Health

Kick your ass into gear with five fresh workouts

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The Tru Trigger Point class at TruFusion Yoga blends yoga with the latest exercise trends like TRX.
Photo: L.E. Baskow
Molly O'Donnell

We all do it: After overindulging in holiday goodies, we promise ourselves we’re going to get in shape. For the first couple months of the year, gyms are flooded with new members, to the point where it’s hard to find a spot for your yoga mat or an empty stationary bike. But inevitably, by March, those resolutions are a dim memory and the gym is as empty as a casino on Christmas. Why? We get bored.

This year, try something different to see if a break from the treadmill monotony can help you attain your fitness goals and keep you coming back for more.

Tru Trigger Point

“Highly addictive.” That’s how Luke Hoffman, co-founder of TruFusion Yoga, describes his studio’s unique blend of yoga with the latest exercise trends like TRX. In a gorgeous new facility flooded with natural light, classes like Tru Trigger Point can seem deceptively easy. “It’s a poor-man’s massage,” instructor Marc Coronel says. But after an hour of pressing your muscles into foam rollers to release stored-up lactic acid, you might leave crying. That’s okay, because with unlimited classes like Boy Band Yoga and Barefoot Bootcamp (a fusion of hot yoga, Pilates and kettlebells) for $50 a month, you’ll be weeping tears of joy at the variety. trufusionyoga.com.

Surfset Fitness

For obvious reasons—ahem, bathing suits—everyone wants to improve core strength. Surfset’s unique dry-land surf workout delivers on promises that products like the wobbly board make. The workout offers more flexibility in intensity because resistance can be adjusted, engaging the core as the surfer balances atop a board supported by donut-shaped balls attached to a base. But it’s not all about a killer six-pack. Co-owner of Surfset Las Vegas Jason Laricchia says, “One of our clients recently ran her personal best time in a marathon, having only trained at Surfset.” Although you might not have such lofty goals, that swimsuit will eventually demand a visit to the actual beach. Single session, $20, monthly memberships available, surfsetlasvegas.com.

Las Vegas Hula Studio can teach you some culture and work on your waistline.

Las Vegas Hula Studio can teach you some culture and work on your waistline.

Belly dance

If belly dance doesn’t seem like the best workout, think about the last time you tried to Hula-Hoop. Jada Fire at Barefoot Sanctuary points out that one of the reasons people return to belly dance again and again is that “it’s more fun than clocking in on the treadmill and zoning out. It’s a union of the mind and body.” Using music as a stimulant, classes at Barefoot can have more of a nightclub feel, with dim lighting and walls filled with artwork. Who wouldn’t rather dance than hit the gym? Single class, $15, monthly passes available, barefootsanctuary.com.

Hula

Polynesian dance isn’t just for honeymoon luaus. It’s a fun way to stay in shape. Think about what all that hip motion could do for your waistline. Who wouldn’t want to be as slim as a grass-skirted dashboard darling? Myra Tolo, the Hula Mama at Las Vegas Hula Studio, also points out that “hula is great for those as young as 3 and as old as 80 because it’s easy on the joints.” Plus, classes also give performances, “so it gives everyone the extra motivation to keep going.” Fear of being laughed off stage: How’s that for incentive? Four-week class, $35, lasvegashula.com.

Kung Fu

“Martial arts are all about developing explosiveness and speed,” says Kevin Kawada, owner of Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy. With a workout that’s equal parts stretching, cardio and strength, speed may be the goal, but a total body workout is the effect. Kung fu lets you be your own Chuck Norris as you learn the best way to defend yourself and get in shape. Plus, it’s not just a workout; it’s a traditional technique that keeps your brain as piqued as your quads are toned. And when your mind’s into it, your body tends to forget it’s working. In the words of Mr. Miyagi, “work smarter, not harder.” Unlimited monthly passes from $99, lvshaolin.com.

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