What is it? Psycle - a high-intensity, low-impact, head-to-toe workout on a bike.

Tell me more... Yes, it's Spinning-with-a-difference. And what exactly makes it different? For starters, everyone wears special cleated shoes - loaned free-of-charge - which increase the connection between leg and bike, engaging the hamstrings and glutes to ensure lean, toned legs without the big thighs. A lot of TLC goes into picking the playlists, too. Tracks are chosen for their strong lyrical content and energy level. The aim? To help you forget how hard you're working while you engage with the music.

Where can I try it? There's currently just one Psycle studio in London's West End - but more are planned. Get more information at www.psyclelondon.com.

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What is it? Freestyle Group Training (FGT) - an all-over workout using new exercises based on the way our bodies move in everyday life.

Tell me more... Fitness First's Freestyle philosophy involves using a combination of 'three-dimensional training movements' to challenge and tone every muscle in your body - as opposed to exercises that focus on specific muscle groups. The classes use a range of fancy-sounding equipment and techniques, such as BOSU balls, suspension training and plyo boxes. Still haven't got a clue what we're on about? Your best bet is to book an FGT Basics class, which covers all the moves used in other FGT classes.

Where can I try it? At selected Fitness First clubs nationwide. Find out more at www.fitnessfirst.co.uk.

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What is it? Sandbells - a strength-training workout using bags of sand

Tell me more... OK, we're doing sandbells a slight disservice by dismissing them as 'bags of sand'. They're a little more high-tech than that. For example, their softness means they can be dropped, thrown or jumped on without risk of injury. Each 45-minute class aims to improve your strength and stamina using three different weights of sandbell to complete four distinct training phases. It's serious stuff - but it can be adapted to suit anyone.

Where can I try it? At selected Fitness First clubs nationwide. Find out more at www.fitnessfirst.co.uk.

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What is it? YogaBelles Lunar - a yoga session that focuses on balancing out hormones.

Tell me more... YogaBelles Lunar is part of the YogaBelles programme - a form of hatha yoga that's been tailor-made to address the changes and cycles of a woman's life. The focus here isn't on perfecting postures, but on experiencing energy 'flow' through gentle stretches and breathing work. The sessions are particularly beneficial for anyone wanting to regulate the menstrual cycle or alleviate menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes.

Where can I try it? At YogaBelles classes nationwide. Find your nearest one at www.yogabellies.co.uk.

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What is it? NOVA - a new fusion fitness class combining the best of yoga and Pilates.

Tell me more... Always wanted to try yoga or Pilates but been put off by the 'spiritual' elements? NOVA sets all the talk of chakra-unblocking aside and combines the best movements from each discipline into a fast-paced routine set to upbeat music. The result? The ideal workout for people looking to improve their strength, flexibility and muscle tone. It's suitable for beginners and you certainly don't need to be super-flexible to take part.

Where can I try it? At selected Virgin Active Health Clubs nationwide. Find your nearest class at www.virginactive.co.uk.

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What is it? Barreworks - a ballet-based workout for all-over toning.

Tell me more... As its name suggests, a BarreWorks WorkOut uses the ballet barre as a basis to put your body through its paces. Founder Vicky Anstey has just unveiled a new innovation: the mini-barre (not to be confused with a mini-bar, which is something else entirely). It's a piece of equipment that can be looped around the main barre or used as an addition to mat-based exercises to add extra resistance and instability to 'keep muscles guessing'. The result? A deeper, more intense workout to help you tone up fast.

Where can I try it? The Barreworks studio is in Richmond, South-West London; for details, see www.barreworks.co.uk. Don't live anywhere near Richmond? Check your local gym for other ballet-based classes.

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Push your body to defy gravity

What is it? GRAVITY training - a gym-based regime that works the whole body by using gravity to assist and resist movements.

Tell me more... Yes, we do realise we're all subconsciously 'using' gravity already. But this is GRAVITY - note the capital letters! - an exercise regime from the US that counts celebrity trainer Tracey Anderson among its fans. The entire workout takes place on the specially built Total Gym equipment, which offers an adjustable gradient to help you use your own body weight to create resistance and ultimately strengthen and tone muscles. It sounds pretty hardcore - but it's actually suitable for all fitness levels.

Where can I try it? GRAVITY classes are available at The Fitness Function in Buckinghamshire. Find out more at www.thefitnessfunction.com. Don't live in the area? Find more classes across the country at www.gravityuk.net.

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What is it? Tabata - a super-intense four-minute workout.

Tell me more... Tabata is fast becoming the most popular form of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - the results-driven workout that's tailor-made for the time-pushed. It consists of a combination of 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated eight times. This, apparently, is the most effective way to increase both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. If you're really watching the clock, however, we should point out that the class itself is 20 minutes long to allow for the warm-up and cool-down.

Where can I try it? At selected Fitness First clubs nationwide. Find out more at www.fitnessfirst.co.uk.

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What is it? ZUU - a fitness class from Australia, based on 'primal' movements.

Tell me more... Don't be put off by our picture of men with their bottoms in the air: these tough-but-fun classes are open to everyone. The idea? ZUU combines workout-of-the-moment High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with animal-inspired exercises, which are grounded in the 'seven primal and most natural of human movements' - push, pull, bend, twist, squat, lunge and locomotion. The mix of strength and aerobic training creates a full-body workout that can burn up to 600 calories in just half an hour.

Where can I try it? At selected Virgin Active Health Clubs nationwide. Find your nearest class at www.virginactive.co.uk.

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What is it? Face Yoga - a 20-minute facial exercise routine to help you look younger

Tell me more... As seen on - whisper it - 'TOWIE', the Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method uses a combination of face exercises, massage, acupressure and relaxation techniques to give you a natural face-lift. The theory? Just as your body needs regular exercise to stay fit and toned, the 57 muscles in the face and neck also need a daily workout to strengthen and firm the skin. Meanwhile, massage reduces poor skin tone, puffiness and dark circles. And acupressure helps improve energy flow, reduce tension and boost circulation.

Where can I try it? Danielle holds classes in Bath and via Skype - or you can buy her DVD. Find out more at www.faceyogaexpert.com.

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