Cardio classes are not just for folks with a background in dance or people who can run marathons. Anyone can learn if they invest the time. It is well worth the effort. Get off the treadmill and give a class a try. A class setting has a whole different dynamic--full of energy and friends that support you. And it is FUN! When was the last time you told a friend how fun an hour on a treadmill was?

Do not let the fear of "not-knowing-how" keep you from trying. Keep in mind that even Lance Armstrong had to start out on a tricycle, like the rest of us, before he worked up to the Tour de France!

CheckTips for Beginners if you are just starting a fitness program!

Interval Blast  Interval training implements a series of timed workout bursts interspaced with short recovery periods (still working but able to catch your breath). The timed “work” & rest” periods allows for a greater calorie burn because the body is able to keep working harder throughout the class. If you have hit a plateau in your workouts, interval training is an excellent way to push past it. This class uses the Step platform but “step patterning” is not used—the intervals are basic athletic moves, no fancy foot work. Instructions providing varying modifications of each exercise performed will be given for beginners, intermediate and advanced participants. Ab work is included at the end of class. A great class for those who want a truly athletic workout!

Step H.E.A.T  This a choreographed Step Aerobics class designed to be fun and to burn a lot of calories...sort of like "Zumba" on a platform. "Stepping" is a great way to burn a lot of calories in a short time period and very effective for shaping the legs! The "H.E.A.T." portion of class is "High-Energy-Aerobic-Training" and comes into play in the form of short bursts of high intensity aerobic intervals  designed to build strength & endurance. Intervals are a great way to burn more calories in a short period of time.

If you are new to "Step" read the Tips for Beginners section to help you through the initial learning curve. Patterns are broken down into bite-sized pieces to make patterns easy to put together. Repetition is used to help newcomers learn the movements and terminology (ex. Vee-step, mambo cha cha...).
Intermediate to advanced "steppers' can layer complex moves over simpler moves (ex. one 8-count "Pendulum" done over two 4-count "Basics").

If knee issues ae a concern, the class can easily be done WITHOUT a step platform.

Diva Step  This is an intermediate to advanced Step class designed for the Step enthusiast who likes challenging choreographed patterns.

Cardio/BOSU Boot Camp Don't let the name scare you--the only part of you that should be scared should be fat cells! The exercise moves in this fat-blasting class are basic & athletic in nature--no choreographed patterns to learn. Moves like: jacks, lunges, squats, running in place, kickboxing moves...are performed as drills. Be sure to bring your water bottle!
Equipment used includes the BOSU. Step & weighted medicine balls. Modifications are given for each exercise so that all fitness levels can participate--beginner to advanced, Low-impact to high impact.

Some exercises are performed while standing on a BOSU. Because it is an unstable surface, the need to balance makes the core muscles (buttocks, low-back & abdominals) work harder. However, those not comfortable standing on a BOSU can do all the exercises standing on the floor until  they feel ready to give it a try--keeping in mind that the BOSU is not required and using it at all is an option.

Each drill is performed as an interval. Interval training is a great way to burn a LOT of calories and to blast past plateaus in weight loss and to increase aerobic endurance. Intervals are timed bouts of exercise--a "work" phase (2-3 minutes) that are pushed to a higher intensity level (which is why they are short) followed by a brief "rest" phase (30 sec-1 minute). The resting phases allows the body to work at a higher energy level for the duration of the class.

Cardio Drums I don't wanna work--just want to bang on the drum all day! Using a Fitball elevated on several risers and an actual pair of drumsticks, you lay down your own beat while bustin' a move to some powerful Thunderdrum music. Sounds silly? I thought so too until I tried my first class and was amazed at the intensity--not to mention the great upper body workout! It is sweaty, fat burning and FUN!  No rhythm required. Just a willingness to let your inner rock  star out!

This class tends to be intermediate to advanced and moves pretty quickly. Also, in order to reach the Fitballs of folks around you, this class is in a tighter formation and a working knowledge of "move" terminology (ex. mambo cha cha, Grapevine, etc.) will help you to stay in harmony with the folks around you. 

If you are completely new to any kind of exercise routine you may want to try out the other cardio classes first to familiarize yourself with the terminology of the moves before you attempt this one.

Low impact versions of higher impact "moves" are cued for those who want a good workout but may have issues  with thier knees, back, etc.