Fitness Bucket List: 4 Workouts to Try Before 2012

TheDailyZeel

By: StacyAtZeel

Start on your fitness resolution a few weeks early
Start on your fitness resolution a few weeks early


I have to say, I've had a lot of fitness firsts this past year. My first half marathon, for example, during which I achieved a new personal distance record (or PDR, which is a term I also used for the very first time). There was my first hot yoga class too-not Bikram, which I've still yet to try, but power yoga in a sweltering room. And then there was my first go at Ki Power Yoga, an invigorating blend of martial arts, Thai yoga and power yoga. It was challenging, and I discovered that balance isn't my forte (not yet, at least), but I had a great time testing my skills and can't wait to go to future classes.

With 2012 on the horizon, we're looking forward to new and exciting fitness to take on. But before the big sparkly ball descends upon Times Square, there's still plenty of time to cross these five impactful workouts of 2011 off your fitness bucket list. Get movin'!

Power Plate. We can attribute the popularization of the Power Plate to The Fighter actor Mark Walberg, who incorporated this vibrating device into his training regimen while preparing for the pugilistic role. Power Plates help to improve balance and flexibility by increasing muscle activation, and can be used to intensify routine exercises, from squats and push-ups to Pilates and yoga.

TRX. Developed by a former Navy Seal, the TRX Suspension Trainer is a set of portable straps that enhance basic movements by increasing the level of resistance. Actresses and athletes alike rely on the TRX straps to both build and streamline their muscles, including sultry singer Jennifer Lopez and NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony.

Zumba. Ever since Jordin Sparks credited Zumba for her 30-pound weight loss, the dance-inspired workout has been taking the fitness world by storm. Mixing salsa, reggae, belly dancing, waltzing, samba, tango, meringue, the foxtrot and many other dance styles, Zumba offers a serious cardiovascular workout that'll get your heart rate up and your pant size down.

The Bar Method. Don't be fooled by this ballet-based fitness routine; the Bar Method (called so because of its use of a ballet "barre") is one tough workout. I was first introduced to a bar-based class back in October when I enrolled in Figure 4, where I quickly fell for the graceful strength training techniques using small amounts of resistance. But it's celebrities, like Drew Barrymore and Madonna, who have catapulted the ballet-centric workout to fame.