Aerobics is the use of a large muscle group to exercise and get the lungs working harder and the heart rate increasing. There are many different exercises that are considered to be aerobics. For example, aerobic exercise can be jogging, walking, bicycling or swimming. Aerobic exercise has great benefits to the body.

What is an Aerobic Exercise Class?

An aerobic exercise class practices any type of aerobic exercise with a group of people and can be incorporated with music. It is lead by an aerobics instructor who will start off with a series of stretching and warm-up routines, then leading to the core of the workout that can last about 25-30 minutes (for low-impact) and between 30-60 minutes (for high-impact). Aerobic classes may be offered at a community center, a fitness facility or through a group of people within a company, school or any other organization.

Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise

Low-impact aerobic exercise is when one foot always remains on the ground while exercising. This can be best for elderly people, pregnant women, people who are overweight and those who have a chronic disease. The difficulty of low-impact aerobic exercise should be the equivalent of a brisk walk.

High-Impact Aerobic Exercise

High-impact aerobic exercise is when both feet may leave the ground simultaneously during the workout. This is ideal for those who have already started an exercise routine and are in good physical shape.

Medium-Intensity Aerobic Exercise

Medium-intensity exercise classes are a combination of low- and high- impact exercises and provide a wide range of motions. This can be a good transition for someone who wants to go from low to high-impact.

Types of Aerobic Classes

This is a list of some common aerobics classes offered. Depending on the area in which you live, is what is available at your community center or workout facility.

• Step Aerobics: Use of a platform to step up and down on is included in regular aerobics routine. The platform helps burn more calories from the extra motion. This is not best for people with joint problems.
• Water/Aqua Aerobics: Best type of low-impact aerobics because it provides the least amount of resistance. Ideal for those with health conditions and does not put strain on the muscles, but gives a sense of weightlessness and is helpful for those who want to continue to stay active even with a medical condition.
• Belly Aerobics: This is incorporated with basic aerobics but focuses more on working the stomach region to work on excess weight around the mid-section. This can include motions where the arms are stretched upward while twisting the rest of the body, sit-ups and/or crunches, and belly dancing (shown by an instructor). The belly dancing technique works on specific muscles and areas of the stomach to tone.

There are many more types of aerobic exercise. It is best to get research from a workout facility on other types or to observe a class to determine if you think that it may be right for you. If so, consult your doctor and/or an aerobic instructor on joining an aerobic exercise class.

Aerobic Exercise Class Benefit: Motivation

There are many benefits to joining an aerobic exercise class, the first being motivation. It may be a little intimidating to join a class at first, but be sure to start with a beginner’s class. Chances are that the other people in the class are new too. Another benefit is that an instructor may be able to show you the most fat and calorie burning moves and you can help to maximize your weight loss (if that is you goal) or to maximize your physical fitness.

Aerobic Exercise Class Benefit: Meeting People

Aerobic exercise classes are also a great way to meet new people who are motivated like you to workout and get in shape. You can also get your friends to join once you tell them how enjoyable they are.

Aerobic Exercise Class Benefit: Improving Your Overall Health

Aerobics exercise classes also have great benefits to your overall health. They provide the same great benefits of a regular aerobic exercise routine in an upbeat, music pumping, classroom setting.

Aerobic Exercise and You

There are many more types of aerobic exercise, although it is best to get research from a workout facility on other types. It is also a good idea to observe a class to determine if you think that it may be right for you. Some facilities may also offer a free trial of a course for people to test it out. Aerobic exercise classes are worthwhile and enjoyable. If you are thinking of beginning a class, consult your doctor and an aerobic instructor on joining an aerobic exercise class.

Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.

Sources:
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/topic13890#s8
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/tc/fitness-aerobic-fitness?page=2
http://www.refresharticles.com/articles/aerobics/benefits_of_aerobics.txt