Fitness Class Cashes In On The Reality-Show Craze
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More fitness clubs are starting to build off the popularity of reality dance competition television shows to help New Yorkers become more than just couch potatoes. In the following report, NY1 Health & Fitness reporter Kafi Drexel explains why more gym enthusiasts seem to be leaving it all on the dance floor these days. Step into Crunch fitness club in Union Square, and you just might get served. In the spirit of reality shows like "So You Think You Can Dance?" and MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew", the competition is on.
"There's been a huge interest in the class, especially I think because the dance phenomenon is sort of amped-up," said instructor Marc Santa Maria. "It is even a higher level of interest in dance."
The Crunch Dance Crew class teaches students some of the fundamentals of hip-hop and breaks down routines with non-stop movement. Toward the end of each class, dancers split up in groups and compete.
"It is fun," said participant Siu Pang. "It is great exercise. Your mind is working. I love the music and you are learning something."
Participants are so serious about the competitive element that from time to time, the class comes complete with a judge's table. Whichever crew "represents" the best, gets their video posted on YouTube.
"I think there is really a great personal style in each individual," said judge Shelly Rangsiyakul. "Everybody just kind of brings it differently and it's great."
The dancers say in addition to learning some fierce moves, they are also getting a real workout.
"I noticed a lot of changes," said participant Michelle Alexander. "I lost four pounds so far in a month and it just has been so great. I'm doing a good job."
It looks like they're all winners here.