What do you think?

OK, so I plucked up the courage to go to the local gym and ask about exercise classes. And all my (irrational) fears that they would turn round and laugh at me and say what the heck is a big fat lump like you doing even thinking about exercise classes (I told you it was irrational), the girl on reception was very nice and understanding when I explained that I am a complete beginner. So my question is, they didn't have kick boxing but three other classes that I've never heard of before. Have you heard of them? Which one of the below do you think I should do or would you do? Bodypump ~ burns up 600 cals per class, improves strength, improves general fitness, shapes & tones muscles, improves bone density Bodycombat ~ improves heart & ling function, tones & shapes key muscle groups, burns calories (doesn't say how many), improves coordination & agility, improves bone density, improves psoture & core strength Bodyattack ~ burns lots of calories for a leaner body, tones & shapes body, raise overall fitness & stamina for high energy sports like tennis or soccer, improves coordination & agility, makes stronger through core conditioning work, improve bone health & density, increase heart & lung capacity through full body cardio workout. See, they all overlap and sound similar - I'm so confused.......please help a beginner

beware of any class that tells you how many calories you'll burn, it's not a guarantee but merely an estimate. For myself i'd go for them in this order and i'm not sure why: body combat body attack body pump I went dancing last night, Loved it and will start going again! ANDI

Thanks Good for you for dancing again!!

Well the core conditioning is very important so I would pick one that works on core. Body pump sounds really good because of the improved strength and toning. boby combat and body attack both mention core which is good.. The main thing you want to do is build muscle.. with strenght training. I know everyone talks about cardio but it isnt always the best. I will tell you why that is not to say you shouldnt do it .. you should. Strengthen builds muscle.. the more muscle you have the more calories you burn during resting phases.. that means.. during regular activities you will burn calories because the body needs more calories to maintain muscle. Cardio burns calories right than.. so you burn X amount of calories for doing the activity. when you are done with cardio the extra calories stop burning. So the idea here is to one.. do cardio everyday to burn some of the calories you eat, but be careful not to add more calories to you diet because you are doing cardio.. it cancels out the whole point of doing it. Secondly and most importantly you want to build some muscle through strenght training. This allows you to raise your metabolism and continue to burn calories all the time, plus you get some cute little muscles that you will love. So which one would I pick.. they are not that clear about the actual exercise.. I think I would try the body pump as it has strenght in it. And you can always do more than one kind.. some may be to tough at first til you build up some stanima.. Hope this long mess helps Ruth.. good luck.. I know you can do it.