Gym Fitness for Women

How many group fitness classes should i take a week?

I just joined the gym and in my membership i get the group fitness classes free well im really interested in this because it will give me motivation they offer a wide range of classes i want to do body balance, body combat, and body pump. They go for an hr each is 3 classes a week enough to loose weight? I will also be using the gym. I want to do this on top of my swimming which is usually 15 hrs a week I used to be a gymnsist and train 20 hrs a week... for 10 years. I feel so slugish sense im not doing as much and i want something to do! it not that im anxious or anything i just miss my workouts and wanted something to keep me fit occupied and get my body back to its sporty self

Public Comments

1. Do whatever you feel like you can handle, you already have a GREAT head start.
2. If you are using the gym and doing swimming then I would only do a class once or twice a week. I wouldn't do a class like body pump or body combat the same day as the gym or swimming because they are really good workouts on there own!! You don't want to burn out. Hope that helps
3. This isn't just about losing weight I presume. It's about getting exersize and feeling more fit, more energy. I would say 3x a week. It evens out. You could even rotate if you felt up to it. 3x a week one week, 4x next week. If you feel that's too much, keep it at 3x or drop it down to 2x the next week then go back to 3.
4. just keep in mind that overtraining also has negative consequences. so 15 hours swimming, gymwork and three group classes all in one week's time? speak with one of the trained instructors at the gym.
5. My mother is a personal trainer and aerobics instructor and recommends that for the first few weeks (if you're unfit or have never done group fitness classes before) to attend one class per week and gradually build up to your goal, whatever that may be. However, she also says that a person should do no more than 2 classes per day for there is a risk of muscle/joint injuries and exhaustion. Some people lose weight easier than others so you may need to do more, or less classes to achieve your weight goals. There is no straight foward answer but in general, any exercise is good for you (as i'm sure you know!). However, 3 classes per week in my opinion is good. Also, remember that up to 80% of weightloss is achieved by a healthy diet, so look and see if your diet needs improving as well.
6. I reckon get as many in of different types as you can and stick with the ones you really enjoy.
7. Three classes is advisable, take these on routinely above your other activities but stay at that level for now until you feel assured that you maybe able to go further. Dont take on more now, there would be a high risk factor of injury and if it became as it possible could, too much - by starting so many from where you are now- you may feel the impact on your motivation and for someone who currently has bags of that obviously, you could find that detrimental to your goals. Very best of luck and build up to what you wish, not grab at it with no careful preperation.
8. I find one per week is enough for me. My fitness trainer is a freak and she overdoes the workout leaving you sore each time. No good when you can't walk - come on, we all have to function outside of fitness.. One class per week for me, then outside of that I just walk for 40 mins per day, or do a workout from my dvd player and do some handweights. That helps me achieve what I want for fitness without overdoing things. It depends on the person. Most of my energy is taken up with work, so too much fitness wears me out. if your a stay at home Mum, then maybe more classes would work better?
9. I'd say three is alright if you think you can handle it. Don't do the class then go into the gym though, you'll be too tired to do the majority of your workout. The swimming might be alright, as swimming is basically no impact. I'd say seperate them from each other though, for instance do your class in the morning and then swim in the afternoon or night or vice versa. Alot will depend on the times of the classes. The same thing may work for class and gym workout just don't do them one after another as you'll be too tired and lose motivation.
10. This is a good combo actually. Body Combat is cardio, Pump is your toning (go light the first few weeks or you're not going to be able to walk) and Balance os good for relaxtion and streching. Have fun, enjoy yourself, keepig fit is way more important...
11. Good lord, 15 hours a week swimming? So a couple of hours per day 7 days a week? I wish I was that motivated - you're a star! The 3 classes you're talking about are great and will help you tone up and lose weight. Combat really gets your heart rate up, pump is great for the muscles and balance will help your flexibility and core strength. The swimming is great cardio which will definitely help weight loss. Don't do too much at the gym, maybe one session a week. Have a great time!