Don't be a gym rat. But do get in shape. Stick with these trendy, playful exercises and you'll never have to set foot in a gym again.

by Maggie Cramer

photo by Rene TreeceHoop Dreams

What: This is hula hooping, but no, we’re not talking about using the light plastic toy you had as a child to shed some pounds. According to Asheville hooping instructor Melanie MacNeil, hooping for exercise is a totally different story. She describes the activity as a form of dance and fitness that involves the full body, not just the waist, and utilizes heavier hoops designed for adults.

Why: “Hooping provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout,” MacNeil says. “It’s fitness disguised as fun.” She notes that hooping has been compared to yoga and Pilates because of its ability to sculpt and define the body.

Where: Beginning and intermediate hoopers can take MacNeil’s classes at Terpsicorps dance studio in Asheville on Wednesdays, and all levels of hoopers can participate in a hoopers’ co-op there on Mondays. For times and more information, visit www.ashevillehoops.com.

Zoom, Zoom, Zumba

What: Zumba is a fitness program that blends Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow aerobic movements. Since its inception in 1999, there’s been a growing crowd of enthusiasts, with an estimated five million people now taking Zumba classes every week, according to Hollywood, Florida-based Zumba Fitness.

Why: The Zumba motto is “Ditch the workout, join the party!” Enough said.

Where: Brevard instructor Hiro Martin’s classes will get you out of the gym (though almost all gyms in the area do offer a Zumba class). Visit www.hiromartin.com for details.

Chicks and Salsa

What: Perhaps salsa dancing was brought to the United States by Cuban or Puerto Rican immigrants. There was probably some other Latin influence along the way. We’re not sure, but we’d like to thank whomever it was because dancing the salsa is a ton of fun.

Why: Dance classes of all kinds are increasingly popular alternatives to the gym because they’re just so much more exciting than the gym. “Salsa” is the Spanish word for “sauce.” Why not get a workout and bring a little extra heat into your life?

Where: In Asheville, you can take salsa classes at the Asheville Ballroom Dance Center (www.ashevilleballroom.com) or from instructors Hector Gutierrez and Maria Voisin of dance company Salseros 828 (www.salseros828.com).

Chi-wow-wow

What: If we suggested you run and walk to avoid hitting the gym, you’d think we weren’t too creative. But ChiWalking and ChiRunning are new techniques that blend movement principles from Tai Chi with walking and running.

Why: According to Danny Dreyer, an Asheville resident who is the technique’s founder, the most important benefits of ChiRunning and ChiWalking are “the increased enjoyment of activity: you learn how to avoid injury, minimize energy expenditure and make running or walking a practice, like yoga or meditation.”

Where: You can learn Dreyer’s techniques by reading his books, watching his DVDs or working with certified instructors. Find them in the Asheville-Hendersonville area by visiting www.chirunning.com.

Nia. Like Chia!

What: Okay, so it’s not exactly like the grass-growing ceramic pet, but Nia, like the Chia, got popular in the ‘80s and seems like a fun combination of things. Founders Debbie and Carlos Rosas basically fused modern dance, martial arts, jazz and yoga.

Why: Mills River Nia teacher Ondine Constable says her students often improve their muscle tone, flexibility and balance, and women especially enjoy Nia because it’s so eclectic and relatively forgiving.

Where: For information about area classes, held everywhere from yoga studios to spas, visit niacarolina.com. Join Ondine for a monthly Nia Jam at the Hendersonville YMCA. Upcoming Jams are February 13 and March 6. Visit www.dance-health.com for details.