Everyone seems to belong to a gym these days. And the fitness centers here are impressively equipped with state-of-the-art machines, competent trainers, clean facilities and long opening hours, making it easy for married-to-the-job types to squeeze in a quick workout whenever possible. But when jumping from one machine to another starts to get a tad monotonous (and believe us, it will), make time to try these fun new fitness classes.

Zumba Toning

This dancercize is a specialized spin-off from the Zumba Fitness group exercise (you know, that one involving high-octane dancing to Latin music). Basically, it’s dancing with macara sticks to very loud, heartpumping music. “Zumba has been picking up very rapidly in the fitness industry and was recently made available in many clubs here,” says California Fitness Group X instructor Daniel Ang. “It’s become very popular because it provides what many Singaporeans like—variety, and a good overall workout.”

What it does for you: Besides burning calories, you’ll also be working your chest, back, core and lower biceps. “If you go for classes as regularly as thrice a week, you’ll feel lighter and will notice changes to those hard-to-reach areas like your ‘love handles’,” Ang suggests.

What it’s like: It feels like an aerobics class. It’s a non-stop session with a lot of stepping, knee-raising and arm-pumping action, and you get just a threeminute break to mop your dripping sweat up and grab a swig of water.

Difficulty: 2/5. The moves are easy to follow, so unless you’ve got two left feet (even then you might still catch up), you’ll hardly find it intense.

Effectiveness: 3/5. There’s a boot camp element to the class, but with up to 80 people in the studio, it’s impossible for the instructor to make sure everyone does it right. Pack some self-motivation into your gym bag.

Try it if: Singing out loud to “The Ketchup Song” while shaking maraca sticks in the air is your idea of fun. No previous dance experience is required and the class caters to all fitness levels.

Where to try: All California Fitness outlets, including 14F Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place, 6534-0900. Complimentary trial classes are available.

Kranking

It’s like a spinning class, only Krankcycle’s pedals are where the handlebars should be. Designed by the same guy who brought you the Spinning indoor bicycle, Johnny G was inspired after trying a handicapped athlete’s homemade hand-cycle. Physique 360 is the first to bring this upper body cardio workout to our shores. Managing Director Caroline Teo holds it dear to her heart—she’s been looking for ways her handicapped niece can work out in a fun, upbeat way.

What it does for you: Works out your arms, shoulders, chest, back and core. It’s great for cross-training as you can rest your lower body muscles while still working on cardio. It also burns more calories and increases your metabolic rate as your body composition improves.

What it’s like: It’s cycling with your arms— either forward or reverse with one or both arms. With adjustable resistance, you can choose the easy road or krank up a steep terrain. You can choose to sit or stand and mix it up with lunges, splits and squats.

Difficulty: 4/5. It’s a hell of a lot tougher than it looks. Not only does your heart have to work harder to pump the same amount of blood through your arms as your legs (smaller blood vessels in the former give greater resistance), you also have to get used to the fact that one arm is weaker than the other, and it may take a few lessons before they both feel as strong as the other. This one definitely takes patience.

Effectiveness: 4/5. Most participants feel the difference in the balance of strength of their arms within a few sessions.

Try it if: You want an intense upper body workout or if your legs are still sore after yesterday’s run.

Where to try: Physique 360, #01-03/06 Alocassia Apartments, 383 Bukit Timah Rd., 6636-1300.