If you're a certain age, you remember doing endless leg lifts in your best Jane Fonda costume to terrible 80s pop music. Fast forward a bit, and it's sweaty spinning classes that attract the masses. Whatever the year, there has always been one hot workout trend that everyone is offering and everyone is doing -- whether they really like it or not.
Now all that has changed. The hot trend for today is...whatever you want it to be. At long last, fitness clubs have started to recognize that we're all different, and the classes offered are as diverse as the colors of our sports bras. From sexy strip aerobics to tough boxing workouts, here are the hottest new classes being offered. Look for them in your town.
Boxing Workout
Your gym probably has an old punching bag in a dusty corner that you've always ignored. Now, thanks to movies like Million Dollar Baby, women are realizing that a boxing-style workout is the secret to a body like Hilary Swank's. Cross training with jump ropes and punching bags also helps increase your speed, strength and agility. You'll be a knockout in no time.
Punk Aerobics
If you're the edgy type, then popular music has probably been the worst part of your workout experiences. It's a lot easier to stay motivated if the music appeals to you. Punk workouts usually feature the music of the classic punk era, so you can stay in shape with bands like The Ramones, while wearing your best cut-up sweatshirts and ripped fishnets. Be warned: the music is super-fast, so it's not for wimps.
Striptease Class/Pole Dancing
Between the sweat, the workout clothes and the messy ponytails, most women feel distinctly un-sexy in a workout session. With the new fitness classes based on stripper moves, you can feel hot (and not just in temperature) while you get in shape. Sure, you might giggle at first, but you'll eventually feel confident enough to practice your new moves for a special person at home, and a workout that you want to practice on your own is priceless.
Yoga Plus
It's not been that long ago that yoga went mainstream, with millions of people discovering the combination of peace of mind and increased flexibility that it offers. Now you can take yoga in almost any conceivable form from cardio power yoga workouts to yoga/pilates combos. Some cities are offering unique twists on the ancient method by offering versions like disco yoga and rock and roll yoga, so you can easily find one to suit your style.
Dance Workouts
If the concept of "dance workout" makes you think "jazzercise", you need to get out more. Today's workout classes feature fat-burning fitness classes incorporating moves from hip hop, salsa and bellydancing, just to name a few. Most devotees say that the hour flies by when you feel like you're dancing instead of exercising. Why not try a bellydancing or hula class and target that waist? Or a ballet class set to fresh, contemporary dance music?
Karaoke Exercise Class
Admit it: you're one of those girls who always mouths the words to the songs (or even sings quietly) when you're enjoying a song in a class. Thanks to the advent of fitness clubs that have incorporated karaoke machines into the gym, you don't have to mouth the words anymore. Belt out your favorites without fear of humiliation, because your classmates will be doing the same. It's not only good for your mood, it helps you remember to breathe regularly, ensuring a proper workout.
If you can't find these classes in your area, make a request to the gym manager or organize your own. There's no excuse for a boring workout in the 21st century, and the only reason to do an old-fashioned Jane Fonda workout is if that's the one you want.
The choice, more than ever before, is yours.
