Find Motivation with Group Exercise Classes

It's not easy to motivate yourself to work out at the gym several times a week. When all the motivation is coming from within, it's all too tempting to hit the snooze. When you do get there, you may not know all the machines or the proper way to use them. But any fitness plan that supports weight loss should incorporate some strength training and cardiovascular workouts.

Join a group exercise class to boost your motivation level. It will increase your accountability -- people will expect you to show up -- and if there is additional cost involved, that may encourage your participation also.

When I joined a gym, I would go and use the treadmill and elliptical, sometimes try a few of the weight machines, but I was reluctant to try any of the many classes they offered. I watched the yoga, cycling and spinning classes through the window, but never joined. Though I normally hit the gym after work, I was unable to one evening, so out of curiosity I checked the morning class schedule. In a rare moment of inspiration, I decided to try the early morning boot camp class. Imagine my surprise when I thoroughly enjoyed the workout, the motivation of the instructor and the camaraderie with the other students. That roomful of people totally energized me and gave me the boost I needed to do more repetitions than I thought possible. I began to look forward to my weekly early morning workout!

Maybe you are motivated but you don't know what class to take. I've listed a few suggestions below which most gyms offer in a variety of levels:

1. Zumba• http://www.zumba.com/us/
A fun aerobic group exercise program that uses salsa and merengue dance moves.

2. Spinning• (or Cycling) http://www.spinning.com/
A very intensive cardiovascular workout in a classroom setting involving a stationary exercise bicycle and great music.

3. Boot Camp
A serious, military-style workout with push-ups, sprints, basic calisthenics, abdominal work and weight training. The results are usually rapid and dramatic.

4. Body Pump
BODYPUMP�¢ is the original barbell class with a 60-minute workout that challenges all your major muscle groups.

5. Kickboxing
A great workout with actual boxing moves such as jabs, hooks and uppercuts and a series of kicks. It also includes jump roping and abdominal work.

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