The most popular New Year’s resolutions consistently revolve around exercise, fitness, and health. This year, set yourself up for success by understanding more about what makes a good exercise program and what fun (yes, I said fun!) options for exercise in Birmingham there are!
There are four main types of exercise: strength, aerobic, flexibility, and balance. All four are important to your overall health, and many exercise programs incorporate more than one, or maybe even all, of them. Below, I’ve broken down each type of exercise to give you a better idea of what each one looks like and what types of workouts typically focus on that aspect of your health. This list is just a start to help you find exercise programs that you will love and that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
For any type of exercise, if you have medical conditions or physical limitations that might increase your risk of injury, consult your doctor before beginning. If you feel lost trying exercises on your own, consider taking a class led by a professional, hiring a personal trainer, or working out with that friend who loves the gym.
1. Strength
Although it is often overlooked by women, strength training is so important! In addition to helping you carry car seats and lift toddlers, strength training builds muscle mass to decrease bone loss and the risk of osteoporosis as you age, aid in weight management, decrease joint pain, improve posture, and lower blood sugar.
Exercises to Try:
Barre classes at barre3 or Pure Barre
Boot Camps like Burn Bootcamp and Orange Theory
Boxing or Martial Arts at places like Battle Republic or Fight Club Fitness
Classes and resistance training at Community Recreation Centers in Homewood, Hoover, Pelham, Vestavia Hills
Classes and resistance training at large centers with exercise and family programs, like The YMCA or Lifetime Fitness
Females in Action (FiA,) free, peer-led workouts that meet at many times and locations
2. Aerobic
Aerobic exercise is exercise that increases your heart rate. It can have many positive effects including weight management, decreased blood pressure and inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, improved mood, and lower rates of some cancers. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise can include running, jogging, swimming, biking, and dancing.
Exercises to Try:
Boot Camps like Burn Bootcamp and Orange Theory
Classes, pools, running tracks, and tennis courts at Community Recreation Centers in Homewood, Hoover, Pelham, Vestavia Hills
Classes, pools, running tracks, and tennis courts large centers with exercise and family programs, like The YMCA or Lifetime Fitness
Females in Action (FiA,) free, peer-led workouts that meet at many times and locations
Pickleball at a nearby court
Biking, Walking, Running, or Hiking on nearby trails
Zumba or Dance Aerobics
3. Flexibilty
Stretching lengthens your muscles and improves flexibility. Flexibility helps you keep up with your kids without injuring yourself. Flexibility also helps decrease pain, maintain your range of motion, and continue daily activities, like bending down to tie your shoes, well into your later years. There are many stretches you can easily do at home, and all exercise programs should include some stretching in a warm up or cool down routine.
Exercises to Try:
Barre classes at barre3 or Pure Barre
4. Balance
Improving and maintaining your balance is especially important as you become older. Good balance can prevent falls and keep you active longer. Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi focus on balance, but many fitness programs incorporate exercises that can strengthen your core muscles in your abdomen, back, and pelvis, which are the main muscles you need to be strong in order to maintain your balance.
Exercises to Try:
Barre classes at barre3 or Pure Barre
