Spinning
Spinning was first introduced to gyms in the 1990s and is still one of the most popular classes. The classes use specialised static bicycles to provide a fast paced, fun session that gives a great workout for the legs.
Classes usually last around 45 minutes, during which participants are guided through the workout by the instructor. Motivated by carefully chosen music, riders are taken through a gentle warm up, after which the session becomes a virtual ride, imitating hills, sprints and interval training.
The great thing about spinning classes is that the level of intensity can be controlled by the individual. The resistance control is available for you to adjust and no one else is able to tell exactly how much resistance you have at anytime. Therefore, if you are really struggling and need to take it a little bit easier for a few minutes, you can loosen the resistance and get your breath back.
Spinning is one of the best exercises for developing cardiovascular fitness and the classes can be fun and enjoyable, as well as hard work!
Verdict
The ultimate calorie burning workout, and pedaling in time with the music makes the class fly by.
Zumba
Zumba Fitness describes itself as ‘a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance-fitness sensation!’
Zumba combines Latin beats with easy-to-follow dance moves to give a high tempo calorie-burning workout. Zumba was created by Columbian Alberto Perez, and incorporates many Latin dance moves like salsa, cha cha and hip-hop.
Zumba’s appeal has spread globally in the past few years, largely thanks to its fun and energetic nature. The dance moves are relatively simple and there are generally only three or four moves per song, so it’s easy to learn and requires little dance experience.
Zumba is typically done in large groups so if you enjoy exercising with other people then this is definitely one for you to try.
Verdict
It’s a great workout for people who enjoy dancing and Latin beats. 14,000,000 people in 185 countries are testament to its benefits.
Health status
If you are embarking on a fitness regime for the first time, or you are starting exercise again after a prolonged period of inactivity, it is important to have a doctor check your health status to ensure it is safe for you to begin.
Contributed by Hamad Medical Corporation
