Does the thought of setting foot in a gym fill you with dread? The great news is there are lots of community classes in village halls all over the country. These can be much less intimidating than the  traditional big gyms. Community instructors are used to dealing with people from all walks of life and all fitness abilities, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions if you are not sure if a class would be right for you. These are some of the different classes you may find in your local area.

Pilates

Expect to be surprised by how much these harmless looking movements will challenge you! 

Originally named Contrology, it was developed as a form of rehabilitation for soldiers, and later, dancers. Expect a low impact workout which focuses on muscular control to work on strength, mobility and endurance. Usually largely floor based, although there can be standing elements, this is a full body workout with a particular emphasis on the core, posture and spinal/pelvic alignment. 

Zumba

Expect to shake your money maker! This is a dance based cardio and muscular endurance workout, mixing classic aerobic class moves and funky dance steps. Latin inspired tunes will lead you through a fun, sweaty workout that is great for relieving stress, burning a few extra calories and putting the fun factor into fitness. 

Boxercise

Expect to finish the session feeling ready to take on Anthony Joshua! This class uses boxing technique adapted for a fitness environment to make it safe, using pads and boxing gloves alongside cardio and bodyweight exercises. The format can be varied, incorporating games, fitness drills, circuits, pairs work and much more! It’s an amazing stress reliever, a great way to make new friends, have fun and feel empowered! 

Barre Workouts

Expect to channel your inner Prima Ballerina! This is a ballet inspired concept, also incorporating elements of Pilates and yoga, utilising a fixed handrail (barre), and using small precise movements to build strength, muscular endurance and muscular control throughout the whole body. A great one for helping to improve posture. Although low impact, it is still a challenging workout.

HIIT

Expect a high energy, full throttle blast! HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. Prepare for short bursts of maximum effort (10 -45 seconds), followed by rest periods. This type of workout really fires up the metabolism for a good calorie burn. Because it is such high intensity, classes will usually be 30-40 minutes maximum. HIIT training can take many formats, a typical class might include exercises like squats, high knees, push-ups and lunges, but it can also be done with weights, or on cardio equipment.

Yoga

Expect to feel relaxed, de-stressed
and stretched! There are lots of different types of yoga, but Vinyasa or Hatha are great for beginners. Expect a calm and relaxing environment, working with your breath to ease you into the various postures. Some floor, some standing, all are great for flexibility, balance, strength and mental health. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be flexible to do yoga, your teacher will be able to adapt the postures for all levels and abilities.