Fitness Redux

If you've ever wondered where your local fitness instructors get some of their best ideas, it may be from the annual IDEA World Fitness Convention. Hundreds of new classes are presented, and hundreds of new fitness products displayed.

The 1999 World Fitness IDEA Convention in Las Vegas had more than 4,000 attendees from over 60 countries. CBS News Saturday Morning fitness expert Bonnie Kaye reports on the latest trends and her favorite workouts and products.

For the third time the conference showcased indoor group rowing classes. ItÂ's possible to obtain a total body workout with a variable resistance rowing machine as an instructor motivates a class to row in unison (as if in the same boat on the water). For more information on rowing machines, go to www.concept2.com.

Indoor group cycling classes such as spinning continue to thrive and are fast becoming a mainstay in gyms nationwide. Using a specially designed stationary bike with a flywheel and tension knob, riders are led on a mental and physical journey - without ever leaving the room. For more information on spinning, go to www.spinning.com.

Following in the footsteps of these types of programs, is a group stair-climbing class called "Stomp." A leader coaches students through a workout in unison, this time on stair-climbing machines.

This concept is echoed in a class called "Trekking," a group workout revolving around probably the most recognized and longest running piece of equipment in the gym: the treadmill.

It may sound like the fitness industry is simply running out of new ideas and merely recycling old workouts into new ones using equipment already available. But exercise physiologist and co-developer of the Star Trek Trekking program, Therese Iknoian, says the benefits extend beyond economics.

"They've got a coach," said Iknoian. "They've got an instructor who tells them how to go a little faster, go a little slower, make their technique better. Encourage them, motivate them, and you've got the social parameters that go along with that, too."

Exercising on familiar machines but in a group format can be a simple, fun and effective way to work out. That theme of simplicity and familiarity carried over to the fitness expo: Most of the new products featured this year weren't expensive, high-tech items, but simple, functional and affordable.

Bonnie Kaye's favorite fitness products:

• Tinix Stix
  Based on the concept of Philippine pole dancing, these pliable poles attached to weighted cubes are great for agility training and cost about $40 a pair.
  www.triedfit.com.
• Lei Weights
  This is a new concept in resistance and strength training. To use Lei Weights, lay them across parts of your body instead of holding them. To do bicep curls, hold these sand-filled bags loosely, rather than tightly. That's good for people with arthritis. Lay them across your body for exercises such as ab crunches. A pair goes for $30.
  www.leiweights.com.
• The EZGrip
  This rubberized grip clamps onto your dumbbell for a more comfortable hold, helping to prevent calluses, but also aiding with the opening up and loosening of your grip. A tight grip can increase the chance of injury to your ligaments and decrease the effectiveness of the workout. A relaxed grip helps you more effectively target certain muscles. A pair costs about $40.
  www.4ezgrip.com
• Kickboxing Station
  One of the hottest trends this year is any class on kickboxing. This portable heavy bag from Kickbox Express allows you to jab, cross-punch and round kick your way to a better body. It could be the next hot home exercise product. Study the video or take a class from a qualified instructor to learn how to do it safely. It sells for $169.
  www.kickboxfitness.com

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