So you’ve made your New Year’s resolution: to get into the best shape of your life. After all the ham, potatoes and pies, it’s time to dedicate yourself to a year of fitness and sculpting the body you have always wanted.

Fortunately, the Coors Fitness Center offers an abundance of classes that will leave you exhausted and a few pounds lighter. While many focus on cardiovascular exercise, there is a diverse selection of exercise methods that will engage and tone all parts of the body.

Zumba

Not only does this class burn calories, tone muscle and improve coordination; it is also lots of fun. Zumba is fast-paced, combining Latin music with quick, sexy moves. If you’re not a dancer, it’s not a problem.  The choreography is repetitive and easy to pick up after a few clumsy attempts. It adds to your dance repertoire, giving you plenty of innovative ways to work them hips. Bring some friends and enjoy 60 minutes of great music and a killer workout.

Body Blitz

This class predominantly focuses on full-body workouts, incorporating cardio and resistance training into the mix – a true aerobics class. Body Blitz does not leave you breathless at the end, sweating from all parts of your body, but instead feeling stronger after the wide range of moves and exercises.  The class skill level ranges from beginner to intermediate class and will help tone the lower body.

Cycling-Lift

Cycling is one of the most challenging cardio exercises available, assuming you are alternating between high and low gears and keeping up with the instructor.  As an added bonus (more of a challenge, really), this class incorporates light weights to enhance the experience and increase upper-body coordination and strength.  This class will leave you dripping with sweat and with a feeling of satisfaction matched by few of the other fitness classes offered.  Come prepared with towel in hand and ready to lose some weight.

Step and Pump

 An eclectic mix of plyometrics, resistance training, cardio and core-strengthening, Step and Pump is a class that offers it all, training your body from head-to-toe. It is an exhausting step class, integrating weights to bring the heart rate back down and further fatigue the muscles. Adjust the weight to suit your goals. For increased muscle mass, add a few more pounds.

The theory from Step and Pump can be applied to all resistance classes. Low repetitions with heavy weights yields increased muscle mass, while the opposite combination will result in a more toned physique for any body type.

 The classes at the Coors Fitness Center are highly effective, energizing and fun workouts. Each class varies slightly based on the instructor, and there are many more options available. Stick with these programs throughout the year and maintain a low-fat, nutritious diet for the ensuing months.  You will feel better mentally and physically and relieve some stress. 

A list of class options and schedules can be found at www.recreation.du.edu.

Editor’s note: Pisciotta went to and enjoyed each of the aforementioned classes last week.