The Gym's Back In

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday February 24, 2000

By PAM KERSHAW

Today's gyms have found new ways of focusing on fitness to lure jaded clients back into the fray.

Trim those thighs, tone those triceps, tighten that tummy. Today is circuit training, tomorrow is pump and, on the weekend, there is "boxercise".

And with new varieties of aerobics classes available there is not the faintest chance that you can use boredom or lack of motivation as an excuse to give up a new exercise regime.

A few years back, the gym guys and gals would have devised an exercise routine comprising stretching, weights and a quick case of terminal boredom on the exercise bike or treadmill to build up cardio fitness.

You would have done it three times a week for two or three weeks, then something else always seemed to come up on gym night and suddenly you were "too busy" to go.

But things have changed on the health and fitness circuit, and the good gyms have a philosophy of giving people variety, personal attention and making sure they get the results they want.

They also realise (hallelujah!) that many of us just cannot follow complex aerobics classes. You know the type - they demand the agility of a gymnast, the co-ordination of a dancer and a computer-like memory that can quickly recall routines after a day of serious braindrain in the office.

But, hey, how about an hour of "Body Attack" or "Body Combat"? These

high-energy, low-complexity classes are becoming more and more popular. And (girls - please note) they are also bringing men back into the aerobics rooms.

"Body Combat" for example, is a martial-arts-style of class involving kick boxing blended with a little tai chi, the gentle art that is often known as "meditation in motion".

There are also boxing and "boxercise" classes, which have you working in pairs with boxing gloves, aiming punches and kicks at thick pads rather than each other.

Pump classes do what they say - pump you up physically and mentally by using weights with a workout to music.

Then there is "spinning". This has you sitting on a stationary bike, getting a good aerobic workout with sprints and hill climbs.

Whatever type of exercise you decide on, promise yourself that you will stick to it on a regular basis for at least six months. By that stage, your body will be accustomed to the good feelings that exercise brings, so you will be less likely to give it up.

But if you don't think you will have the discipline, I know of a very good personal trainer.