Exercise Trends Make Fitness Fun

Exercise Trends Make Fitness Fun

By Russell A. Simon


Move over Jazzercise, it’s time for Joneeba! If you thought spinning and Pilates were the latest crazes to hit America’s health clubs, think again! Today’s hottest fitness trends – many of which are hybrid exercises mixed with pop culture – are bringing more and more people to the gym. For some, it’s a matter of getting hip and getting fit.

Just putting in a DVD and practicing yoga in the living room may seem like enough, but think what practicing bikram yoga – in which moves are made in a room heated to 90 – 120 degrees – would do to your energy bill. It’s incentives like this, along with a host of interesting new fitness classes that are keeping exercise rooms across the country full.

Here’s just a sample of some of the latest exercise classes popping up at health clubs:

•          Joneeba – incorporates floor exercises, yoga and African dance
•          Stiletto Strength – combines pilates and strength training with 3-inch heels
•          Budokon – involves marital arts, yoga and meditation
•          Forza – blends two Japanese sword training techniques
•          Indo-Row – indoor rowing
•          Yoga Ride – combination of spinning and yoga
•          Masala Bhangra – blends high-energy folk dance with traditional dance steps, Bollywood moves, salsa and hip-hop
•          IntenSati – promotes balanced living through meditation and martial arts
•          Rope Burn – involves a variety of boxing techniques (jumping rope, medicine balls, etc.) with in- and outdoor boxing

Why all these new workout routines? Overall, something like Pilates can get boring and repetitive. As a result, many health clubs are branching out and combining activities that not only keep exercising fun, but also target two key elements that people look for in exercise – fast results and classes tailored to clients’ interests. And classes that incorporate exercise with culture is a great way for clubs to keep members engaged.

So regardless of your idea of fitness, chances are there’s a club out there (and probably near you) with classes that will get your heart pumping and feet moving.