Having trouble getting motivated to exercise? Maybe you just need something new to try. There are lots of fun fitness options popping up at gyms and on DVD. So if you’re bored by traditional workouts like dumbbells and running, we’d like to share a little on four workouts we’ve been hearing good things about.
Zumba (pronounced Zoom-ba): If you hate to exercise but love to party, this could be your ideal workout. Imagine Rio’s Carnival without the floats and costumes or the Copacabana without Barry Manilow. This workout combines driving Latin music—mambo, flamenco, calypso, merengue (and no, that’s not pie)—with aerobic dance moves. An instructor leads you through, but the music is so rhythmic that it’s easy to want to move. Cargo pants and tanks are the style. Check your local gym or visit zumba.com for DVDs.
Forza: That’s the Italian word for strength. This workout claims to not only build that but also grace, elegance, focus, and courage. During the class you wield a Samurai sword (don’t worry, it’s wooden) just like Uma Thurman did in Kill Bill. The carefully choreographed movements tone the entire body and burn up to 500 calories an hour. Hey, we know you’re already an everyday warrior, but now you can make it official. To get more info, check out powerstrike.com.
BOSU: This device looks like a big blue Swiss ball that’s been sliced in half. BOSU is an acronym for BOth Sides Utilized, meaning you can use the domed side for lunges, squats, and crunches or flip it over for push-ups. The promise is that exercises become more difficult (and beneficial) on the BOSU because you have to also stabilize your body. It’s designed for at-home or class use and runs about $60 at bosu.com.
Hooping: It’s Hula Hooping only with a twist. The hoops are bigger and heavier, which not only makes them easier to rotate but also provides a better workout—and, some say, a nice stomach and back massage. The hoop (or hoops if you’re really good) can be spun around hips, arms, legs, or neck to rhythmic music in gym studios or living rooms (imagine that!). It’s a calorie-burning, core-toning, fun workout—you can learn more at hooping.org. Enlist the kids!
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