If you’ve ever found yourself counting down the minutes on a treadmill, elliptical, or other cardio machine, you’re not alone. For many, traditional cardio machines can sometimes feel monotonous, leading to a lack of motivation or a feeling of being stuck in a rut.
“Sometimes hopping on a cardio machine might not be what you’re feeling on a given day,” says Sheila Genao (@sheilagenao_), group fitness instructor at Life Time in New York City and Life Time Berkley Heights in New Jersey. “It’s a good thing there are so many other options to get your cardio in!
“If you’re looking to get your heart rate up in a new and enjoyable way,” Genao continues, “a cardio class at Life Time might be for you. For example, I teach dance classes that focus on cardio endurance, balance, and flexibility, all in a fun environment. These classes allow you to let go and feel the music (instead of watching the minutes tick by) — and you might even forget you’re actually working out!”
If you’ve found yourself going through the motions of your workout or feeling less than excited about hopping on your usual machine, it might be time to try something different. We’ve rounded up eight high-energy cardio classes at Life Time to help reignite your enthusiasm.
1. DANZE Jam
Sweat and move to the music in this cardio dance party.
What to expect: You’ll shake and groove with easy-to-follow choreography set to an epic playlist of hip songs. This cardio workout is a fun way to get your heart rate up — and no dance experience is necessary.
Equipment: No equipment needed
Length: 45 or 60 minutes
Explore the DANZE classes schedule.
2. DANZE + Tone
Combine the joy of dance with targeted toning exercises.
What to expect: This dynamic fitness experience combines dance with light resistance training that uses dumbbells and resistance bands. Follow along to the choreography as you improve your cardiovascular health and increase your tone. No dance experience is necessary.
Equipment: Light dumbbells or resistance bands
Length: 45 or 60 minutes
Explore the DANZE classes schedule.
3. DANZE Choreography
Train like a backup dancer with a slower paced, fully choreographed routine.
What to expect: Release your inner dancer and show off your style. Follow along as your instructor breaks down a choreographed routine into easy-to-follow sections that focus on technique and timing. Every class ends with a show-stopping performance featuring you and fellow participants as the stars. No dance experience is necessary.
Equipment: No equipment needed
Length: 45 or 60 minutes
Explore the DANZE classes schedule.
4. XTREME HIIT
Get your heart pumping with high-intensity intervals for a metabolic boost.
What to expect: This class takes high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to a new level: You’ll perform weighted movements at a pace that elevates your heart rate. Every class challenges the entire body through progressions of movements; the more muscles you use throughout those progressions, the higher your heart rate goes. You can expect an exhilarating — and breathless — full-body workout that delivers a metabolic boost that lasts beyond the class.
Equipment: Dumbbells, bench, resistance bands, kettlebells, weighted bar
Length: 45 or 60 minutes
Explore the cardio classes schedule.
5. XTREME Intervals
Push through intervals of cardiovascular intensity combined with targeted strength training.
What to expect: A dynamic class where HIIT takes various forms. Whether it’s an intense cardio push, targeted muscular engagement, or a seamless blend of both, the focus of this class is delivering a full-body conditioning workout that works every major muscle group. The experience leaves you sweaty — and stronger than when you started.
Equipment: Dumbbells, bench, resistance bands, kettlebells, weighted bar, jump rope
Length: 45 or 60 minutes
Explore the cardio classes schedule.
6. REMIXX CARDIO
Join a cardio party with a fun mix of athletic and aerobic exercises.
What to expect: This high-energy class is a mood-boosting way to fall in love with movement — and break a sweat. Every class features simple combos of exercises, including kickboxing, high- and low-impact aerobics, and athletic drills. The music is as energizing as the moves you’ll perform.
Equipment: Optional light dumbbells
Length: 45 to 60 minutes
Explore the cardio classes schedule.
7. REMIXX STEP
Improve cardio endurance in a fun, fast-paced environment.
What to expect: Grab your mini (step) stage, it’s time to move! This high-energy class gets you moving and sweating quickly. You’ll move up, down, and all around the step while listening to a variety of music genres and engaging in simple, easy-to follow choreography.
Equipment: Fitness step
Length: 45 or 60 minutes
Explore the cardio classes schedule.
8. FIRE HIIT
Fire up with high-intensity interval training, then zen out with guided yoga flow.
What to expect: This class is a unique fusion of high-intensity interval training and yoga, with mindful recovery in between. You move quickly, sweat, and lose your breath before finding it again in guided yoga poses. The room is set to a medium heat of 85 degrees F.
Equipment: Yoga mat
Length: 45, 60, or 75 minutes
Explore the yoga classes schedule.
Looking for more? Explore all the class options and schedules at your club on the Life Time app.
