The all new fitness fads

If you're bored with your swanky new gym, you need some inspiration to keep your fitness routine fresh. The latest classes are not for the faint-hearted: you can stretch yourself with Gyrotonics or risk a black eye with martial art Muay Thai. Here are some of the most radical in the capital...

Zen Do

It's a surprise to find a martial hatched only last year. Zen Do ("the correct path") was invented by Rafael Nieto, director of the new Karmaa Martial Arts Centre at Camden Lock. It's a blend of karate, oriental kicking, boxing and self-defence. Aficionados include Jonny Lee Miller, Jude Law and Sadie Frost. "It uses aerobic and anaerobic energy systems and improves speed, flexibility and co-ordination," says instructor Denise Bailey. "You will learn punches and kicks in a non-contact class."

Where? Exclusively at the Karmaa Martial Arts Centre (020 7485 7474), membership only, but introductory classes available. Also Pilates, yoga, ta'i chi and massage.

Gyrotronics

The Gyrotonic "expansion system" houses hooks, ropes and pulleys to allow a full range of movement: to stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissues and to mobilise joints. Julia Carling credits Gyrotonics with getting her pre-baby body back. It was invented by Juliu Horvath, a Romanian ballet dancer, inspired by yoga, ballet, gymnastics, swimming and t'ai chi. Pupils work on a onetoone basis.

Where? For your nearest studio, visit www.gyrotonic.com. Beatriz Pascual offers one-to-one classes at Natureworks, 16 Balderton Street W1 (0207 355 4036).

Bollywood/Bhangra

Indian dance is set to be one of the hottest new fitness trends of the year. One of the main movers is Honey Kalaria, trainer to many Bollywood stars and director of Honey's Dance Academy in Ilford, Essex.

"When I opened in 1997, I had 22 students, now I have 800," she says. " Bollywood is great for toning up and aerobic fitness - it includes classical hand-and-head movements," (the latter, says Honey, will zap double chins).

Bhangra is more energetic, with lots of squatting to firm up legs and bottom.

Where? Honey Kalaria's Dance Academy (020 8590 8050, www. honeysdanceacademy.com), or Pineapple Dance Studios (0207 836 4004, www.pineapple.uk. com), or Honey's Bollywood Workout ( Momentum Pictures, £12.99).

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a full-contact martial art but you needn't get your features rearranged. Shelly and Kalim Safari, the husband-and-wife team, start with skipping drills, shadow boxing and kicking, adding gloves, pads and punchbags as the class develops, until you're ready for full contact. "The class is a mix of self-defence, cardio training and kick boxing," says Shelly.

Where? At the Chelsea Club (020 7915 2200, www. thechelseaclub.com), membership only.

X-Press workout

Pressed for time? Bitesize fitness classes are all the rage in the US, and Fitness First's new X-Press Workout follows suit. The class is a fast circuit, alternating strength training with cycling to give a fat-burning, muscle-toning hit.

Where? Fitness First health clubs (01202 845 000,www.fitnessfirst.co.uk)

Bosu

Minnie Driver's favourite workout is great for muscle conditioning, body awareness, alignment and co-ordination. Bosu stands for "both sides up" - put the Bosu device one way up and it's a dome-shaped rubbery surface (fab for toning abs), turn it over and it's an unstable disc (perfect for honing balance and co-ordination).

Where? It's not yet available in group classes, but David Lloyd sports centres plan to introduce them. It's used by personal trainers, or buy a Bosu and workout video from Physical Company (£149.50, 01494 769222).

Yogabeats

This is the brainchild of David Sye, regarded as one of the top-10 yoga teachers in the UK. Sye taught yoga to soldiers in Yugoslavia, using loud music to drown out the shelling. In London, he uses the same mix of yoga styles and club sounds in a stress-busting, beats-pumping sweatfest. Twist, stretch and chill.

Where? The Third Space (020 7439 7333, www. thethirdspace.com).