With the innovation of so many new and
interesting forms of exercise, many people who seek a more active
lifestyle opt for unique group fitness classes over the regular,
repetitive gym reps at a machine. If you are someone who is still in
search for the best workout that fits you and your persona, or if you
are just looking for something to spice up your already active
lifestyle, try one of these unique group exercise classes below for an
eye-opening experience.
1. Aerobic Sensual Performing Arts
Many gyms and dance studios are borrowing and incorporating elements
of sensual dancing into cardio group fitness classes for the purpose of
exercise. Some of these hybrid classes include striphop (a combination
of hip-hop and strip dancing), or aerobic strip tease (which combines
classic stripping moves with a cardio workout). Other sensual dances,
such as pole dancing, burlesque dancing and chair dancing are
increasingly becoming popular, widely accepted, and available for those
who wish to have an effective cardio workout. Depending on the art of
choice, each type of fitness class can target various muscles throughout
the body while providing intensive cardio.
2. Zumba
Zumba is a dance-based, hybrid fitness class that incorporates
elements of Latin dance, such as salsa, merengue, flamenco and modern
day hip-hop into an effective aerobic workout. Not as intricate as
traditional dance steps, Zumba can be easily picked up by those who are
not well-versed in the art of dancing. Usually paired with
international, Latin-flared upbeat music, it is often described as a
"dance party" done with sneakers and workout clothes instead of
glittering dresses and dancing heels.
3. Urban Rebounding
For those who enjoy trampolines, urban rebounding would be a perfect
choice of a group fitness class. This cardio intensive workout uses a
trampoline to create an uneven surface for a more thorough work out
while placing less pressure on the joints, versus working out on a flat,
even surface. It can also strengthen the arms, legs and core
effectively, while improving coordination and balance, as many movements
are required simultaneously. Sometimes, other props, such as weights
and exercise bands, may also be used to enhance the workout.
4. Forza
Forza taps into most men's inner desire of becoming a warrior as well
as working towards a trim body. Based on traditional elements of
Japanese sword fighting techniques, forza utilizes slicing, chopping and
thrusting movements in the air along with steps and lunges for a
demanding physical workout. No real swords are utilized in group classes
for obvious safety reasons; instead, it is replaced with a long wooden
stick, and occasionally, household items such as brooms and mops. As
with all types of sword fighting, forza tones the arms and legs as well
as enforcing a sharp mental concentration.
5. BOSU
The BOSU exercise utilizes a similar idea as urban rebounding by
providing an unstable surface for a more thorough workout. However,
rather than using a trampoline, this form of exercise uses a BOSU ball,
which is a piece of equipment shaped like a half-dome on one side, and
flat on the other. Both sides can be used to create instability, and it
is most often used in step aerobics classes as a more intensive cardio
workout that also strengthens the core and increases your sense of
balance.
6. The Bar Method
If you are unsatisfied with yoga,
pilates and ballet dancing because you wish to reap the benefits of all
three in one workout session, then the bar method may be the group
exercise class for you. The bar method is a low impact workout that uses
the principles of isometrics, interval training, dance conditioning and
physical therapy with pushups, free weights and the ballet bar. While
the emphasis is in elongating and stretching, such as that of a
ballerina, it is still a fast paced, intensive aerobic and strength
training workout that targets the entire body. At the same time, it may
also be suitable for pregnant women as well as men looking for a lean and mean body.
7. Smartbell
Smartbell is the answer to the traditional dumbbell as a new form of
free weight that is more ergonomic and easier to use. Mainly used for
strength training or as supplemental equipment in other forms of
exercise, like yoga, Smartbells allow arcing, swinging and curving
patterns unavailable with dumbbells, which are limited to a linear,
up-and-down motion. They're shaped like a curved plate with two wide
handles, and come in a variety of weights. There are aerobic and
anaerobic workout routines formulated around the use of Smartbells, so
they are not limited to the function as pure free weights. If you are
someone who trains with weights, Smartbells may also be a fresh
alternative that can help you incorporate more ranges of motion during
training.
