FIVE TOP BODY-BUSTING CLASSES TO TRY… IF YOU DARE

1 BOSU+ BAR: GRIP, TIP, FLIP, STRIP WHAT IS IT? A strengthening, toning and cardio class using an inflated rubber dome known as a BOSU. HOW DOES IT HELP? Extra muscles are recruited to maintain balance. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE? BOSU equipment is found in most British gyms. Visit bosu.com for workout ideas.

2 GET PULSED DANCE WHAT IS IT? A 60-minute class using weights to tone the lower body. Movements are syncronised to song lyrics making routines easy to follow. HOW DOES IT HELP? More than 600 calories are burned in just one hour. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE? Not available in the UK yet, but see getpulsed. com. Search for a dance class local to you at emduk.org.

3 BILLY BLANKS TAE-BO WHAT IS IT? A total body workout combining kick-boxing, martial arts, aerobics and self-defence. HOW DOES IT HELP? Dynamic punching and kicking to upbeat pop music improves both cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE? Blanks’s how-to exercise videos are free at taebo.com.

4 BOLLY-X DANCE CLASS WHAT IS IT? A 50-minute dance-based class inspired by Bollywood routines. HOW DOES IT HELP? Instructors don’t stop throughout the class, expecting you to catch up as they move seamlessly through movements. The result is 50 minutes of non-stop cardio workout. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE? BollyX classes are yet to hit the UK but online workouts are available at bod.bollyx.com costing £6.79 per month.

5 PIYO (PILATES PLUS YOGA) WHAT IS IT? PiYo is a 25-minute, ramped-up Pilates and yoga hybrid pioneered by celebrity trainer Charlene Johnson. Fluid sequences are speeded-up and movements are

dynamic and challenging. HOW DOES IT HELP? The fast pace burns more fat than a standard yoga or Pilates class, while maintaining the flexibility benefits. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE? Search for your nearest PiYo class at beachbody live.com.