In all likeliness, you have all encountered the latest fitness fad of the day. They're everywhere and ever changing at the same time. It seems that with every passing day, there is yet another quick and easy way to lose weight, or to get fit, being promoted in the popular media. Late night television is awash with this nonsense. Infomercials, anyone?



Does anybody remember Tae-Bo? I didn't think so. To their credit, certain companies are actually devising new and unique ways to get people to commit to living a healthy lifestyle. This is a refreshing change, coming from an industry that generally seems to promote useless products to a populace looking for maximum results with the least effort invested.

One trend we have started to notice, as of late, is the way that traditional health clubs are starting to appeal to the sensory nature of their potential clients in an effort to get them involved and committed to healthy living. One such instance of this is the national health club called Crunch. They have introduced a number of new programs that stray far from the traditionally stuffy health club model.

They have spent a lot of time and energy on developing programs that will appeal to those not normally interested in working out at a health club. Their "Stiletto Strength" is a fine example of their innovative thinking put into action. It is a dance-inspired workout, a portion of which is performed in high-heel shoes! What a way to get a leg up on the competition! Crunch also offers a program called "Cardio Striptease", which just might get more than your heart pumping…if you know what I mean.

According to Donna Cyrus, vice president of programming for Crunch, they "find ways to excite the mind instead of just working out the body. We call ourselves theatrical fitness." In my humble opinion, this is a very innovative approach to exercise and healthy living. It is commendable that companies like Crunch are starting to think outside the box, by giving their customers something both fun and entertaining in exchange for their monthly health club fees. Now, if only something could be done about those awful late night infomercials.