Cardio, or aerobic exercise, involves any type of movement that gets your heart and blood pumping. Running, cycling, or swimming are popular options that often come to mind, but cardiovascular activity can take many forms.
At Life Time, members looking to add more cardio to their routine can choose from five different classes: XTREME HIIT, XTREME Intervals, XTREME Kettlebell, REMIXX CARDIO, and REMIX STEP.
“What I love the most about cardio classes at Life Time is the lasting community,” says Joshua Neal (@joshuahdneal), CPT, studio, cycle, and yoga manager at Life Time in Johns Creek, Ga. “Everyone is welcome, and we always cheer each other on while getting a great workout. There is a class for everyone!”
If you’re new to cardio classes, Neal offers this encouragement: “The hardest part about trying something new is showing up. If you can do that, give yourself a pat on the back! Go at your own pace, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for help or modifications, and try a variety of classes to see what works for you.”
Here, we’re breaking down each Life Time cardio class to help you figure out which ones best fit your goals and preferences.
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
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 through movement, 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
XTREME Kettlebell
Improve athletic performance and strengthen your entire body in less than an hour.
What to expect: This class combines cardio and strength-training exercises — think HIIT drills and progressions of weighted exercises — using only kettlebells and your body weight. Taking advantage of the versatile uses and benefits of the kettlebell — and working at your own pace — you’ll move through strength-building exercises as well as dynamic cardio moves that you’ll feel throughout class and beyond.
Equipment: Kettlebells, optional mat, optional bench
Length: 45 minutes
REMIXX CARDIO
Join a cardio party with a fun mix of athletic and aerobic exercises.
What to expect: This high-energy class is a fun, mood-boosting way to fall in love with movement — and get sweaty. 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
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 all the Life Time cardio class options at your club — as well as the schedule for live stream classes — on the Life Time app.
