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Our Health Editor is first to try the fitness crazes sweeping the US – and heading our way soon

AFEW weeks ago, I came across an article from parody news website The Daily Mash headlined: Fitness ‘a nightmare that never ends’. I found it amusing because – and I don’t want to put anyone off here – it’s true.

The spoof story said: ‘Healthy eating and sport have been condemned as a scam after it was revealed they only lead to more healthy eating and more sport.’

And that, in a nutshell, is the paradox about exercise. To benefit, you have to aim to be active every single day. For ever.

The nightmare is that it’s often a chore. Or at least, not half as much fun as settling down to an episode of Antiques Roadshow with a packet of Hobnobs.

We all know we should be moving more, but really, how long can you keep up something that isn’t all that enjoyable? The answer: find an exercise you like. More than ever, the fitness industry is focused on offering variety and, yes, the fun factor is key.

Each summer gym chains, personal trainers and exercise equipment companies converge in Los Angeles at the IDEA world summit to swap tips and learn about the latest classes, kit and gadgets.

Fancy a bit of ‘superman yoga’? Or how about trying out a radically redesigned step class, swinging around on gear that mimics gymnastic rings, or going for Strong By Zumba, a blend of music and hard-core body weight exercise?

There really is something for everyone, heading to gyms and shops this year. Here are a few of the stand-out innovations unveiled at this year’s show…