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9. DANCING
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Whether it’s line, club or a native dance around a fire, movement to music has kept people in shape for years. Almost every gym that offers group classes will have some sort of dance fitness class. And don’t be afraid to try something new, such as Zumba or pole dancing.
Where to Find It: One of the most popular recent dance movements has been Zumba. An amalgamation of hip-hop, belly dancing and Latin American and South American dances, along with some martial arts movements, Zumba isn’t just a dance class, it’s a “fitness party.” There are eight different types of Zumba classes directed at particular workout groups. Zumba Gold, for example, targets baby boomers. It slows down the pacing and changes some of the movements to make it more suitable for senior citizens.
You can try out regular Zumba classes or Aqua Zumba — Zumba’s idea of a fitness pool party — at 24 Hour Fitness. The monthly cost is $55. And despite the name, the gym is open 5 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
If you are looking for something more “exciting” than a fitness party, burlesque or pole dancing are choices. Get a workout while you get your sexy on. Movement Studio at 7906 Beverly Blvd., just east of the Pan Pacific Park, offers pole dancing and burlesque as a part of the studio’s “After 8 Series,” which begins at 8 p.m. or later on weekdays. You’ll learn the art of slinking across the room and taking to the air on the pole, or the erotic positions of a sensuous striptease. It’ll get you in shape, and more than likely your significant other will shell out the cash for your next month’s gym fees. Movement Studio has a new member special: a month of unlimited classes for $100 for yoga, Pilates and barre sculpt. You can also sign up for a six-week burlesque ($180) or pole dancing ($228) series.
What You’ll Work: If you’ve ever danced up a storm in the nightclub, only to wake up the next morning wondering why your hips, lower back and abs are sore, then you know how much dancing can kick your tail. With those moves choreographed, you get a full-body burn.
