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Issue Date: January 28, 2007
Alternative Workouts
You can beat boredom by sampling the latest in fitness trends.
Tired of the same old routine? Not only will you be more likely to stick with an exercise program if you keep it interesting, but you'll also see better results because you'll continually challenge your body in new ways.
"Group exercise has made a comeback since the '80s aerobics craze, but now you've got to give people the latest, hottest trend to keep them interested," says Donna Meyer, corporate director of group exercise for 24 Hour Fitness. "To keep up with client requests, we have 50-plus class formats for our clubs to choose from."
If you're burnt out on exercise groups, working out alone might reinvigorate you. Books such as my own8 Minutes in the Morning can be great options for adding quick, new strength-training components to your cardio routine.
The trends are constantly changing. At right are six current workouts to consider trying.
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WHAT
Capoeira
HOW
This 400-year-old Brazilian sport combines music, dance and combat.
WHO
Very challenging; you should be fit to start. It offers a great combination of cardio, flexibility and strength training.
WHERE
Visit capoeirista.com to find a school near you.
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WHAT
NIA
HOW
The Neuromuscular Integrative Action workout is a mix of dance and martial arts.
WHO
Anyone can do it. Combinations of 52 basic moves provide a cardio and strength workout.
WHERE
Visit nia-nia.com to find classes or to purchase a DVD or NIA creators Debbie and Carlos Rosas' book, The Nia Technique.
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WHAT
BalleCore
HOW
A blend of Pilates, Hatha yoga and ballet.
WHO
Anyone can do it. Precise moves are choreographed to inspiring music. It focuses on core strength and should be combined with a cardio program.
WHERE
Visit ballecore.com to find an instructor near you or to pick up BalleCore creator Molly Weeks' book, The BalleCore Workout.
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WHAT
Salsa/Latin dance
HOW
Latin dance moves are set to upbeat music.
WHO
Anyone can do it. It's a good cardio workout, but it should be combined with a strength training program.
WHERE
Your gym or local dance studio probably offers a class, or pick up a DVD at Amazon.com.
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WHAT
Gyrokinesis
HOW
This is based on a combination of gymnastics, tai chi, dance and yoga; constant movement keeps you focused.
WHO
Anyone can do it. Mat or machine workouts are great for stretching and strengthening, but combine with a cardio program.
WHERE
Visit gyrotonic.com to find a studio near you or to buy one of gyrokinesis expert Juliu Horvath's instructional DVDs.
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WHAT
Kettlebell training
HOW
The old-school Russian training method uses what looks like a cannonball with a handle for workout drills.
WHO
This is for anyone, with the right instruction. Workouts including "swings" (swinging motions) cover strength and cardio.
WHERE
Go to kbcinstructorlocator.com to find an instructor. Plus, books and DVDs from the master,Pavel Tsatsouline, are available at russiankettlebells.com.
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Contact Contributing Editor Jorge Cruise, author of "The 3-Hour Diet," at 3hourdiet.com.
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