Not Your Mom's Zumba: Seven Sexy Dance Cardio Classes

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Welcome to Racked's Fitness Week: five days of workout coverage, so that you can start your New Year's resolutions off right.

Dance cardio has thankfully come a long way since the '80s, and this year, things heated up in Manhattan. Celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser opened a flagship studio uptown, former Tracy Anderson trainer Mahri Relin took over a space at Stepping Out Studios, and two different workouts from Miami brought the heat up north. After the jump, check out seven of the city's sexiest classes, ranging from an inexpensive $15 twerkfest to a very pricey monthly membership.

Studio AKT/NYC at 244 East 84th Street
↑ This Upper East Side studio was founded by celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser, who's shaped and toned the bodies of Shakira, Kelly Ripa, and plenty others. Classes mix cardio, strength training, dance, and toning with an emphasis on being sexy and fun. Prices start at $35 (for the Happy Hour, 4play, and AKTease classes) and go up to $45 for the 90-minute S&M.

((305 Fitness)) at Stepping Out Studios, 37 West 26th Street
↑ Named after Miami's area code, this dance-cardio class is super high energy. They bring in live DJs, and combine High Intensity Interval Training, sports drills, and straight-up dance to work your whole body. Single classes are $24, and they also host private parties and pop-up events.

Body by Simone at 606 West 26th Street
↑ This studio is described as "a place to let go and dance with abandon," and offers a range high-intensity dance cardio with a mix of arms and abs, as well as trampoline cardio. Each of those will cost $35 a pop, but if you can't make it in person, Body by Simone TV is available for $29.99 a month.

Body Conceptions at Stepping Out Studios
↑ This former Tracy Anderson trainer is now offering classes at Stepping Out Studios, as well as private group classes and training. For those intimidated of dance cardio, founder and instructor Mahri Relin is the perfect leader—she does all the moves with you.

Dance Motion Fitness (DMF) at 305 West 38th Street
↑ Billed as ""the ultimate dance-party workout," DMF combines cardio and strength exercise for a 50-minute workout that's fun and challenging. (One reviewer writes: "I haven't sweated more or laughed harder in recent memory.") Single classes are $25, and a ten class pack is $200.

Vixen Workout, several locations
↑ "A real twerk out," the Vixen Workout was created by former Miami Heat dancer Janet Jones, who's danced with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Pitbull. Classes are meant to be sexy, and teach specific signature moves: like, the "kitten stretch" and a little something called the "twerkalator." Single classes $15, making it the cheapest option on this list, and package of ten is $130.

Tracy Anderson Method at 24 Hubert Street
↑ Celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson fixed Gwyneth Paltrow's "long butt," and she'll whip yours into shape too. Classes here are members only (with the exception of men's, which can be bought a la carte) and memberships are insanely pricey—a whopping $900 a month.
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