The Question:

I recently started doing twice-weekly yoga classes as well as twice-weekly spinning classes. Is my regime balanced enough?

The answer:

The fact that you are working out four times a week is fantastic, but I do have a few suggestions.

First, try different types of cardiovascular activities. Make sure you mix up your cardio, so that you are constantly challenging yourself. The body becomes extremely efficient at activities it does regularly.

If you are really keen on spinning and want it to make up the bulk of your cardiovascular workouts, try out different instructors. Each instructor will bring their own twist to the class, which will help challenge you and keep you from getting bored.

That said, I highly encourage you to incorporate cardiovascular activities that involve impact. Since spinning is a no-impact exercise, it does not help build bone density, and therefore does not help prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis. Walking, jogging, dancing and even skipping all help build bone density.

I would also suggest including one to two resistance training sessions into your workout. Resistance training will help you build strength, build bone density and help increase your metabolism.

Trainer’s tip: If adding resistance training seems like too much of a time commitment on top of your regular four-times-a-week gym routine, try doing your resistance training at home. This way you don’t have to take the time to get to and from the gym. Home gyms do not have to be expensive. You can get a good workout with a resistance band and your own body weight.

Originally published at The Globe & Mail