Beyond the Treadmill

	Get Up and Get Down
	Photo: Stockshot Studio

Was one of your New Year's resolutions to work out and get in shape?

And do you still find yourself sitting on the couch, night after night, vowing to start your exercise regime tomorrow?

If you're sick of the elliptical trainer or if the thought of the treadmill makes you queasy, there are several appealing, unconventional ways to get yourself into shape that you might actually enjoy.

Here are just a few alternatives, if you're bored with the typical routines -- they will keep both your mind and body active.

Hard Hitters Only

If you only have an hour and you want to burn 500 calories, try Powerstrike.

This sweat-inducing workout, which combines martial arts and kickboxing, was founded by Ilaria Montagnani in 1995.

It's ideal for people who want to shed some of those extra winter pounds, and have a good time doing it.

Powerstrike has become one of the signature programs at Equinox, a high-end luxury gym, after students continually responded with positive comments.

"It's a great way to lose weight. We keep the classes going with very high energy," Montagnani says enthusiastically.

Montagnani warns that newcomers should take it easy the first few times. However, Powerstrike classes follow a natural progression, so they're suitable even if you've never worked out before.

Keep in mind that Powerstrike is primarily a cardio workout, so as Montagnani recommends, do this workout in combination with strength training -- especially for women, it's important to maintain muscle tone.

Powerstrike classes are offered all around the world, from Norway and Italy to California. And if you can't get to a gym, you can also learn the method from Montagnani's DVDs.

As Montagnani explains, Powerstrike is popular across the board -- men tend to be attracted by the kicking and punching, and women are empowered by the unusual movement. However, the No. 1 reason people choose it is for the intense cardio factor.

The Spiritual Path

If you're looking for a more spiritual exercise, look to IntenSati.

Sati means awareness in Pali, and IntenSati is a cardio-conditioning workout that combines martial arts, dance, yoga and positive affirmations. The training is for the heart, body and mind, says founder Patricia Moreno.

Moreno, 42, grew up in San Jose, Calif., and has ten brothers and sisters, one of whom lost 180 pounds using her exercise routine.

This workout is about the action, the attitude and the affirmation, Moreno explains. Students process the action of an exercise while holding a thought or an affirmation that complements the action. "We teach people [that] what they think matters, and impacts everything they do," says Moreno.

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