Exercise to Music classes (ETM) are very popular. You have your common aerobic classes such as aqua, step and general aerobics. There are large companies such as Les Mills, Vibe and Insanity which provide a variety of their own special brand of classes. Some ETM classes that are purely based on dancing such as Zumba and Bokwa. But will they help you achieve your goal?
On the plus side ETM is motivational. You have loud music in a fun social environment that is as much of a party as it is a fitness session. You keep your heart rate up, the workout is varied so that it works different movement patterns and you are lead by a qualified instructor.
There are many negatives that go along with ETM. My personal dislike is the lack of progression. If you work in the rhythm of a beat, there is no change in velocity. In some classes such as Les Mills “Body Pump” you can top up the intensity by adding more weight. However this is only one form of progression which is not enough for substantial physical developments. Not only is progression low but it also goes unmeasured. If you look at an ETM class that does not go by rhythm such as “Insanity,” you do not count repetitions. You pretty much blast out as many moves as you can in a set time frame. You don’t really know if you are getting that much better or if you’re progress has frozen.
On a related note, ETM classes are often too varied. If a session changes every week there is no obvious sign of progression.
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