Foreign Fitness

By Carole Buia

Fitness instructors looking to add some vigor to fatigued exercise routines have been searching other cultures for inspiration. In Atlanta, Crunch Fitness has developed a class called Street Stomp, derived from stepping, a dance form believed to have originated in Africa and popularized by African-American fraternities and sororities. Routines include foot stomping, military formations, chanting and hand clapping. It's an especially good workout for hamstrings and calves. Zumba, popular in South Florida, combines low-impact cardio moves with Latin dances such as salsa, cumbia and samba. The cooldown features tango steps. Zumba gets the heart rate up while tightening the torso and leg muscles. Thanks partly to Shakira, belly dancing is hot again. Classes abound in most major cities, including St. Louis, Mo., and Washington. It strengthens abs, increases flexibility in the lower back and hip joints and is a novel way to show off at parties. For more intensity, try kettlebells, offered at gyms like Equinox in New York City. The regimen originated in Russia more than 100 years ago and comprises drills performed with odd-shaped weights (think of a cannonball with a handle). It's a full-body workout, aerobic and strength building. --By Carole Buia