Exercise

Aerobics

How quickly will it make a difference? After four to five weeks of twice-weekly classes.

How many calories does it burn? 374 per hour.

Will it keep me motivated? It depends on your instructor. Classes that stick to exactly the same format every week can become too predictable for both muscles and mind. As with all class-based workouts, there is little scope for progress, so there will come a time when you will want to try something different.

Specific benefits Aerobics classes incorporate an element of dance that will improve coordination and spatial awareness.

Risk factors Low-impact aerobics - at least one foot remains in contact with the floor at all times - are preferable to high-impact classes for anyone prone to back and joint problems.