Did you know that people who do group classes, persevere longer? Working out in a group and the motivation of the instructor they regard as a benefit. You only need to find the class and instructor that you like and prefer. That’s why we devote a blog to it.
Group classes aren’t what they used to be. Formerly you only had different types of aerobics and steps and they weren’t that fun and excited. Now group classes are more diverse and fun! Company’s like Les Mills want to create a fun experience, that will keep you coming back for more while getting the results you want. But what kind of classes are there and what do they do?
Cardio training – Cardio training are the classes that raise your heart rate. The entire class you train with a high heart rate, and there’s no strength training at all. Classes like High Impact Aerobics and dance classes like Zumba are a few examples. These classes will improve your cardiovascular ability’s, but you will also get a big belly as result.
Now you’ll think why? I’m sweating! But you’re also releasing a high amount of cortisol, what is stored as belly fat, if it is not broken down by testosterone and growth hormone. But we’ll be getting into this topic in another blog. Sweat isn’t fat, it’s damp! If you want to lose fat, you need to do some strength exercises, because your muscles burn your fat. But what kind of training do I need to do then?
Strength training – Strength training are classes whenever you lift weights or do bodyweight exercises. By bodyweight exercises we mean exercises involving your own body weight, such as push-ups, squats, lunges and burpees. Classes like Bodyshape, Full Body Workout and Les Mills Bodypump are examples of strength training. The most important aspect of this training is creating (bigger) muscles and trigger them to increase your fat burning.
Interval training – Interval training are classes that increase your heart rate for a short time, alternating with periods of low heart rate. So you’ll drop the heartrate, just before you start to produce cortisol. So every training has a different rate of speed and intensity. For example repeating a 20 sec sprint followed by 20 to 60 sec jogging for 20 – 30 minutes. Les Mills Bodyattack is an example of an interval class.
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) – HIIT are classes that combine cardio and strength in one workout. So you’ll get the best of both worlds. There are short periods of exercise interspersed with short periods of rest. For example 1 minute of exercise and 15 seconds rest or 45 seconds of training and 10 seconds of rest. A big plus about this training is your body and metabolism still function for hours after the training. Meaning you still burn calories while sitting on the couch switching channels. How cool is that! Classes like the Gladiator Workouts, Full Body Workout and HIIT and Les Mils GRITT are HIIT classes.
Off course there are more classes, but these are the ones you’ll find in Surinam. So there you have it!
In our next blog we’re going to talk about strength fitness training.
