New group exercise class from Brazil packs wallop, packs 'em in
It's hard to keep on top of the latest group exercise crazes, but we try, we try. Now, it seems, one of the hottest new offerings is Capoeira, a unique and challenging routine that originated in West Africa and Brazil, and is described, by one enthusiastic instructor, as 'sort of like kung fu and break dancing together.'
George Vacca, who teaches Capoeira at Backyard Fitness, in San Diego, told the Copley News Service that, 'It appeals to the human need for ritual—beating on drums, singing, chanting, and moving the body.'
And 'move the body' it does.
A Capoeira class isn't for the frail or faint of heart—it involves a number of explosive, rigorous moves, including kicks, handstands, and back flips. 'Some of the warm-ups, with duck walks and cartwheels, would constitute a very hard workout for most people,' acknowledges Oscar Blando, the owner of Backyard Fitness. 'It will take a while for the uninitiated to pick up.' But its appeal is apparently equal to its challenge. Blando says Capoeira is the most popular program at his club, attracting a fairly fit group of 18-40-year-olds.
What else is in? And what isn't?
Well, a recent survey of IHRSA clubs suggests that, today, the most popular group exercise activities are dance classes—particularly African and Latin dance, funk, hip hop, and Zumba (created by Beto, a South American choreographer). Other popular favorites are Body Flow (a proprietary, preprogrammed product that combines yoga, tai chi, and Pilates), Jazzercise, stretching, flexibility, boxing, interval training, and, of course, group cycling. The group options that have fallen from favor include step, high-impact, and low-impact aerobics, cardio kickboxing, and group circuit training.
