Fit Factor: I'll take the combo

Lately, it seems like traditional exercises are a thing of the past. Sports and exercises are new and improved, done with fancy equipment and new moves. Plus it's hard to find versions of the 'pure' workout anymore -- so many sports are combined with others to form some new trend. For example, you rarely find just an aerobics class today -- fitness schedules are packed with step, cardio dance moves and so on.

What do you think of these combination workouts? Me, I think their a great idea, as long as the combo isn't too weird. Taking a up an activity that combines a favourite workout with something new is a way to keep your routine fresh and exciting. It's also a great way to challenge yourself.

Here's a list of some popular combination activities:

• Yoga + Pilates = yogalates. Before I took up either, I made the mistake of thinking that they were basically the same. While both are at a somewhat relaxed pace (compared to, say, cardio), they're not the same at all -- Pilates works on the core muscles, while yoga offers a full-body workout. Plus yoga is more of a philosophy than an exercise. But that doesn't mean they can't co-exist in harmony. Yogalates classes are challenging but rewarding, parilcularly for those abs.
  
• Walking + jogging = wogging. For those of us who want to be a runner but aren't quite in peak shape, wogging might be the answer. Afterall, sporadic running spurts will burn more calories than walking alone, and including some running in your routine will help you jump from walking to running if you keep it up.
  
• Aqua + aerobic exercise = aquasize.Calling all waterbabies -- aquasize is a great way to keep in shape without doing the damage to your joints that jumping or running around on land can lead to. Aquasize can be and intense or a light workout, depending on how hard you want to work out. If your gym has a pool, chance are there's an aquasize class for you.
  
• Cardio + anything = great workout. Adding the word 'cardio' before any workout name pretty much guarantees that you'll be sweating. Some examples? Cardio kickboxing, cardio hip hop, cardio dance and so on. Cardio kickboxing is my personal fave. What about you?
  
• Frisbee + golf = Frolf. Here's one that's not quite such a good workout but is a fun way to spend an afternoon nonetheless -- Frolf (also called Gisbee or just disc golf.) Frolf is like golf, except you throw discs instead of hitting small golf balls. Also, the holes are much shorter and you're aiming for a metal basket rather than a small hole in the ground. It's challenging and fun ... why not try it?

What combination activities are you into?