From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Workouts in progress

Jazzercise is so last-millennium. Try some unusual classes that put the fun back in your workout.

by Joanie Cox

October 19 2005

Keeping an exercise routine fresh is about as easy as sticking to a low-carb diet. Running on a treadmill is tedious and riding a bike to nowhere gets old fast. Yoga, Pilates, yogalates -- it's all been done. Realizing this, some gyms have begun to embrace a new trend called fitness fusion, which involves a funkier approach to traditional exercise. Crunch gym in Miami Beach is known for its offbeat workouts, and many other South Florida gyms are getting in on the action. The following offer quirky classes that should make you want to get off your ass and feel the burn.

Boca Yoga Studio
450 N.E. 20th St., Boca Raton, 561/368-7368, Strippingslimfitness.com
Lap dancing 101 is on the menu here, as well as the "floor flirting mat class," which teaches a seductive floor routine. The studio also offers pole-dancing classes at beginning and advanced levels, and a 90-minute "pop star cardio" class that involves moves stolen from celebrities' workouts. Three-week sessions cost $55, and single classes can be purchased for $18. The organizers also offer classes at Capalupa Studio, 2831 E. Commercial Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale; call 954/202-9300.

Crunch
1259 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305/674-8222, Crunch.com
Each class costs $21, which also includes use of the gym. Weeklong memberships cost $88.
• Abs'solutely hysterical
The battle of the bulge has resulted in tons of gimmicks, from cheesy infomercials hawking abdominal-flattening devices to the popular video Eight-minute Abs and Arms. This class encourages laughter as a means to better abs. Participants do crunches while a wannabe Dane Cook or -- God forbid -- Carrot Top works out his routine. Expect plenty of fat jokes.
• Dodgeball 101
Get ready to dodge, dip, duck and dive in this hourlong class that allows participants to pretend they're getting back at the jerks who pummeled them in high-school dodgeball games. The class includes a warm-up, three to five rounds of dodgeball, an ab workout and a final stretch.
• The morning-after workout
This 45-minute class is a good way to recover from a night of partying too hard. With the goals of increasing blood circulation and flushing toxins from the body, the routine involves rehydration, deep breathing, stretching and light body-sculpting. Participants receive complimentary beauty products from Bliss and bottles of Vitamin Water.
• Nike rock star workout
In this one-hour class, participants dance to Latin music in a workout choreographed by Jamie King, who has created routines for Britney Spears, Shakira, Madonna and Ricky Martin.
• Ride-in movies
This spin class is the ultimate rush for people who want to combine a love of movies with a need to exercise. The 90-minute session features movies chosen by the instructor, who often opts for comedies or action flicks. Check the marquee outside the door to see what's playing.
• Samba school
It's hard to imagine a workout class ever feeling like a vacation, but this lesson in traditional Brazilian dance comes close. The dance moves change every week to ward off boredom.

The Goddess Store and Studio
2017 Harrison St., Hollywood, 954/929-2369, Goddessstore.com or Artofexoticdancing.com
Learn the art of the striptease and how to communicate through eye contact in The Art of Exotic Dancing for Everyday Women, which requires students to wear an oversize button-down shirt and a pair of heels. An advanced class teaches how to use a chair as a seductive prop. The workshops last three hours and will next be offered Oct. 29, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. Each costs $79.

Punch Fitness
4020 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, 954/428-8990, Punchfitness.net
The national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai kickboxing originated in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Thai army and emphasizes the legs, abs and upper body. This hourlong class uses jump ropes, heavy bags and boxing gloves. Punch offers monthly memberships from $55 to $65 or a 15-class package for $150. Interested exercisers can try one class for free.