SQUEEZE OC

With summer on the horizon, now is the time to start sculpting your body into that of a Greek god or goddess. But you know you'll never keep with the program if all you do are crunches, push-ups and squats. You need to find something that will work you out and keep your interest at the same time. “People often ask me, ‘What is the best type of cardio or workout?' And I always say, ‘The one that you like' — you are more apt to stay with it and be consistent,” said gym owner Leanne DiSanto. “If you love (the) feeling your body gets from dancing, then dance. If you love the intensity of Spinning, then do that.”

FITNESS BOOT CAMPS

Participants usually meet bright and early in an outdoor setting for three or five times a week in a four- to eight-week period. During the one-hour to 90-minute workouts, they'll get hit with an array of strength and cardiovascular workouts designed to get people sweating and in shape fast.

BENEFITS: Great for people who have grown tired of their usual routine or have plateaued with their fitness level.

DRAWBACKS: They say it takes more than four to eight weeks for something to become a habit, so boot camp participants need to be diligent after the camp is over.
 

INDOOR CYCLING

Climb aboard a stationary bike and follow your instructor's lead. Class styles and routines vary, but many simulate an intense bike ride, involving both speed and resistance. There's typically music and plenty of sweating.

BENEFITS: Pedaling doesn't require the flexibility or coordination that some other group exercise classes do, yet you can potentially burn about 500 calories in 40-minute class. The program also is easier on the joints than some other forms of cardio.

DRAWBACKS: Your butt may hurt from the bike's seat, especially at first. Consider buying padded bike shorts.

HULA HOOP WORKOUT

Use an adult-sized version of your childhood hula hoop to twirl on your waist, hips, chest and other points of the body as a form of dance and exercise.

BENEFITS: You can get a fun, total-body toning workout — especially in the arms, legs, gluts, back, chest and core muscles. Also, hooping can be meditative and help build self-confidence.

DRAWBACKS: There's potential for dizziness during some of the turning moves and soreness from the hoop frequently pressing against the skin. Some minor bruising can occur.

KICKBOXING

Push your physical limit in a kickboxing class. The kickboxing classes taught at mixed martial arts gyms are far more intense than aerobics classes at a typical gym. This is a physical, gut-checking fighting class where you learn how to kick, punch and throw elbows against a heavy punching bag.

BENEFITS: The ultimate frustration reliever and intense physical workout. A one-hour kickboxing class burns about 800 calories.

DRAWBACKS: You'll definitely be sore for the first couple weeks until you build up your strength and stamina.

POLE-DANCING

Put on your high heels, shed some clothes and gyrate to sexy music around a metal pole. The general idea is to give women a supportive environment where they can express their sexuality and work out at the same time.

BENEFITS: Pole-dancing can help improve muscle tone, increase strength and flexibility, improve posture, offer a good cardio workout, burn fat and improve self-image and body confidence.

DRAWBACKS: Pole-dancing can be dangerous: Pole inversions can cause serious head or neck injuries if done improperly. Bruising can occur, especially in the first month or two.
 

Jessica Peralta | Squeeze OC