New Workout Trends
Spice up your routine with these trendy new workouts
Novelist and self-professed workout junkie Laura Caldwell set out with MK Meador, a self-proclaimed exercise aversionist especially after a bike wreck damaged her knee, to try three fitness trends that have been heating up in 2010. Here’s what the two workout opposites thought about Zumba, Kettlebells and the Jim Karas Cardio-Free program.
Zumba
Zumba is essentially a fast-paced fusion dance class with Latin inspired music.
MK I went blindly into the Zumba class at Lincoln Park Athletic Club, and I was instantaneously humbled. The Zumba Web site says, ‘Ditch the workout, join the party.’ I’d say this class delivers precisely that.
Laura I’ve been working out five days a week for a long time, but I still get sheepish when starting a new exercise regime. But when the instructor, Kevin, started running through the Beyoncé video moves to Single Ladies, I decided to just roll with it. Overall, I found Zumba to be a blast, and I’ll definitely do it again, although it’s not a class I’d undertake more than once a week.
Laura Caldwell and MK Meador Laura Caldwell, who was featured in TCW’s 2009 Top 30 Singles, is a Chicago-based lawyer turned novelist as well as a Distinguished Scholar in residence at Loyola Law School. Laura’s novels, including the Izzy McNeil trilogy, have been published in 13 languages and over 20 countries, and she has been hailed as “one of the most inventive and talented writers around” by Booklist. MK Meador co-authored this month’s article on new fitness trends, though as assistant editor for Chicago Art Magazine, she’s usually found in a gallery, not the gym. She co-founded New Bound Media LLC in 2008, and is currently producing a documentary on Chicago area photographers, titled ArtDrift.
Comments (2)
CASSANDRA GADDO Posted on 16:53, Jun 2nd 2010
Thanks for sharing the info on your studio, Haley! Sounds like fun!
Cassandra Gaddo
Managing Editor, TCW
HALEY STONE Posted on 09:25, May 26th 2010
Most of my Zumba students keep coming back because of the music and atmosphere. Zumba feels more like a dance party than a dreaded workout. Best of all, the average woman can burn beetween 500 and 800 calories in one hour AND take home some dance moves! TCW readers are welcome to come try out my classes at Lou Conte Dance Studio!