I'm looking to tone up this summer and found a small gym that offers all three classes. I'm just not sure which one will be right for me. I don't need to lose any weight, but want to tone and tighten. I'm not very athletic or coordinated, but I do cardio on my treadmill 5 days a week and core exercises days a week. Has anyone ever taken any of these types of classes? What did you like or not like about them?
I think kettlebells would be best for muscle tone. It's a fun weight workout that is different due to the kettlebell shape. I love kickboxing, but haven't taken boxing, and I find pilates boring.
I don't know about the other two, but I have a fair bit of experience w/ Pilates. It is great for muscle toning and lengthening. If you choose that route, I would inquire about the training of the instructor. My experience is that most Pilates instructors at gyms have very limited actual Pilates training and either do the moves incorrectly or just do 8 million different styles of crunches and call it Pilates because it is core work. Your gym might have an instructor that is good at Pilates, but I'd check before diving into it.
Can you try one of each? Or do you have to pick a class and stick with it? I've done some of each and get something different out of each type of exercise.
They're in the process of looking for a new instructor for the kettlebell class, so if they can't find anyone with a week or so, I might to try the boxing. After speaking with one of the personal trainers there, I don't think pilates is for me. I don't like yoga and according the the PT I wouldn't be happy with pilates. I really just want something that will shake up my exercise routine and get me in fighting shape for my brother's wedding in Sept.
NC- what did you like about each class? I've always worked out on my own so the idea of a class is a little intimidating.