PLAY YOUR WAY TO FITNESS
Whittling your waistline doesn't
require hitting the gym
By LAURA MARTIN
STAFF WRITER
The reflections from a disco ball glisten throughout the room as a large group of
dancers groove to the hottest songs from the last four decades, dancing the grapevine, the cha-cha and even throwing in the funky chicken now and then. But these people are not at a dance club, or even a rock concert. They are at their local YMCA, participating in a cardio dance class, one of the many new workout methods available that can transform exercise from a chore into a fun activity. Whether exercisers are looking to dance, kick or even wiggle off the calories, these days anyone can get in shape and still leave crunchers and push-ups behind.
Disco into a better body
"Dancing is more fun than exercise should be," said Jill Waskiewicz, who teaches a cardio dance class called "Group Grove" at the Hunterdon County YMCA.
In her class, one of the most popular exercise programs offered at the YMCA, participants learn simple Latin, urban and club style dances to everything from 1970s disco to the pop hits of today. But the routines aren't just for fun. Waskiewicz said most people burn between 500 and 700 calories per class.
"Dancing involves your entire body ... you use your arms, you use your core, and it's a great cardio workout," she said.
Dance instructor Mary Clark, who teaches at the Asbury Park Dance and Yoga Studio, said hip-hop dance also is a popular way to exercise. She thinks it's because participants are so focused on learning the dance moves that they forget they are working out.
"When you are dancing hip-hop, you could be going from squats to lunges without even realizing it," said Clark. "Then you wake up three weeks later, and you are like, 'Wow, my body looks great,' and you never even felt like you worked out."
Although it does take time to learn a new style of dance, most of the programs available at fitness centers are designed for beginners. Waskiewicz said anyone can easily pick up the routines taught in her cardio dances classes, regardless of dance background. "If you can move, you can groove," she said.
Hula for heath
Ever wonder how first lady Michelle Obama stays so fit? She revealed at least part of her fitness secret last October when she showed off her impressive Hula-Hooping skills on the White House lawn. While not everyone can work out in such a well-known location, myriad options are available for those looking to wiggle off the pounds.
For a more intense workout than just standard Hula-Hooping, exercisers can purchase weighted Hula-Hoops at most sporting-goods stores. A series of instructional Hula-Hoop workout DVDs called "Hoopnotica" also are available at hoopnotica.com. For a more one-on-one approach, Hoop dance classes, where participants balance and twirl specially made Hula-Hoops around their waists, hips and arms as they do different dance moves, also have become increasingly popular at gyms and fitness centers.
Stephanie "Stevie" Cohen, a Hoop dance instructor at Wellness on the Green in Morristown, said that she was able to stop going to the gym completely when she started doing Hoop dance just two times a week.
"It is a whole body workout," said Cohen. "Even in a couple of weeks, you can see
results, balance improvement, weight loss, toning, and it builds a lot of self confidence."
Cohen said despite the health benefits, becoming more toned isn't the best thing about Hula-Hooping.
"It's fun," she said. "You can't Hula-Hoop without having a smile on your face."
Get kicked into shape
Martial arts is no longer just an activity for movie stunt doubles and those looking to defeat a black belt. Despite being stereotyped as an extremely serious practice, many martial arts studios and fitness centers are now offering variations on the craft that are catered toward those just looking to have fun and work out.
"Times have really changed in martial arts schools," said Mike Cofer, owner of Impulse MMA in Waretown. "It's not as hard core and intense ... people now want to come to a place that is comfortable and fun."
Impulse MMA is dedicated to providing that fun factor, offering a women's cardio kick boxing class which incorporates all of the techniques from competitive kick boxing into a fun, group class atmosphere. But despite the more relaxed environment, most women still experience the serious fitness and mental benefits typically associated with martial arts training.
"Women usually see a difference in their shirt and pants sizes once they start taking the class," said Cofer, who also stated that 99 percent of his students are beginners. "Plus, when they walk out of here, they feel really empowered, and that crosses over into other aspects of their lives."
Stretch with style
If flexibility is the goal, Pilates may be the perfect fun alternative to standard
stretches. The practice, which is done either on a mat or with a piece of equipment called a Pilates reformer, uses small distinctive movements to strengthen muscles while lengthening them.
Michael Colicci, co-owner of Pilates and Company in Highland Park, said what makes Pilates an enjoyable alternative to the gym is the unusual positions the activity requires.
"Its fun to be upside down or balancing in a strange way ... you get to play around with all these strange body positions," he said.
However, Colicci said these strange positions aren't meant to scare away beginners. He believes quite the opposite, and recommends Pilates for those who have not exercised in a long time.
"If you want to get back in shape, it really wakes up your body and the muscles that have been lying dormant, and you start feeling better," he said. "You will walk out, and you will say, "I have work to do, but its going to be fun while I do it.' "
Laura Martin: 732-643-4256; [email protected]
By LAURA MARTIN
STAFF WRITER
The reflections from a disco ball glisten throughout the room as a large group of
dancers groove to the hottest songs from the last four decades, dancing the grapevine, the cha-cha and even throwing in the funky chicken now and then. But these people are not at a dance club, or even a rock concert. They are at their local YMCA, participating in a cardio dance class, one of the many new workout methods available that can transform exercise from a chore into a fun activity. Whether exercisers are looking to dance, kick or even wiggle off the calories, these days anyone can get in shape and still leave crunchers and push-ups behind.
Disco into a better body
"Dancing is more fun than exercise should be," said Jill Waskiewicz, who teaches a cardio dance class called "Group Grove" at the Hunterdon County YMCA.
In her class, one of the most popular exercise programs offered at the YMCA, participants learn simple Latin, urban and club style dances to everything from 1970s disco to the pop hits of today. But the routines aren't just for fun. Waskiewicz said most people burn between 500 and 700 calories per class.
"Dancing involves your entire body ... you use your arms, you use your core, and it's a great cardio workout," she said.
Dance instructor Mary Clark, who teaches at the Asbury Park Dance and Yoga Studio, said hip-hop dance also is a popular way to exercise. She thinks it's because participants are so focused on learning the dance moves that they forget they are working out.
"When you are dancing hip-hop, you could be going from squats to lunges without even realizing it," said Clark. "Then you wake up three weeks later, and you are like, 'Wow, my body looks great,' and you never even felt like you worked out."
Although it does take time to learn a new style of dance, most of the programs available at fitness centers are designed for beginners. Waskiewicz said anyone can easily pick up the routines taught in her cardio dances classes, regardless of dance background. "If you can move, you can groove," she said.
Hula for heath
Ever wonder how first lady Michelle Obama stays so fit? She revealed at least part of her fitness secret last October when she showed off her impressive Hula-Hooping skills on the White House lawn. While not everyone can work out in such a well-known location, myriad options are available for those looking to wiggle off the pounds.
For a more intense workout than just standard Hula-Hooping, exercisers can purchase weighted Hula-Hoops at most sporting-goods stores. A series of instructional Hula-Hoop workout DVDs called "Hoopnotica" also are available at hoopnotica.com. For a more one-on-one approach, Hoop dance classes, where participants balance and twirl specially made Hula-Hoops around their waists, hips and arms as they do different dance moves, also have become increasingly popular at gyms and fitness centers.
Stephanie "Stevie" Cohen, a Hoop dance instructor at Wellness on the Green in Morristown, said that she was able to stop going to the gym completely when she started doing Hoop dance just two times a week.
"It is a whole body workout," said Cohen. "Even in a couple of weeks, you can see
results, balance improvement, weight loss, toning, and it builds a lot of self confidence."
Cohen said despite the health benefits, becoming more toned isn't the best thing about Hula-Hooping.
"It's fun," she said. "You can't Hula-Hoop without having a smile on your face."
Get kicked into shape
Martial arts is no longer just an activity for movie stunt doubles and those looking to defeat a black belt. Despite being stereotyped as an extremely serious practice, many martial arts studios and fitness centers are now offering variations on the craft that are catered toward those just looking to have fun and work out.
"Times have really changed in martial arts schools," said Mike Cofer, owner of Impulse MMA in Waretown. "It's not as hard core and intense ... people now want to come to a place that is comfortable and fun."
Impulse MMA is dedicated to providing that fun factor, offering a women's cardio kick boxing class which incorporates all of the techniques from competitive kick boxing into a fun, group class atmosphere. But despite the more relaxed environment, most women still experience the serious fitness and mental benefits typically associated with martial arts training.
"Women usually see a difference in their shirt and pants sizes once they start taking the class," said Cofer, who also stated that 99 percent of his students are beginners. "Plus, when they walk out of here, they feel really empowered, and that crosses over into other aspects of their lives."
Stretch with style
If flexibility is the goal, Pilates may be the perfect fun alternative to standard
stretches. The practice, which is done either on a mat or with a piece of equipment called a Pilates reformer, uses small distinctive movements to strengthen muscles while lengthening them.
Michael Colicci, co-owner of Pilates and Company in Highland Park, said what makes Pilates an enjoyable alternative to the gym is the unusual positions the activity requires.
"Its fun to be upside down or balancing in a strange way ... you get to play around with all these strange body positions," he said.
However, Colicci said these strange positions aren't meant to scare away beginners. He believes quite the opposite, and recommends Pilates for those who have not exercised in a long time.
"If you want to get back in shape, it really wakes up your body and the muscles that have been lying dormant, and you start feeling better," he said. "You will walk out, and you will say, "I have work to do, but its going to be fun while I do it.' "
Laura Martin: 732-643-4256; [email protected]