Cardio Barre is an exercise program that combines a wall-mounted ballet barre with light weight training in order to tighten and tone. It is low-impact, and the goal is to target and transform the legs, buttocks, arms, and torso to emulate the long, lean body of a ballet dancer.

The class lasts about one hour, starting with traditional ballet movements like plies and deep knee bends, then shifts to a combination of other movements. The ballet barre helps you stabilize while you work out, improving balance, coordination, posture, and core strength over time.

Spin classes are a fun way to get your heart rate up. Spinning typically involves 30 to 75 minutes of cycling on a stationary bike. Endurance is key, as the class follows a series of phases, from warm-up to peak cardio, and then finished with a cool-down period. Spinning has taken off in recent years, with variations that involve upbeat music, or periods where the studio lights are dimmed so cyclists can practice utmost concentration.

Recently, many gyms have started to offer classes that include a mix of tumbling, juggling, and trapeze work commonly seen in acrobatic shows like Cirque du Soleil. Though they may seem daring, circus workouts are suitable for fitness fanatics of all ages and experience levels. This form of exercise improves flexibility and balance and develops strength and muscle control, especially in the upper body.

Also known as “hot yoga,” Bikram yoga is taught in a studio heated to 105° F. The heat relaxes the muscles and allows for deep flexibility without injury. Each session is 90 minutes long and involves 26 specific yoga positions. The Bikram routine must be followed in the correct order to prepare the body for proper posturing and allow for complete healing.

If you have trouble staying focused during long sessions at the gym, try a combination class that splits time between different activities. Typically, combo classes include a mix of cardio with weight training or toning, such as spinning followed by yoga. Another popular pairing combines spinning with Pilates for a full-body workout.

Hooping, or working out with a hula hoop, is showing up in more and more gyms as a way for members to switch up their workout routines. Participants use a weighted hoop that’s designed specifically for exercise. Weighted hoops are much easier to control, compared to the lightweight hula hoops that many remember from childhood. Hooping burns calories, increases endurance, and tones abs while also strengthening your center.

Jumping on a trampoline is almost too fun to be considered a workout, but it is extremely beneficial to heart health. Jump workouts burn calories and boost cardio endurance, and are a great way to incorporate a low-impact exercise into your schedule. Different moves can be used in repetition in order to tone, such as squats, knee-tucks, jumping jacks, or even jogging in place.

Water walking involves climbing into a human-sized sphere made from buoyant rubber. Once inside the sphere, the wearer can push against the sides in order to flip, roll, float, or simply walk on water. Water walking may look like child’s play, but it’s much more work than it seems – you may need to bring a workout bar along for a mid-session snack! Inside the sphere, use your legs and abs to keep yourself from falling, rolling your way to serious muscle tone.

Many use music to take their workouts to the next level. A new form of exercise lets participants go one step further: working out alongside a karaoke microphone so they can make music while burning calories! A karaoke workout is ideal for stationary activities (like treadmill running, yoga, or cycling) so you can still focus on the lyrics while keeping your heart rate up. Depending on your musical preference, some fitness centers offer karaoke workout classes set to gospel music, theater music, and more.

Dance your way to better health with workouts that use music and choreographed steps to form a fun but challenging fitness atmosphere. One example is Zumba, a Latin-inspired cardio-dance workout. Many local gyms also feature hip hop, jazz, or aerobics-inspired dancing classes to shimmy and shake your body into shape.

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