It's easy to step into a gym for the first time and feel somewhat intimidated. There are a bunch of people you don't know (many of which may be more fit than you), countless machines that look like torture devices, and a language being spoken that is oftentimes difficult to follow.

With regard to the last of those factors, I've started offering a virtual classroom here on that's fit that I call "Gym Lingo." Although much of what is covered may be old hat to some of you, others will benefit from this crash course on gym speak and will have you fitting in with the locals in no time.

The bell has rung. Please find a seat...

For this week's edition of Gym Lingo, we're going to take a look at some popular group exercise classes that many gyms offer their members. Some of these are pretty common, while others are a little lesser known. Here are just a few to help you along with your gym vocab.

Spinning. This is an aerobic exercise that takes place on a specially designed stationary bicycle called a spinning bike (no one ever claimed that gyms were the birthplace of originality). As you pedal, an instructor creates a visualization of an outdoor cycling workout, all while pulse-pounding music plays over a booming sound system.

Cardio Boxing. Designed, to some degree, after the workout boxers follow when training for a fight, this class offers the same cardiovascular benefits without having to ever square off against an opponent.

Bosu. A bosu ball looks like an exercise ball that has been cut in half and then stabilized on a firm platform. There are a variety of group classes that utilize the bosu; cardio work, strength training, core/balance building, and sports performance conditioning can all be performed in bosu group settings.

Bikram Yoga. Ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) with a humidity of 40%, Bikram yoga classes are guided by a yogi's specific dialogue. This style of yoga including 26 postures and two breathing exercises, and classes last approximately 90-minutes.

There are several other types of group classes that gyms offer, but these are certainly among the more common and popular. If you have any others that you'd like to add, please be my guest and add them in the comments section below.

Hopefully this helps you the next (or first) time you go to the gym.

Class dismissed.