Hottest fitness trends of 2013

When you're trying to stay fit, boredom with your routine can be one of the biggest obstacles you have to overcome. That's why it helps to try something new every once in awhile to keep your workouts fresh and to keep challenging your body. While many interesting fitness fads come and go, 2013 has seen a few fun workouts that are in it for the long haul. Jennifer Cohen, a leading fitness authority, TV personality, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, shared her top 5 picks for the hottest fitness trends of 2013 with Health.com:

1. Theme runs and obstacle races
"Theme races are huge this year and with good reason, they combine two things you love to do," writes Cohen. Just this summer alone, Philly has hosted Run or Dye, The Color Run, Electric Run (almost!), Zombie Run, Run Drenched — and that's just off the top of my head! Even Philadelphia Runner's Urban Scramble turns a monthly 3-5 mile run into a big Philly scavenger hunt, while City Running Tours often teams up with Yards Brewery to offer a beer-inspired 5k — who doesn't feel like they deserve a beer after they run?!

But did you know some of the most popular races are also the dirtiest? Events like Tough Mudder and Spartan Race are obstacle runs that often include wall climbs, army crawling under barbed wire and, of course, dredging through mud pits. If you're considering trying an obstacle race, our own SportsDoc panelist Cassie Haynes shared her top tips to prepare and train for a Tough Mudder.

Cohen added: "Every race is different, but there's one thing they all have in common: everyone who finishes seems to want to do it again."

2. CrossFit
CrossFit is, at its base, functional movement that is infinitely scalable (appropriate for all ages, bodies, and abilities) and when coached appropriately, an extraordinarily safe and effective fitness program. And while it may seem like an insane workout, it's actually not nearly as intimidating as it looks. Since it's inception, the fitness trend has been gaining popularity worldwide. According to Cohen, even companies like Reebok, Rockport and Adidas are taking CrossFit to a new level by offering 4-week courses to their employees. Today, there are at least 15 CrossFit affilates in the Greater Philadelphia area. If you're interested in trying out the craze, check out CrossFit coach Cassie Haynes' 10 questions to ask before starting CrossFit.

3. Spinning
Spinning is an excellent no-impact aerobic workout to strengthen your heart and tone your legs and butt, all while burning mega calories. Fortunately, Philly offers residents a plethora of spin choices; with Body Cycle Studio, The Wall in Manayunk and the newest cycling craze Flywheel being among the most popular. For upscale spinning, Flywheel instructors take their class on a ride that lasts 45 or 60 minutes and includes sprints, climbs and descents, while working your arms with weighted bars and jamming out to top tunes.

4. Dance fusion classes
Zumba classes are great for a broad spectrum of athletes looking for a varied cardio workout without the equipment-intense sessions or marathon-level running. While Philly has tons of Zumba classes to offer, Zumba isn't the only way to dance away those unwanted pounds. Philly Dance Fitness offers extreme ballet classes, hip-hop, jazz and even striptease aerobics if you're feeling frisky, while House Party Fitness incorporates resistance training in their dance routines.

Lastly, Cohen touted her own fitness class, Pound as a hot new fitness trend. The class is described as a "fusion of cardio, pilates, plyometrics, isometric movements and poses into a full-body 45 minute class that can burn 600-900 calories per hour." Cohen uses weighted drumsticks (called Ripstix) and rhythm to lead a full body cardio jam session.

Let's just say if this comes to Philly, we'll be signing up to try it!

Read the original article at Health.com.