Get pumped up for yoga, kickboxing

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Kickboxing plus body bar

Why we're hooked: Using a 9- to 15-pound body bar during powerful kickboxing moves boosts your calorie burn while sculpting the upper body and increasing core strength. The extra weight makes a challenging workout even more intense.

Try: Lunge to front kick.

Balance a body bar across shoulders, and lower hips into a lunge with front right knee bent 90 degrees. As you stand back up, lift left knee in front of you to about hip height and kick left foot forward. Repeat up to12 times; switch legs.

Video option: "Hardcore Kickbox Circuit," www.janissaffell.com.

Yoga plus dumbbells

Why we're hooked: Adding exercises such as shoulder presses to standard yoga postures like the tree pose helps sculpt the upper body. The weights change the center of gravity and make you work harder to maintain equilibrium, concentration and deep breathing.

Try: The Eagle pose with chest flye.

Bend knees and cross right leg over left, hooking right foot behind left calf. Lift arms out to sides at shoulder height with elbows bent, palms facing forward. Inhaling, slowly bring dumbbells toward center of body, contracting chest; exhale and return to sides. Do four reps; release legs and switch sides.

Step plus ball

Why we're hooked: Tossing or holding a stability ball during traditional step patterns tones the upper body and core while providing an athletic challenge.

Try: "Over the top" with ball.

Holding a stability ball at thigh level, stand to the left of step platform. Place right foot on middle of step, then left. Move across the bench, circling the ball in the same direction you are moving. Step down to right side and reverse direction. Repeat four to eight times.

Video option: "Step Up to Ball with Resist-A-Ball" and the recommended 55-centimeter ball are available at www.resistaball.com.