Hoopnotica, SurfSet. ViPR and Other Killer Workouts to Live Fruitfully

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As proven by my recent trip to Los Angeles, CA, fitness can be so much fun. Thanks to Jamba Juice which flew me across the country to take part in a fitness party they called a “Pop Up Fitness Event”, I got to experience some of the most fun and innovative new fitness classes all the while being indulged with yummy treats by the lively and energetic brand, Jamba Juice.  Even after 20+ years in this business, I’m delighted to consistently work with innovators of sweat who come up with new ways to make the art of exercising enjoyable. Look for these fun classes in a gym near you or on DVD.

SurfSET Fitness: Based on a cool fitness tool, this class equipment combines a real surfboard placed on balance disks, placed on somewhat of a Pilates reformer. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to do cardio, strength, balance and stretching on that wobbly board. It feels just like surfing (even though they’re specifically NOT teaching you how to surf), just without the salt water in your eyes and the threat of Great White sharks eating your legs off. Catch a class if you’re in NYC or Boston. DVDs and home equipment should come soon!

*I give this workout 5 Bananas  – A total body workout with a crazy fun twist.

Juicy Athletic Moves: Taught by a fun, fierce female, Neda Soderqvist, this class allows you the opportunity to thrust, gyrate and scream your saucy little brains out. Kinda like Zumba, but MORE. Neda was a super sweetie who flung her barefoot body and hair around making me thik, “Oooooh, that lady is savage … we should hang out”.  Jumping in to this naughty but nice dance class would make you scream, sweat and smile.

*I give this workout 5 Bananas – The world loves Zumba, but they’ll love this more.

ViPR: This class was just like a lot of other conditioning classes, but the tool used for strength training was uber cool. Instead of using traditional weights or medicine balls, you’ll use a truly unique rubber tube with handles to make your body burn. It was definitely clever and the class was high energy, you’ll leave drenched in sweat. Probably a little too intense for some, but right up my alley.

*I give this workout 4 Bananas – Challenging, but not for everyone.

Hoopnotica: Training with these specially designed weighted hoola hoops is surprisingly a lot easier than with the ones you find on a playground. Hoola-hooping for fitness is not a new concept, but I really like the freshness of these hoops. They’re heavier and break apart in to several pieces so you can easily travel with them. (The TSA peeps at the airport thought I was goofy, but let me and my hoop right on through security.) A few smart pointers from the Hoopnotica instructors ensured absolutely everyone in the class could keep the hoops up and swirling for many minutes at a time. Even I didn’t drop my hoop! I did smash myself in the head with one, but I’ll just blame that on me. Grab a DVD and a portable hoop here.

*I give this workout 3.5 Bananas – A little redundant, but low impact and super fun!

Bollywood Dance: Think SlumDog Millionaire and there you have it. I was surprised when the class started and the seemingly mild man, Rahul Nath, launched the class with some wild shouting and raucous shaking. He was insanely fun, energetic and powerful. I giggled my head off as I flew across the room to keep up.  This dude has a DVD out and I suggest you get it today.

*I give this 5 Bananas – Fun for absolutely everyone.

Given the opportunity, which class would you want to try?

**This rating system is based on 1-5 Jamba Juice Bananas. 5 being the best. 1 being the worst.