alone, drag a mate along to give you an extra boost of confidence. Some classes like ballroom and Latin dance require you to have a partner anyway, so you will be one step ahead of the rest. In addition, you could always ask around your friends and family to see if they can recommend a particular instructor or class.

Good luck in choosing your exercise class, and have fun!

Chloe Hibbert writes on health and fitness for ActiveQuote, a website where you can compare health insurance quotes online.

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If You Really Want To Count Calories Then This Will Help

I know that counting calories is a popular way to lose weight - even though I don't agree with it. What I do agree with is actually cutting down on the number of calories you eat. Now that might seem like the same thing but it isn't and I'll get to why it's different in a little while, because I want to tell you about some interesting news first.

Anne McTiernan from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre ran a 12-month study, with over 120 women, looking at what helped participants to lose more weight. What she found was that women, who kept a food diary over the period of the trial, lost about 6lbs more than people who didn't. Skipping meals was also a significant factor. Those women who skipped meals ended up 8lbs heavier than those who ate regularly.

Those who went out for lunch just once a week ended up 5lbs heavier than those who didn't. The more you eat out the heavier you get - even when you are on a calorie controlled diet.

"For individuals who are trying to lose weight, the No. 1 piece of advice based on these study results would be to keep a food journal to help meet daily calorie goals"

Anne McTiernan, director of the Hutchinson Centre.

Of course keeping a Food Diary only works when you are honest and record everything you eat. So you need to carry it with you at all times.

So their advice is pretty much: vigilant self-monitoring of what you eat; cook all your own food; and eat regular meals. That's good advice, but I need to get back to why counting calories and cutting down on calorie intake are not the same thing.

When you count calories you have a daily limit so you have to monitor absolutely everything you eat. You need to obsess over food labels. You need to engage in a constant battle with yourself over whether or not to have something delicious, that you really fancy, but which is high in calories, or lots and lots of much lower calorie stuff. Hunger is a frequent accompaniment to this process, along with a perpetual thinking about food and the next meal. Willpower, that is mental force, is what is essential to succeed and willpower never works when you are tired, fed-up, emotionally exhausted, or just plain feeling sorry for yourself. So this method is bound to fail - or at least take very much longer to attain the target weight. Around half of people give up on their diet in less than 12 months.

"You can initially lose 5 to 10% of your weight on any number of diets, but then the weight comes back."

Traci Mann, Psychologist, University of California, Los Angeles

Cutting down on calories is very different. You get to enjoy whatever you fancy, but that's not a recipe for crazy eating, nor a suggestion that you can binge constantly and lose weight. It's a suggestion that shifts the focus away from food so the obsessive thoughts and cravings have no reason to be there.

It's a way to lose weight and enjoy life at the same time. I mean, if you can have what you want how can you crave it? Knowing you can have it actually reduces the desire for it, so although you still have it, you eat less of it.

Michael Hadfield, author of 'How to Lose Weight Easily', has been helping people to lose weight for around 14 years. If you'd like a free food diary template then visit http://www.HypnosisIsEasy.com/weight-loss-food-diary.htm

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