Aerobics Expands to Krav Maga, Zumba, Yoga and More

New research by the institute shows that people who do 30 minutes of brisk exercise a day can cut their risk of heart attacks in half, Esquibel said.

"This could be a 10-minute brisk walk, three times a day," Esquibel said. "And brisk means breathing a little faster but still able to talk."

He suggests beginners find classes that offer easier levels so you can build up. He said Jazzercise, which combines dance, cardio and weight training is still a good overall workout.

Or mix it up: Take a spin class or Zumba and add yoga or Pilates.

"Yoga helps with balance and tightening those core muscles that keep you balanced," Esquibel said. "You may not think that's important, but a fall usually precedes death in women as they get older."

He said that before buying a pricey package of classes, people should sample different ones and find something they enjoy.

Aileen Levitt, a dental hygienist, was hooked on spinning classes at the Jewish Community Center for about three years until back surgery made it difficult to do.

She found another class there called No Pain No Gain, which uses equipment such as weighted bars, dumbbells, medicine balls, and heavy-duty rubber bands.

"It's never boring," Leavitt said. "I'm totally wiped out at the end of the hour, but I've gotten in my cardio, my strength training. I've noticed a huge difference in my inches and everyone tells me I look great"

Lauren Carr, assistant wellness director and director of group classes for The Jewish Community Center, said the gym offers 30 to 40 classes a week. She advises people who are working out for the first time in their lives to only come a few days a week at first.

"They get gung ho and come every day and they burn out really fast," Carr said. "They get sore, they can't keep up, so they quit. We try to help them find something that is fun. We recommend yoga and Pilates to everybody in addition to a cardio workout. Yoga and Pilates strengthen your back and abs, which are core muscles." Those muscles carry your body through the day and help you perform other exercises better.

Millie Katzen began running in 1996 as a stress reliever. She tried adding aerobics and step aerobics, but found them boring.

"I was running six days a week but I wanted to do cross-training so I wouldn't have to run so much," Katzen said. "I'm not a swimmer. I'm not a biker."

A friend recommended Bikram yoga, which is a 90-minute yoga session done in a room that's heated to 105 degrees with 50 to 60 percent humidity.

She's been taking the class at least four times a week for four years. She noticed a change in the definition of her muscles. She also joined Weight Watchers and learned how to eat better.

"For me it's like flossing and brushing my teeth," Katzen said. "You have to find something you're willing to do and stay committed to. My body performs better. I run better because of the Bikram."