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As winter begins drawing to a close and warm weather is just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting yourself beach body ready. While making sure that your nutrition game is on point is vital, working on your overall fitness and exercising is too. Not only will it help you get in shape for summer, but it’ll also provide a nice distraction from the stresses of everyday life, plus it’s an excuse to get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather and open you up to the possibility of making new friends in a fun environment. So without further adieu, here are a few must-try workout classes this spring.
Pole Dancing
Forget what you think of when you hear the words pole and dancing together. This workout is no longer clear heels and skimpy outfits. OK, maybe still skimpy outfits, but they’re of the workout not the booty-popping variety. At gym’s across the nation woman are toning their bodies and getting an incredible cardio workout through pole dancing. Not only will this challenging fitness class tone your upper body, abs and legs, it has the additional benefit of making each participant feel more confident and powerful — harnessing their sensuality in a way that feels safe, judgment-free and fun. Not to mention who doesn’t love shaking it to some great, sexy jams?
Spinning
Over the last 10 years, spinning has taken the fitness world by storm. With franchises like SoulCycle and FlyWheel more popular than ever before, spinning is a true go-to in the cardio space. But more than just getting your heart rate up, spinning does wonders in strengthening arms and abs through coordinated movements and isolation techniques. Spinning is also great if a fast-paced fitness class is your jam. One word of advice: Music truly makes a difference. So be sure to choose your class and instructor wisely so that you fully enjoy the experience with incredible tunes.
Bootcamp
From the music to the energy, spinning can be very enjoyable for a lot of people. We’re not too sure the same could be said for bootcamp classes. Now don’t get us wrong, they are incredibly effective and will torch upwards of 600 calories in a single session, but trust us when we say you work for every single one of those calories. Bootcamp classes are meant to work almost every inch of your body through a variety of cardio and strength training moves. You might feel like you’ve been hit by a truck afterwards, but the results are well worth it.
Barre
Is the fast pace of spinning and bootcamp not really your thing? Then might we suggest trying your hand at barre. Barre is a workout that is largely inspired by ballet moves, with all the action centered around a handrail (barre). With a high importance placed on strength training, barre is an incredible workout if you’re looking to really isolate and tone various body parts. Aside from improving posture, increasing flexibility and the aforementioned toning benefits, Barre’s calming vibe is a nice break from a stressful day at the office.
Aerial Silks
In a similar vein to barre, one class that we absolutely can’t say enough good things about is aerial silks. Haven’t heard of it? Allow us to explain: Inspired by circus and other show performers, this workout uses silk fabric suspended from the ceiling to create an experience where participants climb, twirl, flip and dance while airborne. Focusing on building upper and lower body, as well as ab strength this workout is interesting, exciting and very different.
Boxing
Feeling like tapping into your inner badass? Then boxing might just be the workout for you. High-intensity, high-impact and a fantastic stress reliever, boxing will get your heart rate up and make you sweat off the calories in no time. Whether you’re more of a kickboxing girl or looking to get into more of a boxing/martial arts specialty like Muay Thai, this is definitely the workout choice for anyone who really wants to ditch the pounds quickly.
Rowing
You might know rowing as that cardio machine that doesn’t get nearly as much use as the treadmill, elliptical and stairclimber. But trust us when we say it’s just as effect even though you’re sitting down. We’ve become a big fan of group rowing classes that allow you row to the beat of great music with other people looking to get in shape. The pull and release movements of rowing do wonders for your core, as well as your arms.
Surfing
Looking for an interesting new class, allow us to suggest surfing. And no, you don’t need to live near a beach to try this workout. Cities across the nation, at Crunch gyms as well as private studios, have jumped on board and exploited the fitness benefits of surfing. From incredible core and lower body control to improving balance, surfing is a fun, low-impact way of getting in shape. And not for nothing, it’s very appropriate as a build up to summer.
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Hip-Hop Yoga
Now let us preface this with the fact that we’re not the biggest of yoga fans. We’ve taken our share and sometimes there’s only so many tree poses before you’re bored out of your mind. Yoga can really drag and be a little too down-tempo for our liking. But just like a good spinning class, sometimes it’s all about the music. So allow us to introduce hip-hop yoga. Set to music that isn’t as boring as traditional yoga, this class has a sexier and more modern vibe that still gives you an incredible toning workout and has the added benefits of improving posture, stretching muscles and much more.
Dance
Maybe you’re not the workout type. We get it, it’s not for everyone. So perhaps the answer to finding the right exercise for you could lie in taking a fun dance class. Whether looking to try your toes at ballet or want something a little more high-energy like hop-hop, dance is a great way of getting your heart rate up, strengthening your core and working on overall flexibility.
Pound
This is definitely one of the more unique suggestions on our list. Created by two female drummers, Pound utilizes weighted sticks in a cardio-centric and interval training based routine that will torch the calories. Featured at Crunch gyms across the country, Pound is the perfect workout for those looking for a high-intensity exercise class that keeps the music pumping and the energy high. Not to mention the awesome stress relief that comes from air drumming it out.
Trapeze
If you’re looking for a little thrill-seeking and a great workout, then perhaps a trapeze class is right up your alley. Aside from the obvious fun of being flung through the air (safely, of course), these classes help to build arm strength and general flexibility. And of course, we love the opportunity to mix up our fitness routine with something as unique as this.
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Paddleboarding
Similar in overall feel to our surfing suggestion, paddleboarding is also a great way to get your body beach ready in the weeks to come. While it may not seem like the most exciting workout available, we love it because it is something that virtually anyone can do. And it’s low-impact, while still being an effective way of toning your body.
Pilates
This one is an oldie, but definitely a goodie. Pilates looks deceptively simple in its slow and deliberate movements, but trust us when we say it’s quite the challenge. Every move in a pilates class is meant to to really hone in on the muscle used. Usually timing out around 45 minutes, pilates classes are a must-try for anyone looking to really strength their bodies. Sure you’ll burn some calories, but this class is all about the toning.
Run Clubs
Sometimes keeping it simple is the best and most effective way to go. Nothing makes us happier as a good run on a beautiful day, but sometimes it can be a challenge if you’re going at it alone. So might we suggest finding a run club to join. Not only will you be more motivated to get outdoors, but you’ll also get to meet and hang out with people who share your interest. Sounds like a win-win to us.
