Aerobics Exercise Classes for Weight Loss

If you're trying to lose weight, consider aerobics exercise classes. During an aerobics class, you strengthen and condition both your heart and lungs. These weight loss exercises keep your body burning calories even after your workout!

What are Aerobics Exercise Classes?

Aerobics classes are group exercise sessions that are led by an instructor. Aerobic weight loss exercises are categorized as either high- or low-impact aerobics:

• During high-impact aerobics, like jumping or running, your feet aren't in constant contact with the floor. High impact aerobics provide an intense workout, but you're at a greater risk of injury if you don't follow proper form.
• During low-impact aerobics, like step classes, at least one foot is in regular contact with the floor. As the name implies, low impact aerobics generate less stress on your body and have less risk of injury.

In addition to weight loss benefits, aerobic classes may improve muscular conditioning, stamina and flexibility, as well as lower blood pressure and stress levels.

Different Aerobics Exercise Classes

If you're interested in joining an aerobics class, you'll find both familiar types and newer options. An organized aerobics class may incorporate activities in a pool, high impact exercises and low impact exercises.

If you'd like a more holistic workout, circuit training combines resistance training with aerobic weight loss exercises to work the muscles, heart and lungs. Or you may opt for an aerobics class like Zumba^®, which sets weight loss exercises to upbeat, Latin music. If you're looking for a more intense experience, boot camp-style classes combine cardio with body weight resistance.

How Aerobics Classes Can Help You Lose Weight

Aerobic weight loss exercises can increase your overall activity level. Specifically, your heart and lungs begin to work harder even if you're at rest. Higher levels of physical activity cause your body to burn more calories. Of course, this is directly related to your caloric consumption, since weight loss results from burning more calories than you consume.

The number of calories you burn depends on your weight, as well as the length and intensity of exercise. The following chart illustrates how many calories you may lose through aerobic activity, based on estimates by the Mayo Clinic (2009):

Choosing Aerobics Classes to Lose Weight

If you want to lose weight, try to find an aerobics class geared toward weight loss. Typically, high-impact aerobics are best, as they challenge and strengthen the heart and lungs. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you can likely find a local aerobics class at your level.

In addition to the obvious health benefits, exercising in an aerobics class setting may help you formulate happy, healthy friendships, since you'll be meeting others who are interested in a fit lifestyle. Before beginning any of these aerobics exercise classes, however, consult with your doctor to determine what you can safely manage.

Resources

Mayo Clinic. (2009). Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour. Retrieved September 12, 2010, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/SM00109

ShapeFit. (n.d.) Teaching aerobics - Types of aerobics classes. Retrieved September 13, 2010, from http://www.shapefit.com/teaching-aerobics-types-classes.html

Zumba. (n.d.) About. Retrieved September 13, 2010, from http://www.zumba.com/us/about/