The Perfect Fit For You

by Deandra De Napoli
Youve made it into the New Year with one thing on your mind: achieving that rockin bod. But with so many options, its hard to know whats the best fit for you. Heres a list the most popular fitness trends in the Capitol city to help get you on your way. push you. Drawbacks: This workout is mainly cardio based. If you dont like running this may not be the place for you. Best for: Anyone looking for an intense cardio workout and enjoys group fitness. Cost: $25/class, or one month unlimited for $250. Contact: 4207 Perkins Rd. treadbr.com

Featured in The Odyssey at LSU

scriptions may leave you feeling lost or you may feel uncomfortable meditating in a small room of strangers. Best for: Anyone looking to increase overall (and especially core) strength and flexibility while also experiencing mental release. Cost: $17/class or $150 for one month unlimited (additional pricing packages online) Contact: 7384 Highland Rd. Kenilworth Plaza, second floor. yogablissbatonrouge.com varied, functional movements like push-ups, running, deadlifts and squats, flipping tires and throwing sandbags in a high-energy group setting. Benefits: For those who routinely find themselves aimlessly wandering the gym or trying to find the right exercise, fret no more. The CrossFit trainers are there to steer you in the right direction and mold you into the shape of a Spartan warrior. Drawbacks: Theres somewhat of a one size fits all approach. Novices may train harder than they should in a group setting. Best for: Those who are dedicated and disciplined and dont mind doing some heavy lifting. Cost: $15/class or $90/month Contact: 11930 Industriplex Blv #9 crossfitbr.com

Pure Barre

Yogalates II

Overview: Yoglates is a combination of calisthenics, yoga, and Pilates to give a complete cardiovascular, strength, stretching and balancing workout. Yoglates are designed to work the lymphatic as well as the internal organs of the body in combination with the skeletal and muscular structure of the entire physique. Benefits: Classes are performed in a heated room, which not only elevates the heart rate but also provides cardiovascular benefits and promotes flexibility. Drawbacks: You wont get the full meditative benefits of a traditional yoga class or the intense core workout of a Pilates class, but you will get a taste of both. Best for: Anyone focused on building core strength and working toward a longer, leaner body. Cost: $10/class; 1-, 3-, 6,- and 12-month pricing available. Contact: 3753 Perkins Rd., Suite A yogalates2.com

UFC Gym

Overview: UFC Gym (formerly LA Boxing) gives UFC enthusiasts and fitness seekers alike the opportunity to practice the training techniques of famed UFC athletes. Offering a fullrange of group fitness classes, private MMA training, personal and group dynamic training, plus MMA style youth programming, UFC GYM creates something for all ages and fitness levels. Benefits: Classes are proven to blaze through 800-1,000 calories in one hour. Drawbacks: Its a very small space so get there early! Best for: Those looking for an intense full-body work out and focused on building muscle. Cost: Prices not found online. Contact: 3731 Perkins Rd. ufcgym.com

Overview: Pure Barre uses the ballet barre give you a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms, while burning fat in record-breaking time. Benefits: The Pure Barre technique is low-impact, protecting your joints by avoiding any bouncing or jumping. Each strength section is followed by a stretching section to create long, lean muscles without bulk. Drawbacks: The technique was designed to target trouble areas for women, so this one may not be inviting to any males out there seeking a new gym. Best for: Anyone trying to tone up but is not enticed by a high intensity work out or gaining extra muscle mass. Cost: $20/class or $215 for one month unlimited (additional pricing packages online) Contact: 3033 Perkins Rd. Suite B purebarre.com/la-batonrouge

Yoga Bliss

Cross Fit BR

Tread BR

Overview: TREAD BR is a boutique fitness studio offering hourlong, high-intensity group interval training. Each TREAD class offers a walking, jogging or running level that can be controlled by both the trainer and the trainee, and with daily alterations to the speeds, inclines and floor exercises, no two classes are the same. Benefits: State-of-the-art equipment, small class size and one of the best cardio workouts out there with instructors who will

Overview: Yoga Bliss is the fruit of dedicated yoga students and teachers who are seeking peace, excellent physical and mental health, love and bliss. The mission of Yoga Bliss is to provide a sanctuary where great transformation can take place physically, mentally and spiritually. Benefits: Classes are small and intimate and instructors encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try more advanced poses. Drawbacks: For the casual yogi, the Sanskrit pose de-

Overview: CrossFit is a demanding, high-intensity workout designed to get participants in the best shape of their lives. The workouts consist of constantly

Deandra is a senior studying mass communication with a concentration in public relations.

February 2014