As aerobics instructors come up with more and more inventive moves, the names of their classes are keeping pace. Here, a glossary of some of the latest, along with a quick translation.
What It’s Called: Fierce
What It Is: A heavy-duty workout backed by hip-hop sounds from bands like Snoop Doggy Dog and the Brand New Heavies. Moves include the down-on-the-floor “sex step” and the “Hammer walk.”
What They Wear: Homeboy loose and funky looks, marked by huge overalls, underwear as outerwear and layers that can be stripped off one by one.
Where It’s Held: Crunch Studios, New York City.
What It’s Called: Recess
What It Is: An aerobics session-turned-romp-in-the-great-outdoors that’s filled with pull-ups from trees and hops across courses drawn in sidewalk chalk.
What They Wear: Clothes that cross comfort with snowboarder hip: baggy flannel shorts, cotton tanks, fleece pullovers and padded workout gloves to protect the hands.
Where It’s Held: The Body Shop, Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
What It’s Called: African Step Live
What It Is: A series of loosely choreographed routines borrowed from West African dance and backed by live drums.
What They Wear: Flowing wrap skirts, tasseled belts and turban-like head wraps to help keep sweat from the eyes. Where It’s Held: Equinox, New York City
What It’s Called: Cardio-Box
What It Is: Pugilism-based moves — jumping rope, sparring, hitting the heavy bag — complete with boxing gloves.
What They Wear: Minimalist T-shirts or tanks and boxing shorts, usually in black and white, although earth colors, especially forest green and burgundy, are becoming contenders.
Where It’s Held: Jeannie’s Body Tech, Atlanta
What It’s Called: RPM
What It Is: A grueling 45-minute bicycle trek that never leaves the gym. Riding a stationary bike, class members simulate climbing, coasting and all-out sprinting.
What They Wear: As little as possible — bustiers or crop tops with bike shorts.
Where It’s Held: Voight Fitness Studios, West Hollywood, Calif.