Beat Exercise Boredom With These Hot New Fitness Trends

Tired of the treadmill? Sick at the sight of those 5-pound dumbbells? When exercise gets boring, finding an excuse to skip the gym is as easy as hitting Power on the TV remote.

1.) Gyrotonic
One look at a setup of Gyrotonic equipment and you may think you've bypassed the gym and stumbled into a Medieval torture chamber. But fear not: These machines were specifically designed to facilitate the human body's ability to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination through a series of moves inspired by yoga, gymnastics, swimming, and ballet. Your best bet is to find a class near you since the equipment can cost upwards of $1,000. For more information, log on to gyrtonic.com.

2.) Abs'solutely Hysterical
Ever guffawed so hard you got a stitch in your side? Turns out, laughter's a pretty efficient belly toner. Which is why Crunch gyms now offer a 30-minute class taught by a comedian that aims to help you develop a six-pack by tickling your funny bone. Visit crunch.com for local sessions-or just pop in your favorite comedy DVD.

3.) Forza
Channel your inner martial arts warrior with this samurai- and kickboxing-inspired class at Equinox fitness clubs. Developed by top New York City trainer Ilaria Montagnani, she leads participants through a series of arm and leg moves as they wield a weighted wooden or plastic sword. For more information, visit equinoxfitness.com, or pick up Montagnani's book, Forza The Samurai Sword Workout: Kick Butt and Get Buff with High-Intensity Sword Fighting Moves.

4.) Masala Bhangra
Looking for a more dance-inspired workout? Fortunately, we've come a long way since "Sweatin' To The Oldies." Try Masala Bhangra: Inspired by traditional Indian folk dance, you'll burn about 500 calories per class doing sensual and strong movements set to the beat of a dhol, a two-sided Indian drum. To locate a class near you, or to purchase a Masala Bhangra DVD, go to masaladance.com.

5.) Yogalates
Australian fitness expert Louise Solomon created this fusion of Yoga and Pilates after sustaining an injury during a yoga class and using Pilates to aide her recovery. It blends the flexibility and meditative aspects of yoga with Pilates' muscle strengthening and toning exercises. Many gyms offer Yogalates, but if yours doesn't, consider an at-home DVD like "Yogalates-Firm, Fit and Flexible" (£14.99 at yogalates.co.uk).

6.) Punk rope
So what if you haven't picked up a jump rope since the second grade? Relive your youth with this high-energy workout that will having you hopping and skipping to the tunes of "The Clash," "Green Day," "The Ramones," and other rock favorites. The class is offered at several YMCA locations in the New York City area; those outside the Big Apple can pick up the "Jump Rope Dancing" DVD ($22.95 at amazon.com).

7.) Capoeira
An acrobatic combination of dance and martial arts, Capoeira is a high-intensity workout that will have you kicking, punching, jumping, even balancing on only your hands. Originally developed by African slaves, Capoeira moved to Brazil during the colonial period and recently showed up in Hollywood in movies like "Ocean's Twelve" and "Meet the Fockers." Classes can be found at select gyms and studios across the country. To try it at home, buy a DVD like "Basic Techniques of Capoeira" ($29.95 at amazon.com).