Bored with aerobics? Tired of jogging round the park? We've found 10 unusual exercise classes to help you get fit and fabulous while trying something brand new...

By Jane Murphy

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What is it? willPower & grace - a foot-fitness conditioning programme and lower body workout that hails from New York.

Tell me more: Barefoot training has seen a recent surge in popularity as experts recognise that supportive shoes don't allow full articulation of the feet and ankles, which can lead to a loss of flexibility. This class teaches you to increase circulation and mobility simply by stretching your toes. You'll also be shown how to prevent injury by landing on your feet gracefully.

Where can I try it? At selected Virgin Active gyms from April. Find out more at www.virginactive.co.uk.

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What is it? Get Fit with Mel B - a group exercise class, developed and choreographed by, you guessed it, former Spice Girl Mel B.

Tell me more: Mel's interval workout is designed for maximum fat-burning, toning and weight loss. The 45-minute session features a boxing-style warm-up, followed by a full body workout divided into sections, with moves including bunny hops, lunges and more. The class finishes with a core stomach-toning session.

Where can I try it? At Fitness First gyms nationwide. Find out more at www.fitnessfirst.co.uk.

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What is it? Beat the Muffin Top - the latest workout devised by the expert trainers at Power Plate.

Tell me more: To the uninitiated, Power Plate is a vibrating platform that helps tone up muscles in super-quick time. This new 25-minute cardio-based class aims to raise the heart rate and burn fat fast, using a variety of exercises, including side planks, push-ups and stomach crunches. The result? A perfectly toned midriff.

Where can I try it? The class is currently on trial at Harrods (natch!) and selected Power Plate centres nationwide. Find out more at www.powerplate.com.

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What is it? TRX Fitness - a suspension training system (or set of nylon straps, to you and I), which helps create joint stability and lean muscle.

Tell me more: Suspension training is a new technique that allows you to control the level of resistance by changing the position of your body, so you can tailor your workout to suit your ability. The straps are clipped on and off of stable structures, and positioned around the body in specific movements and positions to help tone your muscles and boost core strength.

Where can I try it? At Virgin Active gyms nationwide. Find out more at www.virginactive.co.uk.

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What is it? WaterCrew - a similar idea to spinning, but on rowing machines.

Tell me more: This exhilarating 45-minute class involves different drills to test your speed, strength and determination. It may sound a little daunting, but its creators, WaterRower, insist it's worth the effort. Underhand rows will banish bingo wings and side rows will melt that muffin top, while rowing in general helps strengthen the stomach and tighten up those bum muscles.

Where can I try it? WaterCrew is currently trialling at the Trinity Health Club and The Fitness Café in London, but there are plans for it to go nationwide in the summer. Find out more at www.watercoach.com/watercrew.

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What is it? CurvesSmart - a personal electronic coaching system to help keep your fitness regime on track.

Tell me more: This isn't so much a new class as a new way of keeping tabs on your progress. Specifically created for women, the Curves workout is a 30-minute circuit session, involving strength-training, cardio and stretching. CurvesSmart tracks your heart rate, workout intensity, range of motion and repetitions on each machine you work on - and delivers regular reports to help motivate you. But unlike a real personal trainer, it will never shout at you.

Where can I try it? At Curves centres nationwide. Find out more at www.curves.co.uk.

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What is it? Kranking - otherwise known as 'spinning for the upper body'.

Tell me more: Created by spinning guru Johnny G, Kranking is done on a Krankcycle (don't snigger!), which resembles an upturned bike. You pedal with your arms, turning two rotating handles separately or together, while your legs remain still. The workout targets arms, shoulders chest and back, and your core muscles work hard to stabilise the body from the waist up.

Where can I try it? At Virgin Active gyms nationwide. Find out more at www.virginactive.co.uk.

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What is it? GRAVITYBlast - a 30-minute cardio resistance class carried out on an inclining bench.

Tell me more: The GRAVITY training system (so impressive they put half its name in capitals!) enables you to work out on a variable incline, so you can increase or decrease the level of resistance. Wonder-Wag Coleen Rooney is reportedly a fan of the workout that helps sculpt and tone the whole body using just one piece of gym equipment.

Where can I try it? At selected Nuffield Health Clubs and independent UK gyms. Find out more at www.gravityuk.net.

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What is it? Trixter VRX-Biking - a cycle class that takes place in front of a giant screen.

Tell me more: Rather than spend your entire common-or-garden spinning class panting at your annoyingly unsweaty instructor, this bike-based workout takes place in front of a giant video screen depicting an adrenaline-fuelled ride. You'll see yourself on-screen as you ride through different trails, from city streets to dirt tracks. Best of all, you become so immersed in the action, you don't notice how hard you're working!

Where can I try it? At Everyone Active clubs nationwide. Find out more at www.everyoneactive.com.

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What is it? Zumba - a dance-based workout that blends exotic Latin and international moves for all-round body-toning.

Tell me more: Rest assured, you don't have to be an experienced dancer to get the benefits from this increasingly popular fitness programme. The routine features interval training, with fast and slow rhythms and resistance work - with moves borrowed from flamenco, salsa, belly-dancing and more. You'll definitely work up a sweat - but we guarantee you'll also have lots of fun.

Where can I try it? At fitness centres nationwide. Find out more at www.zumba.com.

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What to wear when you work out