Exercise Article Index >> Fitness Trends It's a Knockout With the explosion of media interest in Billy Blanks's [Tae-Bo.sup.TM] workout, boxing- and kickboxing-inspired workouts are hot, hot, hot. At fitness facilities, phones are ringing off the hook with people asking for these types of classes, and workout rooms often aren't big enough to squeeze in all the people who want to take the sessions. Some programs take advantage of equipment like gloves and wraps; others do not. Some instructors teach pure boxing or kickboxing; others create hybrid forms, combining step or circuits with boxing or kickboxing. Why are these programs packing a punch? Exercisers like the total-body workouts and appreciate the improved strength, endurance, balance, coordination and flexibility they experience. Crazy for Cha-Cha Cardio swing, salsa, Latin dance, belly dance, African dance ballet. You name the dance form and it's likely to be showing up on schedules in fitness facilities. Some dance-based workouts provide aerobic conditioning, whereas others focus on muscle conditioning or flexibility--but fun is the name of the game in them all! Exercisers enjoy exploring their own rhythms and the rhythms of different types of music. In fact, some classes come complete with an on-site musician. And women often enjoy getting in touch with their feminine side through the African or belly dance classes. It doesn't hurt that participants can show off their moves in dance clubs or that dance classes play up the social element. Yearning for Yoga In today's hustle-and-bustle society, everything and everyone seem to be going fast, faster, fastest. So it's no surprise people are looking for a way to slow down, to listen to their minds and their bodies. Yoga provides an avenue to reduce stress, improve breathing, build strength and gain flexibility. With the vast range of styles--from the soft Viniyoga to the vigorous Ashtanga (power) yoga--this discipline offers something for everyone Fitness instructors are both conducting yoga classes and incorporating yoga poses into traditional group fitness classes. The popularity of yoga also hooks into another global trend--the search for life's meaning. While practicing yoga can't provide all the answers, it can help quiet the mind so people can clearly hear the questions. Taking It to the Max While some exercisers are looking for gentler, less impactful workouts, other fitness participants want to work out stronger, harder and faster. After spending years indoors in the gym, a growing number now want to go outside and enjoy nature. The combination of these two desires has savvy fitness facilities crafting outdoor "extreme" workouts. While emphasizing safety, these programs also push people to their limits. Beaches, mountains, parks and forests are typical locales for these adventures, which might ask participants to dodge crashing waves, bound up steps or scramble across rocks. Definitely not for the faint of heart, such workouts task the stamina of the participants--and the creativity of the workout leaders. Concentrating on the Core Once word got out that famous dancers, actors and athletes loved workouts based on the teachings of Joseph Pilates, it seemed everyone became interested in this form of body conditioning. Mat classes, specifically, are now proving popular in fitness facilities that don't have the money or space for the equipment-based version of this workout form. Demand is so high in some cities that there aren't enough qualified teachers to go around. Aficionados rave about the no-stress workout that focuses on core muscles--the abdomen, back and buttocks. While movements may look simple, they are actually very challenging--and effective. The moves are praised for helping exercisers create the long, lean look many people Crave. Personal Training Trends The Reform(er) Movement Weight machines and treadmills aren't the only types of equipment personal trainers are using these days. Now pieces of apparatus such as the Reformer, the Cadillac and the Chair are becoming more commonplace as trainers use them to teach clients the core-conditioning work of Joseph Pilates. With the popularity of this exercise method increasing, personal trainers who have studied it are showing clients the equipment versions of the movements. Clients are seeking out experienced trainers who can help them achieve the better posture, lean muscles and flexibility this workout form provides. While some trainers are incorporating the core-conditioning concepts into regular training sessions, others are offering complete sessions in this modality. No longer do people need to be superathletes to run a marathon or half-marathon. With proper lead time and training, even the average person can participate in these events, which are offered in cities around the world. New runners--and experienced runners who want to improve their race times--are turning to personal trainers for help preparing for the big event. Some trainers work solely indoors; others mix indoor and outdoor preparation. Clients who successfully complete a long-distance running event may search for a fresh challenge, such as a triathlon. So guess what? Personal trainers are also preparing clients for multisport competitions. Martial Arts and Boxing Go One-on-One with the popularity of martial arts, kickboxing and boxing workouts in the group arena, it makes sense that personal training clients are requesting these workout forms as well. Trainers are devoting part or all of a session to movements from disciplines like tai chi, kung fu, boxing and kickboxing. (Trainers well schooled in boxing may even take clients into the ring.) Clients like the concentration, self-control and agility these forms provide, not to mention the strength and flexibility benefits. Clients also enjoy the change of pace--and fun--these workout alternatives bring to a session. Female clients, especially, appreciate the feeling of power and the self-defense strategies they get from boxing sessions. Exploring the Great Outdoors Gone are the any when time off from work meant wanting to just laze around the beach with a margarita and book in tow. The adventure travel business has soared as today's vacationers clamor to explore the world by foot or from the seat of a bicycle. To prepare for these fitness odysseys, more and more people are turning to personal trainers. Some trainers are raking clients outside and practicing the actual activity they will be doing. Other trainers are building up clients' strength and stamina in preparation for the actual activity on the trip. Clients are seeking help in preparing for either a single activity--such as hiking--or a multisport adventure, which might include mountain biking, canoeing and climbing. COPYRIGHT 2000 IDEA Health & Fitness Exercise Article Index >> News I Health I Wellness I Exercise I Profiles I Business I Links I Women ROCK! Product Review I To the Point I Contact I Home Created by: Art Street Design Studio. © Concerning Women Communications, Inc. all rights reserved.