We’re waving “hello” to sweater weather and “goodbye” to bikini season. Unfortunately, it’s during this wardrobe shift that most people find themselves gaining weight. But, don’t worry. In this post we’ll go over how you can use these top exercise classes to keep your shape during winter.
But it’s not just about the holiday food. In the winter months, you might lack the motivation to make it to the gym. Who wants to go out when it’s so cold outside? After all, if you’re hiding underneath big, cozy sweaters, a few extra pounds don’t really matter, right?
Unfortunately, it’s not just about the weight gain. Watching yourself lose progress can negatively affect your mood. Not to mention, the heavy food and lack of exercise can make you feel sluggish. It can put a damper on your winter mood.
Exercise releases endorphins, which make you happier. Exercise is also a stress-reliever and positively affects your mood. You’ll see changes in your body that make you feel strong and powerful.
We recommend using these top exercise classes to keep your shape during winter. Exercise classes are great because they’re a short 1-hour commitment. Your class teacher will make sure you get your sweat in during that hour and then you’re done! No standing around or wasting time.
Additionally, working out in a group can help you stay motivated. If you’re struggling to get to the gym, knowing that you have a fun class to get to helps. Check out the classes we recommend for these difficult winter months.
1. Yoga
Yoga is great for people of all fitness levels. The practice ranges from “gentle flow” for those of you who are new to the practice and/or might be a bit out of shape, all the way to “advanced” for those of you who have gone been practicing yoga for a while.
If you haven’t practiced in a while, it’s always good to start with a beginner’s class and go over the basics.
Additionally, yoga is great for improving your balance and flexibility. Get in the mood with these yoga for balance workouts. There’s a beginner and an intermediate version. The workouts are harder than they seem, so don’t be frustrated if you can’t get all the poses at first.
2. Kickboxing
Kickboxing is the perfect class to warm you up when it’s freezing outside. It’s fast-paced, challenging, and provides a great cardio workout!
Although this may already be a good enough reason for you to give the class a try, there are many other reasons kickboxing should become part of your winter.
First of all, it’s great for your body. It not only provides cardio, but it also helps you gain muscle like weightlifting does. That’s right! Kickboxing combines resistance training and cardio. Talk about a handful of benefits!
Also, similar to yoga, kickboxing is great for your mind. It’s the perfect way to really release any extra tension, or anger, or just energy–even positive energy! The class is super upbeat and fun, and definitely something everyone should try at least once.
We have to great workouts you can try if you want to check out kickboxing on your own first. This Kickboxing Challenge has two video workouts you can follow. And our Wonder Woman Workout is one of our most fun, upbeat cardio routines. It’ll have you kick and punch your way to a superhero body.
3. Spin
Looking to get in some cardio without going for a run in the snow or falling asleep on the treadmill? Then Spin Class is for you!
You’re sure to forget that it’s even cold outside when you start sweating up a storm during this great workout, and the class is anything but boring. Spin is known for having upbeat encouraging instructors and fun motivating music. It’s an excellent option for when you feel like an intense workout.
Spinning not only acts as a great cardiovascular workout, but it’s also a good way to build endurance. Not to mention, the resistance bikes provide a good way to strengthen lower body muscles.
4. Zumba
Studies show that Zumba is a great mood booster, which can be very powerful during the cold, darker winter months, especially for those with Seasonal Depression Disorder. However, that’s not all the class boosts.
Taking a Zumba Class will also boost your metabolism, your endurance, and your coordination! Grab some friends and warm up the fun way: by taking a Zumba class together! You can also try out some Zumba videos at home first.
5. Pilates
Pilates is a great way to build core strength, tone the entire body, and improve flexibility. Taking a Pilates Class is, therefore, the perfect way to maintain that summer bod that you worked so hard for.
Drawing heavily from gymnastics and yoga, Pilates puts a lot of focus on developing a strong core, control, and stability. It’s a challenging workout that focuses on strength and balance rather than cardio.
For example, Pilates 100 exercise is a common move that challenges your abdominal muscles to hold your body up. It looks easy, but a few beats will leave your middle burning.
Whatever workout you choose to do, what matters most is that you keep moving throughout these cold winter months. Throw on some workout clothes underneath those sweaters and coats and get yourself to the gym.
You don’t have to undo months worth of work in just a few short weeks. If you find yourself low on motivation, try one of these top workout classes sure to keep your body fit! Let us know in the comments which of these classes is your favorite or if there’s another one that keeps you going during the winter.
