- Circus Arts School - I ran into an old friend recently and immediately noticed how strong she looked. Her secret? Kicking, twirling, and flying her way through circus school. Be assured that you will get an intense workout that ultimately challenges you to carry the entire weight of your body. Expect to learn everything you'd see under the big top minus the clowns and tigers: acrobatics, trapeze arts, contortion, and more. Find a circus school near you for more information.
- Aerobic Striptease and Pole Dancing - When we asked you what class you wanted to try, aerobic striptease and pole dancing were by far the fan favorites! A big hit with celebrities like Kate Hudson and Teri Hatcher, these low-intensity cardio workouts challenge you to let go of inhibitions while focusing on controlled movements that target the upper body and ab area.
- Hula-Hooping - Hula-hooping is a fun way to get rid of pesky love handles and helps with posture and balance. To get hooping like celebs Marisa Tomei and Beyonce, buy yourself a weighted hula-hoop and check out HoopClass, HoopGirl, or Hoopnotica.
- NIA - The holistic approach of NIA might seem a little New Agey for some, but it's actually a pretty good workout. NIA combines movement from the martial, dance, and healing arts — for example, one workout might blend the fluidity of Tai Chi, the flexibility of yoga, and the abstract freeform style of modern dance. NIA is perfect for someone who wants a relaxing environment to work out in. Instructors take a gentle approach in how they lead the class and you won't be chastised if you need to take a break.
- Roller-Skating - The new comedy Whip It has inspired me to do something I haven't tried since high school — roller-skate. I was surprised to find out that roller-skating is on par with jogging when it comes to calorie burning and leg strengthening, but has much less impact on your knees and ankles. I'm definitely heading to the rink this weekend!
- Rebounding - Hula-hoops, roller skates, and trampolines — oh my! I'm loving the childlike playfulness of these workout trends. The next time you want to jump rope at the gym, try the trampoline instead. Your back will love you for it.
- Bouldering - Bouldering in the gym is a great cardio and strength workout that mimics what it is like to climb big rocks outdoors. Besides getting your blood pumping, bouldering engages just about every muscle in your body, including your fingertips! You'll see the biggest results in your arms and legs — expect to be left with with lean, toned muscle. Another great aspect of this workout is the mental challenges you face as you figure out the best way to get up the climbing wall.
- Zumba - Improve your dance skills and end up with a rockin' bod too! That's the idea behind Zumba, a workout that combines aerobics and Latin dance moves. The music is a combination of slow and fast beats, and no worries if you have two left feet — no previous dancing skills required. Find a Zumba class near you.
- Jukari Fit to Fly - Jukari Fit to Fly is an innovative gym workout designed by the folks from Reebok and Cirque du Soleil. Jukari uses a piece of equipment called the Flyset (sort of like a trapeze bar) that suspends and swings participants 360 degrees throughout an hour-long strength and cardio workout. If the Cirque du Soleil people are behind it so are we — just one look at the bodies of those performers leaves us in awe! Head to Equinox to check out a class.
- Boot Camps - Jessica Biel does them and we all know how good she looks. Boot camps are cropping up everywhere these days — parks, gyms, and yoga studios, just to name a few. The workouts are extremely intense, and the no-nonsense instructors push you farther than you thought you could go. It's a great way to burn calories and the workout generally uses all parts of your body to build strength.
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