Aerobics Class Description

If the thought of an aerobics class makes you think of wearing leg warmers and sweating to the beat of Michael Jackson’s "Thriller," realize that times have changed. While aerobics has always been a popular form of exercise, classes today often feature low-impact, high-impact, step and water-based routines. Each class consists of a series of exercises that stress different parts of your body, particularly the large muscle groups, for a prolonged period. Regardless of the class you choose, stay within your limits, begin slowly, and gradually build up your speed and endurance over several weeks.

  1. Class Structure

    • A comprehensive aerobics routine consists of a warm-up sequence, stretching and endurance exercises meant to improve your cardiovascular function. Aerobics should be done on an exercise mat or a floating floor to protect your joints. Essentially designed to raise your heart rate, the class targets major muscle groups, including your arms and legs. The workout should increase your breathing rate, which ultimately should make you sweat. Aerobics also increases your heart rate along with your breathing rate, which quickens the transport of oxygen-rich blood to your muscles.

    Water Aerobics

    • A water aerobics class is held in a swimming pool and utilizes several of the same exercises found in a traditional aerobics class, but they are modified for working out in the water. You may jog in place and tread water and also do arm circles, leg raises and jumping jacks. You will also warm up and cool down. Being in a pool allows you to burn a lot of calories while staying cool and it minimizes the stress on your joints. Another advantage, according to master trainer, Greg Moe, is that water resistance forces you to use more muscle fibers, thereby giving you a better workout.

    Low-Impact

    • Low-impact aerobic classes are ideal for beginners, seniors and women who are pregnant. This type of class incorporates several exercises that allow your feet, or at least one foot, to remain on the floor at all times to minimize the impact on your joints. You always start by warming up with gentle stretches. The class then progresses to upper body and then lower body movements using large, controlled movements to increase your heart rate.

    High-Impact

    • High-impact aerobics incorporates high-intensity, high-energy movements that ultimately take both of your feet off the ground simultaneously. Exercises may include jogging in place, jumping, high-intensity step aerobics, arm movements and high repetitions. The class also includes a warm-up, cool-down and integrated low-impact exercises. High-impact classes substantially increase your heart rate beyond what you would achieve in a low-impact class.

    Step Aerobics

    • A step aerobics class utilizes an elevated platform or step that can often be adjusted to various heights. A step aerobics class involves placing your right foot and then your left foot on the step and then moving each foot back to the ground again while doing certain exercises. These exercises include arm movements, shifting the body weight, stepping up and over to the other side of the platform and doing various dance moves to increase your breathing and heart rates.