Fun Ways to Get Fit in 2011

The new year has arrived, have you resolved to treat their body better 2011? If so, where can one attain this goal in Bayport and Blue Point? Patch has identified fitness classes that are unique, fun and sure to bring out the hot bods in the new year.

Zumba - This is a latin-inspired cardio dance workout.  Zumba mixes salsa, cha-cha and meringue dance moves to a fun and fast beat.  

Blue Point's , at 9A Montauk Highway offers the hour-long class on Monday at 5 p.m., Tuesday at 7 p.m., Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday at 9:30 a.m.  

Zumba is high intensity that burns 500 calories to 800 calories per hour, according to gym manager Cira Jones.  Zumba at Eastern Athletic Club is taught in the dark, with only lights outlining the room's front mirror in order for class members to concentrate on their individual workouts. 

A membership to the gym costs $39 or less per month.  A one day guest pass is $15. 

Spin -  For some major butt kicking (and toning), Eastern Athletic Club also offers Spin classes.  Spin is more individual and independant than a dance class because every class member has their own bike.  A spinning class can burn major calories - approximately 750 per class, according to Jones. The classes start slow with rock music, then progress to fast and intense.

A one-hour spin class is offered on Sundays at 8 a.m., Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Tuesday at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Friday at 6:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and Saturday at 7:30 a.m. 

Bikram Hot Yoga - Taught in a 106-degree room at 40 percent humidity, Bikram Hot Yoga will certainly have you working up a sweat. 

Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures performed two times each; half the postures are done standing and half are done on the floor, according to Pete Monsen, owner of Bikram Yoga Bayport, located at 889 Montauk Highway.  Upon entering all must take off their shoes, which adds to the super calm Eastern-vibe of the studio.    

Classes are 90 minutes long and are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. A single class is $12 and a monthly pass is $89.  Beginners get a special deal at $20 for a week. 

Monsen says to bring a yoga mat, towel and bottled water to class.

Thai Kickboxing - If learning self defense as a way to get healthy and strong is your goal, then Thai Kickboxing might interest you.  The class promotes weight loss, muscle strength and increased self esteem, according to owner Kim Maliadis - or Kyosahnim Kim, as you will call her in class.  Champions Martial Arts is located at 899 Montauk Highway in Bayport. 

Champion's offers Thai Kickboxing for adults Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  An unlimited monthly pass is $99.  For beginners, a three class trial costs $19.99.     

Arthritis Foundation Senior Flex - Calling all arthritis sufferers! is offering a class teaching a series of excersises specially created for those who suffer from arthritis. 

The courses will be held on Thursdays at 10 a.m.:  January 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24; and March 3.  There is a $10 fee. Please call the library at (631) 363-6133 for more information or to sign up. 

At Home - For those who do not wish to participate in a group class, the library also offers a stratum of fitness vhs and dvds.  On a recent visit, Patch found the Biggest Loser Workout video, Taebo and Kathy Ireland's series among those offered.  No need to feel self concious in front of the television.