Calling all fitness experts....

[TerriB]

I have decided to start going to exercises classes whilst my dd is at nursery to try and get rid of all my saggy bits!!!! I have got the brochure from my local sports centre about what classes they do, and it's confusing me a bit (I'm a bit slow - I know!!) What is 'low-impact' and high-impact' exercise? And what would be the best thing to start with for someone who as done absolutely NO sport since leaving school about 12 years ago!!!!

Talk to the instructors who take the classes and if you intend going to the gym invest in a personal instructor for a couple of sesions - expensive but worth it. Alternatively, they should offer induction training so make a pest of yourself and ask their advice regularly - it's their job. I'd recommend walking on a gradient on a treadmill, slow cycling etc to get your aerobic capacity up. Swimming is a great all round exercise for toning and you can swim aerobically alternating lengths with slower smims. Toning, start with small weights with reps and gradually build yourself up. Be v careful to stretch before and after exercising. Classes particularly good for post babies are Pilates, body conditioning, Swiss ball classes and, more generally aerobic classes - take it at your own level/speed. Kick boxing/Tae Bo is great but I'd wait until you feel a bit fitter. Power walking is also good - can do in the evenings at home and build up to gentle running.

Generally the impact level is referring to the impact the exercise has on the joints eg Step aerobics is usually defined as high because it is hard work on the knees etc.

Stuff like running is high impact, both feet leave the floor at the same time and your body is subject to 3 times the impact it would receive if you were walking.

Does your centre have anything with a name like 'Body Balance' ? These type of classes are supposed to be good for exercise 'virgins' but I'm sure other mumsnetters can give you more details - I'm more of a gym goer. You could always go down and have a look at a couple of classes to see if they appeal.

Good luck with whatever you decide to start !

Oops, crossed with Sykes and agree with what she's suggested, especially walking on a gradient on a treadmill as it improves your cardio-vascular system quite quickly and burns loads of calories without stressing your joints.

I think it depends on teh typ eof erson you are, some people like to throw themselves around a bit and really sweat in a class. Therefore areobic classes like step maybe best. If gentle streching and toning is preferred then teh body blance/pilates are better. My personal favourite is body pump which is weights and music (very very hard, but non sweaty).

Hi - thanks for your messages, I was thinking of going for Pilates for my posture plus one other more cardiovascular activity (aerobics or something), and from your comments I think I will give it a go. Please spare a thought for my aching limbs won't you?!

Foxhunting is great for the inner thighs

Are you on the wine too jasper

Jasper, do you mean fox? rider? or both?