Fitness classes can help keep weight off

It's the holiday season. For most Americans that means indulging in our customary favorites: cookies, candies, green bean casserole, stuffing, gravy, pie and eggnog -- delicious!

These traditional goodies may be great for our taste buds, but there is a problem. According to the Calorie Control Council, the average holiday meal consists of more than 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat. This is why the average American gains from two to six pounds over the holiday season.

There are ways to prevent this from happening to you. Advance meal and portion control planning, along with extra movement and exercise during the holidays can help keep the extra pounds away.

When considering what type of exercise to do, keep in mind group exercise. Group exercise and fitness classes have been part of the YMCA programming for many years. There are multiple benefits to participating in group fitness classes.

• First, group classes promote social interaction and a sense of belonging that develops from frequent participation, which can be very motivating.

• Second, group fitness classes encompass all areas of fitness. In one class participants target the many aspects of fitness. Flexibility, endurance, cardio respiratory and strength training all can be addressed.

• Third, group fitness classes offer a variety of exercise types. Both branches of the Woodson YMCA offer classes for all fitness levels and abilities. So whether you are a veteran participant or a beginner, we have classes that will fit your needs. We offer traditional cardio and step aerobics classes as well as an expanded list that includes core strengthening, indoor cycling, kickboxing, NIA, boot camp, and strength training specific classes. We also offer classes for karate, tae kwon do, ballroom dance, Middle Eastern belly dancing, Women and Wellness, pilates, yoga, and Piyo -- a combination of pilates and yoga --for a fee to both members and nonmembers of the YMCA.

• Lastly, the group fitness setting gives individuals the ability to try something new in a very safe, controlled environment. The instructors are there to help, to answer questions and to make attending a class a positive experience.

If you are thinking about beginning an exercise program or stepping up your existing program, consider trying or adding a group fitness class. A schedule of classes and class descriptions are available at both Woodson YMCA branches, or call Melissa at 845-2177, ext. 130, for more information.

Melissa Matteson is health and wellness director at the Woodson YMCA.

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