What I've noticed is a trend towards a whole variety of new fitness classes out there, and I'm looking for input on the newest and the coolest.
Here are a few classes I've either heard about or experienced myself in the last few months.
Boot camp
So many of my friends swear by these classes that I'm tempted to check them out in spite of their often ungodly start times. I can't figure out if it's the drill sargeant-like barking or the camaraderie atmosphere, but these classes seem to get great results.
Ballet
There's no mystery to the newfound popularity of ballet classes. If hourly sessions of barre and floor work will have me looking like Natalie Portman, than sign me up for a little Black Swan-icize.
Pilates Reformer
I was invited to give these classes a try recently, and in spite of my trepidation about climbing onto a machine that looks a little like a medieval torture apparatus, I did enjoy the stretch and the burn from these classes.
Zumba
Slightly cult-like, this is the class that I can't quite pin down. Friends tell me it's latin, cardio, boogie, addictive, 60 minutes of sweat. I'm intimidated and intrigued.
So, please weigh in (pardon the pun) and tell me what new fitness trends you've jumped on (again with the puns!) to help you stay fit and healthy!
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I love snowshoeing right now with all the beautiful snow and some bright days. I think I need to try zumba but fear it requires co-ordination.
wow a 1/2 marathon. I am already impressed. I will be working towards a 10km. Reluctantly
I love Zumba! I'm completely uncoordinated but still manage to have a great workout and tons of fun. I also really enjoy the social aspect of working out in a group. It tends to be quite motivating too. Definitely try it out!
I'm not one for organised exercise (I don't drive, so I walk everywhere... it's exhausting, really!) but I know a bunch of my friends are enjoying their Zumba classes... I mean really, really having just the best time! You should try it, Jennifer!! Sounds like the social aspect is one of the best parts of it all.
Nancy, you should try it too! Wear the pink Valentine's Day leggings - those are my favourites. Heh.
I always vote bootcamp. I did mine at night- it was amazing- not just because I needed to lose weight but I needed to improve my cardiovascular conditioning and Bootcamp is AMAZING for that!
I like the sound of boot camp, because I do find Jillian Michaels and her shred motivating, and I like to feel like I'm really putting in some effort if I'm going to bother. I also like the idea of going back to ballet class, because it's something that I used to love and doesn't feel like exercise, when you are busy concentrating on form. but I am also contemplating trying to start running this spring, because I really need to get moving again. I can feel that I have been too still this past year, and think I am just about ready to get off my butt and get out there! Let us know what you try and what you think!
I am very curious about Zumba but am also really drawn toward boxing. But I would need a partner to feel brave enough to check it out...so??