DAVIS COUNTY -- It's nearly the middle of June, which means aerobics classes are experiencing their "summer rush."
In other words, it's the last-minute fitness craze of those hoping to burn off those winter calories.
Fortunately for Davis County residents, there's plenty of options for those hoping to get rid of that extra helping of pie.
Xcel Spa and Fitness, located at 1500 S. 250 W. in Bountiful offers a variety of exercise classes for anyone's taste.
One of the more popular classes is called "body combat," which combines martial arts techniques and samurai sword movements.
"It's a pretty intense class," said Xcel trainer Lynn Green.
"But we have people of all levels in every class."
For those wanting something a little more laid back, Xcel offers "spinning" classes. Spinning classes take place on stationary bikes and are set to music.
Classes are offered for every ability level, from a nice leisurely stroll through the park to climbing what seems to be Mount Everest.
"Every instructor has his or her own technique," Green said.
The "body pump" classes combine cardiovascular exercise and weight training.
Different free weights are used for different body parts in five-minute intervals, so the body gets an entire workout.
Chest presses, squats, arm curls and lunges are just a few of the exercises performed in body pump.
The "power tone" classes use elastics and resistance to tone different muscles in the body.
"It's aerobics with resistance," Green said.
Xcel's "trekking" class is treadmill with an attitude. Participants jog at different paces and inclines, even walking backwards at times.
"It takes the bore out of doing it alone," Green said.
Xcel even offers a Pilates class, the trendy new fitness craze that focuses on strengthening the "core" muscles (pelvic, spinal and hip areas).
There are classes for each individual style and aerobic level. And according to Green, the key is to participate at your own personal level.
"I've got people as young as 15 and as old as 80, in perfect shape or 100 pounds overweight in my kickboxing class," Green said.
"They're not set up for in- shape people, they're set up for people."
For those wanting to shed a few pounds, Green recommends exercising six days a week, slowly building up to between 40-60 minutes a session.
"The most important muscle in your body is your heart and you need to keep it strong," he said.
"But people come in here and think they need to pick up the world. That's not the point. Just because we have a 150- pound weight doesn't mean you have to go pick it up."
For more information on attending fitness classes, call 294-9235.