staging

33 Trendy Fitness Classes You Have to Try

New York: Surfset Classic

SurfSetFitness.com

What to expect: Pop up on the RipSurfer X, a machine that looks like a real surfboard, wobbles as if on water and comes tricked out with bungees at its nose that allow you to "paddle" with resistance.

Know before you go: Exactly as you would for the real thing, ditch socks for a better grip on the board.

Your turn: Simulate a sick set while you define a surfer-girl chest: Get in push-up position with hands on a BOSU ball; push off the BOSU, and explode to standing. Gnarly!

More: Sculpt Your Body With a BOSU ball

SELF Fave

"Physique 57, Physique57.com, one of the first NYC barre classes, is a tough thigh, butt and ab workout that never lets me down." Nicole Catanese, fitness director

SELF Fave

"The NYC boot camp class As One, As1 Effect.com],makes whipping ropes and leaping over boxes feel doable—and even fun." —Marissa Stephenson, fitness editor

SELF Fave

"In Deep Extreme, Equinox.com, yoga moves are mixed with tribal dance to give a bigger cardio burn." —Jaclyn Emerick editorial assistant

Miami

Say bienvenido to sculpting sexy curves and sizzling mucho calories! Here, every day is a bikini-baring opportunity, so it's no surprise the hottest workouts aim to burn as they firm.

Miami: RealRyder Inferno

MCycleGym.com

What to expect: Picture indoor cycling but on a bike (called a RealRyder) that pivots side to side so you can lean into twisting trails, just like on an alfresco ride (you might feel like you're outside, too, in this studio of wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows!). Twice, you'll crank the resistance to slowpedal while you do 15-minute lifting sessions with 3-pound weights.

Know before you go: The bike's instability means you're firing your core to stay balanced the entire hour.

Next stop: chiseled abs!

Your turn: Class goers here have a "bike butler" to help them adjust height and handlebar settings, but you can ask an instructor in any class to customize your ride's fit.

More: Benefits of an Indoor Fitness Class

Miami: Dance Street Lab

TheSportsClubLA.com

What to expect: The sounds of Miami—Latin rap, Jamaican reggae and salsa—accompany music video?esque moves. And you don't have to be Shakira to hang. The first three songs are your warm-up, and the steps you learn (slowly!) provide the foundation for mastering the rest of the hour-long class.

Know before you go: DSL is so caliente that students spill into the hallways. Aim to arrive 20 minutes early.

Your turn: No matter what dance class you're in, the key to looking (and feeling) loose is to always keep knees soft. Don't lock 'em.

PREV
  • 3
  • of
  • 8
NEXT

About the Author

SELF Editors

SELF gives you great advice on being healthy, happy, slimmer, fitter and less stressed.
SELF gives you great advice on being healthy, happy, slimmer, fitter and less stressed.

Discuss This Article