Hot trends at UK's huge fitness event

While Zumba is everlasting in its cardio-dance popularity, other hot trends taking hold at this year's International Fitness Showcase (IFS) going on now include African dance-cardio craze Bokwa, a Lord of the Rings-themed cycling class, and, of course, 50 Shades of Step.

From Friday to Sunday thousands of fitness professionals and enthusiasts from Europe and Asia are converging at Winter Gardens in the seaside town of Blackpool, England, for the annual IFS to spot the latest and biggest trends in group fitness.

Zumba returns in full force to the event this year, with its array of Zumba variations, Zumbatronics, Zumba Cardio Party, and Zumba Toning. Kettlebell Group X, an accredited training course using weighted kettlebells for training and exercise, will also be at the event. Also attending are Spinning and Reebok, which will launch a new series based on the company's EasyTone step -- a device featuring integrated air cushions underneath the stepboard to create natural instability.

Antigravity yoga returns as a hot trend this year, as does Xpert Pole fitness and Piloxing (Pilates and boxing moves). Also look for new trend Bokwa, which is gaining some momentum in France and the UK. Founded in Los Angeles, Bokwa, like Zumba, is a dance exercise class but which integrates African dance and boxing maneuvers into the class. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK-odm1yyys

In addition, group classes include a "50 Shades of Step" class, which incorporates sexy cardio moves, or if that's not enough, you can try "50 Shades of Pilates." Or sample a Lord of the Rings spinning class that has you pedaling to the Fires of Mordor, or a Catch 22 spin class, an interval ride class that challenges your decision-making skills as well as your quadriceps.

Comparable to Inner IDEA in the US, IFS is one of Europe's biggest fitness conventions and sets the trends for what gyms and fitness centers throughout Europe and Asia can expect to see in the coming year.

International Fitness Showcase: http://www.chrysalispromotions.com
Watch a promo from last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR9Za0UoHsA

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