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by Sid Kirchheimer
To the delight of an industry that sees nearly half of health-club members drop out after six months, a record number of guys are enrolling in gym classes that have long catered mainly to women, who hold a slight majority of club memberships. “Men have traditionally shied away from group exercise because so many classes involved choreography, and that intimidates men,” says Fabio Comana, research scientist at the American Council on Exercise (ACE), which certifies personal fitness trainers. “But with more group activities to protect the fragile male ego”—read: no dancing—“perhaps the mindset of men is changing.”

That’s healthy for club owners and members alike. The support and friendship of group activities is often what keeps customers coming. And “since we tend to glorify what we’ve done when we’re alone, exercising with others can make you more accountable to your fitness goals, so you’ll be more likely to reach them,” notes S. Michael Clark, M.D., medical director of quality assurance for the Cooper Aerobics Center, in Dallas, a research and treatment facility.

Not that this touchy-feely approach will make lat blasts obsolete, but consider Cuts Fitness for Men. In three years, this men-only chain has sold 200 franchises in 33 states. It offers a 30-minute circuit training routine and “supportive atmosphere” aimed at guys whose only six-pack is in the fridge. “Our customer,” says founder John Gennaro, “is the middle-aged guy who never exercised and has always been intimidated by muscleheads at other gyms. Or he’s the former jock who got married, had a couple of kids and gained 20 pounds, and is now intimidated by muscleheads.”

Whether you’ve got a Y chromosome or not, the best gym class is an activity you enjoy. Here’s a quick guide to some offerings that are attracting men:

  • Pilates
    A series of movements that improve strength and balance. Pros: Good for abs and core strength, improves flexibility and stabilizes joints. Cons: With its slow calorie burn, not effective for weight loss; minimal aerobic workout and overall muscle growth.
  • Indoor Cycling
    Riding a stationary bicycle at different speeds and resistance levels. Pros: Good cardiovascular workout and calorie burn (about 500 calories in 40 minutes); easy on joints. Cons: Strengthens legs, but little upper-body conditioning.
  • Boot Camp, Quicksand
    A continuous routine of calisthenics, like pushups, crunches and other body-weight exercises; jumping and speed drills. Pros: Great for burning fat and improving strength and cardiovascular health. Cons: Injury risk is high for recovering couch potatoes; may ignite bad memories of sadistic high school gym teachers or drill sergeants.
  • Yoga
    A series of exercises that emphasize specific postures and controlled breathing to improve mind and body fitness. Pros: Strengthens core and tones other muscles; improves flexibility, balance and breathing; may activate certain disease-fighting hormones. Cons: Can be difficult for newbies; a very slow calorie burn and minimal muscle-building.
  • Kickboxing
    A series of punches, kicks and other moves that mimic real fighting. Pros: A knockout that works most muscles, including the core; improves balance; great calorie burn and aerobic workout. Cons: None, assuming it doesn’t prompt you toward over-confidence in street brawls.
  • Circuit training
    A series of strength and cardio exercises, often with dumbbells or weight machines, done in quick succession, with brief, timed rest intervals. Pros: When pressed for time, probably the best bang for the buck—working most muscle groups with excellent fat-burning and cardiovascular results. Cons: Can get boring quickly; little time to wipe the previous user’s sweat from fitness equipment seats.
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The organizations and individuals featured in Spring Health do not endorse the commercial sponsors. Editor Elinor Nauen | Design Segal Savad Design