You can find the right exercise class to fit your lifestyle.

Summer has gone, and along with it, most of the outdoor fitness activities, like gardening, lawn work or walking on a nice day, that trick our minds into thinking we haven't been working out all season long. So now what?

Health experts advise the public to exercise on a regular basis. Not only does an exercise program help maintain a healthy heart and weight, it can improve flexibility and strength, muscle tone and bone density. Yet finding and choosing which kind of exercise is best suited to a particular lifestyle can be a challenge.

Opportunities abound to explore a wide variety of programs available in Michiana. From smaller gyms and centers to larger facilities, the options can seem overwhelming to someone who is new to the idea of exercise classes. But with a bit of experimenting, you can find a class to best suit your personal needs and interest, and a pace that is comfortable.

The YMCA of Michiana, located in South Bend, is one of the options when it comes to water-based exercise classes. For women who are expecting a child or have recently given birth, the Moms in Motion class combines keeping fit with the chance to discuss parenting concerns. There's no need to know how to swim, either.

Deep Water Aerobics eliminates joint and muscle stress by taking the class to the deep end of the pool. According to Larissa Hittle, membership and marketing director at the YMCA, floatation devices are provided, so participants are not required to tread water the entire time.

For those who would rather stay dry, yoga classes are offered during the week at the YMCA, including a Power Yoga class on Saturdays. "A regular yoga practice will cleanse, balance, and refresh all the systems of the body," said Kim Sellers, the YMCA's Registered Yoga Teacher. "Asana (posture) practice will improve flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, stamina, concentration, respiratory capacity, and circulation."

The YMCA also offers low impact aerobic classes, kickboxing and cardio workouts to strengthen the heart.

Twelve Weeks to a Better You is a structured training program the YMCA provides to individuals, or those who wish to work in pairs or small groups. It is guided by a personal trainer, though mostly done independently.

A nostalgic offering is the "Noon Sweat," which Hittle describes as "a throwback to old calisthenics workouts. It draws from the senior crowd."

There are two Fitness USA Supercenters located in the area - one on East Ireland Road and another on Grape Road. Members of these clubs have access to all manner of exercise equipment, and a wide variety of classes.

Pilates have become popular in recent years, mostly because the exercises provide more of a cardiovascular workout than yoga. Fitness USA can help those who are looking to tone their bodies, using non-aerobic exercises to condition the muscles while promoting strength and endurance.

Low impact classes in stepping and kickboxing may appeal to those uncertain about the types of workouts seen on many video promotions. Interval training gives a combination of high intensity and low impact aerobics, upper body stretches and toning for leg and arm muscles.

The classes at Fitness USA include warm-up periods and post-exercise stretches, which can prove useful when those geared toward advanced workouts get involved in high impact exercise programs.

Contours Express, located on Logan Street near Town and Country Shopping Center in Mishawaka, gives women the means for circuit training. Personal trainer Darlene Yeo recommends the program because "when you combine cardio with weight, it builds muscle, which burns more calories."

In a 30 minute session, for instance, 600 calories can be lost by doing the simple combination of a weight machine for 45 seconds, then cardio exercises for 45 seconds. The series of eight weight bearing machines especially designed for women and eight cardio spots in the Contours Express facility can lead to increased bone density and getting the cardiovascular system working at optimum levels.

Pinnacle Athletic Club on West Edison Road in Mishawaka offers most of the basic exercise classes, plus a few unique ones. Spinning is a form of high cadence biking where the instructors push participants to excel. Treading takes place outdoors, when the weather cooperates, giving walkers and runners a chance to do light strengthening exercises and basic abdominal strengthening in addition to using a treadmill.

Fusion blends African, Latin, R&B and Hip Hop rhythms as a backdrop to lower-impact aerobic and dance movements. Fusion is fun and appropriate for all skill levels, according to Jim Bradford, Pinnacle Membership Director. "There's no other club in the area with it," he said.

Strength and Beyond gives advanced students an extended, high energy cardiovascular workout in a high and low impact style.

To say the least, there are a host of other exercise programs and classes at these facilities and others in the area, and there's something to match nearly everyone's interest and ability level. Get out and give them a try!