Simple but intense workouts are hot

Updated 6:30 PM Friday, April 24, 2009

Out: Pricey club memberships.

In: DVDs.

Out: Hourlong workouts.

In: Half-hour.

Out: Boring routines.

In: The Wii.

The new year is all about budget-friendly, time-efficient and fun workouts, according to fitness experts. Here are their predictions for how we’ll be getting in shape in the new year.

THE TREND:

Small dance studios

From Tamilee Webb, known for “Buns & Abs of Steel.”

Webb predicts group fitness classes will move out of mega health clubs and back into smaller studios, as in the '80s when aerobic dance took off.

“In the olden days, it was an exercise group studio, you’d run in, know most of the women, and run out,” says Webb, who teaches at a big health club. “In a big club environment, it is a different energy and vibration.”

She says many of her students ignore the club’s other amenities and would prefer something smaller, simpler and cheaper.

THE TREND:

Fitness boot camp

From the American Council of Exercise Top Fitness Trends for 2009.

This military-style workout doesn’t seem to be going away. This is the third time boot camp has been on the ACE’s Top Fitness Trends List, according to chief science officer Cedric Bryant.

Boot camps offer a “change of pace from the traditional workout experience,” Bryant said. He stated the workouts, which incorporate moves like lunges, push-ups and squats, also challenge people in a way that’s empowering.

But results also have a lot to do with it. Boot camps are time-efficient and effective, he said.

THE TREND:

Ballroom dancing

From Jeanette Jenkins, “Jeanette Jenkins Hollywood Trainer — Sexy Arms, Abs & Legs” DVD.

Thanks to “Dancing With the Stars,” there’s going to be still more interest in ballroom dancing, Jenkins says. In the past, people were more apt to find hip-hop and Brazilian dance in their fitness centers, she said.

“The show made it very cool to ballroom dance. You’re going to start seeing ballroom dancing where you’ve never seen it before.”

THE TREND:

Fun and games

From Carole Carson, author of “From Fat to Fit.”

“Exergaming,” such as the Wii “Fit” and “Dance Dance Revolution,” will bring fun and appealing exercise activities back into the home, says Carson.

There will also be a return to the popular exercises of childhood, such as trampolining and Hula-Hooping, she says.

“We’re making it fun again,” says Carson. “You can have a lot of fun getting fit.”

THE TREND:

Working out at home

From Ingrid Von Burg: “Yoga for Familes” and “Yoga for Grandparents” DVDs, and Dr. Pamela Peeke, senior medical correspondent for the Discovery Health National Body Challenge.

Hard economic times mean more people will work out in their homes.

Von Burg, who teaches at two yoga studios in New York City, says students are already forgoing her classes for DVDs.

THE TREND:

Short workouts

From David Kirsch, “Anytime, Anywhere Workout” on WeightWatchers.com, Tracey Staehle, “Fit by Tracey — Walking Strong.”

People will be doing shorter workouts, says Kirsch. He has 10-minute circuit workouts; people can do three in the course of the day with no machines.

“The idea is to get away from the traditional 45-minute to an hour workout, three sets of this, three sets of that,” says Kirsch.

Staehle says more health clubs are offering 30-minute versions of group fitness classes, such as Pilates, step and body pump.

“People like to get in, have a great workout that is intense and time-efficient, and get out,” she says.