Shaking Up That Exercise Routine

RALEIGH, N.C. — If treadmills and exercise bikes are getting boring, it may be time to shake up that workout by adding a little rhythm.

Miami, Fla., exercise instructor Eddie Carrington gets his clients moving by teaching hip-hop dance. The fast beat and non-stop movement is a cardio powerhouse.

“And because it's so fun, they forget that they're working so hard,” Carrington said.

Carrington also teaches Kwando, a full body workout that is focused on different martial arts.

For those who want to take it down a notch, many gyms now offer classes in African dance. Some guys also offer a military-style workout with classic exercises.

“Hard core, you know – lunges, squats, squat thrusts, push-ups,” instructor Kevin Creegan said.

An exercise from the old world is swinging into health clubs everywhere. The exercise involves a weight called a kettlebell. Russians have used the weights for 200 years to train top athletes.

Class participant Diane Baird said it'll get you “winded after 20 swings.”

“It’s probably the most efficient workout that I've come across. It combines cardio, core and strength training all in one,” said personal trainer Kathleen Aicardi.

For a different kind of swing, some people are learning to shake their weight away with belly dance classes.