Start your fitness journey with these 6 beginner classes
So you’re ready to dive into a regular fitness routine? Nice! Now, if you’re a little overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, don’t fret, that’s completely normal. Your options with the NEOU app are endless.
First things first, have an open mind and be prepared to experiment with different classes. If you’ve found something that piques your interest, there’s not much more to it but to do it.
These 6 beginner classes have been curated by NEOU instructors, and are just one starting point for finding what’s right for you.
BOOTCAMP/HIIT: GO with Christi
What to expect in most classes: You’ll perform a combination of bodyweight, free weight, and equipment-based exercises in a variety of different formats such as circuits or intervals. Be prepared to work hard and sweat. Christi Marraccini will challenge you, but provide plenty of modifications or workarounds to any limitations you may have.
Try this one first: “Beginner Cardio”
In this quick 20-minute class, Christi provides you with the perfect first dosage of a GO bootcamp. It’s also low-impact, meaning it’s very easy on your joints.
SPINNING: RIIDE with Taylor
What to expect in most classes: You’ll perform a combination of cardio workouts on a stationary bike. In some classes you’ll vary the resistance of the bike to imitate climbs or sprints with a variety of different intervals. Spinning is another intense form of exercise where you should expect to work hard and sweat.
Try this one first: “ReFresh”
RIIDE is a unique spin+HIIT concept that blends traditional spinning with bootcamp-style training. To get an introduction to RIIDE, try this ReFresh, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of indoor cycling.
YOGA: MOVE with Britney
What to expect in most classes: You’ll perform a variety of movements typically strung together into flows or held in poses. Most classes are equipment-free, however, yoga blocks are helpful for beginner yogis. Instructors like Britney Byfield from MOVE provide plenty of beginner-friendly modifications throughout all classes.
Try this one first: “The One with Camel Pose”
In this 30-minute beginner MOVE class with Britney, you’ll go through a series of two beginner flows and end with a heart-opening backbend known as Camel Pose.
BOXING: STRIKE with G.
What to expect in most classes: You’ll perform a variety of bodyweight, free weight, and equipment-based exercises mixed with footwork, bag work, shadowboxing, and more. Most classes are structured similarly to a boxing match and broken down into rounds.
Try this one first: “Beginner Shadowboxer”
In this 20-minute beginner class with G from STRIKE, you’ll learn the fundamental boxing combos, defensive stances, and functional fight-training core exercises.
DANCE: JANE DO with Dani, Jacey, and Cristin
What to expect in most classes: You’ll learn and perform a variety of dance-cardio moves to the beat or rhythm of the music. All dance classes and instructors on NEOU are a little different in terms of teaching style and music genre, but one thing is for sure: it’s always a party. Be prepared to sweat while you experience a fresh shot of those feel-good endorphins.
Try this one first: “Break It Down and Shake It Up”
This 30-minute dance cardio class with Cristin (and her guest Caitlin) from Jane DO was specifically designed for beginners looking for a good time while working up a sweat and tapping into their inner diva. And don’t worry, she’ll break down the moves at a nice and easy introductory pace.
STRETCH/RECOVER: BASE with Blake
What to expect in most classes: You will perform a variety slow and controlled movements designed to improve joint mobility and stability from head to toe. If you work a desk job, this means counteracting the negative effects of sitting all day. And if you’re a highly-advanced athlete, these classes are essential for active rest and recovery.
Try this one first: “Loosen Up Those Hips!”
In this 20-minute class of BASE by Blake, you’ll release stiffness and tension in your hips so you can move more freely, and pain-free.
