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Trendy exercises to rev up workouts

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Exercising consistently is a great way to get healthy. For those who find their workout routines monotonous, switching up exercises and embracing some of the newer, trendier fitness regimens may be a way to maintain your momentum at the gym.
 
High-intensity workouts
 
High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a concept behind some of today's most popular exercise programs. HIIT combines cardiovascular and strength-training movements into a concentrated workout designed to keep your heart rate elevated. HIIT workouts blend bouts of intense exercise with either rest or low-intensity activity. These workouts seem to promote faster weight loss than prolonged workouts at moderate paces.
 
While HIIT is functional, it is not best for those who have preexisting orthopedic injuries or serious cardiovascular conditions. But many people enjoy a stronger heart and improved muscle tone from HIIT workouts.
 
Kettlebells
 
These weighted cast-iron workout tools can be an interesting addition to strength-training workouts. But their utility does not stop there. Using kettlebells during any physical activity will increase the amount of fat burned and can provide a full-body workout. Kettlebells come in different weights, and newcomers are urged to start out gradually and build up in weight as they become more familiar and toned.
 
Trampoline cardio
 
For those who want to both shake up their workouts and lift their moods, jumping on a trampoline can do just that. It's difficult to be in a bad mood when bouncing around like a kid on a trampoline. Trampoline classes are turning up in some upscale gyms, where each participant has his own individual trampoline. Routines mix in different choreography and small hand weights to promote a fun and effective cardio experience.
 
Water aerobics
 
Swimming isn't the only thing you can do in a pool. Water workouts are ideal for those with muscle and joint pain because the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on these areas, while providing enough resistance for a deep workout. Workouts may begin in chest-deep water and progress to deeper water for added resistance. Some gyms now offer aqua cycling classes that combine water aerobics with spinning.
 
Dance and hip-hop classes
 
ZUMBA® classes have been popular for quite some time. But many health clubs offer additional classes that employ dance to burn calories and tone muscles. Some gyms have developed their own cardio-based dance classes that get people moving to music in a fun way. Routines are fun and fast-moving, which may make them feel less like a workout and more like a social event.
 
Recess classes
 
Adults who want to feel like kids again need only to enroll in a fitness class that borrows activities from the playgrounds of our youth. From walking like a crab to running drills to balance beams, these workouts take school recess and bring it to the health club.