by Kylie Fox

Created on: October 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

Fads in workout classes come and go, so what are the coolest of the cool new workout classes right now?As the popularity of Pilates and yoga begin to diminish, four new workouts are taking their place: Latin Impact or Zumba; Hip Hop Dance; Stripping/Pole Dancing Classes and; Boot Camp Conditioning.

"Zumba", derived from Colombian slang meaning "to move fast and have fun", is the latest trend in workouts, with enthusiasts in all shapes and sizes combining salsa and cha-cha Latin dance moves with aerobics for a low-impact workout. Originally created by celebrity fitness trainer "Beto" Perez in Colombia, Zumba has spread to many of the top fitness centres across the United States and picked up a massive following on it's way.A typical workout involves simple choreography focusing on the hips with coordinating arm movements and engages the core abdominal muscles, tones the arms and, of course, works the legs and hips. An instructor at the Greenwich YWCA says "you can burn 500 to 800 calories" in a one hour class, regardless of the shape you're in.

For more information, visit the official Zumba website, www. Zumbafitness.com

"Hip Hop Dance" is another cool new workout that fitness enthusiasts are being drawn to in droves. This high energy, cardiovascular workout involves funky hip-hop style dance routines which are sure to burn away calories, elongate muscles and strengthen your core. A total body workout, which will have the added bonus of increasing flexibility and coordination. Classes can be taken in many gyms and fitness clubs across the country, as well as in specialised dance studios or on DVD for those who prefer to work out at home.

One of the coolest new workouts are Stripping or Pole Dancing classes. Originally considered only for those in the profession, people all over the country have recognised the health and fitness benefits of these classes which, believe it or not, actually comprise a combination of yoga, dance and Pilates moves. Women are also declaring stripping as empowering to their womanhood, along with the benefits of added core strength, flexibility and calories burned. Studios are appearing in all cities or, if gyrating your hips and exploring your inner stripper in front of a group of people doesn't appeal, many DVD's are now available.

Finally, "Boot Camp Conditioning", is the newest of the cool new workout trends to sweep the country. Based on military-inspired boot camps, workouts include components of callisthenics, training drills, yoga, Pilates, aerobics, marching and running. These classes cater for the absolute beginner to conditioned athletes, with workouts intensifying accordingly. Workouts vary from class to class, pushing you to a whole new level of fitness and never allowing you to become bored or classes to become predictable.Boot Camp Conditioning will certainly burn the calories, working every muscle in your body (even ones you didn't know you had), increasing cardiovascular fitness, coordination, core strength and strength of mind.The perfect workout for anybody who needs external motivation and a varied routine, many classes are actually taught outside, regardless of weather.

Whatever your exercise preference, be it the intense workout of Boot camp or the more dance inspired workouts of Zumba, Hip-Hop or Stripping, at least one of the coolest new workout classes to hit our gyms is sure to appeal to every fitness enthusiast.

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