5 Online Courses in April: Let’s Move!

April is like a break after a long and boring lesson. Even the laziest creatures, like yours truly, feel the urge to stretch and move, at least a bit. The thing is, if you don’t move regularly, you may feel overwhelmed with all the options available: dancing, stretching, fitness, aero or cardio… And what’s worse, you usually have to pay to try them out.

That’s why I found some… yup, online classes. They are short, varied and led by professionals. Whether you’re a couch potato or an experienced sportsperson, I’m sure you’ll find something you can try. Let’s take a look:

1 Sit Less, Get Active by the University of Edinburgh

Start: available
Duration: 3 weeks
Recommended for: people with sedentary life who want to start moving but don’t know how to start
You will learn:

• how to track your own activity
• how to set physical activity goals
• how to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine

2 Starting to Exercise by Harvard Health Publishing

Start: self-paced
Duration: 2 weeks
Recommended for: people who want to work on their routine but don’t know how to choose exercises
You will learn:

• how to create a safe, well-rounded exercise plan that fits your life and that you will be likely to stick with
• about the right blend of exercises which incorporates aerobic workouts, as well as stretching and strength-building exercise routines
• how to prevent injuries

3 Tai Chi Qi Gong Moves for Beginners by David Wong

Start: self-paced
Duration: 2 hrs video material
Recommended for: people interested in becoming stronger, more flexible and in reducing stress
You will learn:

• the fundamentals of Tai Chi
• how to to relax and reduce stress
• how to increase coordination and stability

4 Belly dancing exercise video by NHS

Start: self-paced
Duration: 45min video material
Recommended for: people interested in belly dancing
You will learn:

• the physical benefits of belly dancing
• some basic techniques of belly dancing
• how to improve flexibility and core strength

5 Aerobics video for beginners by NHS

Start: self-paced
Duration: 45min video material
Recommended for: people who want to improve their general fitness
You will learn:

• how to improve general fitness
• how to help reach a healthy weight
• how to avoid injuries

6 La Bomba dance exercise video by NHS

Start: self-paced
Duration: 45min video material
Recommended for: reasonably fit people who like mixing dance and exercises
You will learn:

• some dance moves set to Latin American dance music, hip hop, Afrobeats and R&Bhow
• how to improve general fitness
• how to feel more confident in own skin

7 Strength and resistance exercise videos by NHS

Start: self-paced
Duration: 45 mins video material
Recommended for: people interested in becoming stronger
You will learn:

• how to improve general fitness
• how to work on various body parts
• how to avoid injuries

Which of the classes seems perfect for you? I think I might try belly dancing – it’s spring after all!

Enjoy!