Like their leader, many haven’t stopped smiling and laughing since the class began. For a dance/aerobics class, the group’s choreography looks amazing. Still, the instructor isn’t satisfied. “Y’all didn’t get that easy step?” she laughs, presumably referring to the aforementioned “grapevine.” “We’ll do it one more time.” If hip-hop and funk aren’t your thing, don’t worry: Aerobics enthusiasts today have more choices than a couch potato with a satellite dish. You can still sign up for a traditional step, low-impact or high-impact/low-impact class, but if you want to learn some self-defense while you sweat, you can check out a cardio kickboxing class.

No more driving to the gym, waiting for equipment, over-crowded classes and expensive fees. You can be your own personal trainer. Variety: As they say, Variety is the spice of life. The same is true for exercise. One of the reasons some people fail at fitness routines is because boredom sets in. Not a problem with the wide selection of different exercise programs available. Do step aerobics one day, maybe some kickboxing aerobics or yoga the next. The possibilities are endless and this is an excellent way to keep enthusiasm up and weight down! Confidence: Looking better and feeling healthy are directly tied into self-confidence and energy. If you know you look good, it shows in all aspects of your life. Having the body you want shows in your personality, how others see you and most importantly, the renewed vigor and attitude will carry over into all you do.

To build some muscle while doing your cardio, try circuit-training and body-sculpting classes that roll resistance and aerobic training into one continuous routine. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. None of these types of classes is inherently better or worse than others; it depends on where you’ve been and where you want to go. “If you used to run track or play basketball, you should probably try something like a high-low class, which entails a lot of running and jumping,” she explains. “On the other hand, if you aren’t a dancer or a ‘movement’ person, I wouldn’t recommend a funk or a hip-hop class, at least not initially. It’d be confusing and you probably wouldn’t get a good workout.”