SPRING TUNE UP

From HX Magazine Issue #815

SPRING TUNE UP
By Mike Diamond

Inventive alternatives to shedding that winter weight

Shirtless weather is just around the corner, but don't worry if you're still packing on those extra holiday pounds. Sure, you can—and should—invest in and actually use a membership to an upscale, fashionable workout facility like Club H Fitness (clubhfitness.com) or David Barton Gym (davidbartongym.com), and you'd definitely be wise to contact the experts at Further Fitness (furtherfitness.com), NYC's premier personal training company. But the city offers plenty of other fun and interesting ways to whip that bod back into porn star hot shape. Now drop that Krispy Kreme, 'cause the clock's ticking!

First things first—and forgive us if we sound preachy—but before you target those abs, you might want to consider the bigger picture of personal health and log onto hivinfosource.org, an online guide dedicated to keeping you informed about the NYU School of Medicine Center For AIDS Research's latest HIV treatment and prevention options.

Once you've got peace of mind, focus on the body— starting, of course, with your booty. Tighten up the tush with African Dance classes at the Djoniba Dance and Drum Centre (djoniba.com), including Tribal Belly Dance and Afro-Brazilian. With more than 40 classes a week, many with live drummers, the Centre accommodates everyone from beginners to professionals. "If you can walk, you can dance," says founder Joneeba Mouflet.

For Star Wars fagnatics, may the fierce be with you at Light Saber lessons, organized by the New York Jedi (nyjedi.com). The classes instruct students in stage combat through martial arts, mental focus and living at your parents' house until you're 30.
Seriously, this is an intensive workout, as Jedis in training are instructed in swordplay maneuvers and taught how to do a handstand while balancing Yoda on their foot. Bring a saber or stick and comfortable workout clothes; Princess Leia buns optional.

Become a high-flying homo at Trapeze School New York (newyork.trapezeschool.com). Daredevils and carnies alike will enjoy getting into shape with a mid-air workout at Hudson River Park. Beginners learn feats like take off, basic knee hang and splits, while sky boys in the advanced level will master technical tricks like the double somersault.

Yoga is still hot, and not just because Madonna's bony ass does it. Aaron Star's Hot Nude Yoga classes (hotnudeyoga.com) offer quality yogic instruction and a little something extra. Stretch, flex and embark on a journey of the spirit freed from the constraints of clothing. The deliciously fit and attractive teachers of HNY bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from various yoga backgrounds. Plus, you're in a room of naked hotties bent over backwards! If you're too shy for that, check out Joschi Yoga (Joschinyc.com), though it does offer a very physical and masculine vinyasa yoga class called yoga4men.

If you're the outdoorsy type, head on over to the Chelsea Piers (chelseapiers.com) for some kayaking. Take in Manhattan's skyline while riding the waters of the Hudson for an invigorating total body workout. In conjunction with Manhattan Kayak Company, the Chelsea Piers kayaking program ranges from basic stroke technique workshops to day-long tours. Grab your sunblock and your stamina and experience the thrill of paddling —outside of a sex club!

With this many creative choices, getting ready for swimsuit season should be a snap. After all, to quote The Facts of Life's Blair Warner, circa 1983, "Take care of your body, and someone else will take care of you."