The Exercise Classes You Really Should Be Taking

Looking for workouts that really make a difference? Check out the best exercise classes for you.

Which gym class is right for you?

Cycle class – Nottingham Trent University on Flickr / Via Flickr: nottinghamtrentuni

For those who have just joined a gym for the first time, making sense of the class schedule can sometimes prove a bit of a struggle. From the huge selection on offer to the confusing terminology, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

But don't give up – group fitness classes are an excellent way to get in shape, particularly if you're new to exercise or have a narrow window of time in which to work out. They're also great for introducing some variety into your fitness routine, avoiding boredom, and motivating youto complete even the toughest workout.

If you're puzzled as to which gym class is best for you, start by considering your fitness goals – what do you want to achieve from your workout? Different classes suit different needs, so choose one that will help you get the results you want. We've highlighted some common workout goals below, along with the classes that best help achieve them – using examples offered by our Vitality partner, Virgin Active:

To lose weight:

Losing weight requires you to use more calories than you consume, so if this is your chief gym goal, try to choose a class that maximises calorie burn. Generally this involves aerobic exercise – which is also great for improving cardiovascular health – coupled with some light resistance training to build muscle, which burns more calories than fat even when at rest.

If you're planning to do resistance training separately, try simple Aerobics or Step, or choose a Cardio Mix class if an hour of doing one activity seems too much to bear. Otherwise look for a class such as Body Attack, which combines traditional aerobics with upper and lower-body toning.

To make your workout feel less like exercise and more like a party, try one of the numerous dance classes on offer – from trendy Zumba and Bokwa to Ballroom, Belly Dance and Street, there's something for every taste and level of ability.

To firm and tone:

Strength training is the key to chiselled muscles, but don't forget the cardio – you won't be able to see your hard work if it's buried under a layer of fat. Look for fast-paced conditioning classes that will challenge your heart and lungs even as they firm you up –think Body Conditioning or Body Pump for an all-over workout, or classes such as Kinesis (which uses cables) or BURN 360º (which balances stretching and toning) to build long, lean muscles.

For speedy results, try a Power Plate class – these vibrating platforms are said to break down fat cells and accelerate results, so you can get firmer, quicker. Or if you're worried about particular trouble areas, look for a class that focuses on that body part – for example, V-Core will tighten your abs and improve your posture, while V-Row is great for your back and upper body.

To relax and rebalance:

Exercise is one of the best ways to unwind after a stressful day, and there are plenty of classes that can help you blow off some steam. For those who simply want to slow down and centre their minds, Ashtanga Yoga focuses on posture, flexibility and breathing, while Pilates strengthens the core and elongates the spine – perfect for those who have been sitting at a computer all day and need a good stretch. Or try a class such as Body Balance, which fuses elements of tai chi, yoga and pilates with music for a total mind-body experience.

If de-stressing for you means burning off some nervous energy, try a high-energy martial arts class, such as Kickboxing, Punch or Body Combat – you can literally punch and kick your worries away.

To go easy on your joints:

Looking to burn calories and tone up, without added pressure on your joints? Choose low-impact classes designed to take the weight off. Pool-based classes such as Aqua aerobics and Aqua Zumba are perfect, as the buoying effect of the water makes movement easier on your joints. Alternately, try a spinning-style class such as Group Cycle or RPM, as your joints bear less weight when you're sitting on an indoor exercise bike.

For a bit of everything in one easy package:

Pressed for time and want to strengthen, tone and burn calories, all in one ultra-intense session? Try a military-inspired Bootcamp class for bodyweight exercises coupled with fast-paced functional cardio, or get on the HIIT (high intensity interval training) bandwagon with a class such as Puma HIIT, HIT- Circuit or twentyfour – all of which deliver major calorie burning and focused toning in short, high-impact class.

Tell us what your favourite fitness class is and what has worked well for you.