Nike Rockstar Workout: Dance Fitness

The pole dancing and stripping workouts came and went, so it was only a matter of time until the fitness powers that be came up with something new to get bikini-body cravers to the gym. The Nike Rockstar Workout recalls its predecessors and raises the ante, because it comes with recommended fashion as well.

The Rockstar Workout is the brainchild of choreographer Jamie King. It utilizes “iconic” moves from top videos to inspire gyration, coordination and perspiration. To make the movements stimulating yet irresistible, Nike teamed up with 24 Hour Fitness, Activa and In Style magazine. Earlier this season, the quartet took the show on the road, hosting open houses with guest instructors, cool beverages and celebrity appearances at 24 Hour Fitness centers throughout Southern California. While the parade of stars may be over, the high-energy dance workout still has its strong share of followers.

Nike Rockstar Workout is a complex mixture of hip thrusts, arm swings and seductive poses. Choreographed to appear like a music video, it is an hour-long routine that turns aerobic when you stumble to keep up. A few in the class seemed to get the hang of it after just one session, but I certainly needed a few lessons and the accompanying video, which features Barbados-born hip-hop ingénue Rihanna, to keep from falling on my face.

I could understand the suggested outfits, however. The Nike Rockstar Workout Web site (http://www.nike.com/nikewomen/us/index.jhtml#sol) is part exercise and part e-tail. It hosts a number of great outfits that will do more to get me to the gym than any goodie bag.

To find a Nike Rockstar Workout near you, visit http://www.24hourfitness.com/html/groupx/rockstar.