by Mario Carini

Created on: January 10, 2009   Last Updated: January 20, 2009

This is the year you've promised yourself to get into shape. But the thought of sweating out in a gym or doing laps doesn't particularly appeal to you. If you're like many you're looking for something that can help you lose weight and doesn't become a boring activity after weeks of effort with little result. While getting into shape requires work you can ease the drudgery through practicing some upcoming fitness trends.

According to the trend watchers at IdeaFit, you're likely to see see more online training programs being offered with core-conditioning classes and fitness plans designed to keep you and your children healthy. More of us will be inclined to hire personal trainers to help use new equipment properly and help improve health with less effort..

Basic exercise; Functional fitness; Mind/body workouts and a Buddy system are words you're likely to hear more of in 2009.

Basic Exercise Plans:
It mean less reliance of equipment to get into shape. Home gyms, while useful, are often neglected as they are too complicated for the average man and offer little variety to keep you from getting bored. Those old standbys like push-ups, sit-ups and jumping jacks may well get back into vogue. Following are some ways of exercise that requires little in the use of fancy equipment:

* Krav Maga is a hand-to-hand self-defense technique developed by the Israeli Defense Forces. It's used by many law enforcement agencies around the world. It creates a cardiovascular workout with punching bags and calisthenics. A variety of exercises will help you get exercise with less boredom.

* Core Training. You've heard of surfboarding and skateboarding? Now there's the Core Board. Developed by Reebok, the board swivels, tilts and twists with the movements of the body. It helps develop the abs, torso and improves strength and coordination while you maintain balance on the board. The board comes with instructions and various levels so you can have fun as you exercise.

* Capoeira is a dance routine that was developed some 400 years ago by African slaves who used dancing as a self-defense technique. It combines dance with martial arts and some gymnastics. Classes are available so you can learn to tone up your abs and thighs. The best advantage is that you don't realize you are exercising at all with a little music on the stereo.

Functional Fitness:
Functional fitness refers to a series of exercises that strengthen those basic muscle groups you use every day from cleaning, lifting, shoveling and

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