I heard that Forza, a group fitness class at Equinox gym, was martial arts inspired but I had no idea it involved a sword. When I walked into class, I thought this is going to be a piece of cake. C'mon...how much can you really move with a big, heavy stick? Well, I got my answer within minutes as Stephen Bel Davies, a Forza certified instructor, began to lead the class through a series of fast-paced samurai sword routines.

Forza is a full-body, cardiovascular workout that involves quick arm movements and rotations to make warrior-style "cuts" in the air. It's actually pretty cool--when else do you have the opportunity to wield a sword without being laughed at? The Forza sword is called a bokken, modeled after a Japanese Katana and made from either plastic or wood. Plastic bokkens are heavier (they have a metal rod center) and provide a more challenging workout. Wooden ones are recommended for beginners. I found using the bokken comparable to working with free...

Hot pants for hot yoga.

Accessorize and insulate with arm warmers.

Go gaga for these goggles.

Don a designer duffel to the gym.

Choose tops with creative neck lines and extra padding (only if you need it).