Confused about which type of exercise is right for you? This exercise directory tells you what to expect from different workout trends. It also assesses the ability of each workout routine to build aerobic stamina, burn fat, build muscle and increase flexibility or coordination. Use this information to know what style of workout suits your goals and temperament; then select the best option suited to your needs.

Spinning
• Burns fat
• Builds muscle
• Builds aerobic stamina
• Needs coordination

Spinning is good for those who already have a good fitness level. A good spinning class gives your heart and lungs an intense workout while also building strength in the legs. It is an excellent exercise program for fat burning.
But you do need to feel confident on a bike. The instructor takes you through hill climbs, sprint races, time trials and group races.

Salsa -aerobics
• Needs coordination
• Increases flexibility
• Builds aerobic stamina
• Burns fat

This is a form of dance that has been modified into an exercise class. Aerobic and salsa moves are combined making it a great workout for those who enjoy salsa dance. The intensity of this workout is low but effective if done regularly for a long duration.

Aerobic class/ step aerobics
• Burns fat
• Builds stamina
• Needs coordination

The main aim of an aerobic class is to raise the heart rate and burn calories. A step workout uses a step to achieve similar goals. These exercise forms improve cardiovascular stamina, burn fat, and develop muscular endurance. Hand and leg coordination is required.

Boot camp
• Burns fat
• Builds muscle
• Tones the body
• Builds aerobic strength
• Needs coordination
• Increases flexibility

This workout is derived from the tough physical training of the army. This workout session involves squat thrusts, sit-ups, sprinting and other intense exercises. This is based on a circuit-training format that requires you to do a series of exercises for a set period of time. The class can last from 45 minutes to 2 hours. This form of training works the heart and muscles and provides an intense workout.

Kick-boxing
• Burns fat
• Builds muscle
• Builds aerobic stamina
• Needs coordination

Kickboxing can be contact or non-contact exercise session. It involves kicking and punching moves. This exercise class needs great coordination and power to keep up with the fast changing drills and routines. As the routine picks up speed, the heart rate rises and the workout becomes cardiovascular.

Yoga
• Increases flexibility
• Tones muscles
• Improves blood circulation
• Is therapeutic
• Can build aerobic stamina

Yoga is a fantastic way to improve suppleness, strength and de-stress the mind. It improves blood flow around the body through holding postures and controlled breathing techniques. Yoga can be challenging, relaxing or simply therapeutic. It also brings mind-body awareness.

Pilates
• Builds core strength
• Increases flexibility
• Tones muscle
• Needs coordination

Pilates concentrates primarily on developing strong stomach and back muscles. It improves posture and flexibility. All the movements aim to develop core strength, but it is not effective as a fat burning exercise form.

Tai chi
• Increases flexibility
• Needs coordination
• Increases mind-body connection and awareness

This is an ancient Chinese exercise characterized by slow, graceful movements. In Chinese philosophy, Chi is the energy force that gives the body vitality. Tai chi is almost like a meditative exercise form the emphasis is on inner strength.

Body pump
• Builds muscle
• Tones the body

This workout uses body weight and an adjustable barbell to increase the intensity of the exercises. The exercises used are varied but include squats, bench press, shoulder press, bicep curls and lunges. This workout involves quickly moving from one controlled exercise to another. It shapes, tones and defines the entire body.

Aqua-aerobics
• Burns fat
• Builds aerobic strength and stamina
• Tones muscle
• Increases flexibility

The resistance of water makes this workout so effective. The body is lighter in water so there is far less stress on the joints. The aerobic session involves dynamic movements against the waters resistance to increase the heart rate. Floats and paddle are added to increase resistance.

Tags: aerobics exercise, body pump exercise, exercise directory, kick-boxing exercise, pilates exercise, spinning exercise, tai chi exercise, yoga exercise

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 at 10:26 am and is filed under Health Update. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.