People choose to enjoy a spa break for several reasons, including to rejuvenate the body, get pampered or just do something healthy. As well as enjoying one of the many treatments and spa facilities that a health spa can offer, some spas run several dance and exercise classes that can relax you and get the blood flowing.
Yoga
Originating from ancient Indian spiritual, mental and physical practices, yoga became incredibly popular across the globe in the 1980s. Musculoskeletal, mental and breathing improvements have all been benefits for yoga practitioners, combining development of core body strength and meditative breathing.
Tai Chi
The Chinese martial art is now practised around the world and essentially involves three aspects: health, meditation and martial art. Rather than being a martial art based on attacking, tai chi is self-defence combat that focuses on adapting to change created by outside forces. Movements are slow and fluid in tai chi, helping to relax both the body and mind.
Pilates
Pilates is a comparatively modern exercise system compared to yoga and tai chi; it was developed in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. A following quickly developed in the USA, UK and Germany, making it one of the most popular classes to enjoy. The focus of Pilates is on developing a strong core and aligning the spine and pelvis, and a workout will help build muscle strength and endurance across the body.
Circuit Training
Circuit training can be very intense, and although it may not be as relaxing as other exercise classes, it does offer a variety of different exercises. A class would involve completing a series of different activities before starting the routine all over again. A circuit can be made up of any number of different activities, but some common ones include pull ups, medicine ball chest passes, stomach crunches, squat jumps and burpees.
Step & Tone
These classes involve following a choreographed routine that incorporates a small step. This workout combines cardio with toning, providing a good balance of fat burning and toning of the upper body, arms, legs, thighs and bum. As the choreography can sometimes be quite tricky to follow, many health spas offer classes for both beginners and advanced steppers.
