More than hip gym suits
Aerobics is no newcomer to sports, but no less good for you. Don’t be afraid to wear leg warmers, sweatbands and thong bodies over leggings again: thankfully this is a thing of the past.
Anyone can do aerobics. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how fit you are or how heavy you are. Aerobics is a collective name for moving to music. You build stamina, your muscles get stronger and your lung capacity increases. When you find the right teacher, aerobics can feel like a good party. You can no longer stop dancing and jumping. Even if you had an aversion to sports before that. It’s even more fun and motivating if you do it with a group of friends.
Different shapes
There are many forms of Aerobics. Here are some examples:
- body styling. In this form of aerobics you do a lot of muscle strengthening exercises using aids such as weights and elastic bands. At many gyms, this workout is now called Body Shape.
- Interval aerobics. This is a training in which the intensity of the exercises varies. Aerobics or step aerobics are alternated with muscle toning exercises.
- Step aerobics. This form of aerobics uses a step or a platform. This form is mainly intended to strengthen the muscles and burn fat.
- Aqua aerobics. You do this form of aerobics in the pool. It is a fitness training in the water with the help of weights.
- dance aerobics. This is an intensive training in which different dances, such as salsa, are used. This form is also called Go Go Moves, Bodyjam or Dance Work-out.
- Move to music/Bombs. In this form of aerobics, your condition is slowly worked on. You do all kinds of exercises to music.
A drawback
Aerobics is almost always taught in a class. So if you are already very experienced, or are just starting to exercise, it can be difficult to find a suitable level. It is also a sport where you can easily injure yourself. So be careful not to jump too enthusiastically. Wearing good shoes is very important. By jumping you put a lot of strain on your ankles and soles of your feet. If you don’t want to get injured, you need to choose the right aerobics shoes.
Schedule of an aerobics class
Most aerobics classes follow a set schedule. You always start with warming up to prevent injuries, for example by running in. Then comes the part where you work on your fitness with some up-tempo steps. With the exercises on a buddy you work on muscle strengthening. You can do this, for example, by doing abdominal exercises. Then you do stretching exercises. These exercises are good for making your muscles flexible. At the end of the class, do a cool-down to cool down slowly.
Tips for aerobics
Often gyms don’t appreciate it if your shoes have black soles. If you participate a little enthusiastically, black stripes will remain on the ground. So make sure that your shoes have white soles. The floor on which aerobics is practiced is also very important. Concrete or carpet is really not suitable for aerobics. The first does not bounce and the second is too soft.
During an aerobics class, it is also important to drink plenty of water. You lose a lot of moisture through perspiration and you have to replenish that. If you are a beginner, skip the difficult steps. Finally, it is wise to inform your teacher of possible ailments you may have. He or she can then take it into account.
