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  1. Kangoo Hip-Hop Dance

  2. Boot Camp

  3. Boot Camp

  4. Photograph: Michael Brian
    Photograph: Michael Brian

    Forza

    Forza

  5. Photograph: Courtesy of Forza
    Photograph: Courtesy of Forza

    Forza

    Forza

Adventurous workouts

These classes will whip your legs, arms, butt or abs into shape. By Elyssa Goodman

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Legs

Aerojump
Jumping rope to pulsing, 137-beats-per-minute house music may sound repetitive, but the focused movements in Aerojump will tone your gams. In addition to sculpting your legs and upping your heart rate, maneuvers like crossover turns also work the core and upper and lower body over the course of 30 or 60 minutes. Mention TONY when signing up to receive $10 off your first class through Oct 15. Aerospace High Performance Center, 332 W 13th St at 4th St (212-929-1640, aerospacenyc.com). Mon 6:30--7pm, Fri 6--7pm; each class $40.

RECOMMENDED: Find the best NYC fitness classes and gyms

Kangoo Hip-Hop Dance
It's easy to laugh at those crazy, Rollerblades-esque Kangoo Jumps—until you try maneuvering in the bouncing shoes yourself. The footgear requires some serious leg strength and endurance, but Kangoo guru Mario Godiva Green swears they'll give you an "exhilarating feeling." In this hip-hop class, Green will help you get your bearings in the boots, then take you through a warm-up and easy-to-learn choreography. In addition to decreasing impact on your joints, the four-pound kicks act like built-in weights, which hone your calves and thighs as you work through the dance steps. Mention TONY when signing up on Green's website and get $10 off your first class through Nov 15. Club H, 423 W 55th St between Ninth and Tenth Aves (mariothetrainer.com). Tue 8:30pm; each class $20 (includes shoe rental).

Trampoline classes
With only four or five people in each hour-long free-form class, you'll spend ample time on Olympic-sized trampolines learning cool tricks like tucks and straddle jumps. At the end of the day, your legs—especially your hamstrings—will have improved, as will your overall coordination. According to instructor Sarah Callan, the trampoline also "helps with aerial awareness," encouraging you to think about how to move your body even in mundane situations. Trapeze School New York, 518 W 30th St between Tenth and Eleventh Aves (212-242-8769, info@trapezeschool.com, newyork.trapezeschool.com). Daily, times vary; $35--$65.

Arms

Boot Camp
Instructor Eddie Lima uses his elite Special Forces training to get you fit during this four-week military-style program. The 22-year Army vet pushes participants to achieve their fitness goals through traditional boot-camp exercises, which range from arm-punishing push-ups and pull-ups to hand-to-hand combat. But Lima isn't your stereotypical drill sergeant: He makes sure all levels are challenged appropriately, and he fosters unity among class members. "You're gonna get pushed hard," he admits, "but I know what I'm doing." Mention TONY and Eddie Lima when you sign up to get one month of classes for $125 (regularly $200) through at least January 2012. Trinity Boxing Club NYC, 110 Greenwich St at Carlisle St (212-374-9393, trinityboxing.com). Mon, Wed, Fri 6am, 7am; $30 per class, four weeks $250.

Climb and Spin
Don a pair of heels, swing your hips, and prepare to tone your guns at this ladies-only class. You'll begin with a warm-up series of stretches and push-ups before segueing into pole choreography. By bumping and grinding your way through a variety of climbs, spins and poses, you'll build your biceps, abs and back muscles. According to instructor Tracy Traskos, "The workout allows women to move in that cool, sexy [way]." New York Pole Dancing, 333 W 52nd St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (917-628-7449, nypoledancing.com). Schedule varies; visit website for details. $40 per class.

Forza
A one-to-three-pound wooden Japanese sword (bokken) is your primary weapon during this hour-long upper-body session. Creator and instructor Ilaria Montagnani guides you and 40--50 other samurai wanna-bes through a series of choreographed cuts, strengthening biceps and triceps, among other muscles. Montagnani also incorporates lunges and squats to tone legs. Be ready to harness your mind, too: "When you have a sword in your hand," says Montagnani, "you can only think about your next move—nothing else." Equinox, location and schedule varies; visit website for details. Monthly membership $178.

Abs

Beginner belly-dancing classes
Women who want to firm their midsection but aren't necessarily aiming for a Situation-esque six-pack can work their abdominals with this sensual Middle Eastern art form. Regardless of the style (Egyptian, Turkish and others are offered), instructors demonstrate basic posture and choreography, showing you how to wind and shimmy while keeping your core tight and supported at all times. "It's a great way to get in touch with your body, make new friends and [tap into the] power of your own femininity," says cofounder Kaeshi Chai. Bellyqueen at 440 Studios, 440 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St, fourth floor (917-515-0168, bellyqueen.com). Schedule varies; visit website for details. Drop-in class $17, five-week course $75, ten-class card $150.

Abs
During this half-hour session, instructor Felix Sanchez will push your abs toward prewashboard territory. You'll sculpt your obliques with an intense series of crunches, planks and cardio, gradually increasing in difficulty. The class is offered every day, with a different spin each time, and features a small size (four to five people max), but Sanchez switches the routines for variety. Planet Fitness, 2241 Westchester Ave between Castle Hill and Glebe Aves, Bronx (718-239-8210, planetfitness.com). Schedule varies; visit website for details. Monthly membership $10 plus $29 initiation fee.

Surfboarding
Even if you'd rather not hang ten at Rockaway Beach, you can still practice your technique this fall: Using a wooden Indo Board resting on an inflatable circular pouch, aspiring surfers work on balance while getting a great leg, core and lower-back workout. It's effective because you're forced to control your body's stability in ways you haven't before. Bring in this article to receive a free one-week guest pass through Nov 1. Crunch, 691 Fulton St between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-797-9464, crunch.com). Tue 6:45am; day pass $30, monthly membership $60--$100.

Bridal Bootcamp
If you're worried about being able to squeeze into that wedding dress for your big day, consider giving trainer Ray Tinneny a ring. His monthlong workout, which includes 12 55-minute sessions, focuses on flattening your stomach with strength-based circuit training exercises like overhead box squats. It's an intimate environment, too, with classes maxing out at five brides-to-be. Through October 1, bring in this article to receive this package for $450 (normally $750) or three introductory training sessions for $125 (normally $155). Ray Tinneny Fitness, 250 W 26th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, fourth floor (646-419-0324, raytinneny.com). Schedule varies; visit website for details.

Butt

Ass Blast
Gym owner David Barton boasts that "you'll be able to crack a walnut between your butt cheeks" after taking this grueling 45-minute class, which works your entire backside and upper-leg areas (glutes, quads and hammies). A series of squats, lunges and lifts tightens your rear in all the right places; if it's your first time, let the trainer know so he or she can show you the proper form for the best results. David Barton Gym, 4 Astor Pl between Broadway and Lafayette St (212-505-6800, davidbartongym.com). Thu 6:30--7:15pm, Sun 10:30--11:15am; monthly memberships start at $125.

Kickboxing
One hour-long course at CKO Staten Island burns upwards 1,200 calories: You'll begin with stretching and a light punching routine, eventually moving on to kickboxing combinations with a punching bag that will tone your whole body—buns included. "The most important thing is to go at your own pace," says co-owner Nick Orlando. Because kickboxing is an excellent stress reliever, you'll notice improvements not just physically, but mentally. CKO Staten Island, 4255 Amboy Rd at Armstrong Ave, Staten Island (718-984-5425, ckosi.com). Schedule varies; visit website for details. Nonmembers $20, first class free.

TRX
Latching on to this Navy SEAL--designed pulley system is a little like getting caught in Spidey's web. But the device will help you tone your body, instead of battling epic foes. Comprising squats, lunges and hamstring curls, instructor Terri Mangas's 30- or 60-minute class uses the contraption to get you deeper into each position and work your muscles more acutely than you could without it. According to Mangas, "It's a great way for people to become aware of their form and posture." The Rock Health & Fitness Club, 22-15 31st St between Ditmars Blvd and 23rd Ave, Astoria, Queens (718-204-1400, therockhealthandfitness.com). Mon 10:30--11:30am, Tue 8--8:30am, Wed 6--6:30pm; month-to-month membership $89 per month, annual membership $63 per month; $29 initiation fee.

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