As fitness professionals diversify programming to reach new exercisers and to retain current clients, culturally-based exercise classes are increasingly becoming an exercise staple at fitness facilities around the United States. In response to this trend, we have increased the number of workshops and classes at the 1999 World Fitness IDEA that focus on international and ethnic programming. Music is one reason that ethnic workouts offer an experience different from traditional fitness classes. The music is often from the same culture as the movement style being taught.
Many classes also feature an on-site musician.
Different Types of Classes. Some classes are inspired primarily by one or two kinds of cultural dance. For example, at Feminine Fitness in Hackensack, New Jersey, Debra Bono teaches an Afro-Caribbean step class. She takes traditional step and floor moves and adds upper-body movements derived from African and Caribbean cultures. While Maria Nhambu Bergh s Aerobics With Soul class in Minnetonka, Minnesota integrates moves and music from Africa into a low-impact workout.