WHAT: Dance aerobics WHERE: Bates College’s Merrill Gym, second floor, 141 Russell St., Lewiston WHEN: Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Next session runs Jan. 8 to April 13 PHONE: 777-8898 COST: $104 for HealthSteps core classes. The comprehensive fee allows participation in eight different exercise classes. AGE RANGE: All ages (most people were between 45 and 65) GENDER: Both men and women GET THERE: A few minutes early to get settled CLOTHING: Comfortable, breathable clothes (most people wear t-shirts and exercise pants), sneakers BRING: Water

The reporter

AGE: 31

FITNESS LEVEL: Basic, with some minor knee problems. Can skate, swim and power shop, but not ready for the Boston Marathon.

RECOVERY: Easy. Heartbeat got up there but I was never winded. Class ends with a cool down.

MUSCLE PAIN: A little tired afterward

DO IT AGAIN? Maybe

The skinny

DIFFICULTY: Moderate. The instructor tries to make routines simple, but it’s nearly impossible to be coordinated pre-dawn. Some participants modify the steps (walk instead of double step-kick), so they can more easily keep up.

GROUP MOOD: Friendly. A few exclamations (“Yea!” and “Yeehaw!”) and some giggling, but no real chatter during workout.

WUSS FACTOR: Wusses welcome. It’s hard to learn step-turn-clap-turn-kick-step-turn right away. Or even after a lot of practice. So it’s okay to look confused and march in place until you catch up.

SWEAT FACTOR: Moderate. More than a stroll through the park, less than shoveling snow for an hour.

SHOWER? You’ll want one.

SHOWERS AVAILABLE?: Yes.

FUN FACTOR: Moderate. You’re trying to keep a beat, keep in line and keep up without tripping over your own feet. Concentration is required, and that can sap some of the fun out of it for newbies.

THE MUSIC: Varies depending on type of dance. Country western is popular.

Calorie burn

A 123-pound woman will burn about 320 calories, enough to consume:

• 1 bottle of beer; or

• 1 open-faced turkey sandwich with stuffing and gravy; or

• 4 small pieces of fudge; or

• 1 piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream; or

• 1 cup of Waldorf salad; or

• 1 slice of fruitcake