8 Chic Ways To Lose The Pounds (Without Running!)

Eyeing that gorgeous DVF dress but afraid that it'll be gone by the time you've dieted and exercised your way into shape? BAZAAR has rounded up some of the chicest and most effective workouts that you should pick up if you're looking to shed the pounds in style. Just remember to keep at your activity of choice consistently so you'll stay healthy, trim, and gorgeous all year long!

1. Trampoline Workout

If running isn't your thing but you want to shed those extra pounds, working out on the trampoline (also known as a rebounder) is the answer for you. Otherwise known as rebounding, this full-body workout combines cardio and strength techniques to get the heart pumping and shave off kilos effectively in a studio setting. ! Look to Megan Fox and Britney Spears and their amazing bodies for reference — they're said to be fans of this dynamic workout.

We recommend: bbounce Studio, #06-09 The Centrepoint, Tel: 6262 2272.

Visit the website for more information.

2. Pulse

Let's face it. Working out can be quite a chore, but what if you're doing it to beats of your favourite club hits? In the dark? With glow sticks? That's what Pulse is all about. Also known as "clubbercise", this high-energy workout combines stimulating dance moves done in the dark with glow sticks to mimic a night club setting, where, we we all know, a lot of fun happens. Expect toned muscles and and a trimmer waist à la Jennifer Lopez when you sign up for regular high-impact classes. Burning calories can't be more fun than this.

We recommend: Pulse at Virgin Active, #06-01 Tanjong Pagar Centre, Tel: 6908 8920; Level 6, Tower 2, One Raffles Place, Tel: 6908 7878.

Visit the website for more information.

3. Barre

Always admired the toned and sculpted figure of a ballerina, but don't know where to start? That's where Barre comes into the picture. The activity can get pretty intense, involving ballet-inspired moves, that result not only in weight loss, but also improvement in cardiovascular health, development of longer and leaner limbs, as well as better posture. Did we also mention that we heard that Dakota Fanning and Drew Barrymore are fans?

We recommend: Barre 2 Barre Singapore, 42A Hongkong Street, Tel: 9115 9473.

Visit the website for more information.

4. Piloxing

Combining the muscle-toning and core-strengthening results of pilates and heart-pumping cardio moves of dance and boxing, Piloxing is a hybrid workout that will whip your body into shape if you're looking to tone, tighten, and shed. Founded by world-renowned dance and pilates master Viveca Jansen, this high octane activity has spread worldwide and won the hearts of celebrities like Kirsten Dunst and Vanessa Hudgens, who owe their slender frames to Piloxing.

We recommend: Various studios offer Piloxing.

Visit this website to find the studio nearest to you.

5. Indoor Cycling

Indoor cycling isn't as simple as it sounds — the 45-60 minute group workout session involves various moves executed on an indoor bicycle coordinated by an instructor. The best part is that everyone gets to do it to the beat of mood-lifting music all while burning unwanted body weight. I mean, if it works for celebrities like Bella Thorne and Jessica Alba, we reckon it really must be effective.

We recommend: Crucycle, 68 Duxton Road, Tel: 6509 8880.

Visit the website for more information.

6. Mixed Martial Arts

Mixed martial arts is getting increasingly popular worldwide. Combining various forms of martial arts like boxing, jiu jitsu and taekwondo to name a few, it's little wonder why celebrities like Jessica Biel, Demi Lovato and Olivia Munn are quick to get on board get their bodies in shape in record time. Furthermore, the adrenaline rush keeps anyone who starts coming back for more.

We recommend: Fitness And Martial Arts (FaMA) Singapore,  #02-03, 3A River Valley Road, Tel: 6352 0992.

Visit their website for more information.

7. Pilates

If you aim to have a lean, lithe body like 46-year-old supermodel Naomi Campbell (look at that smoking hot body that puts 20-somethings to shame), Pilates is the workout to go for. Think of it as an elevated form of yoga, where workouts are catered to your body needs to tone, strengthen, and sculpt the body to perfection while correcting your posture using sophisticated machinery and specific techniques.

We recommend: Pilatique Singapore, 8 Gemmill Lane, Tel: 9820 2686.

Visit the website for more information.

 8. Yoga

What do hot model mamas Gisele Bundchen, Miranda Kerr, and Christy Turlington all have in common? They're all avid yoga practitioners. Though a slew of other activities must attribute to their toned bodies of work. yoga is something they cannot live without. Yoga opens up tight muscles, stretches the limbs and improves breathing and posture, while bringing a sense of well-being and calmness with each practise.

We recommend: Yoga Movement, 31A & 33A New Bridge Road, Tel: 6534 4670; 237 A & B East Coast Road, Tel: 6344 0442; #02-01, 22 Orchard Road, Tel: 6883 2209; #02-01, 22 Martin Road, Tel: 6262 2414; #02-01, 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, Tel: 8139 9296; 11 Yong Siak Street, Tel: 8223 3540.

Visit their website for more information.

By Syed Zulfadhli