Weight training also supports your joint structure which is a major prevention for future joint problems with knees, shoulders, and back. For instance, the main vertebral column’s support is our back muscles. As we age and muscles atrophy (without use), the support of the column becomes weaker. The spine can begin to compress on nerves and disks wear away. Weight training will build the back muscles and continue to support the spine. This can help prevent or avoid many back imbalances and injuries.

A common trait among individuals who make and keep healthy lifestyle changes is that they have a strong network of friends, family, places, and programs that they can rely on to keep them motivated and inspired to help them in their participation and continued success. Many people think that if they fall of the wagon, if they don’t achieve success fast and easy, or if they become bored and monotonous, they should just quit. Healthy people who have developed life long weight control and good health have developed HABITS. They all have excellent support systems to help them along the way.

If you haven’t been to a group fitness class in a while, you may be surprised to find the fun factor is now part of the fitness experience.   The fitness industry seems to be integrating all types of dance, sports, and health concepts to blend together an experience that will not only offer a great workout but also bring in the fun factor to exercise.

Whatever you are looking to accomplish you can find classes that will help you meet your goals.  Whether you’re looking to get stretched and become more flexible, tone your body, challenge your mind, strengthen your heart or build your bone density, the new generation of group fitness classes will pleasantly surprise you in the creative approaches these classes are offering up.  

Top eight fun and fabulous classes happening at Fit Behavior and around the world:

1. Zumba- Is a fusion of Latin and International music that creates a dynamic, exciting, and effective work out.  Easy to follow and fun to do! http://www.wfsb.com/video/19251513/index.html
2. Belly Dance Fusion- The focus of this class is to improve abdominal and core muscles as well as work up a sweat to burn calories. Belly dancing has been around for centuries and now is being offered in the fitness world as a fun alternative.  http://www.wfsb.com/video/19065706/index.html
3. Chair-licious- Ladies get ready to start the hottest workout! Tone your body, increase your self-confidence, lose weight, improve your relationship, self expression, and overall empowerment.   You don’t need dance experience! http://www.wfsb.com/video/19515728/index.html
4. Boot Camp Kick Classes- Utilizing kicks and punches to tone and condition your muscles and punch your stress away.
5. Yoga Flow Fitness- Creative eclectic blends of many yogic traditions and styles. In this class, you will strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, ease lower back pain and improve breathing capacity and stamina.
6. Hot Iron-A time saving group weight training class in a half hour. Great full body work-out! High reps will ultra tone your body.
7. African Dance Drumming-highly energetic and playful African Dance moves to keep you in shape and fit.
8. Total Body Toning Pilates-Cross-training techniques using resistance bands, weights, and Pilates moves to improve muscular strength and body toning.

Come to Fit Behavior in Avon or Rocky Hill to try a class for free (new clients only).  Our class schedule can be viewed at http://www.fitbehavior.com/classes-rocky-hill.php. Another cool benefit of Fit Behavior’s classes is that there are no monthly or membership fees.  You can sign up for one class a week or six classes a week. Pay only for what you choose to participate in. 

What ever class you choose to have fun with, the focus on weight loss is foremost in many people’s minds.  Join me next week when I discuss factors that will help improve your chances at losing weight and getting in shape.