Unusually Fit

If the this spring includes plans for a new, fitter you, consider giving the workout routine a kinetic jolt with something a little different. Fitness experts seem to universally agree that it does a body good to shake up your routine with some results driven muscle confusion.

These cutting-edge, body-sculpting options fall into the category of innovative and a little off the treadmill path and may help you break out of a workout rut—or just get moving!

Check these new and unusual workouts at your favorite gym or fitness studio or ask about what’s new on their schedule:

Piloxing

Like so many fitness trends, Piloxing, which combines core-toning Pilate’s moves with cardio-strengthening boxing moves, has its roots in Hollywood culture Hybrid Piloxing is the brainchild of Swedish dancer and celebrity trainer Viveca Jensen. Locally, you can check out a morning or evening class at Bodywise by Betty in Stamford, at Flair Fitness in Darien and through the recreation departments in Darien in Stamford.

Computraining

Not to be confused with its fitness cousin, Spinning; a Computrainer class is ideal for anyone whose caught the triathlon bug or simply wants to bring their two wheels indoors to avoid winter roads. For this class you pop your own bike into a special stand and then ride (often with a motivating instructor in tow) to a variety of pre-programmed paths that can mimic everything from a Tour de France route to a tropical coastline. You’ll find Computrainer classes at Pacific Swim, Bike and Run in Stamford as well as Tri-Fitness in Fairfield.

Just Dance

Not to be confused with Zumba or Jazzercise, dance choreography class puts a completely new spin on the idea of aerobic dance. In an hour flat Enrique Alarcon and Amanda Parton of Westport’s Dance Collective teach their students a performance style routine that leaves them dripping with sweat and ready for a curtain call. A few classes to try include the studio’s Latin-themed and Broadway offerings. And there’s more to love about these classes then the way they’ll tone your legs: Fitness experts say following dance routines keeps your body and mind nimble. Bravo!

ROPA

Get your groove on in this intense conditioning class which combines rope work (think pulling and snapping ropes to tone your upper body) with rhythmic-Zumba style dance moves. Stefanie Tropea of Norwalk’s Punch Gym (which offers these unique classes) says her clients love the break from weights and the monotony of the elliptical trainer or treadmill.

Qi Gong

Described by its enthusiasts as a moving meditation, Qi Gong–which combines fluid movement, breathing, and self-massage—is a zen-like workout try if your New Year’s resolution combines fitness with stress busting. Some interesting local classes Julie Moffat’s outdoor Qi Gong on Southport’s Sasco Beach (or head indoors for her offerings at several local fitness studios). Or the combination Tai Chi/Qi Gong classes offered at the First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich and at Connecticut’s Finest Kickboxing and Karate Academy in Stamford offered through Tai Chi Stamford by Master Wang Feng-Ming. Learn more about Moffat’s classes at FollowYourQi.com

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