Forget about push-ups and crunches. Active classes and home videos have taken over the exercise realm and have become increasingly popular in the past year. Zumba, Soul Cycle, yoga, and “Insanity” videos are innovative ways for all ages to work out that are easy to fit into hectic schedules.
One of the new fitness crazes is the dance class, Zumba. Instructors demonstrate energetic dance moves that can even be used outside of the studio. An hour-long private or group session of Zumba can burn 500-1000 calories. Classes dance to both slow and fast rhythms of Latin music, while engaging in resistance conditioning, cardio training, and body sculpting. 

“Zumba is a fun and exciting way to work out because the instructors are motivating, and the music is always bumping,” Convent of the Sacred Heart junior Emma Church said.
Soul Cycle, an exhilarating spin class, has also become a popular way of exercising. With upbeat music and enthusiastic teachers, cyclers become engrossed in their workout. Classes are in such high demand that avid cyclers rush to their computers every Monday at the 12 pm sign-up time to ensure they reserve their favorite bike.

“It it always exciting yet nerve racking when I’m signing up online,” senior Kate Larkin said.”I’m very particular, and always want the same seat, so I try to sign up right when the clock hits 12.” 

“Insanity” is another exercise option for those with tightly packed schedules. It is a series of ten DVDs that requires only a television and space to move around. Each disc includes a variety of workouts led by different trainers, keeping users entertained and constantly on their toes. Users also have the ability to stop or slow down, enabling them to set their desired pace. Classes take only 15 minutes, and guarantee a visual difference in two months.
After a long day of school or work, yoga is a workout directed towards relieving stress. Professional teachers demonstrate intricate moves to the yogis, a term attributed to the participants, including the downward dog and warrior poses, which help to loosen the body. An activity open to all age-groups, yoga only requires a 2×6 foot mat and a calm state-of-mind. 

“Soul Cycle, Zumba, and yoga are really fun because they allow a full exercise in only 45 minutes, so I am capable of fitting it into the hectic schedule of a high school student,” junior Lauren Schwabe said. “I have never tried the home video workouts, but I am interested in try it in the future.” 

– Cori Gabaldon, Staff Writer