Group Exercise Class Descriptions

There is often a confusion and the the content of aerobic classes with the class names changing over the years.  Here follows a few key classes and content for both group exercise instructors and clients.

Firstly, arguably the most attended would be ;

The conditioning class or also known as body conditioning, toning or shape class.

These classes consist typically of light weighted dumbbells for high repetition movements to tone the entire body. In recent years, we have incorporated the Step, Bosu and almost any available equipment including mats and also using body weight itself. Think of the ‘Jane Fonda ‘type classes which were mainly attended by woman in their g string leotards, tights and leg warmers. We have progressed from there but her exercises are still very effective and these classes are no longer targeted only at woman but for young and not so young as well as for men. We have also incorporated more function, multi dimensional and directional movements to attempt to get the most out of a 55-minute session.

Step classes

I still remember the year these arrive at our shore.  We had no idea how to use them and I remember a gentleman stacking 7 blocks under each end (these were the original steps with square blocks that could tower up). I landed doing up to sometimes 6 or 7 classes a day, as fast as possible, throwing the arms around.  I have the injuries to prove it. 

That said, Step has stood the test of time. Initially the classes were all about choreography, basically a dance routine on/ over / around the step.  The classes progressed to a point that we had to label them for orientation, beginners, intermediate and the wonderfully elite advanced guys.This proved to be too much for most people who attended class for an interesting and enjoyable physical workout and not so much for a mental workout too.

Nowadays, the classes are simply labelled ‘Step’ where we mainly find a beginner or intermediate load of choreography.The Step with weights (a very intensive cardio and conditioning combo) is more sought after. The Steps are also used in the above mentioned conditioning style classes, particularly for lunges and squats and also by Personal Trainers as a wonderful tool to use for cardio in between their strength repetitions.

Strength Training Classes

Also known as power pump or body pump style classes are the opposite style to our above mentioned conditioning classes. Here we use the heaviest weight possible with less repetitions and we are looking to work to exhaustion of a muscle group.  As the title states, it's used to increase strength which is beneficial for all. It is basically a full body workout as people would be performing on a weights floor.  We target each muscle group, designed in an order, for approximately 3,5 to around 5 minutes each. Clients who want to do strength training and don’t want to do it alone on the weights floor, or those that need posture and execution correction and those that need to be motivated, will attend these classes. Often, the ladies in our classes are afraid to use heavier weights or bars as they fear becoming to muscular. If we take a look at the competitive weight trainers, we see that using the heavy weights is only one part of their discipline.  To build that type of muscle takes hours of work(daily), very strict eating plan and a good helping of genetics.

It is very difficult to bulk with muscle as an average woman and building strength has a multitude of benefits.We will be posting more articles on this topic as well as more description of classes in the near future …