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Fitness classes are amazing; instead of wandering aimlessly around the gym wondering which machine will help you get the best results or paying hundreds of dollars for a personal trainer, you can join a class and get all the benefits of two separate classes.
Some exercise classes--while amazing on their own--can be even better and offer even more benefits when they are paired with another class. There are definitely some exercise pairs that work better than most, and with the help of Cosmopolitan and some expert advice, we have those pairs right here for you!
"[Combination classes] allow you to work your body in completely different ways and keep your body guessing, so you don't plateau or get bored with the routine," says Lanae Rhodes, a certified instructor at FLEX Studios in Manhattan. Ultimately, "the best combos compliment each other, but remain distinct," she says.
Check out six different classes to pair together and completely change your workout results:
1. Rowing and Yoga. "Combo classes like Row and Flow at City Row in Manhattan begin with a high-intensity cardio session on the row machine. Then you hit the mat for Vinyasa yoga, which can help your body recover and increase flexibility to improve your performance the next time you work out," says Hiwotie Deres, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and exercise physiologist at New York University's Sports Performance Center in Manhattan.
2. Dance and Strength Training. Assuming you like to dance, combining the cardio of dancing mixed with (or followed by) strength training with weights can get you in shape fast. "It's great to keep working at what you love, but then mix it up with something else too," Rhodes says.
3. Pilates and Boxing. According to Cosmopolitan, this is one of the best combinations! "Typically, classes like Piloxing begin with high-intensity punches and other boxing moves that rev up your heart rate. Then you transition into slower-paced Pilates, which builds muscle definition, promotes core strength, and helps you cool down."
4. Barre and Pilates. Barre, which targets your legs and builds strength and stamina with ballet-inspired moves, already has some elements of Pilates, but paired with intense Pilates moves, you can get that much more out of your workout. "Classes [that] combine traditional barre exercises and Pilates props like the Pilates tower, challenge your coordination, flexibility, and endurance to keep things interesting throughout the session," Gonzalez says. "So you might actually go back for more."
5. Cycling and Barre . According to Cosmopolitan, "This hybrid technique practiced in classes such as Barre Ride at Revolve in Washington, D.C., begins with intense cycling that works your heart and lower body." Apparently, this combination uses the bike handles as a ballet barre while you do high-intensity cycling--it sculpts everything at once!
6. Running and Strength Training. Running is a great way to exercise, but if you pair it with strength training you'll get results much faster! "Any kind of cardio workout that focuses on endurance and speed mixed with a sculpting element will produce results more quickly than if you were to do one without the other," says Joey Gonzalez, celebrity trainer and partner at Barry's Bootcamp.
What do you think about these combinations? What classes do you like to combine? Let us know in the comments!
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