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HEALTH Kick up your workout routine ML Brings You Fun Fitness Options That Will Leave You with Some Pretty Killer Moves Words by Marta A. Oppenheimer After watching Xena reruns on a boring Sunday afternoon, I decided that learning those fantastic Amazon-like moves would probably be better than —well, watching reruns of old cancelled TV shows all day. It would be beneficial to acquire the skills to defend myself, probably not from an angry (but really sexy) god of war or a mythological part human, part bull creature, but from general danger itself. And get into shape in the process. Where do women go to become warrior princesses? To the Internet, where I decided to narrow my search from war cries and 6 foot leaps in the air, to kickboxing lessons. My first visit was to Knockout Zone [knockoutzonemiami.com | 305-754-9663] in downtown Miami. I found out, during my search for a place to punch and kick, that the majority of these establishments offer the first trial class for free. A fabulous incentive for people like me, who have no idea what to do, but know something must be done. I was instantly in love with the friendliness of Knockout Zone. Juan at the front desk was accessible, helpful, and just plain fantastic. Before my first kickboxing class, ever, I was taken on a tour of the up-to-date fitness complex. Juan lent me fighting gloves that could fit Muhammad Ali, and with my Hogwarts T-shirt, oversized sweatpants, and Payless sneakers I was ready for my class. The class was even better than Juan presented. It was small enough to receive individual attention, but large enough to avoid self-conscious feelings of looking like the stereotypical girl that I am. This place was definitely a possibility, but I still had three more to visit. My next adventure was (sigh) a Zumba class. I know, I know, Xena gyrating her leather-clad hips to the sounds of Enrique Iglesias’s “Bailamos” —impossible! But, all the hoopla about Zumba had me intrigued enough to try. Wearing my Gryffindor T-shirt, I arrived at Zumba by Haydee [786-312-0567] in Doral. Zumba is perfect for those who hate exercise. An entire hour disappears to the beat of stimulating music, twirling, turning, gyrating, and spinning. Do not allow the dancing terms and Shakira’s not-lying-hips fool you; these are not your average turns. This is a serious workout... with a lively twist! Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense [antakungfu.com | 305-599-3649] was my next undertaking. This time, not only was I to borrow boxing gloves, but handwraps and shin guards as well. In my protective cocoon, I proceeded to stretch, kick, punch, and balance on tires. This is a very professional environment where red and black uniforms are required and real martial arts terms are the common lingo. At Anta’s, self-defense is a serious thing. At Doral Tae Kwon Do & Family Fitness [305-639-4747] “family” really means “family”. Entire households of children and parents walked passed me while I waited for my kickboxing class to begin at the husband and wife owned place. Just like a patient reacts when young Doogie Howser, M.D. enters a hospital room, is how I felt when Doogie’s karate version began teaching my small class. Ignoring the voice in my head screaming that I could be my instructor’s mother, I hesitantly stayed for the experience. In one hour with this Karate Kid genius named Chris, I learned more than I could have imagined. Chris made the class interesting and exciting with his vast martial arts knowledge and excellent technique. This is a class I definitely want to take again. Any of these places would be a great choice in my quest for warrior princess status! Now, what would Xena do? Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! ML MIAMI LIVING 33