Bored with your step class? Now in its 30th year, IDEA World Fitness Convention offers up-and-coming gym techniques a chance to gain wider appeal in one of the hottest fitness markets in the world, Southern California. Expect spinoffs on barre and pole dancing, a Michael Jackson-style cardio class, a surfing simulating group class, and a cardio routine that encourages updating to Twitter.
Dancer, choreographer, and fitness expert Louis Van Amstel will also be presenting his LaBlast technique, a partner-free dance fitness program that incorporates steps from the jive, salsa, cha-cha-cha, and paso doble.
Fans of the Barre Method can try the new Booty Barre Plus, with a focus on deep muscle-toning movements, glute lifting, and cardiovascular intervals, all set to heart-pumping music.
Thriller! The Workout will also be on hand to demonstrate Michael Jackson-inspired dance steps in an intense choreographed cardio session.
XPert Pole Dance Choreography will focus a bit less on the strength elements of the pole and much more on the seamless (and sexier) dance elements that attracts so many students to pole fitness.
Also Indo Boarding-Surf-Inspired Group Fitness uses a device called the Indo Board Balance Trainer to work your core and build strength and balance while simulating surfing. The wooden board balances on a roller, with users encouraged to perform the class with bare feet. Watch it in action here on YouTube.
TRX Suspension Trainer will also offer a series on training for active seniors, all geared at improving function and keeping older adults fit and active into their golden years.
Additional highlights include a group training course dubbed "Armed and Dangerous," which focuses on chiseling your upper body using weight training. QiDance, formerly named Batuka Dance, returns this year with its global fusion cardio workout, incorporating musical themes and varying dance genres.
If you're into social media, the Klout Workout measures your influence on sites such as Twitter, Foursquare, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Bring your smartphone to class and tweet and text your way through the motions.
The event runs July 5-8 in San Diego, California, with more than 5,000 influential fitness and wellness professionals from 65 nations participating in hundreds of sessions devoted to new fitness trends.
Rival tradeshows include Germany's FIBO and LA's IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show.
http://www.ideafit.com/conference/idea-world-fitness-convention-2012
