Finding and sticking to a fitness class that works for you

Everyone knows that exercise is a great way to get in shape, feel good physically, build confidence, exude energy, relieve stress, have better sleep and much more. Numerous studies have proven that exercise also reduces: depression, some cancers, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

According to the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, individuals who exercise with others are more apt to enjoy significant improvements in their mental health, physical fitness and emotional wellbeing. Plus, they experience a reduction in stress.

Whether you’re trying to feel great, have fun, relieve stress, sleep better, extend your life, or be healthy, (or all the above), check out these seven different fitness classes to find a good excuse to exercise with others.

1) Zumba – An aerobic fitness dance program containing various styles of Latin American dance music. There are various Zumba options such as regular, Zumba Gold, a modified version of regular Zumba to fit the baby boomer generation or anyone who prefers a slower pace, Aqua Zumba which is in the water, Zumba Toning, which provides toning focus than the regular cardio acquired in a regular Zumba class as toning sticks or weights are used, and Zumba in the Circuit provides circuit training in one class.

Robinn Mentz, Zumba instructor at LA Fitness in Lacey and Tacoma, has been doing Zumba for 10 years.

“I’m addicted. Not only is it a great physical activity, but it is necessary for my mental health and sanity, as it gives me the opportunity to sweat out my stress,” she said. “Zumba incorporates all kinds of world beats and dance cultures from around the world. I love the inclusivity and the opportunity to learn new dance styles all the time.”

She added that the classes sort of broke her out of her own introverted ways.

“I'm normally kind of shy and introverted, but I love to dance,” Mentz said. “Being a Zumba instructor gives me another outlet, a chance to be a different version of myself.  And now that I'm instructing, I don't have to wait for a class. I can do my routines on vacation and bring Zumba wherever I go.”

Where would you find Zumba classes? La Fitness and your local YMCA offer them. Google your local La Fitness and YMCA to see their fitness class schedules.

2) Jazzercise – A pulse-pounding, beat-pumping fitness program. It’s a calorie-torching, half hour dance followed by a half hour of class spent doing ab and leg work, hand weights and stretching.     

Lora Bleha, a Jazzercise instructor for the Puyallup and Sumner locations, has been teaching Jazzercise since April 2015.

“The best thing about being an instructor is helping others improve their health and wellbeing. Listening to customers talk about how good they feel and how Jazzercise has improved their lives makes the extra time I put into it worthwhile,” she said.
Where would you find jazzercise classes near you? Visit: jazzercise.com to find locations near you.

3) Cardio strength – A class offered at the Gordon YMCA where you get a total body workout that focuses on tightening and toning the body with intervals of cardio and strength using hand weights, body bars, resistance bands, steps, and resistance balls. The class is offered for all ages and gender on Monday and Wednesday nights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at the Sumner YMCA as well as on Sunday from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Visit ymcapkc.org for the most updated schedule as class times change quarterly.

4) Body works plus abs – A class offered at many LA Fitness locations in which a hand weights, body toning, and ab work takes place while listening to music. Squats, lunges, ab work, and some light cardio take place then a couple minutes of stretching and class is over. Visit lafitness.com to find a body works plus abs class near you.

5) Low impact cardio – A hand weight work out with low impact cardio activities such as: tubes, bands, balls, lunges, squats, and ab work take place while minimizing muscular and joint stress while improving muscular endurance. This class is offered at the Mel Korum, Morgan, and Gordon YMCA. Research your local YMCA to find a low impact cardio class near you.

6) MixxedFit – An explosive dancing and boot camp toning class with no equipment or dumbbells, except your body. Visit: ymcapkc.org for a MixxedFit class near you.

7) Cardio dance – An upbeat choreography-based dance class offered at the Mel Korum YMCA. Visit ymcapkc.org to find a cardio dance class at a Pierce or Kitsap YMCA location.