THE WELLNESS & FITNESS CENTER'S BLOG

We’ve Got a Cardio Class for That!

February 21, 2017, 3:03 pm - Categories: Education, Exercise, Fitness, Group Exercise

Like to hike? Or maybe you bike? We’ve got a class for that. Can’t stop thinking about burpees or mambos? We’ve got classes for those too. Whether your goal is to conquer a 5K or to get your heart rate up without increasing joint pain; Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center has an array of classes that focus on cardio or “aerobic” endurance.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends “adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.” That could be daunting if you had to do 2 hours and 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise all at once. However, you can reach the 150 minutes mark through 30- or 60-minute sessions several times a week. Sometimes even shorter bouts can be used to hit the weekly mark. Aerobic exercises help keep your heart rate up to burn calories for a sustained period of time while strength training tones your body and burns calories at a lower heart rate. A balanced workout schedule includes some aerobic exercise most days of the week and strength training two or three times a week.

Here’s how our cardio classes can help you. In addition to a wide array of machines on the fitness floor that are geared toward cardio workouts, VHWFC’s Group Exercise Program offers 34 different styles of classes. Seventeen of the 34 classes offered have a substantial aerobic component. Fifty-nine of the nearly 100 classes on the schedule focus on cardio. The classes range from beginner level to advanced level. Yet, the majority of classes offered can meet any exerciser’s needs with modifications. Instructors demonstrate multiple ways to perform exercises so each individual can learn what works best for their fitness level. An added bonus is that most of the cardio classes also include strength portions that zone in on muscles.

Cardio classes (and group classes in general) will have you moving in multiple planes of direction. That means these classes are not only fun; they’re functional. The variety of movements can help prevent repetitive use injuries and is also a practical approach that will help you reach your fitness goals.  For example if you want to be able to run backwards safely, then try a class that includes backward movement. Or if you want to become stronger, try a pool class to learn about water resistance.  A sports-oriented class can help you set a 5K PR or be ready to coach your kid’s soccer team.

VHWFC Group exercise classes help you TRAIN FOR THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE.

So choose a class that works for your schedule. We have early morning classes as well as evening classes to make it easy to reach your fitness goals. Plus, your new workout pals await you.  Exercising with others in a class setting increases the chances you’ll stick to your fitness plan.  It increases accountability—the instructor and fellow participants will expect you to be there—and the group energy is contagious. You can throw yourself into the movements and focus on a workout without having to worry about programming your own music or forming a workout plan.

Are you feeling nervous about trying something new? Fear not, VHWFC Group Exercise leaders hold top national certifications and are waiting (eagerly) to welcome you and answer your questions.

References

American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Recommendations on Quantity and Quality of Exercise. https://www.acsm.org/about-acsm/media-room/news-releases/2011/08/01/acsm-issues-new-recommendations-on-quantity-and-quality-of-exercise

Benefits of Group Exercise. American College of Sports Medicine, by Shawn Dolan. 2016. https://www.acsm.org/public-information/articles/2016/10/07/benefits-of-group-exercise

Valley Health Wellness and Fitness Center Schedule of Events. https://www.vhwellfit.com/events/

Valley Health Wellness and Fitness Center Group Exercise Leader Staff Page. https://www.vhwellfit.com/about/staff-2/group-exercise-instructors/