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Instructor Loren Bidner has worked with the New York Theater Ballet and uses his own handmade Action Hoops (bigger and heavier than toy-store Hula-hoops, for easier control) in these hour-long, full-body, gyrating workouts. The classes combine aerobics and yoga to work the core abdominals, increase cardio stamina, and burn up to 110 calories every ten minutes. The health benefits of Hula-hooping have been discovered by perennially in-shape celebrities like Gabrielle Reece and Marisa Tomei, the latter of whom used it to train for her role as an exotic dancer in The Wrestler and even put out a DVD on the topic. Bidner’s classes—some of which are held outdoors in Central Park—showcase the appeal. You’ll start slowly with simple around-the-waist basics, and then up things bit by bit until you’re swinging and flipping hoops like a pro. — Vanita Salisbury

Classes are $15 per session ($20 for the Saturday Central Park classes), but you can buy packages and save. Five classes are $70; ten are $130; fifteen are $180; and twenty will cost you $220.

Pros
The classes are designed for all skill levels, so they are especially good for group activities, from family functions to bachelorette parties.

Cons
Because of space restrictions, class size is limited and the spots go fast, so sign up early.