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Aerobics & Circuit Training
Aerobics
In technical terms aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the ultimate goal of improving all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength and cardio-vascular fitness)…in reality it’s your chance to get fit while having a laugh with your friends and jumping around to the latest Britney tunes.
Aerobics is generally made up of two separate formats; step and floor. Step aerobics is ingeniously named as it involves you using a step to rise and stretch the leg muscles. The clever inventor went even further with his imagination by christening floor aerobics which entails you moving around on the floor doing good old sit-ups and push ups; these classes are usually disguised under exciting titles like Active Abs or Cardio Challenge.Aerobics classes are generally led by an instructor (the main difference between them and a Saturday night boogieing on the dance floor). They usually involve rapid stepping patterns performed to the latest charts or bad European dance music with cues (and one more time – PUMP IT UP!) provided by your instructor. The most common structure is to begin with a warm-up which limbers up the muscles and lasts for around five minutes; stretches are next, lengthening the muscles for later exertion. Then it’s time for the main act when the tempo and intensity of movements increase and the proper work is done; sound tiring? Don’t worry; after about 30 minutes it’s time for the cool down period when the craziness gives way and the pace of things decreases; then you can go home, relax and watch Corrie with a great sense of productivity and superiority towards those around you.
Many gyms offer complimentary classes like these to their members; but if the concept of a gym is as alien to you as ET then there are sure to be aerobics classes offered in your locality; so 5,6,7,8…get going!
Circuit Training
Circuit training is fast becoming a popular option for those looking to get fit quick. It’s an interval training method in which strength exercises are combined with endurance or aerobic exercises; mixing benefits of a cardiovascular and a strength training workout.
The term circuit means a group of activities. In these classes there will generally be a number of selected stations positioned around the facility that are to be visited in rapid succession. Some of these ‘stops’ will be resistance equipment while other areas will be allocated to floor exercises like push-ups and sit-ups. Participants must complete each activity on one station before they proceed to the next one. This will continue for a required length of time.
It may sound like a nightmare you once had after seeing Sgt. Bilko and the fact that these courses are often named Boot Camp can intimidate those of a fearful disposition. However circuit training is a great way of getting a whole body work-out and there’s no need for expensive gym equipment so if you’re feeling adventurous you could always set up your own stations for you and your friends; just make sure to get your friends to sign a waiver on their way in…
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