Summer is here, and that means trips to the beach and pool. And unless you’d like to get a few funny looks for getting into the water in your shorts and T-shirt, the bathing suit is a must.
    Whether you’re one to reach for the skort and tankini combo or are partial to a little less fabric with a bikini, those who look best in their bathing suits are those with the air of confidence. Sunscreen is important and the hat looks good, too, but nothing is more attractive than a woman who walks confident along the beach, content with her body and is able to enjoy the day.
    If you’re currently looking at the bathing suit, dreading to have to pull it on, you’re not alone. The good news is, however, Ocean City and the surrounding beach area have many fitness opportunities with helpful instructors there to guide you to your fitness goals.
    Now, you may be reading this saying “Exercise seems even more dreadful than the bathing suit! I wouldn’t know where to start.” It’s a valid point - I won’t trick you into thinking otherwise. However, the gym does not have to be a scary place! Believe it or not, there are many fitness professionals at these gyms who can help you step by step learn the ins and outs of the machines and weights. Their jobs were created to help people like you, so don’t be embarrassed.
    Another argument against gyms is the membership fees. The question I present, however, is can you put a price on your health? Exercising daily is just as important as your morning aspirin or making healthy eating choices. Many gyms offer different packages to accommodate your schedule. Gyms offer strictly gym memberships, classes memberships, memberships for combinations of both.
    For a hesitant newcomer, gyms also offer daily rates for a single class pass or a single time to use the gym equipment. Try a few gyms and talk to the instructors to find a place you feel most comfortable. Also, talk to other gym users to see why they like working out there.
    In classes especially, you will find that you begin to see familiar faces after a few trips. You may find a friend or two there to work out with, which in my opinion, is the best way to workout. It keeps motivation high and a smile on your face when a friend is by your side. Try a class or two - you may find the sense of community among the class makes your workout more enjoyable.
    On a personal note, I enjoy working out the most in class settings. There are so many benefits to classes. I get the most out of my workout when I take classes because you work out with other people, there is typically fun music playing, and you’re able to take advantage of an instructor who is there to help and lead you in your fitness journey.
    With numerous classes to choose from, you’ll never be bored! Check out a few of these class descriptions and a few locations in the beach area that provide them.
    Zumba: Zumba is a typically 50-60 minute Latin-inspired dance workout. With Latin-style music and a high-energy instructor, Zumba is a fun way to workout. With a motto of “Join the party!”, how could you go wrong? Zumba burns a lot of calories in a short time as it is a high-energy hour. Zumba is also a great way to interval train - a harder routine is typically followed with an easier routine, with a final cool down at the top of the hour. Dance your way to a better body, just by having fun. Zumba is for men and women of many different levels in their fitness journey. There are also a few different types of Zumba, including Aqua Zumba.
    Locations for Zumba: Ocean City: Ocean City Powerhouse, WOC Fitness, Holiday Inn 67th Street, World Gym, Ocean City Recreation Department. Berlin: Zeena Wellness Studio. Fenwick Island: Energy Gym, Studio East 54. Bethany Beach: Sea Colony Fitness Center, Freeman Fitness Center. Ocean View: World Gym, Mariners Bethel UMC, Bear Trap Pavilion. Millville: Aqua Care Therapy Center. Millsboro: Splash Day School, Cheer Center, World Gym. Rehoboth: Rehoboth Beach Country Club.

BODYPUMP: One of many Les Mills classes offered at Energy Gym 24/7 in West Fenwick Island, BodyPump is a great group weigh-lifting class that incorporates exciting music and a helpful instructor who talks the class through each move to avoid injury and to give encouragement. This class is offered in the 60-minute time frame or the express class, which is 45 minutes. BODYPUMP is also offered at other local locations.
For more information on other Les Mills classes offered at Energy Gym 24/7, please visitwww.energygym247.com.

Hot Yoga: Hot Yoga is now available at World Gym in Ocean City. Hot yoga is a yoga class which focuses on eliminating toxins from the body by relieving stress and anxiety, traditional aspects of meditation in yoga. Heat helps you to sweat out not only toxins, but helps to melt the weight away as well.
For more information on Hot Yoga, please visit www.worldgym.com/oceancity.
    Whether you do it to fit into the bathing suit, or just to improve your overall health, exercising a few times a week is a great way to prolong longevity and improve muscle strength. With so many exercise opportunities around and different ways to enjoy the gym, I encourage you, any age or level of ability, to explore your exercise options in order to work towards a happier, healthier life.