Beyond the Treadmill

Danielle Sonnenberg

	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.

"People sometimes leave class crying they feel so good," Moreno continues. "This class is about the practice of feeling good, because when we realize we can feel good at any moment, it influences what we attract for our future."

I experienced an IntenSati class, and I did push myself to the brink; Moreno has an uncanny ability to make you want to achieve your utmost potential.

Even though I was sore for three days afterward, the class was well worth it.

"Your life begins at the end of your comfort zone, not at the beginning," says Moreno. IntenSati is very much about achieving your best, taking yourself to the limit and not being comfortable with complacency. "Don't fight for comfort, fight for greatness," says Moreno, with raw passion in her voice.

As Moreno puts it, "You must demand strength from your body. "If you don't ask the most from your body, your body will not give you the results you [desire] from it."

There is a growing demand for Moreno's workouts. She is training 100 IntenSati instructors who will teach worldwide, and recently returned from sessions in Russia, Germany, Italy and Mexico.

If there's not a class near you, you can also use the IntenSati DVD at home.

Alternatively, if you'd rather work out while on vacation -- and in a warmer climate -- Moreno has planned a retreat in Costa Rica in June. Check out the Web site for details.

And there's more on the way -- Moreno is an elite trainer for Nike (NKE Quote), and the company requested she create a workout specifically designed for them.

Dubbed WarriorSati, it is inspired by IntenSati but involves more kickboxing; Moreno will be featured at special events to bring awareness to the new routine.

A Perfect Balance

If you want a workout that is not quite as intense, try Nia, which stands for neuromuscular integrative action.

	IntenSati in Action
	Photo: Stockshot Studio

This workout was founded by Carlos and Debbie Rosas in the mid-1980s in California. There are 52 basic moves in the routine, and it is drawn from three martial arts (tai chi, tae kwon do and aikido); three dance arts (jazz, modern and Isadora Duncan's style); and three healing arts (the Feldenkrais method, the Alexander technique and yoga).

Nia, which is done barefoot, is not as aggressive as the other two workouts, but still gives you a thorough workout. There are more than 1,500 instructors around the world, so classes aren't too difficult to find.

Through its multifaceted approach, Nia has many positive effects, including improving endurance, strengthening muscles, boosting immunity and increasing grace.

So next time you're sitting at home, debating whether you can face the gym, check out some of these interesting alternative routines. They should get -- and keep -- you in shape.

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