First there was the serenity of yoga, next came the toning of Pilates, then the high-energy of Zumba. It’s hard to say what’s going to be the next big hit in the wave of trends that run through the fitness industry.

However, the Huston Huffman Center’s PiYo class, new this semester, promises to be a fun and exciting new class that could be here to stay.

The class is a full-body workout that consists of plyometrics and cardio mixed with yoga and Pilates moves. Patricia Baker, the center’s PiYo instructor, teaches other fitness classes like spin and Zumba but has seen the benefits of her PiYo training.

Each session can burn about 200 to 400 calories. The class isn’t as high intensity as some of the other group classes offered but PiYo specifically works to tone the whole body.

Baker starts out with stretching then moves straight into the stances. During the class there’s pop music, like Rihanna and Beyonce, playing to help students keep pace with the quick movements.

“The class is like yoga in that we use some of the positions but we’re always moving,” Baker said. “This class is not for people who have the expectations of this being a zen class like yoga.”

And while the class sounds like it’s only for those at the intermediate level, any of the exercises can be adjusted to your comfort. The steps are fairly easy to follow and keep people coming back for more. Kelsey Nelson, University College freshman, returned to the class for the structured workout.

“Anyone could pick it up but it would still be a challenging workout,” Nelson said. “I expected more of the Pilates part of it but the yoga helps afterward with stretching.”

Heather Kirkes, fitness and outreach coordinator, is in charge of selecting the group workout classes.

“I had known about PiYo through the fitness industry,” Kirkes said. “I try to keep up with the trends and see what’s going to be in demand next. I see PiYo having some staying power.”

IF YOU GO
WHEN: 4:15 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
WHERE: Huston Huffman Center, Room 140