Have you ever noticed that fitness trends geared toward women tend to be a bit sexualized?

While we support a woman’s choice to get fit any way she chooses, we’d love it if the following sexualized workouts and fitness trends disappeared, like, yesterday.

1. Mermaid tail workout

Yes, you read that right. The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego hosts a weekly class called Mermaid Fitness. The class is a “high-intensity, full-body workout” that’s basically “circuit training mixed with an ab workout on the side of the pool,” Well and Good reports.

“You’ll swim laps to get your heart rate up, and I also included standing stationary movements, like squats and arm exercises with a beach ball,” Veronica Rohan, a fitness instructor at the hotel, adds.

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with donning a tail and getting sweaty, but last time we checked, mermaids were considered highly sexual, human-luring creatures. So, it’s a bit odd that this sexual fetish is now considered a great way to burn calories. We’ll just stick to swimming laps in the pool in our swimsuits.

We should note that the class is open to men, too, which does relieve us slightly. Still, though…

2. Pole dancing

This exercise trend isn’t new, but it is still really annoying. We’re all about learning how to feel sexy, but there’s just something about these classes that creeps us out. First, is pole dancing that good of a workout? Couldn’t you get similar results by going to a pilates or yoga class? Second, strippers are highly sexualized in a negative way in the United States. So, until they are respected by the masses, perhaps we shouldn’t name a class after what they do to make a living. And third—and this should go without saying—if you’re doing this workout because you want your partner to think you’re sexy, think twice. Because the person you’re sleeping with should appreciate your body and moves for what they are—not because you’re taking a strip aerobic class.

3. Super-hot workout selfies

The Greatist recently published a great piece about how fitness “gurus” and models from all walks of life are embracing the following motto in the name of losing weight or firming up: “If you do it, you’ll look great naked.” Sure, everyone wants to look good when they’re in their birthday suits, but isn’t fitness really about health?

“#Fitspiration has turned into full-blown, soft-core porn workout videos of girl after girl deadlifting in bootie shorts,” Greatist reports. “These videos clearly inspire more calories burned from fast wrists moving than any other part of the body. You can’t actually work out to them, as they quickly cut from one shot of a girl doing a handstand in a thong to another girl bouncing up and down doing jumping jacks in a bikini.”

Now, even though we are a bit weirded out about these exercise and fitness-inspired trends doesn’t mean you should be. Because if you feel comfortable doing these types of workouts and they make you feel good about your body, then go ahead and do the workouts! Just make sure the organization or class you’re taking is all inclusive and supports bodies and people from all walks of life.

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A regular exercise program keeps you in fighting shape, boosts circulation, and keeps skin glowing. Yeah, yeah. We know all that already. If workout boredom has set in, though, check out the latest fitness trends for sweat inspo.

Know why it’s a good idea to change up how you move from time to time? Not only does it ward off workout ennui, but using different muscles means a more effective fitness regimen. The old school of thought on building strength and muscle is to constantly increase time, weight, or reps. But studies suggest varying workouts shows a faster rate of improvement and decreases the risk of exercise related injuries. It’s not bad for increasing exercise motivation either.

In the name of getting there faster and getting our buns to the gym, here’s what’s hot in fitness right now.

8 Fitness Trends to Try Now

1. Animal Flow: Feeling primal? You will after this workout. Animal Flow includes gymnastic and acrobatic moves fused with Parkour and even a little breakdancing. Sounds pretty wild, but those who partake claim it’s a heck of a sweat-inducing program.

2. Barre/Cardio Fusion: If the mere thought of Barre makes you feel like napping, this program may be a way to get in on the muscle toning and lengthening aspect with a bit of sweat. It’s a fast-paced, high-intensity, full body ballet-inspired workout for those who love their cardio.

3. Cardio Pilates: Pilates is still going strong. And while it is an intensity level up from yoga, it’s not exactly a heart pounder. Cardio Pilates combines traditional moves with weights and bursts of cardio, mostly done standing. Get that sleek, sultry bod without the boredom.

4. Poundfit: Like a dance class with Pilates-inspired moves, Poundfit uses Ripstix (like weighted drumsticks) to build muscle and boost fat burning. What’s with the Ripstix? The workout is the brainchild of two women who used to be drummers. How cool is that? Each class lasts 45 minutes and is set to heart thumping tunes.

5. Skinny Bitch Collective: The somewhat offensive, somewhat inspirational name of this fitness program does raise curiosity, no? And unless you’ve been completely snubbing your IG account lately, you’ve seen red and sweaty proof of the work done in these classes. A huge hit in London and by supermodels, the classes are a combo of strength training and cardio with signature SBC moves thrown into the mix. As said on the company “WTF is SBC” page, the program is “designed to throw you as far away from your comfort zone as possible”. You can also get in on some SBC nutritional guidance and there is an online program too.

6. Ropes Gone Wild: Yes, those huge tug-o-war style rope pics you see all over the place? That’s what they use in this fitness program. Weighted ropes work not only arms, but core and cardiovascular. It’s also low impact and suitable for almost any fitness level.

7. Treading Water: Yep, just as it sounds, this fitness trend is all about simply treading water. The not so simple part? You tread for as long as you can. Up to an hour burns 200-600 calories and works muscles over the whole body. If this sounds mind-numbingly boring, turn up the tunes by investing in a pair of water proof headphones, or grab a partner and visit through the burn.

8. WaveShape: You know how surfers always have killer abs? If you are nowhere close to a beach (or nowhere close to being a surfer) try this board sport-inspired workout. Better yet, it is free and you can find it online. Worth a try.

Which one are you trying first?

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How low would you go for a fitter bod… temperature-wise, that is? For fans of Cryotherapy, they’re willing to go colder than Antarctica. Naked.

The latest fitness trend that’s… well, trending, is Cryotherapy, a weight-loss technique that makes the weather we’re dealing with now seem like tropical island temperatures. Up until now, this therapy has been used in surgery to remove diseased tissue, such as unwanted growths on the skin, and to help treat pain related to arthritis and fibromyalgia. Now, it’s become a big thing in the beauty world, with celebs like Demi Moore and Jessica Alba ponying up to keep their bods lean and trim.

Here’s the deal: You strip down to your undies and socks and hang out in a chamber that’s minus 264 degrees for three long minutes. Word is this sci-fi-like treatment increases your metabolism, boosts collagen production, smooths wrinkles and reduces cellulite, among other things. When I first heard about it, all I could think about was a cryogenically frozen Austin Powers. (I wish I was joking.)

It’s become a popular way to lose weight, since the extreme cold speeds up your circulation and metabolism, helping you to burn a crazy 400 to 800 calories in a single session. “When you enter the machine, you’re basically fighting for your life according to your brain,” Joanna Fryben, co-owner of Kryolife told Elle. “These temperatures trigger your cold receptors and give you this fight or flight response. Your lymphatic system is being activated as your blood is being pushed to your core. That blood is being nourished with enzymes and oxygen.” Once the session’s over, the nourished blood rushes back through your body, boosting your immunity and cell renewal.

Regardless of how short the sessions are, there are of course health risks: You have to make sure your skin is bone dry before entering the chamber so as to not end up with frostbite. And the treatment isn’t recommended for moms-to-be or women with health issues like high blood pressure, asthma, or poor circulation in your fingers. But don’t worry, because the chamber remains unlocked in case you get cold feet (ha, get it?).

While research on whether or not Cryotherapy really works is mixed, the scroll of celebs and athletes who are on the bandwagon isn’t. (Mandy Moore even shared her visit to Cryohealthcare in Hollywood with Minka Kelly on Instagram, saying she’s obsessed with the sub-zero treatment.)

And at $90 a session, with Fryben recommending 10 to 20 consecutive treatments at a time for maximum results, I wouldn’t need the sessions to lose weight because I’d be too broke to buy food. I’m not doubting its efficacy—I find extreme temperature workouts incredibly intriguing—but for someone like me who’s not stomping a runway or starring in a James Bond flick, I think I’ll stick to good ol’ fashioned diet and exercise over becoming a Krissysicle.

Remember back in the day when sit-ups were cool? I miss the days when burning calories wasn’t so complicated. Le sigh.

Would you consider Cryotherapy for a fitter bod?

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Bored with your workout? Your body may be too. Here’s what’s hot in fitness trends for 2015.

If you are no longer seeing the same results from your workout, you’ve most likely plateaued. Performing the same exercise over and over means your body gets used to it and has to expend less energy. Muscles stop responding like they used to and you just aren’t feeling that same burn. Time to switch things up.

Variety is said to be the spice of life and that works with fitness too. Not only will revving up your routine be better for your bod, but doing something new is, let’s face it, a lot more fun.

So what’s it going to be? Following are the 7 Top Fitness Trends for 2015.

#1 // Bodyweight Training. Not just one of the top fitness trends, but forecast as the workout for 2015 by American College of Sports Medicine (the folks who accurately predicted Zumba would be the it workout of 2012). It’s no secret this type of exercise is good for you. Getting back to basics offers hot results with little to no equipment. You already have what you need…your body. Added bonus, you can do this stuff anywhere. We are talking the exercises you learned in gym class: squats, planks, pushups, crunches.

#2 // HIIT. Clocking in at number two is HIIT workouts, or high intensity interval training. This one isn’t for sissies but is definitely the most efficient. You have your cardio and strength training all wrapped into one workout. Scared? Me too. The good news, these workouts are so effective they can be done in mini sessions and still get results. Start with these 10 minutes workouts to burn calories and tone up.

#3 // Treadmill. If this is the machine you’ve been avoiding for years, take a new look. Fitness trends for the year include dusting off the good ol’ treadmill. And it’s getting social. Look for treadmill studios in your area. Like spinning for runners, these classes offer that running group feel but done in the comfort of a gym. And set to music. Actually sounds fun.

#4 // Cardio bars. Speaking of fun, you may be able to take your cardio to a different sort of group setting. Like, the bar. While the thought of cardio at the bar conjures a certain type of sweating, these locales are seriously healthy. Think juice-fueled dance parties, complete with DJ. Burn calories while shaking it with your friends.

#5 // Barre. This one has been creeping up on us for a while. Why hot now? Barre has become more mainstream. No longer the super exclusive, members only setting, Barre workouts are popping up in gyms everywhere. The benefits? Branded the “everywoman’s workout”, its ballet-inspired sculpting moves rival the best yoga practice.

#6 // Tech. Oh yes, workouts have gone digital too. There are tons of cool fitness apps that do everything from help you count calories or steps, to reminders to get moving. Like having a personal trainer in your pocket. Looking for a class but don’t have time to get to the gym? Search workouts online.

#7 // Recovery. Muscles need down time too. Recovery efforts are making a big splash in lots of gym workouts. Training hard is good, just be sure you aren’t setting yourself up for injury. Add in some stretching, massage, yoga, even complete days off from working out. It’s important to give days off to let your body recover, or take a down day when you are feeling under the weather or just worn out. The experts insist.

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