Fit Factor: Get a Brazilian ... workout, that is--Capoeira!

Do you know what Capoeira is? Chances are you've seen it without knowing it, in movies like Meet the Fockers and Oceans Twelve. It's an activity with African and Brazilian roots that combines martial arts-style moves with dance techniques. Sounds pretty harmless and fun, right? When the practice was originally developed by Africans enslaved in South America, Capoeira was used to teach people deadly fighting techniques. However, in the days of slavery, slaves weren't permitted by their masters to teach or learn deadly fighting techniques so these moves were 'hidden' within what seemed like a harmless dance. Today, though, things aren't quit so serious: Capoeira is a way of getting active, becoming fit and enjoying the benefits of group exercise.Typical Capoeira sessions usually involve students gathering in a circle (called a roda) around two students who practice their moves by sparring, thoughsparring can be done solo too for minimal impact. The practice is intense and difficult, incorporating a variety of moves, including kicks and cartwheels. And those surrounding the players in the circle aren't just there to watch -- their purpose is to create an energetic atmosphere, with musical instruments, rhythm and encouragement. What's more, the tempo of the music from the circle plays a role in the sparring by determining the tempo of the moves.

Sounds like fun, right? It's also guaranteed to make you sweat. Deep side-to-side lunges are performed in a rocking motion and called ginga -- they link one move to the next, and many reps of them will leave your quads screaming. The moves themselves involve punching, kicking and head-butting, combined with cartwheels, headstands, headspins and rolls. So it's not surprising that Capoeira is a fantastic full-body workout, one that's not for the faint-of-heart or out-of-shape.

Capoeira is still relatively unknown, but it's quickly gaining popularity as a fitness routine, thanks to celebrity devotees like Halle Berry. If it sounds like your kind of workout, you can check out this link to find a class in the New York area, or do a google search to find one in your town. Or, if you prefer to do your sweating at home, check out amazon for a selection of Capoeira DVDs.

I've never tried it but it sounds like it would be up my alley. What about you? Have you tried it? What do you think?