What to expect at a FitSteps TONE class
Similarly to FitSteps Original and FitSteps FAB, TONE is a latin and ballroom inspired dance fitness class and the latest in the FitSteps series devised by Strictly professionals Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite.
FitSteps TONE emphasises movements within the routines, such as lunges, to engage the lower body muscles, while resistance bands are used to strengthen and tone the muscles of the arms, shoulders, back and core, but with less stress to the joints than other types of resistance training.
FitSteps TONE classes begin with a mobility and pulse raising warm up to prepare the body for the main workout. There are around 5-6 TONE routines per class, most using resistance bands, in a wide range of dance styles from Tango to Flamenco, from Jive to Waltz, Quickstep, Paso and all your other favourite Strictly styles! The class ends with a cooldown incorporating stretches for flexibility.
Who is FitSteps TONE for?
FitSteps TONE is suitable for most participants. Ages 16+ are welcome to join this class and there is no upper age limit in any ‘en Joy dance fitness class as we all know age is just a number! As long as you have no health conditions which mean you should not take part in this type of exercise, then you can participate in FitSteps TONE.
What are the benefits of FitSteps TONE?
FitSteps TONE can help maintain muscle mass and bone mass, helping to reduce the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis
Resistance training is particularly important from middle age, as muscle mass and bone mass generally begin to gradually decrease from the mid-thirties, more so if a person is largely inactive. The decrease in oestrogen from menopause onwards also makes women more susceptible to loss of bone mass than men, which can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis in later life.
FitSteps TONE can help improve a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks and reduce risks of injury in day-to-day life
Staying active in later life can help to maintain muscle mass and help improve a person’s functional fitness (the ability to carry out everyday tasks). Exercise classes such as FitSteps TONE can also help to improve balance and stability, reducing the risks of falls and ultimately improving quality of life and prolonging independence.
FitSteps TONE can help to address muscular imbalances, helping to improve posture and reduce discomfort
If you work at a computer, sitting for prolonged periods, this can cause your shoulders and upper back to become rounded, creating a muscular imbalance as these muscles lengthen while the opposing muscles in the chest shorten. Sitting for long periods can also cause the glutes to become weaker, meaning more work is placed on the hamstrings. These commonly imbalanced muscle groups are the main focus in FitSteps TONE, helping to strengthen the weakened muscles to reduce the risk of further damage and prevent discomfort.
FitSteps TONE is an opportunity for mindful movement and can help to boost well-being
In some of the FitSteps TONE routines, large movements are slowed, controlled and emphasised, taking time to explore the depth or range of motion, allowing the mind to focus on how the body is moving and encouraging the body to move more effectively. Dance is also a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.
The main benefit in any dance fitness class is that it brings people together to stay active and, above all else, to have fun.
Booking is now open for FitSteps TONE classes in the Winchester area with ‘en Joy dance fitness.