Fit City

Equipment Minute

Long used by dancers, the classic Pilates jump board is finding new fans among everyday Pilates practitioners who are tickled by the unique jumping sensation. “You’re like a dancer in the air, [and then] it’s like you’re parachuting,” explains Kathryn Dandois-Boivin, co-owner of Sarasota’s Dynamic Fitness. And because the board’s exercises are low-impact, everyone can jump for joy. “I recovered from a broken femur, and I have screws in my knee,” says Dandois-Boivin, a former ballet dancer, “and I can do it.” Pilates-sarasota.com

Smoothie Move

Surprise! You can add a handful of spinach to your fresh-fruit smoothie for a leafy green boost—vitamins A, C and K, plus iron, calcium, potassium and more—without affecting the flavor. Yes, your smoothie will turn green, but it’ll still be a sweet, creamy breakfast for under 200 calories.

1 ripe banana

½ cup berries (fresh or frozen)

¼ cup nonfat Greek vanilla yogurt

¼ cup raw spinach leaves

¼ cup ice

Blend until smooth. In lieu of berries, try a peach or kiwi fruit.

Five Fingers

Humans are meant to run barefoot, some experts now argue, and Vibram’sFive Fingers shoes promote landing on the ball of the foot—not the heel—for less impact and a better spring (not to mention improved balance and agility). Athletes wear them for everything from water sports to rock climbing, and celebrity wearers include fighter Rashad Evans and fashion designer Marc Ecko. $70 to $105. Available locally at Fit2Run (fit2run.com) and CB’s Outfitters (cbsoutfitters.com).

Hoop Dreams

Remember your exercise regimen as a kid? Back then, it was called “fun.” Hula Hoop fitness turns the iconic toy into a full-body adult workout that burns up to 800 calories an hour. Certified instructors and heavier, “adult-size” hoops make it easy as child’s play. “We have students as young as three and as old as 73,” says Jodie Urias of Sarasota’s Hoop Fit USA. “There’s a lot of laughter. It’s pure enjoyment.”
To find out about local classes and private lessons, go to HoopFitUSA.com or HoopSurround.com.

Listen Up!

People are always skipping workouts to be with their kids. The best thing you can do for your kids is exercise. It frees your mind. And you’ll live longer, so you’ll be there to babysit their kids. Aaron Jaco, owner of Uppercut Boxing and Fitness and father of a three-year-old girl.