It may already be August, but summer isn’t over yet Sahelis!  Still want to work on that perfect beach body?  Want something new to mix up your fitness routine as summer winds down?  Over the next few weeks, we’ll bring you a series of articles featuring fitness tips, fun classes that will have you looking forward to working out, and much more! First up, we highlight three types of classes that focus on core strengthening…

Nothing says bikini-ready like a toned and sculpted waistline.  Classes that focus on your core—from the top of your abs down to your thighs—are popping up all over the city and gaining fast popularity.  Different combinations of Pilates, core-strengthening, and even yoga all work towards the same goal: a strong and toned center combined with a long and lean figure. We tried three of the most popular classes and have the lowdown on what you can expect (and how sore you’ll be the next day!)

Physique 57

Ask Kelly Ripa her fitness secret and she’ll give complete credit to Physique 57.  Combining interval training with Pilates and barre work, founder Tanya Becker has created a fitness system that takes strength and flexibility training to an entirely new level. Be prepared to sweat! Set to high-energy music, and with nearly no rest in between exercises, you will work during every minute of the 57-minute class.

Why you’ll love it: Thigh dancing is without a doubt the most entertaining part of the class—check out this video of Anderson Cooper giving it a try.  You’ll laugh your way to a smaller butt!

More information, including studio locations and cost is available here.

Core Fusion

For Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp, the husband-wife duo who created the Core Fusion technique, increasing strength and flexibility is a complete mind and body experience.  Incorporating principles of yoga and meditation into a rigorous core-strengthening workout, these classes have a slower pace to them. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less intense! Be ready for an hour-long class that works your muscles to exhaustion and follows it up with a series of stretches to create a long, lean look.

Why you’ll love it: The mind-body combination means you’ll get a high-impact workout, but leave class refreshed and feeling a little more Zen.

More information, including studio locations and cost is available here.

Nalini Method

The Nalini Method takes traditional core strengthening and adds an Eastern twist. Founder Rupa Mehta teaches many of the classes herself, providing personal-trainer-like attention to each member of the class. The bare studio is emblematic of Mehta’s focus on results instead of presentation. Unlike other classes, be prepared to use resistance bands and ankle weights to increase the intensity of the workout.

Why you’ll love it: The smaller classes get you personal attention to ensure you have the proper form and technique. Mehta’s targeted focus on different muscle groups also means you work nearly every muscle in your body for a complete full-body workout.

More information, including studio locations and cost is available here.

2 Comments For This Post

• lots of fruit and vegatables and salad ! and protien is great for you and take your time go at your own pace ! do not push your self to much at 1st build yourself up gradually otherwise you might put yourself off going but most of all have fun ! and good luck ! ill blow you a good luck kiss mwah x ;0)

  BY Kim Parter on August 30th, 2010 at 9:59 am

• Thanks for the post. Great writing skills by the way. It is really helpful to have good tips on the workout subject

  BY Chet Waterhouse on September 2nd, 2010 at 9:06 pm

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